Some sites put mastercard/visa logos: http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/9132/capture1272141594.jpg

Does it help with conversion? If so, by how much?

Big ecommerce sites such as amazon, ebay, etc don't have them...

I think that it just shows that they offer those options as payment methods. There could be more to it though, not sure .

It just perhaps tells clients, that "... cash is NOT always king!" ;)

Some sites put mastercard/visa logos: http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/9132/capture1272141594.jpg

Does it help with conversion? If so, by how much?

Big ecommerce sites such as amazon, ebay, etc don't have them...

It doesn't necessarily help with conversion. It's just usually shown to tell customers we accept these payments. An example is Costco. They only accept American Express, they only display the American Express logo in their warehouse/gas stations.

I think it's a trust thing. They take Visa and Mastercard, two trusted credit card companies. I get a little nervous when I see people that only have Paypal on the site, as I hate Paypal.

It's simply displaying what payment methods the provider takes. Without the logos you'd have no way of knowing what was accepted until you got to the end of the checkout process.

As an example if you only accepted MasterCard and somebody with a Visa wanted to sign up they'd get to the end and then find out they had to have a MasterCard at which time they may become angry/annoyed at going through the process only to find out it's a waste of time and that you don't accept their payment method.

Be aware that displaying the logos may require permission of Visa/Mastercard!

Be aware that displaying the logos may require permission of Visa/Mastercard!

As long as you actually process the cards I don't think they're going to have problems with you displaying the logos.

Actually, people who are accepting payment through VIsa or mastercard puts such logo on their website.

to show customers that they accept visa/mastercard obviously...

A lot of the time it's required.

Be aware that displaying the logos may require permission of Visa/Mastercard!

I doubt so ... I believe those payment gateways have license to extend the usage of these logos to the merchants.

Sometimes, people put the logos up for prestige, but usually it's to inform consumers, so that they can make an informed decision as to whether or not to do business with that company.

It makes it easy for visitors to know what payment methods are accepted.

Some service oriented sites might put them up as a subtle hint that services are available, but they ain't free.

To inform their future customers that visa/mastercard payments are accepted. Considering their worldwide usage for transactions, to put visa/mastercard logo in the site will bring benefits. If they are interested in a certain product/service offered in the site they will check the payment method first. Putting the logo sometimes won't make them turn away.

Because some other websites have those logos, and they look cool.

They say an image tells you a million words or sumthing along the lines of that, Its to make the site look better and to inform their buyers of what they accept or what is supported.

Regards

It's purely to inform the potential or existing customer that they accept credit card payments, or a means of payment that allows them to use credit/debit cards (e.g. paypal)

It may also look a bit more official or organised which may sway people towards that service provider (on VERY few occasions), but I'm not certain that's exactly why they're there... pretty sure it's just to show the accepted means of payment :)

Visa and Mastercard have proved to be a commercial payment method. Displaying those logos will attract people to take a look at the site content.

If I was a person who hadn't bought many things over the web before and I saw that Visa/Mastercard mark, I think I'd trust that site a bit more.

If I remember correctly Amazon and Ebay do show those logos; just not until you get further into the payment process. Why would you not want to show them anyways?

We have a few websites that sell online, and we use them on some of our material. It gives the impression that you're not small business. Anyone can have a paypal account, but not everyone can accept card payments

Its merely to give new customers confidence with the seller and also its another visual cue to buy something.

Big ecommerce sites such as amazon, ebay, etc don't have them...
These "big sites" don't need it "anymore" and use the place for other information, offers or advertisement. You as a small merchant should show the people which payment methods do you accept before they would make an order.