Check the merchant location first
Local account versus foreign customer
Accepting a card issued abroad through a U.S. merchant account is different from opening a local merchant account in another country. Identify the legal entity, operating address, bank account, and where goods or services are delivered.
Confirm availability in writing
Blackstone references regional operations and expansion on its public website. A country name or announcement does not prove that your entity can apply today, which processor would serve it, or which services are available.
Do not rely on an unconfirmed launch date
Onboarding in each country
Public announcements and partner roadmap dates have differed. We do not present a fixed international launch date as a commitment. Confirm current availability, acquiring arrangements, supported activity, and application requirements for Canada, Mexico, Spain, Panama, or the Dominican Republic before making plans.
Payment and settlement currencies
Ask what currency the customer pays, which currency reaches your account, and whether conversion or charges for international payments apply. A supported checkout currency does not by itself establish local acquiring or a bank account in that country.
What belongs in the proposal?
Costs and access to funds
Review international card charges, conversion, refund handling, dispute fees, funding schedules, reserves, and reporting. Compare the same customer and transaction mix across offers.
Software and responsibilities
Confirm the gateway, software connection, support process, and who handles local operational requirements. Get the relevant service availability and account terms before integrating or advertising a new market.