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(888) 496-4818Company Overview
Charge.com is a merchant account provider that has been in business since 1995. The company was bought by Pipeline Data (a subsidiary of Cynergy Data) in 2005. Neither Pipeline Data or Cynergy Data are still operating: Pipeline went bankrupt and Cynergy was absorbed into Priority Payment Systems, so it is probable that Charge.com is now also part of Priority Payment Systems. The company resells Authorize.Net for its payment gateway services. Charge.com focuses primarily on supplying credit card processing services and equipment but can also provide e-commerce solutions for merchants who require them.
Charge.com Payment Processing
Charge.com processes Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover, and checks instantly online, in-person, by phone, mail, or fax for almost any business type. They offer a free terminal or swiper, mobile solutions, a virtual terminal, e-commerce solutions such as shopping carts, SEO services, online management and reporting, and SSL certification.
Virtual Terminals
Charge.com provides virtual terminals that enable businesses to accept payments online through a secure web-based platform. This service is ideal for businesses that do not have a physical storefront or that primarily operate online.
E-commerce Payment Solutions by Charge.com
For businesses operating in the online space, Charge.com provides e-commerce payment solutions. These include a secure payment gateway that integrates seamlessly with business websites, enabling real-time online transaction processing. Such e-commerce solutions allow businesses to accept payments from customers globally, expanding their reach beyond geographical boundaries.
Charge.com’s Mobile Payment Processing
Charge.com provides mobile payment processing services that enable businesses to accept card payments on the go using mobile devices. This service is designed to cater to businesses that operate outside of traditional brick-and-mortar environments, providing a flexible and convenient payment processing solution.
POS Systems from Charge.com
Point of Sale (POS) systems provided by Charge.com are aimed at facilitating business operations beyond just payment processing. The POS systems can manage sales transactions, track inventory, and store customer information, making them a comprehensive tool for business management. For specifics about which POS systems they offer, it would be best to directly contact the company.
Recurring Billing and Subscription Management by Charge.com
For businesses that operate on a subscription model or require recurring billing, Charge.com offers relevant solutions. These services help automate the billing process, enabling businesses to regularly collect payments for ongoing services or subscriptions without manual intervention.
ACH Processing
Charge.com provides ACH processing services that enable businesses to accept electronic payments directly from bank accounts. This service is designed to be fast, secure, and reliable, and it is ideal for businesses that receive recurring payments or that need to process large volumes of payments.
Chargeback Prevention
Charge.com offers chargeback prevention services that help businesses reduce the risk of chargebacks, which can result in lost revenue and increased processing fees. Their chargeback prevention services are designed to be proactive and help businesses resolve disputes quickly and efficiently.
Location & Leadership
The company is headquartered at 9715 W Broward Blvd # 182, Plantation, FL 33324-2351 and is a registered ISO of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Walnut Creek, California. Greg Danzig is listed as the president and CEO of Charge.com.
Charge.com Pros and Cons
pros
- Veteran Prescence in the Industry
- Fewer Complaints Than Expected
cons
- Does Not Disclose All Important Terms
- Reports of Unethical Sales Tactics
Video Summary
Table of Contents
- Costs & Contract: Appears to offer a three-year contract with a $495 early termination fee and…
- Complaints & Service: Has received more than 45 public complaints regarding…
- BBB Rating: Has an “A+” rating with the Better Business Bureau and has received 0 complaints in…
- Sales & Marketing: Appears to hire independent sales representatives and has received some complaints about its…
Charge.com Customer Complaints & Reviews
Here's What Users Think
Complaint Summary
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Total Online Complaints
45+
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Live Customer Support
Yes
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Most Common Complaint
Hidden Fees
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Recent Lawsuits
No
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Moderate Complaint Total
There is a low number of negative Charge.com reviews filed online for a provider of its size and time in business; however, it should be noted that its former parent company (Pipeline Data) and processor (Cynergy Data) amassed very high complaint counts. Charge.com seems to have a consistent pattern of public complaints filed on Ripoff Report, although a handful of these Charge.com reviews may be filed against other businesses with “-charge.com” in their names. The majority of the complaints report unexpected and hidden fees, nondisclosure of the PCI Compliance fee, high cancellation fees, and unauthorized debits from business’ checking accounts. If you have your own Charge.com review to make, please do so in the comments below.
