Terms of Engagement

Effective date: January 1, 2026

By using MerchantFirst services, you agree to these terms. MerchantFirst acts as a technology and referral platform and is not itself a payment processor, bank, or money transmitter.

Service scope

We provide review workflows, intake tooling, document collection, and partner referral support. Final approval and underwriting decisions are made by acquiring banks or processing partners.

No approval guarantee

Submitting a review or intake package does not guarantee account approval. Decisions depend on partner underwriting criteria and compliance review.

Merchant responsibilities

You are responsible for legal compliance, truthful submissions, and accurate disclosures. Material misrepresentation may result in immediate suspension or termination.

Data handling and security

Sensitive values are handled with strict access controls, encrypted storage, and auditable access patterns. Data is shared only with processors and service providers required to perform the requested services.

Liability and termination

Either party may end service with notice unless immediate suspension is required for fraud, illegal use, or critical policy violations. Liability is limited to fees paid for affected services in the prior three months.

Governing law

These terms are governed by Ohio law. Disputes are resolved through binding arbitration in Ohio.