Alliant Review
A Chase Merchant Services Reseller
Founded in 2000, Alliant is a merchant account provider that also offers ATM services, ACH processing, donation solutions, government payments, and e-commerce solutions. According to the company’s customer support channels, its payments are processed by Chase Merchant Services, meaning the company is likely a reseller of those services. The company is also known as Alliant Merchant Services, Bancard USA, and Certified Government Payments.
Location and Ownership
Alliant is headquartered at 22620 Southeast 216th Place, Suite A, Maple Valley, WA. The company is a registered ISO of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Concord, CA, a registered ISO of Citizens Bank, N.A., Providence, RI, and a registered ISO of Pueblo Bank & Trust, Pueblo, CO Tim Eckstrom is the manager of Alliant. The company was founded by Art Monk and Charles Monk, former players of the NFL’s Washington Redskins.
Alliant Review Table of Contents
- Costs & Contract: Alliant offers month-to-month plans through Chase Merchant Services.
- Complaints & Service: Alliant has received fewer than 10 public complaints.
- BBB Rating: Alliant has an “A+” with the Better Business Bureau at this time. The company has received 0 complaints in the last 3 years.
- Sales & Marketing: Alliant does not appear to hire independent sales agents but has not received any complaints about its sales practices.
- Rates & Fees: How Merchants Got The Best Rates With Alliant.
Alliant Customer Reviews
Here's What Their Clients Say
Key Points |
|
|---|---|
| Total Online Complaints | <10 |
| Live Customer Support | Yes |
| Most Common Complaint | High Rates/Unexpected Fees |
Low Complaint Record
We have only been able to locate 3 negative reviews about Alliant. Each of those reviews references higher than expected rates or unforeseen fees. Merchants should always diligently review agreements before entering into service and understand which contract terms they should avoid in order to escape terms so they do not incur higher than expected rates or unexpected fees.
Alliant Lawsuits
We have not found any outstanding class-action lawsuits or FTC complaints filed against Alliant. Dissatisfied merchants who wish to pursue a non-litigious course of action against the company should consider reporting it to the relevant supervisory organizations.
Alliant Customer Support Options
Alliant provides a phone number, email address, and automated form on its website. However, only its phone number is dedicated to customer support. Merchants are provided local support from each of the company’s 3 local offices between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. After-hours calls are routed to Chase Merchant Services. Though the company does provide 24/7 phone support, Merchant account providers with a great track record of customer service typically offer more comprehensive support options.
No Red Flags
Though there is no evidence to suggest that merchants are having negative experiences through the company, the lack of clear, comprehensive customer support channels other than 24/7 phone support is the basis for the company getting a “B” rating in this category.
Alliant Online Ratings
Here's How They Rate Online
Online Ratings Summary |
|
|---|---|
| Product & Service Complaints | 0 |
| Billing & Collection Complaints | 0 |
| Advertising & Sales Complaints | 0 |
| Guarantee & Warranty Complaints | 0 |
| Delivery Complaints | 0 |
No BBB Complaints
Alliant is not currently accredited 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. It also has not received any informal reviews, although it should be noted that these reviews are not subject to verification by the BBB.
An “A” Performance Overall
In keeping with our policy that “A+” ratings should typically be reserved for companies with 0 complaints, we agree with the BBB’s rating at this time. Merchants should be aware, however, that there are reasons to be skeptical of the BBB’s reviews.
Alliant Fees, Rates & Costs
A Closer Look at The Contract
Key Points |
|
|---|---|
| Debit Swiped Rate | 1.99% + $0.15 |
| Credit Swiped Rate | 2.99% + $0.15 |
| Flat Keyed-In Rate | 2.90% + $0.25 |
| Virtual Terminal Rate | 1.00% - 4.99% |
| Payment Gateway Fee | Undisclosed |
| Early Termination Fee | None |
| PCI Compliance Fee | None |
| Equipment Lease Terms | 24 Month (locked) |
Different Pricing for Different POS Options
Information on Alliant’s pricing and contracts are not readily available. However, it does appear that the company relies on Chase Merchant Services for its processing solutions, meaning that it likely resells their services.
As a point of reference, Chase Merchant Services merchant accounts provide 3 different rates. Debit transactions are charged a swipe rate of 1.99% plus $0.15. Credit transactions are assessed a swipe rate of 2.99% plus $0.15. A flat rate for both credit and debit transactions that are keyed-in is charged at 2.90% plus $0.25. In most cases where Chase Merchant Services sets up the account directly, the company offers month-to-month contracts, no early termination fee and no PCI compliance fee.
Merchants who accept a “free terminal” may be subject to a 24-month service agreement, which is a common practice when a provider gives away equipment. The cancellation fees under the 24-month agreement may vary based on the type of equipment, so merchants are strongly encouraged to read their contracts before signing any documents.
As a reseller of these services, Alliant reserves the right to alter these terms and conditions. Though the company may offer pricing and fees that are not in line with the standard Chase Merchant Services terms and conditions, this review references those as a barometer for what merchants could expect from Alliant.
Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Pricing
In addition to its storefront payment processing services, Alliant also dedicates a portion of its website that advertises its virtual terminal and payment gateway services. However, pricing on either of those services is not disclosed. Chase Merchant Services has acquired WePay as a measure to grow its e-commerce platforms. WePay charges a transaction rate of 2.90% plus $0.25 per transaction. However, it is unclear is Alliant utilizes the company’s payment gateway. Additional rates and fees, including gateway fees, technical support fees, batch fees, and additional transaction rates may apply to these e-commerce services.
An “A” Overall
If Alliant does keep the standard terms and conditions of Chase Merchant Services intact, the company deserves a high rating for its transparent pricing, month-to-month contracts, and lack of PCI compliance fees and early termination fees. With no information indicating the company alters those terms, they are awarded an “A” overall.
Alliant Employee Reviews & Sales Tacitcs
Should You Work For Them?
Key Points |
|
|---|---|
| Employs Independent Resellers | No |
| Advertises Deceptive Rates | No |
| Discloses All Important Terms | No |
Alliant Sales Tactics
Aliant does not appear to hire independently contracted sales agents to market its services. This is a common hiring practice within the credit card processing industry that often results in a sales team composed of poorly trained or unregulated agents. The company choosing not to employ this tactic is a positive reflection on its sales practices.
No Misleading Quotes
To its credit, Alliant does not appear to list deceptive rate quotes in its official materials. However, a few online complaints refer to higher than expected fees from dissatisfied merchants. If you suspect that the company is charging you undisclosed fees, we recommend seeking a third-party statement audit to find and eliminate hidden charges.
Our Alliant Review Summary
Our Final Thoughts
A Flexible Option for Merchants
Seeing as Aliant utilizes Chase Merchant Services for its payment processing, the company is a flexible choice for merchants who do not want to be tied down to long-term contracts. Since Chase offers month-to-month plans without early termination or PCI compliance fees, this can mitigate the costs merchants will face when signed onto longterm contracts.
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Alliant has been an absolute game-changer for our business! Their top-notch services have given us the edge we needed to succeed in today’s competitive market. From day one, their team demonstrated exceptional expertise and a genuine passion for helping our business grow.
Their innovative solutions streamlined our processes, saving us both time and money. The customer support is phenomenal; they always go above and beyond to address our needs promptly. It’s evident that Alliant values its clients and their success.
We’ve experienced a significant increase in productivity and efficiency since partnering with Alliant. The results speak for themselves, and we couldn’t be happier with the decision to work with them. If you’re looking for a reliable and forward-thinking business partner, Alliant is the way to go!