Charge.com Lawsuits and Fines
We have not found any outstanding class-action lawsuits or FTC complaints filed against Charge.com. Dissatisfied clients who wish to pursue a non-litigious course of action against the company should consider reporting it to the relevant supervisory organizations.
Charge.com Customer Support Options
As of this update, the company’s complaint volume appears to have slowed from previous years, which may be an indication of improved policies and customer service. It could also be a sign that Charge.com’s business has slowed, or that the company is making use of a DBA. Charge.com offers 24/7 phone support to its clients, though this channel is not sufficient enough to qualify it as a top-rated payment processor for customer service.
Charge.com Customer Service Number
- (888) 496-4818 – Toll-Free General Customer Service
Other Support Options
- Customer support form on its website
- Customer service email address at [email protected]
Charge.com BBB Rating and Report
Our Better Business Bureau Profile Assessment
BBB Summary
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BBB Reports
0
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No Complaints
As of this update, the Better Business Bureau is reporting that Charge.com has an “A+” rating based on no complaints.
What Merchants Say
At the time of a previous review, one client described issues with customer service and funds charged after account cancellation:
I ordered,then cancelled my service with these guys. They took monies from me,and will not refund. They even took monies after I cancelled service. I cancelled their service shortly after signing up. I was told I would be getting a refund. Instead,they took 19.95,and then another 64.95. I had to go to my bank and block them from taking any more money,because clearly they have committed a fraud. I call their phone,I hold for 19 minutes the 1st time. 11 more the last time,for NO solution. I have an email chain with a Mr Scott,of 8-9 emails asking me to produce an email that I cant seem to locate,but at this time what difference would it make? Customer service is poor.
Businesses stuck in a similar situation can benefit from knowing how to cancel an account without paying a fee.
No Rating Assigned
We agree with the BBB’s rating at this time, but business owners should note that there are good reasons to be skeptical of BBB scores.
Charge.com Fees and Rates
A Closer Look at the Contract
Cost Summary
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Cancellation Penalties
Yes
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Monthly & Annual Fees
Yes
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Processing Rates
Variable
|
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Equipment Leasing
Yes
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Variable Pricing
Charge.com’s pricing appears to vary from business to business based on business type and processing volume. As discussed in a later section of this review, the company promotes deceptive price quotes that could easily confuse clients.
Three-Year Contract Term
A copy of the company’s standard contract terms includes a 36-month service agreement with an Early Termination Fee (ETF) of $495, a monthly statement fee of $25 (applied only in the event that Charge.com creates a reserve account for the client), a one-time fee of $35 if the business’ keyed-in transactions constitute more than 15% of its overall transactions in any given month, and a monthly fee of $25 for governmental compliance. The company also charges an annual PCI Compliance fee of up to $185 (but not in excess of $300), which is much higher than the industry average. Additionally, as a reseller of Authorize.net, clients who choose the company’s gateway services will be charged a fee of $25 per month. We always encourage business owners to check out our list of the providers of the best merchant services.
Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Pricing
In addition to its storefront payment processing services, Charge.com also dedicates a portion of its website to advertising its virtual terminal and payment gateway services. The company resells the services of Authorize.Net, whose pricing is readily known. Businesses using Authorize.net’s payment gateway will be charged a 2.9% plus $0.30 per-transaction fee, a $25 monthly gateway fee, and a daily batch fee of $0.10 in addition to the $25 monthly gateway fee.
It should be noted that as a reseller of Authorize.Net and other payment gateway services, Charge.com may alter the terms and conditions of those rates and fees.
Charge.com’s rates are not competitive with the cheapest merchant accounts available.
