What is a Merchant of Record?
A Merchant of Record (MoR) is the business that is legally responsible for the sale at checkout. Its name is on the transaction, it holds the relationship with the card networks, and it answers for refunds, disputes and payment compliance.
On most store builders, that business is you. You open a payment account in your own name, often after registering a company, you wait for it to be approved, and you carry every chargeback yourself. With Cartva as Merchant of Record, that role moves to Cartva. Your customer buys from your store, with your brand, your products and your prices. The payment itself is processed by Cartva, as the seller of record.
Who does what
| Cartva handles | You handle |
|---|---|
| Accepting card payments at checkout | Your store, its design and your domain |
| Payment processing and card network rules | Your products, prices and descriptions |
| Chargebacks and payment disputes | Fulfillment and customer service |
| Payment compliance and fraud checks | Your marketing and your audience |
| Crediting each sale to your wallet | Withdrawing your earnings |
What you don't have to do
- Register a company or an LLC before your first sale.
- Open a payment account in your own name, or wait for one to be approved.
- Connect a payment gateway, paste API keys or pass a separate underwriting review.
- Answer card network disputes on your own.
You verify your identity once, before your first withdrawal. It takes a few minutes and you never have to do it again. The identity verification guide explains why it is required and how it works. If you are starting from zero, read how to sell online without a company.
How payments reach you
When a customer pays by card, Cartva collects the payment and credits your Cartva wallet with the sale, minus one fee per sale. That fee already includes card processing, and nothing is added on top: 9% on Solo, 7% on Grow and 6% on Enterprise, with a minimum of $0.30 per order. Cash on delivery orders are always 0%.
Earnings become withdrawable once the order has shipped, and at the latest 30 days after payment. A 5% reserve is held on each sale for 90 days to cover disputes, then released to your wallet. You can withdraw from $10. All plans and fees are on the pricing page.
Chargebacks and refunds
A chargeback happens when a cardholder disputes a payment with their bank. As Merchant of Record, Cartva receives the dispute, answers it with the order details and handles the process with the card network. The rolling reserve is there so that disputes are covered without freezing your whole balance.
You stay in charge of your refund policy and of the relationship with your customers. A quick refund for an unhappy customer is still the best way to avoid a dispute in the first place.
Who it's for
- First-time sellers who want to test an idea before registering a company.
- Creators launching merch with print on demand, with nothing to buy up front.
- Sellers who want to start with dropshipping and take card payments the same day.
- Small brands that would rather sell this week than wait for a payment account to be approved.
Is a Merchant of Record right for you?
The trade-off is simple. A fee per sale that includes card processing costs more than raw processing on a platform where you bring your own payment account. In exchange, you skip the company, the payment account, the compliance work and the dispute handling, and you can sell from day one.
Your store is free for 30 days without a card. When you are ready, any plan costs $1 for the first month, then the regular price, and you can cancel anytime.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cartva the seller on my orders?
Yes, for card payments. Cartva is the legal seller at checkout and processes the payment. Your store, your products, your prices and your brand stay yours.
Do I need a company or my own payment account?
No. Cartva is the Merchant of Record, so you can accept card payments without a company, an LLC or a payment account in your own name. You verify your identity once, before your first withdrawal.
Who handles chargebacks?
Cartva handles chargebacks and payment disputes with the card networks. A 5% reserve is held on each sale for 90 days to cover disputes, then released to your wallet.
How much does Cartva cost as a Merchant of Record?
One fee per sale, card processing included: 9% on Solo, 7% on Grow and 6% on Enterprise, with a minimum of $0.30 per order. Plans cost $19, $49 or $99 a month, and every store starts with 30 days free without a card.
When can I withdraw my earnings?
Once the order has shipped, and at the latest 30 days after payment. Withdrawals start at $10, after a one-time identity verification.