Overview

Merchant Match was created to modernize how businesses apply for and obtain credit card processing services. Unlike traditional merchant services websites that simply collect leads and resell them to banks or ISOs, Merchant Match set out to provide a true end-to-end online application experience, allowing business owners to complete the entire application process digitally.

Lucky Web Design was engaged to design the brand, build the websites, and architect a custom application platform capable of securely collecting, managing, and distributing sensitive financial data. This system was developed and evolved over a 10-year period and remains in active use today.

The Challenge

Most merchant services websites offered a poor user experience:

• Applications were fragmented, manual, or paper-based

• Business owners were forced into phone-based sales processes

• Lead-only models created friction and lack of transparency

• Banks and processors required different application formats

Merchant Match needed a platform that could:

• Handle sensitive financial and business data securely

• Allow applicants to complete applications entirely online

• Save progress across multi-step application workflows

• Output application data in formats accepted by multiple banks and processors

• Scale and adapt as partners and requirements evolved over time

The Solution

Lucky Web Design designed and built a custom merchant application platform alongside the public-facing websites.

Brand, Website & Multi-Site Architecture

A complete visual identity and website experience were created for Merchant Match and its sister platform, Merchant Match Charity. Both websites were powered from a single WordPress MU (Multi-User) installation, allowing shared infrastructure while supporting distinct branding and messaging.

This approach reduced maintenance overhead while enabling future expansion.

Custom Online Application System

At the core of the project was a fully custom online application system built using:

• Laravel

• PHP and MySQL

• JavaScript and Twitter Bootstrap

The application experience was designed as a secure, multi-step workflow that allowed applicants to:

• Enter and save business and financial information progressively

• Resume incomplete applications without data loss

• Submit sensitive information securely

• Receive a smoother, more transparent onboarding experience

Once completed, application data could be mapped and dynamically output into bank-specific PDF application forms, allowing Merchant Match to work with multiple financial institutions and merchant service providers without duplicating effort.

Long-Term Evolution & Durability

Over more than 10 years, the platform was continuously refined to support:

• Changing compliance and security requirements

• New banking partners and application formats

• UX improvements based on real applicant behavior

• Ongoing operational efficiency for internal teams

The fact that the core application system remains in use today speaks to the durability of the architecture and design decisions, as well as the flexibility of the underlying platform.

Results & Impact

• Delivered a true end-to-end online merchant application experience

• Eliminated reliance on lead-only submission models

• Improved conversion and completion rates through saved progress workflows

• Enabled Merchant Match to work with multiple banks and processors efficiently

• Built a system that has remained operational and relevant for over a decade

Merchant Match differentiated itself by offering a faster, more transparent, and more professional application process for businesses seeking merchant services

Strategic Takeaway

This project demonstrates how custom platform development, when paired with thoughtful UX and long-term planning, can outperform short-term lead-generation models. By investing in a secure, flexible application system, Merchant Match created a lasting competitive advantage that continues to deliver value years after launch.