Charge.com Jobs and Employment
Hiring Standards and Ethical Marketing Assessment
Key Points
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Uses Independent Resellers
No
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Telemarketing
Unclear
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MIsleading Marketing
Yes
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Discloses All Important Terms
No
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Charge.com Sales Approach
Charge.com’s marketing strategy appears to rely heavily on independent sales agents, online marketing, and affiliate partnerships. Charge.com has received a low score in this section because the company promotes highly misleading pricing on its website. This does not compare favorably to our list of the best credit card processors.
Deceptive Quotes
The company advertises itself as “the most trusted name in payments” with rates “as low as 0.25%” and a transaction fee “as low as $0.15.” Charge.com promotes these rates in a way that fails to disclose the Downgrade Fees for Mid-Qualified and Non-Qualified transactions. Additionally, the company’s website advertises that it does not charge cancellation fees yet its merchant agreement explicitly lists an early termination fee of $495.
The website quotes reviews from companies like Apple, NBC Internet, America Online, and Yahoo!, but it doesn’t provide links to these sources or explain why these companies would be reviewing Charge.com. In general, Charge.com appears to rely heavily on selective disclosure and vague testimonials to build trust with clients. If you suspect that Charge.com is charging you undisclosed fees, we recommend seeking a third-party statement audit to find and eliminate hidden charges.
The questionable reviews as seen on Charge.com
Charge.com Review Summary
Our Final Thoughts and Opinions
Charge.com has been in the credit card processing industry for more than 20 years; however, the company suffers from the typical complaints found with less reputable credit card processors. The company can improve its rating by fully disclosing all fees and contract terms of its own services (as well as the ones it resells to businesses) and by preventing future negative Charge.com reviews regarding deceptive sales tactics. We will continue to monitor the company’s reputation to determine whether it will become one of the worst-rated providers or a worthy competitor to the top-rated providers.
If you found this article helpful, please share it!
WilliamKirkland
My order for charger placed 8/26/19, received, not compatible, phoned them they tried to talk me out of returning by offering a 25% discount. Why buy if it won’t work, I asked. Returned 9/5/2019 by USPO to Pacoima, CA…my Visa charged and no credit issued in 5 weeks. Another example of an electronic company ripping customers off, same thing happened with a personal fan device…no more internet purchashes for me.
Roux Mohammed
Customer Service is poooooooooooooooooor. You email them or call them it’s hard to get hold of them. Advice to higher level invest in Sales and Customer Service team or may be train them better name a few Meredith A. Mitchell & Deborah D. Adler.
This post will help: Best Merchant Accounts for Great Customer Service
-Phillip
Jason Jones
Charge.com is an amazing company. I got set up the same day I applied and they are saving me 40% off of what I was paying with another company. I would not hesitate to recommend.
CPO
Hi Jason,
Please reply to this comment with your business name and location in order to authenticate your testimonial. Thanks!
Mark Trujillo
worst experience ever. Got charged so many fees that im doubling my fees with my own bank with stop payments. They advertise one thing, but they neglect to tell you that their several departments have their own billing processes. We’re warned about scam artist? These crooks are those very ones we were warned about. If you havent signed up with them, do a full research first .
Posy Lane
I sent them an email asking if they could beat the rates I am paying now. They were higher than what I am paying, and twice what I found another reputable vendor quoted.
They sent me an email asking why I didn’t choose them, and so I told them about their rates compared to others. Then they sent an insulting email back in response.
If they will treat me like crap before I am even a customer, I can’t imagine how they would treat me after I signed up.
DANIEL DORADO
this company does a bait and switch i was told no contract no canclation fees monthy fees of 10 bucks . this is what i was charge 30 a month for non use 3 precent with fee no statements no one to talk to at charge.com . dont trust them crooks
Pam
It has been a very difficult dealing with this company. Very very poor service and poor business practices! I feel taken advantage of and ripped OFF!
John
Do not use these switch and bait they get access to your account and hit you for fees in the first month and don’t pay you… THEY DO NOT PAY MERCHANTS STAY AWAY FROM THEM.
Stuf
Very poor company. Undisclosed fees galore. Do not sign up. Use Square