How to Accept Credit Cards Over the Phone

In this 3-step article, you’ll learn how to take credit card payments and donations over the phone, without ever having to manually take down the customer’s card information. Using Telzio and Stripe, you can enable callers to punch their credit card info and the dollar amount directly into their keypad. This way, the transaction and the customer’s data is kept secure, and you save time on manually processing the payment. 

Here is an overview of how to get started. All you need is a computer and internet connection to set up a phone line to take credit card payments. You can do this from any location, and take calls on your cell phone with the Telzio Mobile App. When you’re ready, you can create a free trial account or reach out to us with any questions. 

Step 1 - Choose a phone number 

If you already have a phone number that you want to use, you can port it to Telzio in order to use the pay-by-phone feature. Phone numbers are almost always portable, meaning that you can move them between carriers as long as you’re not in a contract. This means that if you decide to switch back to your old provider later, you are free to do that.  

The other option is to get a new phone number from Telzio. You can browse for local phone numbers in your area code on the Telzio website, and there are no setup fees to register a new phone number. 

Related: How to Set up a Coronavirus Hotline

Step 2 - Create a Stripe account 

Stripe is an online payment processor used by millions of businesses from ecommerce and retail to SaaS and B2B platforms. It’s free to create an account, and the fees for each transaction start at 2.9% + 30 cents, plus 2% from Telzio. Phone orders are securely processed by Stripe, and the funds are then transferred to your bank account a few days later.  

Step 3 - Customize pay-by-phone settings on the Telzio Dashboard 

Through the Telzio website, you can easily design a Call Flow that tells the system how to handle incoming calls to your phone number. You can start by greeting callers with a phone menu or informational announcement, or you can route calls directly to your cell phone. There are also business hour filters that you can use to route calls differently depending on the time and day. Once you jump in, you’ll see how flexible and easy it is to customize your phone number. 

To enable the pay-by-phone feature, all you have to do is add the Stripe function to a Call Flow. Again, the system is flexible in terms of how you want to customize the flow. A typical scenario might look like this. 

Incoming calls are routed to the intake team, who answer calls with the Telzio mobile app. After a brief chat, the intake agent transfers the caller to the pay-by-phone option via a 3-digit extension. The caller is then prompted by the automated operator to enter their credit card info and the dollar amount they want to pay or donate. If the transaction is successful, you can have the call end there, and deliver an automatic text message to the customer with confirmation. If the transaction is declined, you can have the call automatically routed back to you. 

Once the transaction is completed, you’ll receive an email confirmation as well. 

Related: How to Set up a Phone Menu in 3 Steps 

Phone Options

If you prefer a traditional phone over the mobile app, you can also set up a deskphone or cordless phone. Telzio preconfigures the phone for you, so all you have to do is plug it in and it's ready for calling. Desk phones are currently offered at below-market prices to assist with those working from home, as discussed here - Preparing for the Pandemic. 

Alternatively if you have a computer set up at your location, you can use the Telzio Webphone, which is built into the Telzio website so there's nothing to install. If you're looking for the most cost effective option, then using the mobile app or the webphone is your best bet. 

Our sales and support teams are standing by to answer all your questions, and help your business during this challenging time. You can reach us at 888-998-9080 and on the chat Monday through Friday from 8am to 6pm PST, and anytime by email at sales@telzio.com.