Hi everyone,
I have two separate businesses and I'm thinking about using the same merchant ID for both to simplify payment processing.
My questions are:
- Is it okay to use one merchant ID for two businesses?
- Could this cause any legal problems?
- Has anyone done this before, and what was your experience?
Thanks for your help!
Been in payments for 20+ years, high-level, verifiable.
# Is it okay to use one merchant ID for two businesses?
No. Each account is tied to a tax ID and has its own merchant category. Mixing accounts is the quickest way to get terminated.
# Could this cause any legal problems?
You won't get the electric chair, and the FBI won't be hunting you down, but you will likely not have a real merchant account again for some time.
# Has anyone done this before, and what was your experience?
People do it all the time; they last until they get caught, which they always do.
May I ask, how did it work out? Not worth the risk to comingle.
Feel free to reach out, always legit options, just not work the hit and run approach. People will tell you they get away with it, and some people get "lucky," but if you are going to risk your business on the 1% chance you get away with it, just not worth it.
