In the late 2000s, as a broke college student struggling to make ends meet, I was contacted by a merchant services company after uploading my resume to a job listings website. This company promised substantial commissions and ongoing residual income for simply persuading businesses to accept credit card payments. It seemed straightforward enough—after all, what business doesn’t need to process credit card payments? Following a phone interview with a persuasive “sales director,” I found myself embarking on what I believed would be an easy job that would significantly boost my bank account with reliable monthly income and large sales commissions. However, the lessons I learned would profoundly change my life in ways I could never have imagined.
After completing my sales training, I hit the ground running, eager to make sales. This broke college student was determined to improve his financial situation! My first attempt at a cold call, with no prior appointment, ended with a burly man in his 50s yelling at me to leave, claiming he had been “totally robbed” by someone like me before. As I hastily exited, puzzled and intimidated by his reaction, I couldn’t help but wonder what he meant. Throughout the day, I encountered similar hostility from other business owners, all expressing disdain for the industry I had been so excited to join that morning. Confused and curious, I decided to shift my approach from selling to listening.
I quickly uncovered that the merchant services sector was riddled with unethical practices, including hidden fees, deceptive marketing, fine-print traps, and much more. It dawned on me that I had nearly been tricked by a dubious company into selling overpriced services under contracts with long-term commitments, all without being fully aware of what I was promoting. Outraged, I resigned from that company but learned that there were indeed ethical credit card processing companies that treated their clients fairly. Over the next four years, I worked for one such company, assisting hundreds of businesses in securing cost-effective processing solutions. Yet, I also met many more who had been misled and trapped in onerous service agreements. Determined to help people steer clear of these unscrupulous providers, I launched this website in my spare time, dedicating myself to researching and sharing my findings on every merchant account provider I could investigate.
Gradually, more and more business owners began to discover my articles. As word spread, search engines started to rank my content highly, amplifying its reach. My efforts were making a difference! Eventually, the website garnered enough traffic to enable me to leave my job and focus on it full-time, a journey that has now spanned over a decade. This path has not been without its challenges; unscrupulous company owners have tried to intimidate and sue me into silence on several occasions. Yet, I have stood firm against each threat. Here I am, continuing to publish reviews and articles, hoping to safeguard others from the pitfalls of the credit card processing industry.
If you believe in my mission and wish to contribute, please share my articles on your websites and social media. Thank you for visiting!
Paul Pistritto
Absolutely the worst credit card processing company.
I charged a customer that came in my store $7,000.00 for material he bought . I processed the credit card and 5 days later got an email from Ameribanc that they needed to see the invoice and 3 months of my checking account transactions. They put the customer’s money on hold. I cancelled my business with Ameribanc. They continued to hold the customer’s money for a month. I called them at least four times to give the customer back his money. They kept saying it was with upper management. Then I look at my bank statement and they took $268.00 for a fee from the $7,000.00 payment I never received . Their customer service will keep you on hold for 5-10 minutes. And they keep transferring you to different departments that have no clue what they are doing. Go with a different company and avoid headaches. TERRIBLE company to deal with.
Stella
This service was great up until you have to cancel your account. I cancelled my account and had to call back two times to get the instructions to mail back the terminal. I did mail it back finally and was never told about the 10day return period by not one of the representatives. I received the instructions (after calling a number of times) on 3/23/21 (account closed on 3/7/21) and then they received it in the mail ( I have the confirmation) on 4/12/21. On July 1, 2021 I was randomly charged $1100. I called on July 1 to find out why and they told me they did not receive the terminal. I kept the receipt and the issue was supposedly resolved and I have the email from ameribanc stating that the credit was approved. I did not receive the funds by today, 7/8/21 and so I called to find out how long it would take. The first representative said it was declined and then hung up on me (I was upset but respectful). I called back and finally got to a supervisor who said that they were sorry but could not give me back my money. I asked why and they said it was because it exceeded 10 days of the cancel date and they extended it to the day I received the email with instructions on how to return the terminal which was 3/23/21. Nowhere in my conversation with them at the time nor in the email did they tell me I had a time restraint. Obviously if I knew that I would have followed what they told me to do. DO NOT USE THIS MERCHANT SERVICE. I believe they waited until July to charge me for the unit hoping that I lost my UPS tracking number. And when they saw that I had the tracking, they made up the story that it exceeded 10 days. Their negligence exceeded 10 days from my cancellation date but I did not get money from them, instead they charged me and they have the terminal. There are so many other better merchant services that treat small business with dignity and respect. I warn you to not use them.
