Opening a new business? Take cards from day one.
Set up processing, equipment and POS 30 to 60 days before you open. We'll walk you through it, from the application to the first test sale.
- Free statement analysis
- Month-to-month options
- $0 upfront equipment with qualifying agreement
- Local to Fort Bend & Houston
Get a free quote
Tony replies within 1 business day. No obligation.
Payments are on the critical path
Most opening checklists focus on the lease, the buildout and the permits. Payments get left for the last week, and that's when owners find out that approval takes a few days, equipment has to ship, and the POS menu takes longer to build than expected.
Starting early costs nothing and removes one of the most common opening-day problems. It also gives you time to compare pricing models calmly instead of signing whatever is fastest.
What you'll need to apply
- Legal business name and DBA (if any)
- EIN (or SSN for some sole proprietors)
- Business bank account (voided check or bank letter)
- Owner ID and home address
- Business address and phone
- What you'll sell and expected monthly volume
Your 30 to 60 day payment setup timeline
Every business is different, but this is the order that works. Timing depends on underwriting and equipment shipping.
- 60 days out
Plan
- Decide how you'll take payments: counter, tableside, online, mobile, invoices
- Estimate monthly card sales and average ticket
- Open your business bank account
- 45 days out
Choose and apply
- Compare POS and terminal options
- Price flat rate, interchange-plus and cash discount side by side
- Submit the merchant application
- 30 days out
Build and configure
- Equipment ships and is programmed
- Menu or catalog, taxes, tips and staff logins built
- Dual pricing or cash discount signage prepared, if chosen
- 7 to 14 days out
Test
- Test chip, tap and keyed transactions
- Test refunds, voids and tip adjust
- Confirm the first deposit reaches your bank
- Opening day
Go live
- Take real payments with confidence
- A backup way to take cards if the internet drops
- One number to call if anything comes up
What we help new businesses with
The payments side of opening, handled with you.
Choosing the right POS
Counter, full service, retail, appointments or on the go. We match the system to how you'll serve customers.
Pricing before you open
Decide on flat rate, interchange-plus or cash discount before your menu and price tags are printed.
Equipment at $0 upfront
On qualifying programs, terminals or POS with no upfront cost, so cash stays in the buildout.
Online from the start
Website checkout, online ordering or payment links for deposits and pre-orders.
Setup and testing
Programming, test transactions and a first-deposit check before you rely on it.
One contact
Tony stays your contact after opening, for questions, changes and your first statement review.
Pick your pricing model before you print your menu
Price signage, menus and tags once. We'll show each model priced against your expected volume.
Flat rate
One percentage plus a per-sale fee on every card. Easy to read, but you pay the same rate on a cheap debit card as on a premium rewards card.
- Predictable
- Simple statements
- Often costs more as volume grows
Fits: low volume, seasonal or brand-new sellers
Interchange-plus
You pay the card networks' wholesale cost (interchange and assessments) plus a fixed, disclosed markup. Every layer shows on your statement.
- Most transparent
- Markup stays fixed
- Usually lowest cost at higher volume
Fits: established businesses, larger tickets, B2B
Cash discount / dual pricing
Your posted prices account for card costs, and customers paying cash get a lower price. Card sales help cover processing instead of your margin.
- Offsets much of your processing cost
- Clear signage and receipts
- Not a surcharge
Fits: restaurants, auto, retail, service shops
Not sure which fits? Get a free statement analysis or read pricing explained.
How it works
From first call to first sale, without the guesswork.
Tell us what you're opening
Business type, opening date, how you'll sell and your rough monthly volume.
Get a plan and a quote
POS and equipment recommendations, pricing side by side, and a timeline back from opening day.
Open ready
Application, equipment, setup and testing done before your soft opening.
Approval timing depends on the processor's underwriting. Most complete applications get a decision in a few business days.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I set up payments?
30 to 60 days before opening is ideal. That leaves time for underwriting, equipment shipping, POS programming and testing. If you're opening sooner, call anyway; faster timelines are often possible.
Can I apply before I have a storefront or EIN?
You can start planning and choose equipment right away. The application itself typically needs your legal business name, an EIN (or SSN for some sole proprietors), a business bank account and an address. We'll tell you exactly what's needed.
I've never taken cards before. Will that hurt my approval?
No processing history is normal for a new business. Underwriters look at the owner, the business type and expected volume. Some may set initial limits that are adjusted later.
What should I estimate for monthly volume?
Give your best honest estimate. Setting it far too low can cause holds when sales come in higher; far too high can complicate approval. We'll help you think it through.
Which pricing model is best for a brand-new business?
It depends on how you'll sell. Many new restaurants, shops and service businesses start with dual pricing or a cash discount; others prefer simple flat rate until volume grows. We'll price both.
Is there a cost for the setup help?
No. Cedarline is paid by partner processors when you open an account. You'll see every rate and fee in writing before you sign.
Opening something specific?
Opening in the next few months?
Tell us what you're opening and when. You'll get a plan, a quote and a timeline, with no cost or obligation.