In this review of Benchmark Merchant Solutions, 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 Benchmark Merchant Solutions meets your payment processing needs.
About Benchmark Merchant Services
Based in Amherst, New York, Benchmark Merchant Solutions is a merchant account provider that offers startup business solutions and payment processing for businesses of all sizes as well as non-profit organizations. Benchmark Merchant Solutions does not list its founding year on its website, but the Better Business Bureau states that the company began operating in 2008. Benchmark is a reseller of EVO Payments International.
Benchmark Merchant Solutions handles payment processing for all major debit and credit cards across various business types. Their services include EMV card readers and swipers, POS solutions, e-commerce solutions, mobile solutions, and non-profit fundraising solutions.
POS: Seamless Payment Experience
Benchmark Merchant Solutions provides a comprehensive POS system that supports multiple payment methods, including credit and debit cards. It also integrates easily with existing systems, allowing businesses to incorporate Benchmark’s POS into their operations.
Mobile Payment Processing
For businesses that need to operate in various locations, Benchmark offers a mobile payment processing solution. This service enables businesses to accept credit card payments via mobile devices. Benchmark’s mobile processing is compatible with many smartphones and tablets.
E-commerce Payment Solutions
Benchmark Merchant Solutions supports online businesses with a robust e-commerce payment gateway. This service enables businesses to securely accept credit card payments from customers worldwide.
Customized Payment Gateway Integrations
One of Benchmark Merchant Solutions’ strengths is its ability to integrate with various payment gateways. This allows businesses to customize their payment processing systems to meet their specific needs.
Benchmark Merchant Solutions 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
Overview of Customer Feedback
Our investigation reveals approximately 5 negative reviews of Benchmark Merchant Solutions, with a few labeling the company as a ripoff or scam. Many of these concerns were related to a merchant cash advance program offered by one of the company’s ISOs. Benchmark Merchant Solutions has reportedly taken steps to discontinue this promotion and to resolve the issues of the affected merchants. Other complaints focus on delays in account deposits and charges related to early contract termination. We encourage readers to share their own experiences with Benchmark Merchant Solutions in the comments below to enrich our understanding of the company.
Benchmark Merchant Solutions Lawsuits
No evidence of class-action lawsuits or Federal Trade Commission (FTC) complaints against Benchmark Merchant Solutions has been found in our research. Clients seeking alternatives to litigation can report their experiences to appropriate supervisory bodies.
Benchmark Merchant Solutions Online Ratings
Here's How They Rate Online
Online Ratings Summary
BBB Reports
0
Under 5 Complaints
Benchmark Merchant Solutions currently has an “A+” rating with the Better Business Bureau and is not BBB accredited at this time. The company has received 0 complaints in the past 36 months.
What Merchants Say
Benchmark Merchant Solutions has no informal reviews in the last 3 years. One former review cited difficulty canceling the merchant account:
Hidden charges totaling almost $100 per month. Impossible to cancel contract. Asked for a copy of the contract took over a month to email over and charged another $98.24 for the month of June. Called back and still account is open and will not cancel. Manager is never available. Horrible and rude comments on the phone.
In light of the company’s clean complaint record, we agree with the BBB’s rating at this time.
Benchmark Merchant Solutions Fees, Rates & Costs
A Closer Look at The Contract
Rates & Fees Summary
Cancellation Penalties
Yes
Monthly & Annual Fees
Yes
Processing Rates
2.20% - 4.99%
Equipment Leasing
Yes
Three-Year Agreement
Benchmark Merchant Solutions previously disclosed a three-year contract term with automatic renewal for one-year increments on their website, now removed. An early termination fee of $495 and several monthly charges have been confirmed by client feedback. Being an EVO Payments International reseller, Benchmark Merchant Solutions’ contract terms might closely align with those of EVO. Typically, an EVO Payment International agreement includes a PCI compliance fee of $120 annually. The contracts also tend to feature long-term, non-cancellable equipment leases, leading to costs significantly above purchasing credit card terminals outright. Business owners are encouraged to review our selection of the top merchant services for better alternatives.
Industry-Standard Terms
The terms of Benchmark’s contract are in line with industry standards. Despite this, the scarcity of complaints regarding the company’s pricing structure suggests that many clients are content with their service. Consequently, Benchmark Merchant Solutions has been given a “B” rating in this area. Nonetheless, it’s recommended that businesses evaluate Benchmark’s rates alongside those offered by affordable merchant account providers. For individuals with detailed insights into Benchmark Merchant Solutions’ standard agreement, your contributions in the comments section would be greatly appreciated.