Stella
This service was great up until you have to cancel your account. I cancelled my account and had to call back two times to get the instructions to mail back the terminal. I did mail it back finally and was never told about the 10day return period by none of the representatives. I received the instructions (after calling a number of times) on 3/23/21 (account closed on 3/7/21) and then they received it in the mail ( I have the confirmation) on 4/12/21. On July 1, 2021 I was randomly charged $1100. I called on July 1 to find out why and they told me they did not receive the terminal. I kept the receipt and it was resolved and I have the email stating that the credit was approved. I did not receive the funds by today, 7/8/21 and so I called to find out how long it would take. The firs representative said it was declined and then hung up on me. I called back and finally got to a supervisor who said that they were sorry but could not give me back my money. I asked why and they said it was because it exceeded 10 days of the cancel date. That was entirely because they did not send me the instructions and when I did get them, nowhere in my conversation did they tell me I had a time restraint. DO NOT USE THEM. I believe they waited until July hoping that I lost my UPS tracking number. And when they saw that I had that, they made up the story that it exceeded 10 days. Their negligence exceeded 10 days from my cancellation date. But they have my money. There are so many other better merchant services that treat small business with dignity and respect. I warn you to not use them.
Kevin
Signed a contract but did not use service. Charged nonetheless for three years Bank will not concide error. Compared it to a gym membership that was not used!
From The Editor
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Eric
If you talk to a person called Rachel Ray Eskridge from Ameribanc or from anywhere else that uses Global Payment Merchant services. Don’t believe in one word she tells you. It is all lies. She knows how to lure you. She seems very confident. She promised me very low rates and fees. They charged me outrageous charges fees. When I canceled they kept charging me for 2 month until I stopped their payment. It feels like they stole from me which actually they did.
Wendi
Ameribanc literally stole over $3,000 from me!
A rep sold me a credit card terminal that was promised to be wireless. Showed up as a machine that required a land line, which we do not have! Called company and setup tech said they did not offer wireless terminals and so asked that it be canceled. Three years and a new bookkeeper later, I’m made aware of a monthly withdrawl on my account. The bank couldn’t tell who was making the withdrawl so I put a stop payment on it. Two months later I receive a letter from AmeriBanc saying I owe them $350 or they’re sending me to collections! Turns out that account, that I never used, that never got set up, was never canceled. I had paid over $3,400 in fees for something I never used and they still made me pay $177 to close the account and NOT send me to collections! Anyone know a good lawyer!?
From The Editor
This Post Might Help: How To Get Out of a Merchant Account Contract
Ginger Kurowski
Ameribanc totally misrepresented its fees and did not follow through on promises of sign on bonus. Representative is completely unresponsive to numerous phone messages and emails. No response from anyone to right the wrongs. Very bad business ethics. Actual LIES about hidden fees. In two months my hidden fees and monthly fees totaled 21% of my sales. Do not recommend this company.
Cecilia Terres
This company sells its services based on lies and promises they can not deliver. Very unprofessional and rude staff. Don’t waste your time with them!!!!!
Ginger Kurowski
I totally agree – same thing happened to me. Totally misrepresented hidden fees and then lied about knowing about them though the customer service department (which has nothing to do with the misleading sales department) said these fees have been in place for decades. Bad business
Gene
This company always promises the lowest rates and the lowest fees. I have been with them for 5 years now and I am done. Every time I open my statement and do the simple math of what is deposited and what the fees are…it’s in the 4 percent range. If you call they will miraculously try and lower all the fees but in reality they are just buying themselves time. Get something in writing of their promises if you choose to use them.
