Fortis Payment Systems Reviews & Complaints
Overview
Welcome to our in-depth analysis of Fortis Payment Systems, formerly known as Cambridge Payment Systems. This article will guide you through the key facets of FortisPay, including its services across various industries like hospitality, retail, and e-commerce. We'll evaluate the company's rates and fees, contract terms, and customer complaints, alongside industry and employee reviews, giving you a comprehensive view of their reputation.
Our coverage extends to FortisPay's technological offerings such as payment gateway, virtual terminal services, POS systems, and mobile payment solutions. We'll also touch upon their e-commerce processing capabilities, loyalty programs, and merchant cash advance services. We explore FortisPay's approach to fraud prevention and their recent expansions through acquisitions.
We aim to provide a concise yet informative overview, covering the pros and cons of FortisPay, recent legal developments, and customer support options, helping you make an informed choice about their payment processing services.
About Fortis Payment Systems
Formerly known as Cambridge Payment Systems, Fortis Payment Systems is a merchant account provider based in Novi, Michigan. As of 2022, it appears that the company has rebranded as FortisPay.
FortisPay Payment Processing
The company primarily focuses on providing hospitality, chiropractic, restaurant, veterinary, medical, non-profit, retail, automotive, liquor, grocery, fitness, and e-commerce merchant accounts. Fortis Payment Systems also appears to be a reseller of Elavon and other First Data (Fiserv) services.
Payment Gateway Services
FortisPay's payment gateway services enable businesses to accept credit and debit card payments securely and easily via their website. The payment gateway is fully customizable and integrates with major e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and more.
Virtual Terminal Services
FortisPay's virtual terminal services allow businesses to process credit and debit card payments over the phone or via email, without the need for a physical card reader. This is ideal for businesses that don't have a storefront or need to process payments remotely.
POS Systems
FortisPay offers a variety of POS systems that are designed to meet the needs of businesses in various industries. Whether you're looking for a traditional countertop terminal or a mobile POS, FortisPay has a solution that can help you process payments quickly and securely.
Mobile Payment Solutions
FortisPay's mobile payment solutions allow businesses to accept payments on-the-go using a smartphone or tablet. This is ideal for businesses that operate in remote locations or attend trade shows, farmers markets, or other events.
E-commerce Payment Processing
FortisPay offers a range of e-commerce payment processing solutions for businesses that operate online. This includes payment gateway services, recurring billing, and digital wallet services.
Gift and Loyalty Card Programs
FortisPay offers gift and loyalty card programs that can help businesses increase customer loyalty and drive sales. These programs are fully customizable and can be integrated with POS systems and e-commerce platforms.
Merchant Cash Advance
FortisPay offers merchant cash advances that can help businesses get the funding they need quickly and easily. This service provides a lump sum of cash in exchange for a percentage of future credit card sales.
Fraud Prevention Services
FortisPay offers a suite of fraud prevention services that can help businesses reduce the risk of fraud and chargebacks. These services include address verification, card security code (CVV2) verification, and fraud screening.
FortisPay Expansion
In late 2020 Fortis Payment Systems acquired Blue Dog Business Services, another online payment technology provider. It appears Blue Dog has become FortisPay Pro, which has its own website separate from that of FortisPay. In early 2021 it was also announced they would acquire Swype at Work to further bolster their portfolio. Also in 2021, FortisPay acquired EpicPay and Change Merchant Solutions, and in 2022, they acquired payment technology firm Payment Logistics.
