A merchant account is a type of business bank account that allows businesses to accept payments through credit and debit cards. It serves as an intermediary between the customer’s bank and the business’s bank, facilitating smooth transactions. Merchant accounts are essential for e-commerce stores, retail businesses, and service providers to process card payments securely. They also come with various features, including fraud protection, chargeback management, and transaction tracking, ensuring businesses can efficiently manage payments and financial operations.