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In this review of Cliq, a merchant account provider based in Costa Mesa, California, we take a closer look at their services, including chargeback management, mobile and e-commerce solutions, and recurring billing. Our analysis covers the effectiveness of their mobile payment system, the quality of their e-commerce integrations, and the strength of their security and fraud protection tools. We also evaluate their customer support while reviewing contract terms, fees, and rates to highlight both advantages and potential drawbacks. In addition, we examine common customer complaints, industry ratings, and the impact of Cliq’s legal history to provide businesses with a balanced understanding of the company’s reliability as a payment processing solution.
About Cliq
Cliq Homepage
Located in Costa Mesa, California, Cliq is a merchant account provider that previously operated under the name CardFlex.
Products & Merchant Services
Payment Processing
Cliq processes most major debit and credit cards for standard-risk businesses. Their services include chargeback management, POS solutions, mobile solutions, PCI compliance, prepaid cards, tip management, expense cards, card-not-present payments, payroll, and ACH solutions.
Mobile Payments
Cliq offers tools for businesses to accept payments via mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. This feature caters to the growing importance of mobile commerce, providing customers with a modern and convenient payment method.
E-commerce Integration
Cliq supports easy integration with multiple e-commerce platforms, allowing businesses to manage their online stores with minimal effort. This integration optimizes the online checkout experience.
Security and Fraud Protection
Cliq prioritizes transaction security by implementing advanced fraud prevention measures and using cutting-edge encryption technology. This approach protects both businesses and customers from potential fraudulent activities.
Recurring Billing
For businesses offering subscription services or requiring ongoing payments, Cliq provides a recurring billing feature.
Customer Support
Cliq offers dedicated customer support with a team of knowledgeable professionals available to assist businesses with any concerns or issues related to their payment processing services.
Customer Reviews & Sentiment
Review Analysis of Cliq Payment Solutions
Our examination has revealed over 10 negative reviews concerning Cliq Payment Solutions, with accusations ranging from the service being labeled as a scam to dissatisfaction with specific operational aspects. Notably, a significant portion of the complaints seem to stem from an isolated incident involving a large fund hold. However, other businesses have echoed similar concerns about substantial fund holds, steep early termination fees exceeding $1,500, and rate increases post-signup. Recent feedback has also highlighted challenges with Cliq’s payroll system, particularly its shift to paying employees via reloadable Visa prepaid cards instead of traditional direct deposit. While Cliq has engaged with some customer feedback professionally and resolved a number of issues, the nature of these complaints has influenced a “B” rating for the company. We invite customers to share their experiences with Cliq Payment Solutions in the comments section below to further enrich our community’s insight.
Support Services Offered by Cliq
Cliq provides customer support through a dedicated phone line and an online contact form. However, it’s not definitively stated whether these services are directly managed by Cliq or through its partnership with Cynergy Data. Despite these efforts, Cliq has yet to be recognized as a leading merchant account provider for exceptional customer service.
Industry Scores & User Ratings
Online Ratings Summary
PaymentPop
1
BBB Rating
N/A
Our Rating
3
Average Rating
3
PaymentPop Rating for Cliq
Negative Feedback
As an attorney, I’ve represented several merchant clients regarding outrageous early termination fees, being wrongfully placed on the Terminated Merchant File, fraud, breach of contract, etc. against Cliq when it was known as CardFlex. There was a disturbing pattern of conduct on their part that resulted in many merchants being destroyed. I’m assisting with such a case in New York where my client was forced to file his lawsuit when CardFlex changed jurisdiction to avoid lawsuits in Orange County where its corporate offices are located and where I filed my lawsuits. I’m very interested in hearing from other merchants who have experienced the disgusting CardFlex/Cliq practices. Please contact me at my email address. Thank you.
Positive Feedback
There are no positive reviews published about Cliq on the PaymentPop website.
Cliq BBB Rating
On an previous review, Cliq had no customer ratings and a grade of “A+” on the BBB based on 3 customer reviews. There are no longer any customer reviews on the BBB website.
Negative Feedback
On a previous update the BBB profile had the following user review, but it has since been removed.
