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All mentions of rate and fee costs are estimations based on publicly available information and client feedback. Actual costs may vary based on a variety of factors unique to your business.
In this review of Card Concepts Merchant Services, we take a closer look at the company’s credit card processing services. Their offerings include point-of-sale systems, mobile payment options, and e-commerce features designed to support a variety of businesses. We’ll highlight which businesses may benefit most from these services. We’ll also review client and customer feedback to identify common trends and concerns. In addition, we’ll cover pricing, contract terms, and included services. By the end, you’ll know whether Card Concepts Merchant Services is the right fit for your payment processing needs.
About Card Concepts
Card Concepts Homepage
Card Concepts Merchant Services is a merchant account provider that was established in 2009. Card Concepts appears to be an independent reseller of Global Payments contracts. It should be noted that the company may easily be confused with Card Concepts, Inc., a vended laundry payment solutions company, but the two entities are entirely unrelated.
Products & Merchant Services
Payment Processing
Card Concepts Merchant Services facilitates transactions for various business types by processing all major debit and credit cards.
Elev8POS Solutions
Elev8POS offers point-of-sale systems tailored to the needs of various businesses, focusing on efficient transaction processing and inventory management. The system supports multiple payment methods and integrates with other business operations, such as customer management and sales tracking.
e-Commerce Solutions
Card Concepts provides e-commerce solutions that enable businesses to sell products and services online. These solutions include payment gateways and shopping cart integrations designed to facilitate secure and smooth online transactions.
Mobile Payments
The mobile payment solutions from Card Concepts allow businesses to accept payments from smartphones and tablets, offering flexibility for on-the-go sales. This is useful for mobile vendors, service professionals, or any business that operates outside of a traditional storefront.
Gift and Loyalty Programs
Gift and loyalty programs are designed to enhance customer retention by offering rewards and incentives for repeat purchases. These programs can help businesses maintain engagement with their customers, encouraging long-term relationships.
Check Processing
Card Concepts also offers check processing services, which provide a way for businesses to accept checks as a payment method in a more secure and streamlined manner.
ATM Services
ATM services provided by Card Concepts allow businesses to install and manage ATMs on-site, offering customers easy access to cash. This can increase foot traffic to a location, especially in areas where cash is still widely used.
Customer Reviews & Sentiment
Low Complaint Total
Our current search finds just one negative Card Concepts Merchant Services review, where the company is not described as a scam. The complaint raised issues about subpar sales representation and challenges in contacting customer service to address these concerns. This seems to be a singular occurrence. We invite you to share your Card Concepts experiences in the comments below.
Card Concepts Lawsuits
No class-action lawsuits or FTC complaints have been reported against Card Concepts. Merchants looking for non-litigious solutions with the company might find it beneficial to report their concerns to supervisory organizations.
Industry Scores & User Ratings
Online Ratings Summary
PaymentPop
5
BBB Rating
N/A
Google Maps
4
Average Rating
4
PaymentPop Rating for Card Concepts
Negative Feedback
There are no negative reviews published about PaymentPop on the PaymentPop website.
Positive Feedback
Card Concepts provided us with a clean setup and didn’t waste time with upselling. They got us the tools we needed, and everything has worked without issue. The support team is easy to reach, which hasn’t always been the case with other providers we’ve used.
Card Concepts BBB Rating
Card Concepts Merchant Services is not an accredited business of the Better Business Bureau and presently has an “A+” rating. The complaint section of its profile shows 0 complaints in the last 36 months. The BBB cites the company’s time in business as a major factor improving its grade.
An “A” Performance
Given the company’s clean complaint record and good standing with the BBB, we agree with the BBB’s rating. Merchants should note, however, that there are good reasons to be skeptical of the BBB’s rating system.
Google Maps Rating for Card Concepts
Card Concepts has a 4 out of 5 star rating based on 16 user reviews on Google Maps.
Positive Feedback
Good company good service I’m happy with them really good customer service 24 hours
Negative Feedback
Horrible customer service. Our credit card swiper broke and they basically blow us off. When I called to cancel the owner, Travis was extremely rude and condescending. We cancelled January 8 and are still getting charged the $49.00 card concepts service fee for two months of “service”. Our contract was up. I would definitely recommend finding a card processing company with better customer service because theirs is terrible.
Processing Rates & Fees
Variable Contract Terms
Currently, there are no complaints available regarding the standard Card Concepts contract, resulting in limited information about it. Instead of listing rates on its website, Card Concepts encourages merchants to contact them for personalized rate quotes.
Card Concepts appears to resell the services of Global Payments, suggesting that its contract terms may mirror those of Global Payments. Global Payments offers a range of processing rates tailored to a merchant’s business type, size, and tenure.
For this review, we reference Global Payments fees to provide an estimate of what merchants might encounter with Card Concepts. A typical contract with Global Payments includes an early termination fee of $500 per location or Liquidated Damages, whichever is greater, alongside a non-cancelable 48-month equipment lease. Merchant feedback has also highlighted additional charges such as a $299 annual maintenance fee, account holds, and challenges in closing accounts.
Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Pricing
Aside from its in-store payment processing services, Card Concepts offers virtual terminal and payment gateway services on its website. However, specific pricing for these services is not provided. Additional rates and fees, including gateway fees, technical support fees, batch fees, and additional transaction rates, typically apply to e-commerce services.
Share Your Insights
To ensure merchants secure the best rates, we suggest considering options from the cheapest merchant accounts. If you possess knowledge about Card Concepts’ standard contract, including any early termination fees or monthly minimum fees, feel free to share that information in the comment section below.
Card Concepts Merchant Services offers e-commerce services including virtual terminals and payment gateways
Employee Reviews & Sales Practices
Independent Sales Team
Card Concepts appears to primarily market its services through its website and through independent sales offices. Despite its use of resellers, there is only one public Card Concepts review at this time that mentions inept and misleading sales tactics by a company representative. If you suspect that Card Concepts is charging you undisclosed fees, we recommend seeking a free third-party statement audit to find and eliminate hidden costs.
No Deceptive Advertising
To its credit, the company does not appear to engage in deceptive advertising tactics in its official materials. If you have had any experience with the Card Concepts sales force, please describe that communication in the comment section below.
Card Concepts Competitors
Compare Card Concepts to competitors that earned top marks.
Card Concepts Merchant Services is recognized as a dependable merchant services provider, with a solid track record that includes just one complaint noted on consumer protection websites. Although specific details of its contract terms remain unclear at this point, there is no indication that the company engages in deceptive practices. Its affiliation with Global Payments implies that merchants who choose Card Concepts can anticipate similar contract terms and customer support. Nevertheless, it’s crucial for merchants to diligently review all potential terms before committing to the service. A thorough comparison of Card Concepts’ offerings with those from other top-rated payment processors will help ensure that merchants make well-informed decisions that align with their business goals and customer needs.
