When you are ready to start your online application for an Authorize.net account, go to the following link: http://reseller.authorize.net/application/?id=5553923.

By going through this link you will receive the special IndieCommerce discounted rate of $17.95/mo. for the gateway, rather than $20/mo. standard.   The page will display an outline of ‘Pricing and Features’ that are offered.

To begin your application process select the “Apply Online” button  located at the upper right of your screen.  You will be prompted to create a Login ID.  Once you have created your Login ID, you may login immediately to start the application process.  If you prefer walk through the process over the phone, Authorize.net has an excellent support team that can be reached toll free at 866-437-0476.

Filling out the Online Application

Step 1. Select Services

What is the primary sales channel for your business?
Select "Card Not Present - Internet (e-commerce, Web site, etc.)". The Authorize.net Account that you are applying for is for online purchases only therefore the card will not be present.  It is the only correct choice for this application.

What services would you like to apply for?
If you already have a bank that you use for processing credit cards at your store, then you already have a Merchant Account.   You would then select choice 1: "Payment Gateway for Credit Card Processing."
If you do not have such an account you could select choice 2: “Internet Merchant Account for Credit Card Processing."  Authorize.net can help you establish a Merchant Account through a partner service. This means that Authorize.net will send your application to various vendors who will contact you regarding their services. You may also choose to establish your own Merchant Account with a Merchant Provider of your choice (if you select choice 2 you must also select choice 1).

Would you like to sign up for the following value-adding products?
It is strongly recommended that you select "Advanced Fraud Detection Suite (AFDS)"(9.95/mo.).  Although, your gateway account comes with a basic fraud protect suite, this feature provides you more granular control over the address verification settings.  You can also set filters against specific countries and IP addresses.  If you do not choose to opt for this service initially and wish to add it later, you may do so at any time.

Below is a screen shot of  Step 1:(Click to enlarge)

Step 2: Company and Owner Information.

In this section you will fill out information about you and your company.  It should be straight forward.  However, in the “Tax ID/Proprietor Social Security Number,” it is not necessary to include both  information. You must provide one of the two.

Below are screen shots of Step 2:(Click to enlarge)

Step 3: Payment and Account Information
In this section you enter your bank account information and it should be straight forward.

Step 4a: Existing Internet Merchant Account Configuration
For this step, you can obtain the necessary information by asking your Merchant Service Provider for a “Merchant Software Parameter Sheet.”
From the drop down menu located next to "Select Processor,” the processor name is available on the Parameter Sheet.  
Once you have selected the processor, you must select the credit cards that your Merchant Account is currently configured to accept.  Your choices are: Visa, Master Card, American Express, or Discover. Although stores can have different merchant accounts for each card type for in-store credit card processing, Authorize.net will accept only 1 account for all card types.

Below is a screen shot of Step 4a:(Click to enlarge)

Review Fees: When you have completed your application you can review your fees on this page. There is a 1 time setup fee of $99.  You then have a monthly fee of $17.95 followed by other fees based on your answers in the application.

Below is a screen shot of 'Review Fees':(Click to enlarge)

Review Application: It is important that you do not skip this step.  Review your application for accuracy.  If you have questions you can save your application and come back to it while you obtain the answers to your questions.  Do not submit your application if you have any questions or doubts about your answers.  Once you submit the application you will be charged the setup fee of $99.  If you wish to complete a new application you will be charged another $99 setup fee.  

To save your application, go to the upper left of your screen.  You will see 'Your Application' and under that there is a link for 'Application List'.  Click on the link and select 'yes' when you are prompted: “Would you like to save the data?,”  It will take you to a screen that will allow you to edit your existing application or complete a brand new one.  It will also save your application which will allow you to log back in later to make the appropriate changes before you submit your application.

Once you have your gateway account and you are ready to make the switch, you can find more information on how to make the switch here: 'Going Live with your new account: Ready to switch from ABA's shared Authorize.net account to your own.'