Important Mandatory Website Requirements
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If you are using a website to sell online you must comply with certain website requirements. These are mandatory and must be complied with before an application can be fully approved. If you have not developed a live website then a test (BETA) site will be adequate.

Please note that the below requirements do not apply to 100% Virtual Terminal (MOTO) only merchants. However if a website is used in conjunction then these rules apply.

1. Does your website display a refund policy

A refund policy should be clearly displayed on your website. This can be displayed anywhere on your site, as long as it is displayed before a customer makes a payment. Your refund policy may vary according to whether you are based in or out of the European Union (EU):

If you are based within the EU:
Where you are supplying consumers (i.e. individuals buying for themselves rather than for a business) you should make it explicit that the shopper has the right to cancel within seven days of their contract with you, or seven days of receipt of the goods (whichever is the longer). You must also explain that if the shopper does cancel their order, they will have their payment returned and outline the procedures they must follow to return their goods or services (these requirements ensure you comply with EU regulations). There are variations to these rules where you are supplying services or making customised goods. For information on these rules you should go to: the DTi website or speak with your own business advisor.

If you are based outside the EU:
Local regulations may well apply and you should contact your local department of trade and commerce or a lawyer to find out what they are, but as a matter of good practice, if you do not accept returns you should include a statement making this clear to the shopper. For examples of refund policy statements, visit the websites of reputable retailers or seek advice from organisations such as UK Online for Business

2. As well as refund policy, does your website clearly show the following

• The company name displayed on the website
• Delivery methods and timing
• Terms and conditions (if applicable)
• Privacy policy

The above should be displayed under their own headings. This makes it easier for the customer to view the relevant information and means that they do not need to spend time looking for it. If this information is collated in just once place i.e terms and conditions, then you will need to separate them accordingly.

3. Are your contact details displayed

You must clearly display your contact details for your shoppers. These details must include:

• Your postal address
• A contact telephone number
• An email address

4. Is your product pricing clearly stated

You must provide clear pricing on your website for the products or services on offer. Unless the website it for businesses only and not private individuals, you must show all prices including VAT.

5. Does your website display the logos of the cards you can accept

Your website must display the logos of the payment cards that can be accepted through your account (Clause 12b - Customer Agreement). If you are using the World Account the payment instruments' logos that you can accept will automatically be displayed on the secure payment page.

In addition, you are required to display on your website the logos of the payment instruments that you can accept. Ideally, the logos should be displayed at the point of entry to your shop. Thus ensuring that your shoppers are aware of the payment instruments that you accept before they make a purchase.

6. Does your website have clear navigation

Your website must have clear a precise navigation. The navigation must enable a user to easily find their way around the website and find relevant information quickly.

7. Does the website look professional

A website is an extension of your business. If not your sole business. It is one of the only opportunities to establish, strengthen and maintain your brand in the eyes of prospective customers. A badly designed site will affect the time that your visitors and potential buyers stay on your site negatively and you will not be successful in your online business.

A well designed website will impart professionalism and show visitors that you care about your customers and your business. It will also convey a feeling of trust and people will rather buy your products when you have a good designed website than from a person who does not have a professional looking website.

8. Is your domain name registered in your own name and legal entity

Your web address (domain name) must be registered in your company name. The reason for this is that if a shopper searches your domain name, they can see who exactly owns the website they have spent money with. Basically everything needs to tally up for shopper confidence. This also helps stop fraudsters opening and closing businesses every couple of days.

Your merchant account application will not be sent to the bank unless the above requirements are met.

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