We take our role in providing guidance and education regarding the card payment industry very seriously. At our own expense, we have vigorously defended our right to continue expose unethical and predatory practices in the industry, successfully defeating every attempt to silence us. However, fending off frivolous lawsuits is costly. To sustain these efforts, one of the ways we generate revenue is through affiliate partnerships with ethical providers. This means that some of our outgoing links connect business owners to trustworthy, low-cost payment processors, which is what most of our readers seek. We see this revenue channel as a win-win-win for everyone involved. Business owners find good processors, processors get good clients, and we are able to continue to provide a valuable service to the small business community. We also recommend and link to many services that do not compensate us. Our priority is to guide you to the best solutions for your needs, regardless of potential revenue. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us.
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 ClearChoice 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 different types 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 ClearChoice Merchant Services is the right fit for your payment processing needs.
About ClearGate
ClearGate Homepage
ClearGate, formerly known as ClearChoice Merchant Services, is a merchant account provider headquartered in Reno, Nevada. The company appears to have changed its name in 2014, however, the domain once registered to ClearChoice redirects to ClearGate’s current website, meaning it likely does not operate under its other DBA any longer. There is some evidence that ClearGate is a reseller of First Data (now Fiserv) contracts. In 2022, ClearGate was purchased by a branch of Evolv.
Products & Merchant Services
Payment Processing
ClearGate processes all major debit and credit cards for most business types.
EMV Card Readers and Swipers
EMV card readers and swipers are for businesses that handle in-person payments. These devices allow for the secure acceptance of credit and debit cards by reading the chip embedded in EMV cards, which offers enhanced security compared to traditional magnetic stripe technology.
Virtual Terminals
Virtual terminals offer a convenient and flexible solution for businesses that need to process payments remotely. These online platforms allow merchants to accept credit and debit card payments over the phone, through email, or via web forms, without the need for physical card readers.
Payment Gateway
A payment gateway is a component in the digital payment landscape, acting as the intermediary between a customer’s payment method and the merchant’s bank account. It facilitates the secure transfer of payment information, ensuring that online transactions are processed smoothly and securely.
PayUp Mobile Payment
PayUp Mobile Payment is a mobile payment solution designed to meet the needs of today’s on-the-go consumers and businesses. It enables customers to make payments using their smartphones or tablets, offering convenience and speed at the point of sale.
Business Management App
A Business Management App offers businesses a centralized platform to oversee various aspects of their operations. This app typically includes features for managing sales, tracking inventory, handling customer relationships, and generating reports.
Data Reporting and Analytics
Data reporting and analytics are for businesses seeking to optimize their operations and improve decision-making. These tools provide detailed insights into sales performance, customer behavior, and transaction trends, enabling businesses to identify opportunities for growth and areas for improvement.
Customer Reviews & Sentiment
Low Complaint Total
As of now, we can find only a limited number of negative ClearGate reviews online. These do not label the company as a scam or a ripoff. One ClearGate complaint mentions unauthorized charges, while the other two involve issues related to non-disclosure of contract terms. These terms include the contract’s duration, early termination fees, and cancellation policy. If you have a ClearGate review based on your experience, feel free to share it in the comments below.
ClearGate Lawsuits
We have conducted thorough research and found no current class-action lawsuits or FTC complaints filed against ClearGate. However, merchants dissatisfied with ClearGate’s services have options for non-litigious actions. These include reporting the company to relevant supervisory organizations.
ClearGate Customer Service Options
ClearGate, potentially an ISO or reseller of First Data (Fiserv), might have some of its reviews reflected under the profiles of its larger payment processor partner. In the absence of concrete evidence, this aspect has not influenced our evaluation. ClearGate provides several customer support channels. These include a dedicated phone number and email address. However, it’s noteworthy that ClearGate is not currently recognized among the top merchant account providers for customer service.
Industry Scores & User Ratings
Online Ratings Summary
PaymentPop
5
BBB Rating
N/A
PaymentPop Rating for ClearGate
Negative Feedback
There are no negative reviews published about ClearGate on the PaymentPop website.
Positive Feedback
ClearGate helped us get our payment system in place without the usual headaches. They didn’t oversell us, just listened to what we needed and delivered. The system has been dependable, and their support has followed through every time we’ve reached out.
