Referral partners / Trade associations and chambers
Association and chamber referral partnershipsReferral partnerships that make membership more valuable.
Chambers and trade groups can serve members beyond events and directories by helping them with payment processing, POS technology and new ways to get paid. Every program depends on your approval, member consent, clear disclosures and a written agreement.
A member benefit should solve a member problem.
- Another useful resource for members
- Education kept separate from paid endorsements
- A possible source of non-dues revenue
- Member choice and your credibility protected
Nationwide
Businesses in every state
Free
Statement reviews for your clients
$500
Rate guarantee*
B2B
Built around your relationships
What is an association referral partnership?
An approved arrangement where your organization connects interested members with Upward Merchant for payment services. It can be education, a member resource listing or a compensated referral program. Your mission stays central, and if the member benefit isn't clear, it's not the right fit.
Where referrals fit in the member journey
New-member welcome
A payments resource in onboarding, never implying members must use it.
Business education events
We can present, with your approval and the commercial relationship disclosed.
Member business expansion
A member opening a location asks for payment guidance and gets an approved introduction.
Member help request
A member asks staff about fees or payment problems and gets an authorized referral.
Members decide whether they want an introduction or a processing review. Referrals start from a member's own request, not mass outreach.
Different organizations need different programs
Local chambers of commerce
Small staffs and mixed industries. Start with education and optional, member-requested introductions.
Regional and national trade associations
Members share similar workflows, so industry-specific education works best.
Professional and business associations
Members who invoice clients may need virtual terminals more than restaurant POS.
Federations and chapters
Confirm who can approve participation before launching across chapters.
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.
Governance, member privacy and endorsements
Transparent financial connections
Disclose compensation that could affect how members read a recommendation.
Independent member choice
Members are free to pick any provider. Participation is never required.
Member list privacy
Directory contacts never become solicitation lists without permission and legal review.
Conflicts and vendor selection
Review sponsorships, vendor deals and board affiliations before recommending anyone.
Nonprofit and tax considerations
Tax treatment of referral revenue depends on your status. Check with your advisers.
Brand and endorsement authority
Logos and endorsement language need written authorization.
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 membership
Industries, structure, payment needs and how you reach members.
Choose a structure
Education, member resource or compensated referrals, with required approvals.
Launch approved activities
Communication rules, voluntary introductions and reporting.
Review member outcomes
Member response, service quality, workload and fit with your goals.
Frequently asked questions
Can a local chamber offer merchant services as a member resource?
Can associations earn non-dues revenue from referrals?
Do we have to endorse Upward Merchant exclusively?
Can a small chamber staff manage a program?
Can we offer payment education without referrals?
Can you contact members from our directory?
Do you guarantee special member pricing?
Do staff have to sell merchant processing?
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.