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Is AdvoCharge the Right Fit for Your Business Payments?

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Maintained Since: April 15, 2013

We take our role in providing guidance and education regarding the card payment industry very seriously. At our own expense, we have vigorously defended our right to continue expose unethical and predatory practices in the industry, successfully defeating every attempt to silence us. However, fending off frivolous lawsuits is costly. To sustain these efforts, one of the ways we generate revenue is through affiliate partnerships with ethical providers. This means that some of our outgoing links connect business owners to trustworthy, low-cost payment processors, which is what most of our readers seek. We see this revenue channel as a win-win-win for everyone involved. Business owners find good processors, processors get good clients, and we are able to continue to provide a valuable service to the small business community. We also recommend and link to many services that do not compensate us. Our priority is to guide you to the best solutions for your needs, regardless of potential revenue. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us.

All mentions of rate and fee costs are estimations based on publicly available information and client feedback. Actual costs may vary based on a variety of factors unique to your business.

AdvoCharge
Rating
A
5/5
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Pros

Transparent pricing models
No cancellation fees
Month-to-month contracts
No setup fees
A+ BBB rating

Cons

Equipment lease terms
Transparency concerns
Potential hidden charges
Possible rate increases
No 24/7 support

Overview

In this review of AdvoCharge, we take a closer look at the company’s credit card processing services. Their offerings include point-of-sale systems, mobile payment options, and e-commerce features designed to support a range of businesses. We’ll highlight which businesses may benefit most from these services. We’ll also review customer feedback to show common trends and concerns. In addition, we’ll cover pricing, contract terms, and included services. By the end, you’ll know whether AdvoCharge is the right fit for your payment processing needs.

About AdvoCharge

AdvoCharge Homepage

AdvoCharge is a merchant account provider headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. The company serves U.S. and Canadian merchants and is partnered with a number of organizations in Boulder and across the country. AdvoCharge offers a 10% discount to members of the Boulder Chamber of Commerce.

Products & Merchant Services

Payment Processing

AdvoCharge handles major debit and credit card transactions for a variety of business types, particularly those in Boulder, Colorado. They provide two service levels: ZING and Wave. ZING shifts the processing fee to the consumer by adding it to their charge, while Wave follows a traditional payment processing model. Both service levels include features such as:

Cash Discounts

AdvoCharge offers a cash discount program that allows businesses to incentivize customers to pay with cash.

Recurring Billing

The recurring billing service from AdvoCharge enables businesses to automate regular payments.

Chargeback Support

AdvoCharge provides chargeback support to assist businesses in managing disputes and minimizing the financial impact of chargebacks.

ApplePay and Google Wallet Compatibility

AdvoCharge supports compatibility with ApplePay and Google Wallet, allowing businesses to accept contactless payments.

EMV Swipers

AdvoCharge offers EMV swipers that allow businesses to process chip card transactions securely.

POS Solutions

The company provides POS solutions that integrate with payment processing systems to handle in-person transactions.

Mobile Payments

AdvoCharge offers mobile payment solutions, enabling businesses to accept card payments via smartphones or tablets.

Virtual Terminals

With AdvoCharge’s virtual terminals, businesses can process payments without the need for physical card readers.

Customer Reviews & Sentiment

Clean Complaint Record

Our research indicates an absence of any AdvoCharge reviews suggesting fraudulent or deceitful behavior. In contrast, the majority of available AdvoCharge reviews commend the company’s customer service, particularly highlighting the accessibility of its agents. These positive assessments predominantly come from verified business owners, marking an impressive record for a company with a decade in business. We invite you to share your AdvoCharge experiences in the comments section below.

AdvoCharge Lawsuits

No significant class-action lawsuits or FTC complaints have been identified against AdvoCharge. Merchants looking for amicable solutions to their concerns with AdvoCharge should consider reporting them to appropriate supervisory organizations.

Industry Scores & User Ratings

Online Ratings Summary
PaymentPop5
BBB RatingN/A

PaymentPop Rating for AdvoCharge

Negative Feedback

There are no negative reviews published about AdvoCharge on the PaymentPop website.