I recently signed up for a debit card for my son through them and they took my **** for my subscription. So today I try to change funding source since I just got the card and activated it and was trying to add money and it gave me an error. So I contacted support through chat and was told they didn’t receive the money for the subscription and I can’t unlink my bank. He also said that varo doesn’t work with their company but others are using that bank for them, seeing the lady who referred me uses her varo bank account. I asked for my money back and he simply said no. I don’t know where to turn to at this point but to u guys for help.
– Review from May 23, 2022
Positive Feedback
There are no positive reviews for Cliq on the BBB website.
Processing Rates & Fees
Three-Year Contract
The standard Cliq contract entails a 3-year agreement through Cynergy Data, featuring automatic 1-year renewal. It includes an early termination fee of $495 or Liquidated Damages, an annual PCI Compliance fee capped at $300, a monthly PCI non-compliance fee capped at $50, tiered pricing, and various minor fees. Cliq also offers equipment leases, which may have separate terms.
Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Pricing
In addition to its storefront payment processing services, Cliq also promotes its virtual terminal and payment gateway services on its website. However, pricing for these services is not disclosed. Additional rates and fees, including gateway fees, technical support fees, batch fees, and additional transaction rates, typically apply to these e-commerce services.
Calculating Cliq’s Termination Fee
Cliq’s grade in this category is significantly affected by two policies. Firstly, its early termination fee is notable. As per the contract, clients canceling before the initial three-year term’s end face a fee of either $495 or their average monthly processing costs multiplied by the remaining contract months, whichever is higher. This fee, regardless of the amount, surpasses industry averages, potentially reaching thousands of dollars due to the liquidated damages clause, which we consider excessive and disproportionate to the company’s actual losses.
Cliq Fund-Holding Policy
Secondly, a large number of client complaints regarding Cliq’s cash reserve policies contribute to the company’s grade. While it’s common for processors to withhold funds to guard against fraudulent charges, Cliq faces numerous complaints about substantial fund withholding. Although some complaints may be exaggerated or duplicate, there appears to be a persistent issue with fund withholding as a precautionary measure. While understanding Cliq’s need to protect against fraud, business owners should be prepared to take action to release withheld funds. As of 2021, Cliq, operating as CardFlex, has been sued for excessive fund holding.
Cliq’s e-commerce solutions include virtual terminals and a payment gateway
Lawsuits & Legal History
In July 2014, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) pursued legal action against CardFlex, an affiliate of Cliq, over allegations of processing over $26 million in unauthorized charges on behalf of I Works. The settlement in March 2015 resulted in restrictions on CardFlex’s processing activities for certain high-risk merchant categories.
Additionally, CardFlex faced legal actions in 2019 and February 2021 related to issues with merchant accounts leading to chargebacks and substantial fees. These cases highlight ongoing legal scrutiny and litigation involving Cliq’s affiliates, with the latter case still pending resolution.
Employee Reviews & Sales Practices
Inside/Outside Sales Team
Cliq appears to utilize both inside and outside sales agents to market its services. It is unclear at this time whether the company employs independent contractors or W-2 employees, but we are not seeing a complaint volume consistent with the use of independent sales entities. There are currently a handful of negative Cliq reviews online that mention nondisclosure by the company’s sales agents, usually regarding the company’s early termination fee (ETF), which appears to be a very large amount in most cases. This does not compare favorably to our list of best credit card processors.
No Deceptive Rate Quotes
Cliq does not appear to engage in deceptive advertising strategies in its official materials, although it has removed its contract terms from its website since it rebranded to its current name. If you suspect that Cliq is overcharging you, we recommend seeking a third-party statement audit to permanently eliminate hidden fees.
Cliq Competitors
Compare Cliq to competitors that earned top marks.
Cliq currently receives an average rating as a credit card processing provider. Although the company’s contract terms may be on the expensive side, this hasn’t translated into a high volume of complaints. The settlement with the FTC hasn’t had a significant effect on Cliq’s overall rating. Business owners should familiarize themselves with the details and implications of this settlement.
As with any service, it’s advisable for business owners to thoroughly compare Cliq’s pricing to those of top-rated payment processors to ensure they’re getting the best value for their processing needs.
