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Is Datalink Bankcard Services Worth It? Pricing, Complaints & What Merchants Say

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Maintained Since: July 26, 2012

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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.

Datalink Bankcard Services
Rating
D
2.5/5
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Pros

Established Provider
Comprehensive Services
Virtual Terminal Options

Cons

Early Termination Fees
Equipment Leasing
Customer Complaints
Hidden Fees
Aggressive Sales Tactics

Overview

In this review of Datalink Bankcard Services, a merchant account provider based in Richardson, Texas, we take a close look at their payment processing options, including AMEX acceptance, mobile solutions, EMV technology, customizable POS systems, and cash advance financing. The review highlights their focus on customer support, data security, and PCI compliance, while also addressing leadership, registration, and reported challenges such as customer complaints, legal issues, and service practices. We examine fees, rates, and contract terms to give businesses a clear view of the financial commitments involved. By the end, you’ll have a balanced understanding of whether Datalink Bankcard Services is the right fit for your business.

About Datalink Bankcard Services

Datalink Bankcard Services Company is a merchant account provider headquartered in Richardson, Texas. Founded in 1989, the company appears to act as a reseller of First Data (Fiserv) and Merrick Bank's merchant. There is also some evidence that Datalink Bankcard does business under the names "Main Street Processing" and "Tier 1 Processing." Datalink Bankcard Services Company should not be confused with another company by the name of "Datalink," which appears to deal with data transfer and storage and is unrelated to the company described in this review. The company also partners with Clover to offer merchants POS solutions.

Screen Capture of Datalink Bankcard Services Homepage
Datalink Bankcard Services Homepage

About Datalink Bankcard Services

Screen Capture of Datalink Bancard Services
Datalink Bancard Services Homepage

Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Richardson, Texas, Datalink Bankcard Services is a payment processing company offering solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. The company provides services such as credit and debit card processing, point-of-sale (POS) systems, mobile payments, e-commerce integrations, and check processing. Datalink also offers merchant cash advances and tools for managing gift and loyalty programs. The company operates as a registered Independent Sales Organization (ISO) for Wells Fargo Bank and Merrick Bank. Datalink has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 2006 and holds an A+ rating. However, some reviews have noted concerns regarding contract terms and sales practices.

Products & Merchant Services

Payment Processing

Datalink Bankcard Services Company offers payment processing for all major debit and credit cards, serving a wide range of business types. Their comprehensive services include AMEX processing, cash advances, check services, point-of-sale (POS) and mobile solutions from Clover, e-commerce solutions, the eMerchant payment gateway, EMV processing, encryption and tokenization, gift and loyalty programs, NFC payment options, PCI compliance, and card swipers.

POS Solutions

Datalink provides customizable point-of-sale (POS) systems with advanced software and specialized apps.

Cash Advance Financing

Datalink offers financing options through cash advances for businesses with credit or debit card sales. These advances are repaid daily, differing from traditional loans.

Customer Support

Datalink places a strong emphasis on customer support, dedicating time and resources to assist merchants with their needs.

Data Security

Datalink provides EMV-enabled hardware and software solutions to ensure secure payment acceptance, focusing on data security measures.

Mobile Solutions

The company offers mobile payment solutions compatible with iOS and Android devices, allowing businesses to accept payments on the go via Wi-Fi or cellular connections.

Compliance and Security

Datalink helps merchants achieve PCI compliance through a step-by-step assessment questionnaire and document review process, guiding them towards obtaining PCI-approved certificates.

Customer Reviews & Sentiment

Assessment of Datalink Bankcard Reviews

Our review uncovers over 20 negative Datalink Bankcard reviews across various platforms, with allegations ranging from the company engaging in scams to employing deceptive sales practices. Issues commonly cited include misleading sales tactics, questionable hiring practices, unauthorized account holds, undisclosed termination fees, inaccurate rate quotes, and inadequate customer service. While a few reviews may stem from personal grievances and lack substantiation, these have been excluded from our evaluation. Notably, a Datalink representative has addressed some accusations, primarily on the BBB, yet broader engagement with aggrieved customers appears limited. We encourage you to share your Datalink Bankcard experiences in the comments section below.

Customer Support Offered by Datalink Bankcard

Datalink Bankcard presents a comprehensive array of customer service options on its website, including telephone numbers, email addresses, and a contact form. Despite these resources, it has yet to achieve a ranking as a premier merchant account provider for customer service.

Industry Scores & User Ratings

Online Ratings Summary
PaymentPop1
BBB Rating1.33
Google Maps3
Average Rating2.16

PaymentPop Rating for Datalink Bancard Services

Negative Feedback

Same happened to me it cost me hundreds to get out of it and im still paying for the equipment that the rep doc signed on my computer for me

Positive Feedback

There are no positive reviews published about Datalink Bankcard Services on the PaymentPop website.

Datalink Bankcard Services BBB Rating

Datalink Bankcard Services has been an accredited business of the Better Business Bureau since 2006 and currently has an “A+” rating. Datalink’s alternate business name of “Main Street Processing” also has a BBB page and is not currently BBB accredited with an “A+” rating. 3 complaints were filed across the profiles within the last 36 months.

Datalink Bankcard Services has a 1.33 out of 5 star rating based on 3 user reviews on the Better Business Bureau website.

What Clients Say

In addition to the 3 complaints posted to Datalink Bankcard’s two separate BBB profiles, the company has also received 2 informal reviews between them. Both of the current reviews are negative. A recent negative review was left by a client alleging conduct that is emblematic of slamming tactics:

This company uses fraudulent means to capture your business and they do not provide sufficient means to “read” the agreement before signing.

