A merchant identification number or a MID is a unique number that is provided by any payment processing provider you use.
This is a code that is unique to your business and no one else, and it is a number that different computer networks can use to identify you as the business or merchant behind every transaction. Read on to find out exactly where you can find this number!
Where Can You Find a Merchant ID Number?
A Merchant ID is a piece of private information that shouldn’t be shared, so it cannot be found online on any website.
There is no database where you can look up this information. However, you can find it elsewhere. There are three locations you should look at when you are searching for a merchant ID number.
A merchant ID number is a 15-digit code you can find on your monthly merchant statement. If you have a credit card terminal nearby, it can usually be found on a sticker on the terminal. Once you print out credit card receipts, you can also find this number on these receipts.
Is a Merchant Number the Same as a Merchant ID?
A merchant number and merchant ID are names that are used interchangeably, and this is because they mean the same thing. So, if asked for a merchant number or merchant ID, you should provide the same 15-number code.
However, a merchant identification number and a merchant account ID are not the same things.
Each business channel you have (branches, websites) will have a unique merchant identification number, but the merchant account ID will be the same for all of them. This also goes for businesses that have many premises, like chains of hotels and restaurants.
How Do You Search for a Merchant ID Number?
If you have a merchant ID number, then you should keep it written down somewhere, just in case. But, if you don’t have it noted somewhere, don’t worry. Finding it will be easy. Start by looking at your merchant statements that are provided by your provider every month.
If you have a credit card terminal, see if there is a sticker on it that has your merchant ID, or look on it digitally in the settings to find it.
You can also check out your bank statement, although it is unlikely that the ID number will be there. If you still can’t find it, just call your provider, and they will surely give you the number.
What Do You Need to Know Before You Search for a Merchant ID Number?
Before searching for a merchant ID number, you must first know if you have one. You must have a merchant ID number if you accept credit or debit card payments, whether online or with a terminal.
Once you receive this merchant ID number, you should keep a note of it somewhere, as it is a unique number that is important for your business.
However, you must know where to look if you can’t find it. You will be able to find it on your monthly merchant statements, on your credit card terminal, or on the printed receipts from your terminal.
Common Reasons Why Can’t You Find a Merchant ID Number?
The most common reason you can’t find your merchant ID number is that you probably aren’t looking in the right place. If you are looking at random documents that don’t have to do with credit card payments, you won’t be able to find your merchant ID number.
You should always start by looking at your merchant statements that you receive monthly, digitally on your credit card terminal, or the receipts printed by that terminal.
If you still can’t find your merchant ID number, it may be because you lost it. Your business may have lost its merchant ID number due to excessive chargebacks.
If you have excessive chargeback activity, it may be deemed suspicious and may lead to losing your merchant ID number, so if you think this is the case, just call your provider and try to solve the issue at hand.
Final Thoughts on Where To Find Merchant Id Number
A merchant ID number is a highly essential number that is provided once you start accepting credit card terminals. For easier access in the future, just keep a note of this number once you receive it so you won’t have to go looking for it once you need it.
However, as you can see, it’s not so difficult to find it, so even if you do lose it, don’t panic and just look for it on the right documents.