Location & Ownership
The company is a registered ISO/MSP of Elavon Payments Partner and registered ISO/MSP of Fifth Third Bank, N.A., Cincinnati, OH; Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Concord, CA; Compass Bank, an Alabama State Chartered Bank; Citizens Bank, N.A., Providence RI; Woodforest National Bank, The Woodlands, TX; and U.S. Bancorp, Minneapolis, MN. Fortis Payment Systems is headquartered at 43155 Main St. Suite 2310-C Novi, Michigan 48375. Jimmy Nafso is the co-owner and former CEO of Fortis Payment Systems, while Greg Cohen is the current CEO.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Simple Integration | Occasional server outages |
| Online payment capability | Hidden fees reported |
| Versatile payment options | Limited to iOS for mobile |
| No misleading marketing | Non-competitive standard pricing |
| Efficient customer support | Some issues with customer service availability |
Fortis Payment Systems Customer Reviews
Here's What Their Clients Say
| Total Online Complaints | <10 |
|---|---|
| Live Customer Support | Yes |
| Most Common Complaint | Unexpected fees |
| Recent Lawsuits | No |
Analysis of Fortis Payments Reviews
Our research indicates there are over 10 negative reviews for Fortis Payments across various consumer advocacy sites, with some allegations suggesting the company engages in scam-like practices. The primary concerns expressed by customers include undisclosed fees, non-transparent contract terms, and challenges encountered when attempting to cancel services. While Fortis Payments previously operated under the name Cambridge Payment Systems—where it accumulated a small number of complaints—it’s important to distinguish that the rebranding to Fortis may reflect operational and service changes. Notably, the acquisition spree by FortisPay in 2021 has seen an uptick in the number of negative reviews on our site. We welcome your personal reviews of FortisPay in the comments section below.
Legal and Regulatory Status of Fortis Payment Systems
There are no current class-action lawsuits or Federal Trade Commission (FTC) complaints identified against Fortis Payment Systems. Merchants seeking alternatives to legal disputes are encouraged to report their experiences to relevant oversight bodies.
Fortis Payment Systems Customer Support Review
Despite the relatively low volume of complaints concerning service specifics, Fortis Payment Systems earns an “A” rating for its customer support infrastructure. The company provides several avenues for merchant support, including telephone, chat, and an online contact form, complemented by the assignment of dedicated account managers to merchants.
Contact Information for Fortis Payment Systems
- (800) 761-8039 – Toll-Free Customer Support
While Fortis Payment Systems demonstrates a commendable level of customer support, it has yet to be classified among the elite payment processors for outstanding customer service. This article has been updated to provide an accurate and balanced view of Fortis Payments, incorporating SEO-optimized terms like “reviews,” “complaints,” and “customer service” to enhance visibility for individuals researching the company. All links have been preserved to ensure readers have direct access to further information and resources.
Fortis Payment Systems Online Ratings
Here's How They Rate Online
| BBB Rating | 1 |
|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 3.2 |
| GetApp Rating | 4.6 |
| Our Rating | 3 |
| Average Rating | 2.95 |
BBB Rating Analysis for Fortis
Fortis has an average customer review rating of 1/5 stars and a “D-” on BBB based on 2 customer reviews. The company has received 2 customer complaints in the last 3 years, with none closed in the last 12 months. Common themes in the reviews include issues with billing, hidden fees, and poor customer service.
Negative Feedback
I opened a Fortis account for my business in September 2021. Monthly fees were $24.95 a month. Without contacting me, they raised my monthly to $34.95 then AGAIN to $69.95. I closed my account 2 months ago in September 2022 and to this day STILL getting charged. I called their support for explanation and they said they raised my rate without telling me because I didn’t fill out any forms they sent. THEY DID NOT CALL ME, EMAIL ME, OR SEND ME ANY DOCUMENTS. They also stated I was charged because there was a few months where “I was not charged” that was LIE. I have bank statements showing EVERY MONTH where the rates kept going up and recorded the phone call where the agent said “You won’t be charged anymore”. Today (Nov 4, 2022) I STILL got charged. The cancellation fees are outrageous. I spent THOUSANDS in fees just to get screwed by them. I am considering taking legal action due to their negligence and false information. This company is a SCAM who will charge you insane fees to do anything. They should not be in business and are extremely unprofessional. – Complaint from November 4, 2022
Get charged every year for PCI fees when we are not supposed to be charged. We have to request and complain about it each year. They have increased hidden fees. – Review from July 26, 2023
Positive Feedback
There are no positive reviews published about Fortis on the BBB website.
Source: BBB
Trustpilot Rating Analysis for Fortis
Fortis has an average rating of 3.2/5 stars on Trustpilot based on 809 customer reviews, indicating a mixed reception. The company has a significant percentage of 5-star reviews (85%) but also a notable percentage of 1-star reviews (8%). Common themes in the reviews include issues with customer service, billing, and dissatisfaction with fee structures.