Businesses stuck in similar situations could benefit from understanding how to cancel a merchant account without paying a fee.

A “C” Performance

Overall, by combining the two BBB reports, we have come to an adjusted BBB grade of “C” for the purposes of this review.

Google Maps Rating for Datalink Bankcard Services

Datalink Bankcard Services has a 3 out of 5 star rating based on 21 user reviews on Google Maps.

Positive Feedback

We have used their service for over three years. I have to say they have excellent customer service. The rate is very low and they match the lowest rate in the market. The most important is whenever there is a transaction issue, their service technicians will come to store the same day to fix whatever the issue is, even on weekend!

Negative Feedback

I would like to know how it is that you can charge me for a machine I never got and then charge me monthly fees after that when I have been told my account was closed.

Processing Rates & Fees

Three-Year Agreement

Based on a copy of the Datalink Bankcard Services Company merchant agreement, the company provides a 3-year agreement through Merrick Bank Merchant Services, automatically renewing for two years. Typical Datalink Bankcard rates under these contracts are 2.50% plus $0.20 per transaction, with a keyed-in rate of 3.50% plus $0.20. The contract also includes an early termination fee of datalinkonline.net or Liquidated Damages (whichever is greater), an undisclosed annual membership fee, a $25 chargeback fee, and a 48-month non-cancellable equipment lease. Additionally, the company may impose PCI Compliance fees or monthly minimum fees not listed in this agreement.

Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Pricing

Apart from its in-store payment processing, Datalink Bankcard Services Company promotes its virtual terminal and payment gateway services through Payeezy, powered by First Data (Fiserv). Payeezy offers two plans: the Basic Plan and Pro Plan. Neither imposes setup fees, statement fees, or gateway fees. The Basic Plan has a rate of 2.90% plus $0.30, while the Pro Plan offers a lower rate of 1.89% plus $0.23 with a monthly fee of $19.95.

Datalink Bankcard Contract Complaints

Datalink receives a low score due to its long-term contract with automatic renewal and potentially high early termination fees. The termination fee is computed by multiplying the client’s monthly cost by the remaining contract months, often exceeding the $250 minimum charge upon termination. Several business complaints cite Datalink’s termination fees, alleging verbal assurances from sales agents that no such fees exist. Therefore, it’s crucial for clients to verify the contract language regardless of sales agents’ claims. Datalink Bankcard’s terms are not competitive with the cheapest merchant accounts in the market.

We also encourage businesses to review our list of the best merchant accounts.

Datalink Bankcard Services Company payment gateway Datalink Bankcard Services Company provides access to multiple payment gateways, including eMerchant

Lawsuits & Legal History

No current class-action lawsuits or Federal Trade Commission (FTC) complaints have been identified against Datalink Bankcard. Those seeking resolution outside the courtroom are advised to report their issues to relevant regulatory bodies.

Employee Reviews & Sales Practices

Telemarketing and Outside Agents

Datalink Bankcard appears to utilize telemarketing and independently contracted sales agents to market its services. This “hiring mill” practice is described in two different online Datalink Bankcard reviews from former employees, who outline an unethical sales policy that intentionally misleads customers over the phone. According to these Datalink Bankcard reviews, it seems that Datalink representatives (sometimes using the name “Main Street Processing”) are trained to inform business owners that they can save money on their credit card processing because of “the Durbin Amendment,” which is a ploy to get businesses to fax over their current statements for review. There is also a Datalink Bankcard review stating that Datalink representatives are encouraged to pose as a business’ current processor, a practice known as “slamming.” Businesses should be aware that the Durbin Amendment does not require them to switch their providers or change their service, and all business owners should be wary of calls claiming only to be “with Visa” or “your processor.” This practice by Datalink does not compare favorably to our list of best credit card processors.

Sales Complaints

Although there are only a handful of these specific claims from former employees, they are corroborated by a moderate number of publicly available Datalink Bankcard reviews that accuse the company’s sales agents of misrepresenting contract terms or failing to disclose the complete costs associated with its service. To its credit, Datalink does not appear to engage in deceptive advertising strategies in its official materials, but the detailed complaints about misleading sales practices raise enough concerns at this time to lower the company’s rating to a “D.”  If you suspect you are being charged undisclosed Datalink Bankcard fees, we recommend seeking an independent statement audit to find and eliminate hidden charges.

Datalink Bankcard Services Competitors

Compare Datalink Bankcard Services to competitors that earned top marks.

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Bottom Line

Datalink is currently categorized as an average credit card processing provider. This evaluation is influenced significantly by the moderate volume of complaints it has garnered, which primarily focus on the company’s sales practices and the terms of its contracts. These complaints often highlight a lack of transparency and fairness, particularly concerning Datalink’s pricing, which tends to be above industry averages. Further scrutiny of its contract reveals the inclusion of a liquidated damages clause, which can impose additional financial burdens on clients who choose to terminate their services early.

Datalink could benefit significantly from making adjustments to its contract terms, specifically by eliminating the liquidated damages clause. Such a change would likely be viewed positively by prospective clients as it would indicate a more client-friendly approach. Additionally, altering its sales tactics to be more transparent and less aggressive could help in building trust and satisfaction among its customer base. For the time being, businesses considering Datalink for their credit card processing needs should take extra precautions. It is advisable to meticulously compare Datalink’s pricing and contract terms with those offered by the top-rated providers in the industry.

Read Actual User Reviews

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Contact Datalink Bankcard Services

Contact & Customer Support
CEO and PresidentSteve Odom
Headquarters3505 Token Drive, Richardson, Texas 75082
Toll-Free General Customer Service(800) 694-7999
Fax(214) 342-9797
Websitedatalinkonline.net