Benchmark Merchant Solutions appears to primarily market its services via independent sales offices and traditional advertising. The use of independent resellers is commonly linked to elevated complaint rates in the credit card processing industry, and we have located a handful of Benchmark Merchant Solutions reviews that accuse the company of misrepresentation or nondisclosure of terms.
At least one Benchmark Merchant Solutions complaint stems from undesired telemarketing from the company, but many older complaints almost exclusively appear to be related to a merchant cash advance promotion conducted by one of the company’s ISOs in 2012 and 2013. Clients specifically complain of being promised large cash advances in exchange for opening merchant accounts but never receiving the cash advances. The company has since taken steps to correct the issue, but it appears that these Benchmark Merchant Solutions complaints were a direct product of its sales infrastructure. We have therefore lowered the company’s score slightly in this category.
No Deceptive Marketing
To its credit, BMS does not appear to advertise any misleading rate quotes or unrealistic guarantees in its official materials. If you suspect that you have had undisclosed Benchmark Merchant Solutions fees added to your Benchmark Merchant Solutions contract, we recommend seeking a third-party statement audit to eliminate hidden charges.
Our Benchmark Merchant Solutions Review Summary
Our Final Thoughts
Benchmark Merchant Solutions stands out as a reliable credit card processing provider, based on extensive data collected. The majority of grievances lodged against the company are seemingly tied to previously resolved issues, indicating an improvement in practices or resolutions that have mitigated these older problems. Despite its commendably low rate of complaints, the company’s contract terms remain typical of the industry, which stops it from achieving the exceptional value provided by the leading payment processors in the market. This aspect slightly hampers its ability to compete at the highest level, as the contract terms often dictate the flexibility and satisfaction merchants experience. While Benchmark shows promise, businesses might find better terms and services with top-rated merchant account providers known for their superior contract offerings and customer-first approaches.
Contact Benchmark Merchant Solutions
Contact & Customer Support
Owner
Daniel Gellman
Director of Operations
Schneur Kamensky
Headquarters
4053 Maple Rd Ste. 199, Amherst, NY
Toll-Free Customer Support
(877) 382-6262
Additional Support Channels
Online Contact Form
Website
https://benchmarkmerchantsolutions.com/
Testimonials & Complaints
How Did Benchmark Merchant Solutions Treat You?
3 User Reviews
Yakov
I signed up with bms the agent brings me a credit card machine we swiped a a card and showed error so we swiped again and the same error. And the next day calls me the customer that we charged him twice . So we stopped using the machine waiting for a new or repair we never got (waiting a year).
After a year we decided to sand back the machine and cancel the subscription they charged us over $500 to cancel after every month fee $27 when we didn’t use the there services
Sharing your experience influences our rating and helps other business owners make informed decisions. Promotional content and contact information will not be published. Please provide a detailed summary of your experience.
Any unauthorized copying and reproduction of the content of this page, including all meta data and computer code, is strictly prohibited. While the information in the above article is believed to be accurate as of its publish date, the author and publisher make no representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the contents. The author and publisher shall in no event be held liable to any party for any direct, indirect, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of this material, which is provided “as is,” and without warranties. Any and all use of trade names and/or marks are for identification purposes only and shall not be construed as a claim of affiliation, or otherwise, with CardPaymentOptions.com, Inc. ("CPO") in any form. The sole purpose of the material presented herein is to alert, educate, and inform readers. It is not intended as legal or financial advice. We may earn revenue if you obtain services from a provider that we recommend. See this page to learn how we support our operations.
Yakov
I signed up with bms the agent brings me a credit card machine we swiped a a card and showed error so we swiped again and the same error. And the next day calls me the customer that we charged him twice . So we stopped using the machine waiting for a new or repair we never got (waiting a year).
After a year we decided to sand back the machine and cancel the subscription they charged us over $500 to cancel after every month fee $27 when we didn’t use the there services
From The Editor
This Post Might Help: Best Merchant Accounts for Plumbers
Igor G Polishchuk
Horrible customer service.
Hidden contract charges at over a $100 per month.
From The Editor
This Post Might Help: Let Us Eliminate Fees From Your Contract For You
Igor G Polishchuk
Everything was taken care of and services were finalized successfully. Thank you!