Although this may be a surprise to some, there are still many businesses that only accept cash or check. Most online retailers understand the importance of accepting credit cards but businesses such as automotive shops, restaurants, bars and small shops are often behind the time. A1 Merchant Accounts, an online resource for payment processing information, is stressing the importance of accepting credit cards to smaller businesses now more than ever.

Businesses whose primary form of payment processing is cash and/or check might have a loyal following, but the inconvenience it causes could potentially keep some people from becoming repeat customers. The number one benefit of credit card processing is convenience, according to A1 Merchant Accounts. They have heard from many business owners that customers without checkbooks often have problems at small businesses, especially since most people don't like to carry large sums of cash with them. When businesses accept credit cards, they can save sales that might otherwise be lost.