Referral partnerships that create more value.
Connect the businesses you already serve with better payment technology and real savings, and earn referral revenue while you do it. Open to qualifying B2B companies in almost any industry.
You have the relationships. We have the solutions.
- Introduce business owners to solutions that fit them
- Earn referral fees or an ongoing revenue share
- We handle the conversation, setup and support
- Build a program around the way you already work
Nationwide
Businesses in every state
Free
Statement reviews for your clients
$500
Rate guarantee*
B2B
Built around your relationships
What is the Upward Merchant referral partner program?
Qualifying companies refer businesses that could use our services through a process we agree on together. We review each business's needs and deliver the solution. Approved partnerships can include referral fees and revenue sharing under a written agreement.
Give clients more
Offer payment and business solutions your clients need, without having to provide them yourself.
Add a revenue stream
Earn approved compensation on qualifying introductions, set out in a written agreement.
Keep your focus
You keep your client relationships. We handle the payment solutions and the support that comes with them.
If you serve businesses, we should talk.
Partnerships aren't just for banks and financial firms. If your company works with business owners, you may be a fit. These are examples, not a complete list.
Financial and professional services
Firms that help owners manage money, make financial decisions or get funding.
For example: Banks, credit unions, CPAs, accountants, bookkeepers, commercial lenders, loan brokers, insurance agencies, financial consultants, business attorneys.
Banks Credit unions CPAs and accounting firms Business lenders and loan brokersTechnology and software providers
Companies whose customers need to take payments, run a POS or connect business software.
For example: POS dealers, SaaS companies, developers, ecommerce platforms, web design firms, IT consultants, managed service providers, telecom firms.
Software and POS providersAssociations and business networks
Groups that want to add real value for their members, franchisees or network.
For example: Trade associations, chambers of commerce, professional associations, franchise groups, buying groups, industry networks.
Trade associations and chambersB2B service providers
Firms with ongoing client work that often spot other needs in a business.
For example: Payroll providers, HR firms, marketing agencies, consultants, staffing firms, business coaches, security and commercial service companies.
Payroll and HR firmsCommercial suppliers and distributors
Suppliers who already sell to businesses that take cards every day.
For example: Restaurant equipment suppliers, foodservice distributors, wholesalers, retail equipment dealers, hospitality vendors.
Commercial suppliers and distributorsBusiness formation and commercial real estate
Pros who help businesses start, buy, lease, move or expand.
For example: Business brokers, franchise consultants, commercial real estate agents, formation services, property managers, startup advisors.
Business formation and commercial real estateMore business needs. More ways to help.
We look at each business on its own and recommend what fits, not a one-size-fits-all package.
How a referral partnership works
It starts with a no-pressure conversation. If it's a good fit for both of us, we set it up together.
Talk it through
Tell us about your clients or members and we'll look at which of our services fit them best.
Put it in writing
We agree on how referrals are made, who does what, how compensation works and what reporting you get.
Make introductions
Refer interested businesses the agreed way, with their permission and any disclosures your rules require.
We take it from there
We review each business's needs, set up the right solution, support them, and keep you posted.
Company partnerships and individual referrals
Business referral partnership
For companies, institutions, associations and networks that want a structured program, reviewed one by one and set out in a written agreement.
Explore a partnershipAffiliate program
For individuals who want weekly commissions and monthly residuals for sharing our services with their audience or network.
See the affiliate programRefer a business
Just know one or two owners? Send them our way and get $25 when they sign up and start processing.
Refer a businessReferral partnership questions
Who can become a referral partner?
Do we need to be in the payments business?
What is a merchant services referral partnership?
Can banks and credit unions take part?
Can software companies, POS dealers and developers partner with you?
Can an association offer this to its members?
Can CPAs and insurance agencies refer clients?
How are partners paid?
Do we have to sell, install or support anything?
Do referred businesses have to switch processors?
Is there a minimum number of referrals?
Does it cost anything to talk with you?
What happens after we send a referral?
How do we get started?
Let's explore a referral partnership.
Banks, credit unions, software companies, associations, accounting firms, suppliers and other B2B companies: tell us about your business and what you'd like a partnership to do.
- No cost and no obligation to talk
- A real person reviews every inquiry
- We'll reach out within a few business days
Please don't send client account records, card numbers or passwords.
Services are subject to eligibility, provider availability, approvals and contract terms. Business funding depends on lender underwriting. Savings, referral income and other results are not guaranteed. Partner compensation is governed by a written agreement and by applicable laws, regulations, card network rules, institutional policies and professional obligations. Financial institutions and licensed professionals should review their own requirements before taking part. Upward Merchant is not a bank, and payment processing is not a deposit or FDIC-insured product. *Requires a recent processing statement from your current provider. See guarantee terms.