American Merchants Inc. Reviews & Complaints

Name: American Merchants Inc.
Item: American Merchants Inc.
Rating: 4.7
Author: Phillip Parker

Phillip Parker

Updated: September 11, 2024

Maintained Since: September 14, 2016

▼ 1 User Reviews

Overall Score

4.7

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Pros:	Cons:
Provides e-commerce solutions.	Uses misleading marketing tactics.
No negative reviews found.	Contract cancellation penalties exist.
No reported lawsuits or FTC complaints.	Monthly and annual fees charged.
Offers 24/7 customer support.	Processing rates are variable.
Supports various merchant types.	Equipment leasing is available.

Overview

In this review of American Merchants Inc., we will provide a detailed overview of the company’s credit card processing services. We will cover the range of services they offer, including point-of-sale (POS) systems, mobile payment solutions, and e-commerce capabilities. The review will identify the types of businesses that might benefit from these services. Additionally, we will examine client and customer reviews to highlight common trends and potential concerns. The article will also address the company’s pricing structure, contract terms, and specific features provided. By the end of this review, you will understand whether American Merchants Inc. meets your payment processing needs.

About American Merchants Inc.

Founded in 2012, American Merchants Inc. is a merchant account provider that serves most standard-risk business types in the U.S. The company is a reseller of First Data (now Fiserv) products and services.

American Merchant Inc. Products and Services

Payment Processing

American Merchants Inc. handles payment processing for most major credit and debit cards across various business types. Their services include virtual terminals, access to a payment gateway, Clover POS systems, mobile solutions, PCI compliance, tokenization, card swipers, and Level 2 B2B processing.

Point of Sale Systems and Equipment

American Merchants Inc. provides advanced point-of-sale (POS) systems and equipment suitable for different businesses, from retail stores to restaurants.

E-Commerce Integration

For online businesses, American Merchants Inc. offers secure e-commerce solutions. Their payment gateway integrates with various e-commerce platforms, ensuring smooth and secure online transactions. It supports shopping carts and enables recurring payments, simplifying the management of subscriptions or installment payments.

Security and Fraud Protection

American Merchants Inc. prioritizes security by ensuring all transactions are PCI compliant, protecting sensitive customer data. They also provide fraud prevention tools to safeguard businesses against fraudulent transactions and chargebacks.

Transparent Pricing Model

American Merchants Inc. uses a transparent pricing model, disclosing all fees upfront to avoid hidden charges.

American Merchants Inc. services — **American Merchants Inc. offers basic payment processing services**

American Merchants Inc. Customer Reviews

Here's What Their Clients Say

Customer Reviews Summary
Total Online Complaints	<10
Live Customer Support	Yes
Most Common Complaint	N/A
Recent Lawsuits	No

No Merchant Complaints for American Merchants Inc.

Our research reveals an absence of negative reviews about American Merchants Inc., and there’s no indication that the company is involved in any scams or ripoff activities. The lack of complaints could be partially due to the company’s generic name, which might lead to confusion and misattributed complaints. However, there are no closely related complaints that seem to be about American Merchants Inc. We encourage you to share your experiences with American Merchants Inc. in the comments below to enhance our understanding of their customer satisfaction.

American Merchants Inc. Lawsuits

There are no current class-action lawsuits or Federal Trade Commission (FTC) complaints against American Merchants Inc. Clients who are seeking non-litigious methods to address any dissatisfaction with the company are advised to report their concerns to the appropriate supervisory organizations.

American Merchants Inc. Online Ratings

Here's How They Rate Online

No BBB Profile

The Better Business Bureau does not maintain a profile for American Merchants Inc. at this time. We therefore will not factor a BBB rating into this review.

American Merchants Inc. Fees, Rates & Costs

A Closer Look at The Contract

Rates & Fees Summary
Cancellation Penalties	Yes
Monthly & Annual Fees	Yes
Processing Rates	Variable
Equipment Leasing	Yes

Three-Year Agreement

The typical American Merchants Inc. contract extends over a three-year period through First Data (now Fiserv), reflecting the terms commonly associated with First Data (Fiserv) due to American Merchants Inc. acting as a reseller. While specific rates and transaction fees are not detailed within the contract, they are expected to be in line with First Data (Fiserv) standards. Nevertheless, as a reseller, American Merchants Inc. may adjust the standard First Data (Fiserv) contract terms.

First Data (Fiserv) typically engages in multi-year contracts that include an early termination fee of $495, a monthly PCI compliance fee of $19.95, and employs tiered pricing. Transaction rates are set at 2.69% plus $0.19 for swiped transactions and 3.69% plus $0.19 for keyed transactions for businesses processing up to $50,000 monthly. For those exceeding $50,000 in monthly transactions, the rates adjust to 2.29% plus $0.19 and 3.29% plus $0.19, respectively. Also noteworthy is the inclusion of non-cancellable, long-term equipment leases through First Data Global Leasing.

Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Pricing

American Merchants Inc. promotes its virtual terminal and payment gateway services as part of its e-commerce solutions, though specifics regarding pricing for these services are not publicly disclosed. Generally, additional charges, such as gateway fees, technical support fees, batch fees, and other transaction rates, are applicable to these e-commerce services.