Positive Feedback

AdvoCharge has been easy to work with from the start. No confusing terms, no surprise fees, just straightforward service that works. Whenever we’ve had a question, someone’s been there to help without a long wait or a runaround.

AdvoCharge BBB Rating

AdvoCharge is not an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau. As of this review, the company has an  “A+” rating with the BBB and has had 0 complaints filed against it in the last 36 months. AdvoCharge is also not showing any informal reviews on its BBB profile, although it should be noted that customer reviews through the BBB are not subject to verification.

An “A” Performance Overall

In light of AdvoCharge’s clean complaint record through the BBB, we award the company an “A” in this section. Merchants should still be aware that there is reason to be skeptical of the BBB’s rating system.

Processing Rates & Fees

Month-to-Month Contract

AdvoCharge emphasizes cash discount and interchange-plus pricing, offering some of the most transparent and favorable per-transaction rates. The company promises no cancellation, setup, or annual fees on its website. Furthermore, AdvoCharge indicates that its agents have a base rate of $0.00 for PCI compliance, suggesting that merchants have the opportunity to negotiate PCI compliance fees down to zero. These terms are highly competitive, and no adverse AdvoCharge reviews have been found to contradict these claims.

CardConnect’s Involvement

AdvoCharge collaborates with CardConnect, a provider with mixed reviews, which also offers First Data (now Fiserv) Clover POS products. Despite AdvoCharge’s assurance of no long-term contracts or termination fees, the CardConnect agreement contains a clause that imposes a $750 termination fee if the contract is terminated within five years from the approval date by CardConnect and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. This clause is at odds with AdvoCharge’s stated terms. Merchants are advised to ensure that any unfavorable clauses are amended or removed from their agreements.

Highly Competitive Pricing

The presence of numerous positive testimonials suggests a high level of client satisfaction with AdvoCharge’s contract terms. Consequently, the company receives an “A” rating in this area. However, potential clients should be aware that terms associated with CardConnect may differ. Although AdvoCharge offers competitive terms, it is recommended to review the contract details, especially those related to CardConnect, to ensure they meet your business needs.

Employee Reviews & Sales Practices

In-House Sales Team

AdvoCharge appears to market its services through a combination of its website and partnerships with a network of clients. The company’s website actively promotes cash discount pricing and interchange-plus pricing, both of which are cheaper and more transparent than industry-standard tiered pricing. Moreover, we have not found any AdvoCharge reviews that describe unethical conduct by the company’s sales agents.

No Deceptive Rate Quotes

As its name indicates, AdvoCharge markets itself as an advocate for transparent sales tactics in the credit card processing industry. The total absence of AdvoCharge complaints about the company’s sales team seems to suggest that it takes this claim seriously, and its website even has a section dedicated to educating business owners about the merchant services industry. If you still suspect that AdvoCharge is charging you hidden fees, we recommend seeking a third-party statement audit to eliminate unnecessary charges.

AdvoCharge Competitors

Compare AdvoCharge to competitors that earned top marks.

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Bottom Line

All available indicators suggest that AdvoCharge ranks as an exemplary merchant services provider. The company emphasizes transparent sales tactics and pricing, building trust with clients through its forthright approach. Online reviews frequently commend its customer service, underscoring AdvoCharge’s commitment to addressing merchant needs promptly and effectively.

While most businesses can benefit from AdvoCharge’s services, those operating in high-risk industries may face limitations. However, the company specifically advertises its willingness to work with CBD and hemp businesses, indicating an openness to serving these growing sectors. Despite AdvoCharge’s strong reputation and highly rated service, merchants are urged to meticulously review the terms of any contracts offered. This due diligence ensures they fully understand the costs and conditions, helping them secure the most favorable and transparent agreement for their unique business needs.

Read Actual User Reviews

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Contact AdvoCharge

Contact & Customer Support
Co-founder and CEOMark Tracy
Headquarters4450 Arapahoe Ave #100, Boulder, CO 80303
SupportOnline Contact Form
Websiteadvocharge.com