Barclaycard Merchant Services Reviews & Complaints

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Company Overview

Founded in 1966, Barclaycard Merchant Services is a UK-based card issuer and merchant account provider that serves businesses of all sizes and types within the UK. The company is one of the few large UK merchant services providers that is not an extension of a U.S.-based credit card processor like First Data (now Fiserv) or Global Payments. In addition to merchant accounts, the company also provides virtual terminal and payment gateway services. In July 2020, Barclaycard Merchant Services announced they would be the acquiring partner in a deal with Philadelphia-based FreedomPay. 

Barclaycard Merchant Services Payment Processing

Barclaycard Merchant Services processes all major debit and credit cards for most business types. Their services include EMV card readers and swipers, mobile payments, data reporting and analysis, accounting software, and e-commerce solutions.

Payment Terminals

Barclaycard provides a variety of payment terminals, including countertop, portable, and mobile devices. Their countertop devices are suited for fixed checkout points, while portable devices offer flexibility for businesses that require moving around a premises, such as restaurants. For businesses on the go, mobile devices enable card payment acceptance anywhere with network coverage.

Online Payment Solutions

With the rise of eCommerce, Barclaycard offers an online payment gateway for businesses. It's a secure and efficient solution that allows businesses to accept card payments over the internet. Their system is designed to handle one-off payments, subscriptions, and recurring billing models, making it a versatile choice for various online businesses.

Telephone Payments

For businesses that accept orders via phone, Barclaycard offers a service called “virtual terminal”. It's a secure online form that allows businesses to manually input their customer’s card details for payment processing without the need for a physical card reader.

Point of Sale (POS) Finance

Barclaycard also provides point of sale finance services, enabling businesses to offer finance options at the point of purchase. This service could potentially lead to increased sales by offering customers flexible payment options.

Payment Security and Fraud Prevention

Barclaycard puts a strong emphasis on payment security. They offer a robust package of fraud prevention tools to protect businesses and their customers. This includes advanced encryption, secure customer authentication, and real-time fraud detection.

Location & Ownership

Barry Rodrigues is the CEO of Barclaycard, which is headquartered at 1 Churchill Pl, Canary Wharf, London, UK.

Pros & Cons
Pros: Cons:
Competitive rates and fees. Rigorous application process.
Reliable and secure transactions. Possible higher fees.
Wide range of payment options. Complex pricing structures.
Global brand recognition. Contractual commitments required.
Advanced fraud protection. Limited customer service availability.
Integrated payment solutions. Potential for hidden charges.

Barclaycard Merchant Services Customer Reviews

Here's What Their Clients Say

Customer Reviews Summary
Total Online Complaints 40+
Live Customer Support Yes
Most Common Complaint Poor Customer Service
Recent Lawsuits No

Analysis of Barclaycard Merchant Services Reviews

A moderate volume of Barclaycard Merchant Services reviews has been located, some labeling the company as a scam or ripoff. Predominant issues reported include unsatisfactory customer service, challenges in canceling services, hefty termination fees, and instances of withheld funds. We encourage individuals with firsthand experiences to share their Barclaycard Merchant Services reviews in the comments section for a more comprehensive perspective.

Overall Customer Perception of Barclaycard

On Trustpilot, Barclaycard has a low rating of 1.2 out of 10 based on 2,915 reviews, a notable increase in negative feedback since our last update. While Trustpilot ratings can be influenced by the site’s partnership policies, significantly low scores are concerning. The difficulty lies in distinguishing between feedback for Barclaycard’s consumer card services and its merchant services, as complaints for both appear to be represented. Given the average complaint volume and lack of severe issues, Barclaycard receives a “C” rating in this category.

Legal Status of Barclaycard

Although Barclaycard is involved in several lawsuits against banks and card providers, there are no outstanding class-action lawsuits or FTC complaints filed against them regarding merchant services. Clients preferring non-litigious resolution methods can report to relevant supervisory organizations.

Evaluating Barclaycard Customer Support

Barclaycard provides live phone and email support to its merchants. However, the level of complaints specifically mentioning customer service issues indicates that these channels might not meet the standard set by top-rated credit card processors for great customer support.

Contact Details for Barclaycard Customer Service

  • 0800 158 5149 – General Support

While Barclaycard maintains several channels for customer support, enhancing the quality and responsiveness of these services could improve their standing in customer satisfaction.

Barclaycard Merchant Services Online Ratings

Here's How They Rate Online

No BBB Profile

The Better Business Bureau does not maintain a profile for Barclaycard Merchant Services due to its location in the UK. We therefore will not factor a BBB rating into this review.