ClearGate BBB Rating
ClearGate has been an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau since 2006. As of this review, the company has an “A+” rating with the BBB and has had 0 complaints filed against it in the last 36 months. It also has not received any informal reviews, although it should be noted that these reviews are not subject to verification by the BBB.
An “A” Performance Overall
In keeping with our belief that “A+” ratings should typically be reserved for companies with 0 complaints, we agree with the BBB’s rating at this time. Merchants should be aware, however, that there are reasons to be skeptical of the BBB’s reviews.
Processing Rates & Fees
Three-Year Agreement
The ClearGate Program Guide is aligned with the standard First Data (Fiserv) framework, including a three-year term with automatic renewal for two-year increments, an early termination fee between $250-$350, and a monthly PCI Compliance fee of $19.95. It also mentions a monthly minimum fee and tiered pricing. Despite this, ClearGate offers proposals with flat rate or interchange-plus pricing options beyond just tiered pricing, as outlined in its program guide. While these terms may not be the most competitive, they are consistent with what is typical for First Data (Fiserv) agreements.
Merchant account pricing may vary by reseller, with First Data (Fiserv) typically offering rates of 2.69% plus $0.19 for swiped transactions up to $50,000 monthly, with lower rates for higher volumes. Contracts can range from month-to-month to up to five years, often including a two to four-year service length, an early termination fee up to $495, and a PCI Compliance fee of $19.95 per month. Merchants have also reported costly, non-cancellable equipment leases through First Data Global Leasing lasting up to 48 months.
Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Pricing
ClearGate promotes its virtual terminal and payment gateway services on its website, though specific pricing details are not provided. Rates for these e-commerce services, including gateway fees, technical support charges, batch fees, and transaction rates, are typically applied additionally.
Level 2 and Level 3 Processing Services
ClearMerchant provides Level 2 and Level 3 processing for B2B and B2G transactions, utilizing different interchange rates than those for consumer credit transactions. This specialized processing requires technology capable of transmitting the detailed data necessary for these transactions. Rates advertised for Level 2 processing are 2.05% plus $0.10 for Visa and 2.00% to 2.31% plus $0.10 for MasterCard, with Level 3 rates at 1.85% plus $0.10 for Visa and 1.75% to 2.06% plus $0.10 for MasterCard.
ClearGate Contract Complaints
There have been at least two complaints from merchants surprised by a $350 cancellation fee, suggesting that this fee may not always be clearly communicated by sales agents. Merchants should thoroughly review all contract terms and compare the merchant agreement with the program guide to confirm all fees.
Merchants are advised to explore our selection of the best merchant accounts for competitive options.
ClearGate offers virtual terminal and payment gateway access
Employee Reviews & Sales Practices
ClearGate Sales Tactics
ClearGate appears to hire independently contracted sales agents to market its services. This is a common hiring practice within the credit card processing industry that often results in a sales team composed of poorly trained or unregulated agents. We are currently able to locate two ClearGate reviews that describe nondisclosure of ClearGate fees by the company’s sales agents. These complaints specifically cite a failure to explain the company’s early termination fee amount, 3-year service term, and cancellation procedures.
No Misleading Quotes
To its credit, ClearGate does not appear to list deceptive rate quotes in its official materials. This compares favorably to our list ofbest credit card processors. If you suspect that ClearGate is charging you undisclosed fees, we recommend seeking a third-party statement audit to find and eliminate hidden charges.
ClearGate Competitors
Compare ClearGate to competitors that earned top marks.
ClearGate ranks as a better-than-average merchant services provider according to our criteria. The company’s exceptionally low complaint rate on consumer protection websites is commendable, reflecting a level of customer satisfaction that surpasses many in the industry. However, its overall score is tempered by contract terms that remain fairly standard for the industry. Merchants considering ClearGate should carefully review both the program guide and merchant agreement to get an accurate picture of potential expenses. To ensure they secure the best possible deal, merchants are encouraged to compare ClearGate’s pricing to those of top-rated merchant account providers. Taking this extra step helps ensure that merchants make an informed decision that aligns with their financial expectations and business goals.