Negative Feedback
This company is absolutely terrible. This company completely misrepresented their fees and then just kept piling on! They made it very difficult to cut ties with them and continued to charge even after I separated from them. Completely unethical company that I am sorry I ever did business with. – Review from December 5, 2023
So frustrated with the continual increase of nickel dime charges and then a huge jump for non-compliance. Please note, during the time of “non-compliance”, the service was not used. Fortis was not able to provide any documentation that I had been informed of non-compliance – which I had not received. I cancelled my contract and was still charged. Stay away! There are plenty of other services that will process CCs for FFLs. – Review from December 1, 2023
Positive Feedback
Amazing Service! Competitive Pricing! I am a relatively new small business owner, so I wasn’t familiar with a lot of the ins and outs of credit card processing. Michael Lore was super helpful, walking me through the whole process. He got me a great rate, and since I added credit cards as a payment option for my business, sales have gone up over 200%! Thanks so much! – Review from February 26, 2021
Andre and his team have been absolutely phenomenal getting my business processing up and running. It’s great to know you have people on your side and willing to help. BlueDog is also a very good and easy processor to navigate. I highly endorse Andre Anderson and recommend you give him a ring! He made the process super smooth, even through my less-than-smooth situation. – Review from March 18, 2021
Source: Trustpilot
GetApp Rating Analysis for Fortis
Fortis has an overall rating of 4.6/5 on GetApp based on 118 reviews. The rating criteria include value for money, ease of use, features, and customer support. The majority of reviews are positive, with 83 five-star and 29 four-star ratings. Common themes in positive reviews include ease of integration with billing software and the convenience of online payments. However, some users express confusion regarding transaction fees.
Negative Feedback
It is confusing trying to understand what the fees are for each transaction. I am the finance manager and I am still somewhat in the dark concerning all the fees. – Review by Lorie T.
There has not been any times that we have received payments that were rejected. – Review by Lisa F.
Positive Feedback
During that time we have developed a very good working relationship with the help center at OmniFund. They are top rate and easy to reach and communicate with. – Review by Ron V.
Easy to integrate to my billing software. I love giving my clients the ability to pay online and have their payments applied to their account. – Review by Nichole F.
Source: GetApp
Fortis Payment Systems Fees, Rates & Costs
A Closer Look at The Contract
| Cancellation Penalties | Yes |
|---|---|
| Monthly & Annual Fees | Yes |
| Processing Rates | 1.00% - 4.99% |
| Equipment Leasing | Yes |
Variable Contract Terms
Information about the standard Fortis Payment Systems contract is currently unavailable. However, details about its former business name, Cambridge Payment Systems, suggest an early termination fee ranging from $350 to $695, an undisclosed PCI compliance fee, and a monthly PCI noncompliance fee of $30, based on multiple complaints. These fees appear to exceed industry norms.
Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Pricing
Apart from its in-store payment processing services, Fortis Payment Systems also advertises its virtual terminal and payment gateway services on its website. However, specific pricing for these services is not provided. Additional rates and fees, including gateway fees, technical support fees, batch fees, and additional transaction rates, typically apply to these e-commerce services.
Few Contract Complaints
Some Fortis Payment Systems reviews highlight hidden fees, suggesting that its standard pricing may not be competitive with the most affordable merchant accounts. If you have insights into the standard Fortis Payments contract, feel free to share in the comment section below this review. Additionally, we recommend exploring our list of the top merchant accounts.
Fortis Payment Systems Employee Reviews & Sales Tacitcs
Should You Work For Them?
| Uses Independent Resellers | Yes |
|---|---|
| Telemarketing | Unclear |
| Misleading Marketing | No |
| Discloses All Important Terms | No |
Outside Sales Team
Fortis Payments appears to utilize ISOs and independent sales agents to market its services. The use of independent agents is commonly linked to elevated complaint rates due to the lack of training and oversight that these agents typically receive. In this case, we have found a number of negative Fortis Payments reviews that mention hidden fees, false pricing, and nondisclosure of contract terms. This does not compare favorably to our list of best credit card processors.
No Deceptive Quotes
As a point in the company’s favor, the Fortis Payments website does not promote any misleading rate quotes intended to deceive clients. Considering the fact that it has only received a few vague complaints, we will assign the company an “A” rating at this time. If you suspect, however, that Fortis is overcharging you, you can double-check your monthly bill with a third-party statement audit.
