Task 1: Register the Merchant {#payments-acq-intro-merchant-registration}
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Merchants must register an evaluation account with Visa Acceptance Solutions, using one of these internet links:

* Direct merchants can use this location: [https://developer.cybersource.com/hello-world/sandbox.html](https://developer.cybersource.com/hello-world/sandbox.md "")
* You can register merchants directly using tools available in the Business Center.

{#payments-acq-intro-merchant-registration_ul_n1d_ysq_cfc}  
After a merchant completes registration, they receive an email with instructions to set up their user account for the Business Center.  
An evaluation account cannot be directly taken to production. There are still contractual business steps that must be completed before Visa Acceptance Solutions processes production transactions for a merchant. For more information, see [Task 6: Submit Quote and Contract(s)](/docs/vas/en-us/payments/acq/all/na/payments-acq/payments-acq-intro-merchant/payments-acq-intro-merchant-contracts.md "").