When you get to the end of a membership sites free tour you will arrive on what is known as the join page. This is the page where you will be asked for your payment details so the site can charge you and provide you with a password to access the members area.

Payment Processors

Most xxx sites do not do their own payment processing. Rather the use the services of one or more third party payment processors. So even though you are usually filling out and submitting your payment info at the site, it could be passed on to one or more billers to process. Usually the name of these third party billers is provided on the join form so make sure to make note of it for future reference.

Credit Cards

The most common form of payment has always been and continues to be by credit card. Most commonly Visa, Mastercard & sometimes Discover. This type of payment is popular as many people have it and it is easy to use and it offers some level of protection. Often times on the join form sites will inform you of what company name will appear on your credit card bill. It is often an obscure name that has nothing to do with the site you are joining. Some sites will provide alternative options for those without credit cards.

Checks

A common alternative is to pay by check. To pay by check you will usually be asked to provide your checking account number online or over the phone. Usually they will need the routing number across the bottom of your check.

Dialers

Dialers are software programs you download that when installed dial up a special number and once connected you are provided access to a site. The problem with this payment format is that the number you need to dial is often long distance and thus racks up huge telephone bills. There was a huge consumer backlash against this type payment form and many countries ended up banning dialers. That in combination with the availability and affordability of high speed internet access caused dialers to all but disappear.

Password By Phone

Password by phone is a newer phone based billing solution that works by calling a number for a password that either charges a flat rate or per minute charge. When it charges a per minute charge it will usually require you to stay on the line for a few minutes before the password is provided. In either case, once the password is provided, the caller hangs up, enters the password into the membership site and gains access for a certain amount of time. Typically the amount of time is measured in minutes rather than days.

Conclusion

No matter what payment method you choose make sure to verify the fees charged, the length of the membership and whether the membership is recurring or not. If billing is done through a third party, make sure to take note of who it is so that if you have any problems you will know who to contact for assistance.