If you want to start a health club or a gym, accepting membership payments is a big part of the puzzle. While many different merchant accounts for fitness clubs are available, it's a good idea to take your time and find the one that's going to be right for your particular type of business. Whether it's large or small, the same ideas apply.

In the fitness industry, chargebacks and other problems can sometimes make it difficult to find a suitable merchant account. With the information below, you're going to be able to find the one that will work the best for you personally.Once you know the basics, you're going to be able to make a better decision.

Fitness Business Merchant Accounts

We have put together a list of some of the things that health club owners and others in the fitness industry need to think about carefully when looking for the best merchant account.

• Recurring Billing - When it comes to gym memberships, you want to definitely be able to bill your customers or clients each and every month. Not all merchant accounts handle recurring billing the same way, so it's definitely something you need to ask about if you're planning on having gym memberships.

• No Application Fees - One of the things that stands in front of people who want to open their own gym or fitness club is the high fees typically associated with most merchant accounts. The good news is that you can get one without paying a lot of fees upfront.

• Signature Payments - You need a merchant account that can handle moments when the card is present for the purchase and the customer can add their signature as well as take payments via other methods - like online or via mobile apps. We'll go into that a little more on the next point.

• Mobile Apps - Speaking of mobile applications for smartphones, not all merchant accounts are able to take advantage of them completely and securely. If your company or startup is forward thinking, this is an important thing to ask about before you sign up with one company or another.

Rates Vary by Startup vs History

When it comes to rates and fees for the merchant account, this is going to be based on your history. For example, if you're a startup, you don't have a track record and that can work against you in some instances. On the other hand, if you have a history of transactions, finding a merchant account with reasonable rates and fees is going to be easier.

Whether you're justing starting your gym or fitness club, calling IBI Merchant Services is a good idea. We have experience working with businesses in the fitness industry, and we understand the ins and outs of what's exactly needed to succeed. Give us a call today to learn more about we have to offer. You're going to be glad you did when you hear what we have available.