IMA, stands for Internet Merchant Account and is one means for web site owners to accept payment for goods and services from their web site.

Most off line businesses process credit and debit card payments using a Merchant Account. Merchant accounts are mostly used in scenarios where the buyer is present, e.g. in a store or at a trade fair.

To process credit and debit card payments online, organisations also need to have an Internet Merchant Account. You can apply direct to your bank for one or if you are signing up with a payment processing company such as World Pay, they may help you apply for an IMA.

Some methods of taking payment online such as PayPal, do no require you to have an IMA.