Updated 10/28/16: The website for Allstate Merchant Services has been inactive for at least a year, and there is no website for its alternate business name of APCO Merchant Services. All evidence suggests that both Allstate Merchant Services and APCO Merchant Services are no longer in business, but it’s possible that they are simply operating without a website at this time. If you have any information regarding the current status of the company, please share that information in the comment section below this review.
Allstate Merchant Services (allstatemerchants.com) is a merchant account provider located in New York City. Launched in 2005, the company offers credit, debit, and EBT card processing, gift card functionality, electronic check acceptance, online payment solutions, and cash advances for U.S. merchants and businesses. The company also provides various point-of-sale and credit card terminal devices. It should be noted that Allstate Merchant Services is not affiliated with the auto insurance provider that shares its name. Allstate Merchant Services LLC is a registered ISO/MSP of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., in Walnut Creek, California, with offices located at 71 S. Central Ave., 2nd Floor, Valley Stream, New York 11580.
Customer Reviews & Sentiment
We are currently able to locate approximately seven Allstate Merchant Services complaints online, some of which accuse the company of being a scam or a ripoff. Common themes among complainants include unexpected or unauthorized charges and difficulty cancelling the service or reaching company representatives. The company has issued rebuttals to some of these complaints implying that they have all been filed by a disgruntled former employee, against whom they are currently seeking a restraining order. The company’s overall complaint rate is low to moderate for its size and time in business, but the persistent concerns over customer service and expensive charges have lowered its grade in this category. The Allstate Merchant Services website lists a dedicated support phone number.
Client Satisfaction Ratings
Allstate Merchant Services is currently listed as “APCO Merchant Services” with the Better Business Bureau. As of this review, the company has an “F” rating with the BBB and has had 23 complaints filed against it in the last 36 months. Fifteen of these complaints involved problems with Allstate’s products and services, seven were filed regarding billing or collections issues, and one stemmed from advertising and sales issues. Of the total complaints, 12 were successfully resolved, while nine either left the customer dissatisfied or went unresolved. In light of the company’s complaint total and resolution ratio, we agree with the BBB’s rating at this time.
Card Processing Rates & Fees
According to merchant complaints, the standard Allstate Merchant Services contract appears to be a three-year agreement with automatic renewal, an early termination fee of $495, a PCI Compliance fee of $99, a monthly minimum fee of $25, and an annual fee of $75. The company also appears to offer a tiered pricing structure and does not actively promote Interchange-plus. These contract terms are slightly more expensive than industry averages; we therefore award the company a “C-” in this category.
Bottom Line
Allstate Merchant Services rates as an average merchant services provider according to our rating system. The company’s apparent contract terms are not especially competitive, and it has a poor complaint record with the BBB at this time. As always, merchants are encouraged to strongly negotiate terms and carefully examine any contract they are given before signing up for credit card processing.
Allstate Merchant Services Rating
