Referral partners / Software and POS providers
Software and POS referral partnershipsPayments have to fit the merchant's actual technology.
POS dealers, software companies, developers and IT providers can refer merchants to Upward Merchant. Every referral starts with the merchant's real payment workflow, and compatibility, integration scope and support duties are confirmed before anyone commits.
Start with the workflow, not the processor.
- Begin with the merchant's payment workflow
- Keep merchant referrals separate from integrations
- Confirm compatibility before making commitments
- Define technical and merchant support roles
Nationwide
Businesses in every state
Free
Statement reviews for your clients
$500
Rate guarantee*
B2B
Built around your relationships
What is a POS referral partnership?
Qualifying POS dealers, software firms, developers and technology providers introduce business customers to Upward Merchant through a defined process, while keeping their own software and customer relationships. A referral is not a verified integration. The first question is always what the merchant needs payments to do.
Five payment setups to look at before proposing anything
Standalone terminal
The device may not talk to business software, so reporting may need separate steps.
POS with connected payments
Device models, versions and certification all need checking.
Website with hosted checkout
Review checkout behavior, callbacks, order updates and PCI duties.
Application with payment APIs
Authentication, tokens, webhooks, error handling and testing need technical review.
Vertical SaaS or marketplace
Onboarding, underwriting, settlement and support roles matter most. A referral doesn't include payment facilitation or split payouts.
No one should promise that existing software, terminals, gateway settings or saved card tokens carry over without checking first. Token portability is not automatic.
Where a technology referral may fit
Restaurant POS dealer
A restaurant replacing its POS needs terminal support, tipping and end-of-day batching confirmed.
Field-service SaaS
Users want remote card payments. Start with a referral and look at integration separately.
Ecommerce agency
A retailer's new store needs clear ownership of checkout, refunds and gateway plugins.
Managed IT provider
Terminals, network access and remote support permissions need clear boundaries.
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.
Security, PCI and support responsibilities
Payment data exposure
Know whether your systems store, process or could affect card data. Never send card data through forms or email.
Tokens and portability
Tokens may not move between processors or gateways. Check before promising continuity.
Reseller vs. service provider
Equipment sellers and companies that manage payment systems have different duties.
Outsourcing doesn't erase duties
Outsourced processing changes which security rules apply but doesn't remove them.
Clear escalation paths
Decide who handles POS, terminal, gateway, decline and deposit issues before go-live.
Three different models
Referral only, dealer or equipment relationship, or integration project, each with its own terms.
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.
Understand the business
Your software, customer industries and current payment setup.
Choose a model
Referral only, reseller related or technical discovery.
Validate the details
Compatibility, consent, security, support and written agreements.
Coordinate merchant service
Approved introductions or authorized technical work, with reporting.
Frequently asked questions
Can a software company partner without building an integration?
Do you support every POS platform?
Can a POS reseller earn recurring revenue?
What's the difference between a referral and an integration partnership?
Can a merchant keep their POS hardware when changing processors?
Can saved payment tokens be migrated?
Can you review processing fees without a software change?
What should we share for a first conversation?
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.