Referral partners / Business formation and commercial real estate
Business formation and commercial real estate partnershipsReferral partnerships for pros who help businesses open their doors.
Formation consultants, commercial real estate brokers, tenant reps and business brokers can connect clients with payment help as businesses open, move or change hands. Forming a company, signing a lease or buying a business doesn't create a merchant account, so payments are a separate conversation worth starting early.
Payments need planning before opening day.
- Spot payment needs before a business opens
- Keep entity setup separate from merchant approval
- Help with expansions and ownership changes
- Client choice and professional duties respected
Nationwide
Businesses in every state
Free
Statement reviews for your clients
$500
Rate guarantee*
B2B
Built around your relationships
What the referral is, and what it isn't
A referral is an introduction so an owner can talk payment options directly with Upward Merchant. It does not guarantee approval, equipment compatibility, an opening-date timeline or compensation. You keep your own role. We handle the merchant services.
Six milestones on the way to opening day
Entity formation
Registering the business doesn't create a merchant account.
ID and banking
The owner may need tax IDs, ownership documents and an eligible deposit account.
Site selection and lease
A signed lease is separate from card processing approval.
Build-out and permits
Internet, wiring and counter placement shape POS choices.
Payment setup
Underwriting, agreements, terminals, POS and online payments get sorted out.
Opening and operations
Approvals, setup, testing and support are confirmed before the first sale.
Approval and installation by a specific opening date can't be guaranteed, which is why starting early helps.
Practical referral situations
New LLC opening a retail store
Formation is done. Now the owner needs a merchant account and checkout technology.
Restaurant lease and remodel
The operator plans POS, counters and networking alongside the tenant rep's work.
Buying an existing store
The seller's merchant account doesn't transfer automatically. The buyer needs their own setup.
Franchise operator getting ready
Technology and approved-supplier rules from the franchisor must be followed.
More 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.
Six safeguards for formation and real estate referrals
Licensing and scope of practice
Follow your licensing and professional rules.
Client consent and confidentiality
Lease, ownership and financial details need the client's permission.
Referral compensation rules
Eligibility depends on your status, agreements, disclosures and conflicts.
No tying
Never tell clients Upward Merchant is required for formation, leasing or a sale.
Accurate expectations
No one promises approval, delivery, compatibility or activation dates.
Clear responsibilities
You keep your duties. We handle the merchant services.
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.
Identify the fit
The clients you serve, the moves you support and when payments come up.
Review permitted terms
Eligibility, restrictions, compensation, consent and procedures.
Introduce interested clients
With permission, when an owner wants payment help.
Keep roles separate
We handle merchant work; referrals and pay follow written terms.
Frequently asked questions
Does forming an LLC qualify a business for processing?
Can commercial brokers refer tenants?
When should a tenant think about payments?
Can brokers earn referral pay alongside commissions?
Can a buyer keep the seller's merchant account?
Can existing POS equipment be reused after an acquisition?
Do you guarantee approval before opening day?
Can property managers introduce tenants?
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.