Avoid Equipment Leases

Review of the documentation indicates standard contract terms are utilized by American Merchants Inc., with the presence of an early termination fee (ETF) likely, though not explicitly mentioned in the provided guide. The equipment lease, facilitated through First Data Global Leasing, constitutes a long-term, non-cancellable commitment, potentially exceeding the term of the merchant account agreement. We generally advise against signing long-term equipment leases when direct purchase is feasible, especially considering the availability of credit card terminals for under $500. Accordingly, our evaluation of the company’s approach in this area is adjusted to reflect a “B” rating.

American Merchants Inc. Employee Reviews & Sales Tacitcs

Should You Work For Them?

Jobs & Marketing Summary
Uses Independent Resellers	No
Telemarketing	No
Misleading Marketing	Yes
Discloses All Important Terms	No

Sales Approach

American Merchants Inc. appears to primarily market its services via traditional advertising and strategic partnerships. There is no evidence at this time that the company employs independently contracted sales agents, but it is also entirely possible that it does. We cannot find any American Merchants Inc. reviews that describe unethical conduct by the company’s sales agents, which is a positive sign.

Misleading Quotes

The “Compare Rates” page on the American Merchants Inc. website features a table that quotes “Rates as low as .89%” and “Rates as low as 1.89%.” We typically consider this type of rate quoting to be deceptive because it could give clients an unrealistic expectation of the rates they will pay. However, the page at least partially explains that rates will vary according to the specifics of each business. We will therefore not lower the company’s score in this section, but caution merchants not to expect effective rates anywhere near those advertised. If you suspect that American Merchants Inc. is charging you undisclosed fees, we recommend seeking a third-party statement audit to eliminate hidden costs.

Our American Merchants Inc. Review Summary

Our Final Thoughts

American Merchants Inc. is considered a reliable credit card processing provider based on comprehensive reviews and its current standing in the industry. The company boasts a pristine complaint record, with no significant grievances registered across major consumer protection platforms. This indicates a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and operational transparency. However, potential clients should remain vigilant about issues that are not uncommon in the industry, such as potentially misquoted rates and the pitfalls of long-term equipment leases that can lock merchants into less favorable terms.

Even though American Merchants Inc. performs well in industry evaluations, we advise merchants to approach contract negotiations with thorough due diligence. It’s essential for business owners to scrutinize the terms of any agreements, particularly regarding fee structures and contract duration. Comparing American Merchants Inc.’s services and fees with those offered by top-rated credit card processors can provide additional perspective, ensuring that merchants secure the most competitive and flexible terms available. This level of careful consideration can prevent unforeseen costs and complications over the course of a business relationship.

Contact American Merchants Inc.

Contact & Customer Support
CEO	Jumesh Walia
Headquarters	2219 W Olive Ave, Suite 106, Burbank, California
General Support	(855) 658-9548
Website	https://www.americanmerchantsinc.com/

About The Author

Phillip Parker

Phillip Parker is the founder, creator and author of this website. He is a payments industry expert, business consultant, and web developer. Since 2009, he has researched over 1,000 merchant services providers and published hundreds of payment education-related articles. His work has received national recognition and his expertise is regularly sought by large media outlets such as CNN, MSN, and INC Magazine among dozens of others. Learn more...

How Phillip Can Help You

Schedule a call with Phillip to get answers to your payment processing questions. Please note that Phillip's expertise focuses on merchant services within the U.S.

Credit card processing costs are complex and often difficult to understand. Hire Phillip to help you optimize your processing costs to the lowest possible rates without switching processors, trading out payment acceptance equipment, or modifying your processes.

Starting a new business or ready to find a new processor? Selecting the right merchant services provider is a crucial component of running successful business. Check out Phillip's processor picks see which companies offer the best services at the lowest costs or schedule a call today to learn how to get custom recommendations for you payment needs.

Testimonials & Complaints

How Did American Merchants Inc. Treat You?

1 User Reviews

Brandon Ana

July 27, 2023

American Merchants Inc. has been an absolute game-changer for my business! Their top-notch service and extensive product range have made sourcing materials a breeze. I can always count on them to deliver on time, without any hiccups. From bulk orders to last-minute requests, they handle it all with remarkable efficiency.

Their customer support team is friendly and attentive, resolving any concerns promptly. The seamless online ordering process is an added bonus, saving me valuable time. With American Merchants Inc. as my go-to supplier, I have been able to maintain a competitive edge in the market. Their commitment to quality and reliability has earned my trust completely. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable business partner. Cheers to the AMI team for their outstanding service!

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Hello and thank you for visiting! I'm Phillip, the creator and author behind this website. My mission with CPO is to hold credit card processors accountable for their business practices. I do this by publishing my research on their policies, contracts, pricing, and client satisfaction. The goal of this research is to provide a comprehensive guide for achieving the lowest costs with the best providers. I have been publishing my findings since 2009, and my work has been recognized by national publications such as CNN, MSN, FOX, and INC Magazine, among many others.