Barclaycard Merchant Services Fees, Rates & Costs

A Closer Look at The Contract

Cost & Fees Summary
Cancellation Penalteis Unclear
Monthly & Annual Fees Yes
Processing Rates Variable
Equipment Leasing Yes

Barclaycard Merchant Services Pricing

Barclaycard provides a range of services under 18-month contracts for facilitating mobile, countertop, and portable terminal payments. Transactions incur a standard fee of 1.25%. Monthly service fees are tiered based on the terminal type: £15 for countertop, £20 for portable, and £25 for mobile payments.

For smartphone transactions, Barclaycard offers the Barclaycard Anywhere app, which applies a 2.6% transaction rate and a £0.75 fee per refund, alongside a one-time setup fee of £60. This service operates without a contractual commitment.

Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Pricing

Barclaycard promotes Barclaycard Smartpay for online payment solutions, featuring two plans: Growing and Established. The Growing Plan, aimed at businesses with fewer than 5,000 monthly transactions, includes a £20 plus VAT monthly fee after the first 350 transactions, which are free, and charges £0.10 for each subsequent transaction. This plan necessitates a 12-month commitment and may involve a joining fee of up to £150.

The Established Plan is designed for businesses processing over 5,000 transactions monthly, offering customized rates based on the business’s size, transaction volume, and industry.

Variable Contract Terms

While early termination of a Barclaycard contract can involve substantial fees and complex cancellation procedures, detailed specifics are scarce. The variability in contract terms suggests that the offerings can be tailored to individual business needs. Although there’s limited information on how Barclaycard’s terms compare with the market’s most affordable options, businesses are advised to seek clarity on contract specifics before engagement.

For alternative options, business owners might find our selection of top merchant account providers worth exploring.

Barclaycard Merchant Services Employee Reviews & Sales Tacitcs

Should You Work For Them?

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

Inside Sales Team

Barclaycard appears to rely on conventional advertising, strategic partnerships, and an in-house sales staff to market its services. There is no indication that the company recruits independent sales agents, and there are very few Barclaycard Merchant Services reviews that mention problems with the company’s sales tactics. This may be partly because Barclaycard’s long time in business and high consumer recognition allow it to market less aggressively than smaller or lesser-known companies.

This compares favorably to our list of best credit card processors.

No Deceptive Advertising

The company does not advertise any rates or pricing details on its website, and it generally seems to avoid negative feedback about its sales tactics. It has therefore received an “A” rating in this section. If you suspect that Barclaycard is charging you undisclosed fees, however, we recommend seeking an independent statement audit to spot hidden charges.

Our Barclaycard Merchant Services Review Summary

Our Final Thoughts

Barclaycard Merchant Services rates as an average credit card processing provider for UK businesses of all sizes and types. The company’s large size gives it the flexibility to adapt to different business needs, but it also appears to have negatively impacted its customer service. As a general rule, large entities like Barclaycard are a better fit for mid-size and large businesses. For now, UK businesses may want to consider a top-rated UK merchant account provider to get the best rates and service.

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Which is Most Important for You?

If you had to pick one, which quality would you say will be the most important with your next credit card processor? Tap or click your selection to register your vote:

  1. Low Transaction Fees
  2. No Monthly Fees
  3. No Contract
  4. Reliable Customer Support
  5. Quick Signup

Testimonials & Complaints

How Did Barclaycard Merchant Services Treat You?

4 User Reviews

  • ian MacDonald

    Buccaneer

    Stopped our ability to take payments with no warning due to “compliance checks” – despite having been with them for 16 years, ten of which at this address to which they send the bills they insisted that our trading address was our old one (how many times do you have to tell them over ten years that we moved!) – despite numerous phone calls and providing all documents required, three times being told that’s all that’s needed and then being asked for something else the next day, after ten days they still have not reinstated our “service” – absolute shambles of a company with no regard for customers

  • Ben

    Be aware, Barclaycard have launched a vigorous “Know your customer” campaign. Numerous forms are requested, one after the other, and all kinds of documents and ID demanded. The slightest omission or delay, or even on a whim, they can freeze your account without giving you a reason, they simply offer the excuse of looking for money laundering or fraud. It’s scandalous and it’s all permitted in their terms. Please take care, especially if you sign up to a settlement delay. Their process takes weeks and won’t be hurried.

  • Shore side

    We have started this contract with Barclays Card Merchant service, after taking all terms and condition. they are charging £50 per month additionally when we ask for the reason they said this is because of international card, when we ask for evidence they said they can not provide that means simple cheating and biggest fraud case and this is a bleach of contract, they will charge you account direct debit whatever they want without information and when you ask for explanation you will never have it.

    We close the contract within first 30Days due to all above issues and we are not at all confident because the way they are doing fraud, they will finish soon,
    My appeal to the Business community it is our hard earn money which Barclays Card Merchant service will take without a reason so you can deal with them at own your risk.


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