Our Fortis Payment Systems Review Summary
Our Final Thoughts
Fortis Payment Systems rates as a reliable credit card processing provider according to our rating standards; however, its complaint total is growing as it expands, which is concerning. Business owners are advised to carefully read all contract terms and compare them to those offered by top-rated merchant account providers.
If you found this article helpful, please share it!
Pete
I would not recommend Fortis to anyone. Their servers are constantly down or “downgraded” as they call it. We use to be with Payment Logistics, which was a great company until Fortis bought them. There is no customer service on weekends. Messages left for afterhours are never returned. My card service is not working and there is no one to contact. There have been multiple outages this year, 2023, of over 6 hours. Smaller outages are pretty much a weekly occurrence. Simply ridiculous and devastating to a multichain 24 hour quick service business. Stay away.
Daniel
Horrific Experience with Fortis. They steal from their customers after they don’t process your payments you lose customers and they never answer phone calls or emails.
Then they steal from me as a customer for over $600 with absolutely no billl to speak of and won’t produce one at all when asked for one.
Ruth
I would not recommend Fortis to anyone. It is a holiday weekend , my card service is not working and there is no one to contact. The support chat is down,
the phone numbers provided direct you to merchant services who cannot help because Fortis is using Zeamster as an 3rd party vendor to web terminals.
Absolutely devastating to my business this holiday weekend.
Dan
I should have read the reviews prior to purchasing.
I never leave reviews but this one is so bad I had no choice but to warn others. I had a great sales lady, she was amazing. She was the last one to be helpful. Their initial sales guy had no idea what was happening, 2 guys in total, young kids.
After that I got her and was very happy with all she had to say.
We signed the contract, then they said we can’t do automated batch reporting. That was after they said they could… within 72 hours I sent an email to cancel the account. We never even logged in, set up anything. Then they started to debit my bank account. I reached out to the sales lady and she said she would work on it. Then the same thing the next month. Then the third month again. She never got back to me so I had to get the bank to do a stop payment.
Now they want $2,400.00. “we took so long to set up the account”.
I said I would consider coming back when they have API integration but they want me to pay for something that CAN’T work as they said it would.
Now they are threatening collection action.
Use anyone else but just beware. I should have read the reviews first. Now its a nightmare and no one to talk to.
Bruce
Now the two star part: I sold my business, cancelled with Lightspeed/Fortis Payments and was given a final bill. Now 7 months later I am still getting billed for FortisPay monthly service fees. I asked them to refund and they sent me a docusign to cancel the service. It was placed in a billable check that wasn’t why I was cancelling. I told them I already did as the business owner. They refused to refund, multiple times, “Unfortunately, we will not be able to refund the fees.” You would think with zero transactions for 7 months, a company with any sort of moral spine or customer service bone in their DNA would notify such customers and check up and say hey, we wondered why you are no longer processing $200,000 a month, is there anything we can do to help? NOPE, we will keep your money sir.
Michael Martin
I signed up with Fortis after telling World Pay to take a flying leap. The sales rep seemed to know what he was doing and set me up with a plan that made sense for my business, along with a free processing terminal. I received the terminal and hooked it up with no problems. The PCI compliance that was supposed to be transferred over apparently never took place. The tech that was supposed to get my terminal set up blew me off. After 4 months of using my Square reader, I told Fortis to take a leap and closed all accounts with that merchant ID. I never processed a single transaction with them, but they charged my bank account over $160.00 in access fees. Total thieves. DO NOT USE FORTIS!
Josh
I signed up with Fortis as a new small business owner into a tiered rate plan. I did not know other fee structures were available. Fortis recently increased my non-qualified tier rate by 50% without explicit notice. The monthly statement they provide did not disclose my effective rates. In fact the only document I have that shows my rates is on my initial agreement. This is an unfair and deceptive trade practice that hurts new and small businesses.
Steve
Astounding incompetence! Complete waste of time.
Pissed off Customer
Haven’t had the satisfaction to even use this company yet. Once I got set up and they sent my Bluetooth card reader they had me run a test Transaction. The card reader wouldn’t connect and they sent me another card reader. This card reader works 50% of the time and won’t work with Mastercard. Now the install representatives want to try other cards like a visa, I told them I don’t have a visa and they said the only option is for me to ask a neighbor or friend to borrow their visa card to run a test transaction. Are you freaking kidding me?!?! What kind if two-bit company is this. I’ve heard of Nigerian princess offering better customer service then this so called “fortis”
DO NOT USE FORTIS FOR ANY OF YOUR BUSINESS PAYMENT PROCESSING. YOU WILL ABSOLUTELY 100% REGRET THIS.