Kent Kelly
Bait and switch–Signed up through a very honest rep that I know personally—Then comes the unauthorized charges to my business–after the on phone rep refused to reverse unauthorized charges with a written contract in hand have decided to not activate any business dealings– thankfully didn’t cancel current service–everyone beware of this service–will warn everyone that of bait and switch tactics –sad that honest reps put it in writing and company will not honor terms– many companies competing for this business nitch so do your homework about complaints–wish I had
Kent Kelly
Possibly looking into legal action for unauthorized charges–written contract in hand and rep refused to reverse unauthorized charges– everyone beware
Ginger Kurowski
I’m onboard with you if you need more support. Ameribanc is deceiving, lying, misrepresenting the fees and does not follow through on their promises. Horrible company.
Cindy
Thank you
Randy
Bad company to do business with. All I need to say is check your statements closely all the fees they charge that they do not tell you about when you sign up ridiculous.
Farron Hancox
This is a sorry excuse for a company who deceives the customer. How they got a B rating is a joke
Judy Orr
This company is a joke They promise you things that they never come through with and when you ask questions they give you the run around They hustled me for $300.00 in hidden fees at my nonprofit Thrift store that supports Animal Advicates before I got away from them and furthermore the Rep that got me to sign with this credit card company has never returned my calls I suppose because he knows that he totally lied to me By the way his name is Paul Womack If this guy comes to your business trying to get you to do business with Ameribank do not believe anything he says. Judy Orr
Jennifer Skowronski
Absolutely deplorable customer service, and zero accountability. I have been given the runaround on three separate occasions regarding a hold they placed on my account after my bank showed them withdrawing over $1000. Their response is always to just transfer me to someone else. They currently have some type of hold on my account for what I was first told wasn’t showing up on their end at all, then was told were fraudulent returns, then was told were returns that I ran, then was told were a glitch in their system. Take your credit card processing business elsewhere!!!
Mark
They need to clean up this verification system. I’m a college student without a card so I do all my shopping online e.g. Steam games. Everytime I go to use my card it asks me to jump through these hoops and It always fails. I have never gotten this system to work.
SR
We ran a haunted house for one month to benefit the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We were promised we can have service for one month and get $100 rebate which would cover our terminal fees. They charged us for 2 months and said they will take the $100 rebate back if we don’t stay on
Ivy Liebmann
A high pressure salesman came to my place of business late on a Friday. I informed him I was waiting on a loan from Money Tree. I informed him that in a few days, IF I did not hear from them, I would call to confirm and switch. I allowed him to give me his speech. He pressed me into filling out the papers and fax them to his manager. On Tuesday, I received a new credit card machine. I called and got a cancellation form. Filled it out immediately and faxed it back. The next day I received a box filled with pre-printed gift cards. ( I only inquired about them!) One more phone call to try to return cards. Told I would receive a Return Call ticket. STILL NO TICKET!! The biggest problem is NOW they are debiting my bank account for Service Charges from Global Payments, some other charge and $200.00 for NOT returning the credit card reader. When I disputed the charges. I was told by Global, the account was Opened for part of the month and payment is due. I never used the account!! The unknown fee I am trying to dispute via my bank. The charge for the credit card reader is being refunded by the bank that sent out the unit. After they researched that I did send back the unit, ONE MONTH prior to the Debit from my account. Now that makes 10 or more phone calls and still no complete resolve. DO NOT get pushed around, like I did!! They are a waist of time and energy!!!!
jaime gonzalez
this company has a hi charges & discount rates specialty on debit cards,,, the customer service ph# is even worst the DMV customer service I do not recommend this processor company to any one
Mike
I have received numerous, unwanted calls from this company. After asking to be put on the do not call list Kathy Nelson at extension 4112 told me she refused to do so because she couldn’t 100% verify I was the owner of the business. After threatening to take legal action through my state’s law of any more than two unwanted calls is considered harassment I had Kathy’s manager Tanya call me and state she was not worried about the harassment law because she doesn’t live in my state. I have never dealt with such rude people in my life and I will strongly recommend everyone to take their business elsewhere.
