how do providers that say they are independant accept credit cards?

One has to have a registered, recorded fictitious business name with all the tax returns and mainstream legitimacy to provide the convenience of CC payment. I'm not saying it’s impossible but highly improbable.

Sorry FF, but opening a merchant account is not difficult by any stretch of the imagination. Credit card processing is a very competitive business, many if not most are willing to cut corners to get business. Anybody with enough sense to get on the internet and maintain an independent web site should certainly be savvy enough to get a merchant account.

Independent ladies can set up and often do have small businesses that provide a cover for accepting credit cards. As you pointed out, whether a lady can pull it off depends upon her savvy and everyday common sense.

Accepting credit cards isn't tough.  Anyone with a Costco or Sams club membership can do so easily and reasonably.

Use your big head though guys.  Using a CC leaves a paper trail for wives and/or SO's to track down.  What if the SP comes on hard times and runs the card a few more times or has a greedy pimp etc., etc. etc.

If you are trying to earn miles or points stick with legit businesses.  Trying to clear up a mess or to get a PI off your tail will be impossible with a credit card trail.

do the deed twice and get a kiss free

At 5280 feet per mile and average 6 inches per dick it will take a long time to add up to miles.