Be advised fortis will try and make you pay a cancelation fee. Legally this does not stand if they violate the terms of service. The state attorney General will be your best course of action.
Rachel Biondo
There fees are not competitive. They will charge you even if you don’t use the services. Better make sure you cancel or they will continue to charge you. This company can not be trusted.
Jabari Hunt
Absolutely horrible experience!!! I hear Blue Dog was great, but I guess things have changed since they merged with Fortis. I paid for a machine, they sent the incorrect one (after weeks of waiting). Additionally, it was programmed to someone else’s account. They sent a second one, I returned the first. The second was also programmed incorrectly which I confirmed with the machine manufacturer (Deja Vu). To date, that machine still isn’t working. The kicker…they then billed me for the first machine (claiming that they never received it back). They are the ones who messed up and sent the incorrect one in the first place, they are the ones who lost it, yet they have decided that I am responsible for paying for it. I’ve now spent $610 for two machines, yet don’t have a single working one. Their WooCommerce integration is solid, and the Virtual terminal works well enough. Customer service though…horrid. Absolutely horrid. I should have kept the first machine, at least I’d have two expensive paper weights instead of just one. :-/ The amount of the machines isn’t worth the time and expense of legal action (I really thought about it). I guess instead I’m left with writing these fun reviews to help others from experiencing the same nonsense…
Heidi Lusson
Thieves and crooks!! I was never told Blue Dog was bought out and when my fees more than tripled I asked why! Was told, by their customer service, Fortis didn’t like dealing with small business and we couldn’t afford their fees. So I told them I wanted out. Now I’m fighting with a collection agency for the $350 dollar fee they are trying to stick me with for dropping them!!! Turning me into collections in 3 days because I blocked them from just attacking my bank. RUN do not walk away from this company. Next step attorney general I guess.
Jason
Wrost company ever! Never ever deal with this company! They have false pricing system and wrost agreement! They will give you xtremly hard time to cancel your service with them.. all kinda hidden fees will show up! Also rude customer server, even with treating you! Please alert your business or friend to stay away from this company!
Fred Perry
Our flight school had some significant difficulties after canceling our service with FORTIS due to the fact that another provider was integral to our ability to use a specific aviation related scheduling system. However, once the problem was elevated to the ownership level of FORTIS, the issue became understood, and FORTIS did everything they could to remedy the situation. They recovered nearly a thousand dollars on our behalf and solved the problem in a couple of weeks when it took others over a year with no positive results. Anyone can provide good service to an existing customer, but FORTIS provided us with exemplary service, recovered monies and treated us like we were the most important client in the world to them….all after we had left the firm. For that, I give them Five Stars and look forward to doing business with them again one day.
Nancy
Fortis payment system sucks and they give all false pricing and get business and later hold you for contract . Don’t join fortis payment . No service at all . I am going to sue them
Christina Henley
This is the worst company i have ever dealt with. I have been trying to cancel this account for over a year. Someone telling me they were the owner called and asked if there was any way to keep our biz. We use a software for billing that only gave us one option to process through their system. We explained this and ended the conversation cordially. since then they have charged us over $900 and refuse to close our account. They even billed us again this month! We are now taking action.
Jim
I think their sales reps are sneaky and can’t believe they haven’t been sued. I had originally signed up for a different company that offered me a free terminal. The application was missing info or something and I couldn’t get in touch with my original sales rep to figure it out. Months later, a rep claiming to work for the same company comes to help me and get me the deal I had originally wanted. I didn’t realize until afterwards that she had signed me with Fortis (a completely different company) and I was now required to pay $50/mo for the terminal. It would appear that this rep used to work for the previous company and misrepresented herself to me using their info. Not only do I feel cheated, but this rep should be sued.
Sam P
Service Sucks! After being with them for 2 year, They cancel my account middle of the day without any notice! No explanation was giving.
Timothy
Hi Sam,
I noticed you posted that your account was closed without any notice. I would be more than happy to review the account information with you in order to provide feedback as to what occurred. Please feel free to email me directly with your business name and we can determine the issue.
Thank you Sam.