Concerned
I received a cold call from Ameribanc National about wanting to send out a sales rep to save us money our cc processing. I replied that “I was not interested” caller would not take no for a answer. ” I have no reason to change my processor and never will”. Since my business is in a lul time of the year I fiquried they want to waste my time I would waste theirs. Sales rep came in on time. I let him look at a statement , I covered up all personal info. While he was crunching numbers, I was looking over Ameribanc ‘s “CLIENT AGREEMENT” Then the sales pitched started and I was ready. .5% debit &.5% credit .08 swipe fees. He scratched other fees and changed amounts on others. Look I blew you rates out of the water. So I decided to look at numbers, .5% percent is only for qualified card, What about mid and non qualified cards? He states .5% is for all cards, You did not change that.” He gets flustered at this point. Now I am in the drivers seat. Did you figure in interchange rates? He calls inside agent and comes back with “Do you want to do business with us?” Maybe. “We will give you a free lease on a machine.” ” I do not need a machine, I already have a state oh the art new machine. It dose chip and phone pay.” He states ” It will not work with our system.” So know I drop the bomb on him. I show in the paper work he gave me that this paper work is nothing more than a work sheet. I will not get a copy off my contract until I am approved. There is no way I am going agree to anything until I have the actual contract in front of me with all charges filled in, not just marked out and hand written in signed ahead of time by an officer of your company. He says ” You do not want to do business with us. ” I say ” Be totally trans parent with me and I might.” He is mad and storms out. Lesson for others out there. No decent processor out there will cold call you or high pressure you. My suggestion is go to your bank and talk to your branch manager. He/She is going to link you up with a legit company. They are not going to risk their reputation on some fly by night processor. I have been with the same processor for 14 years. I have them do a rate annalists every so often and now am paying extremely low rates. When I learned about the new compliance requirements going into effect 10/15 I called my branch manager about needing a new machine sometime. 4 days later it arrived no charge. WooHoo. No lease, no charge, no set up and even no need to return old machine. The whole point of this review is do not deal with some high pressure salesman. Deal with some one you know you can trust. I feel in almost every case this would be true. For me it was my local bank branch manager.
Concerned
I just can not believe they continue to call and send the same sales agent (twice) to see me after they were told to Cease and Consist all further communications with me and my business. Just proves how incoherent their operation is. I have filed complaints with FTC, FCC, Att. General & BBB. Supplied info on rate comparison and how they do not present total contract details at time of rate presentation. Hopefully this helps others not to fall into trap.
Jannie
These people do not quit. They have been calling my places of business ( I have 4) and its to the point that they are harassing me to use their company. I have told them time and time to quit calling and called the corporate office to file a complaint to no avail. They call daily and up to several times a day disrupting my business. Any suggestions on what to do ?
Mike
I don’t intend to defend this company or the sales agent, especially since I’m employed by a competitor. I do want to clarify though, the rate he quoted you was interchange (cost) rates + 0.50% and $0.08. It sounds like you’re currently on a 3 tier pricing structure, so you’re essentially paying arbitrary rates on card types that are not disclosed. Typically, “qualified” = debit card and consumer card present transactions, interchange rates range 0.05% to 1.51%. “Mid-qualified” = rewards credit cards, card not present, interchange rates range 1.65% to 1.95%. “Non-qualified” = everything else, international, corporate business cards, interchange goes up to 2.95%. Given just a few of those interchange rates I provided, add the 0.50% that the rep quoted you. How do those numbers compare to what you’re currently paying? Also, don’t forget to add the $0.08. If your average transaction is low, this will make a HUGE impact on your effective rate. It sounds like the rep just did a poor job explaining things to you. I used to work for the largest bank and trust me… they really are no better. They pressured us to price high in ways to hide fees and really pushed us to lease equipment. Nearly every bank is a middle man for First Data. Look up reviews on here and you can see for yourself.