Datalink Bankcard Services Reviews & Complaints
Overview
In this article, we provide an in-depth look at Datalink Bankcard Services Company, a prominent merchant account provider based in Richardson, Texas. Our focus will be on their extensive payment processing options, including AMEX processing, mobile solutions, and EMV processing. We'll also explore their customizable point-of-sale (POS) solutions, and cash advance financing options, offering insights into their financial services.
An important aspect of our review is the examination of Datalink's commitment to customer support and data security. Additionally, we will delve into the company's compliance measures, particularly in PCI compliance, and provide key information about their leadership and registration.
We will also address the more challenging aspects of Datalink's operations, such as customer feedback, legal issues, and their approach to customer service. Our article will critically analyze the company's fee structure, rates, and contract terms, giving businesses a clear picture of the financial commitments involved with Datalink Bankcard Services. This overview aims to present a balanced and concise view of Datalink Bankcard Services Company, aiding businesses in making informed choices.
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.
Datalink Bankcard Services Company Payment Processing
Datalink Bankcard Services Company processes all major debit and credit cards for most business types. Their services are extensive and include AMEX processing, cash advances, check services, point-of-sale and mobile solutions from Clover, e-commerce solutions, the eMerchant payment gateway, EMV processing, encryption and tokenization, gift and loyalty solutions, NFC payment options, PCI compliance, and card swipers.
POS Solutions
The company offers point-of-sale (POS) solutions that are customizable to meet business needs. These solutions come with advanced software and specialized apps to manage various aspects of a business.
Cash Advance Financing
Datalink provides financing options for companies that have credit or debit card sales. Unlike regular loans, these cash advances are repaid daily.
Customer Support
The company emphasizes quality customer support and aims to invest time and resources in this area. They offer contact support for merchants.
Data Security
Datalink is a provider of EMV-enabled hardware and software solutions. They aim to offer secure ways to accept payments.
Mobile Solutions
The company provides mobile solutions for accepting payments on the go. These solutions work with iOS or Android phones or tablets and can operate wherever there is a Wi-Fi or cellular connection.
Compliance and Security
The company guides merchants through the compliance process to earn PCI-approved certificates. They offer a step-by-step assessment questionnaire and document review for this purpose.
Location & Ownership
Steve Odom is listed as the CEO and president of Datalink Bankcard Services Company, which is a registered ISO/MSP of Merrick Bank, South Jordan, Utah; and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Concord, California. The payment processor is headquartered at 3505 Token Drive, Richardson, Texas 75082.
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Multiple payment solutions offered | Long-term contracts with auto-renewal |
| No setup, statement, or gateway fees | High early termination fees |
| Basic and Pro plans available | Deceptive sales practices reported |
| Complaints about customer service | |
| Hidden fees, high rates noted | |
| Misleading telemarketing tactics used |
Datalink Bankcard Services Customer Reviews
Here's What Their Clients Say
| Total Online Complaints | 20+ |
|---|---|
| Live Customer Support | Yes |
| Most Common Complaint | Sales Tactics |
| Recent Lawsuits | Yes |
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.
Legal and Regulatory Background of Datalink Bankcard
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.
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.
Contact Details for Datalink Bankcard Support
- (800) 694-7999 – Toll-Free General Customer Service
- (214) 342-9797 – Fax
Additional Customer Support Channels
- Customer service email: [email protected]
While the complaints against Datalink Bankcard raise concerns, the total volume of grievances does not currently warrant a rating lower than “C”.
This revision aims to provide a balanced overview of Datalink Bankcard, highlighting customer reviews, legal status, and customer support mechanisms. By incorporating SEO-optimized terms related to “reviews,” “complaints,” and “customer service,” the content is designed to improve visibility and assist readers in making informed decisions about Datalink Bankcard.
Datalink Bankcard Services Online Ratings
Here's How They Rate Online
| BBB Reports | 5 |
|---|
Note: We have adjusted this company’s BBB rating according to our own standards. To better understand why we adjust BBB ratings, please see our Rating Criteria.
Under 5 BBB Complaints
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.
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.
Datalink Bankcard Services Fees, Rates & Costs
A Closer Look at The Contract
| Cancellation Penalties | Yes |
|---|---|
| Monthly & Annual Fees | Yes |
| Processing Rates | 1.89% - 3.50%+ |
| Equipment Leasing | Yes |
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 provides access to multiple payment gateways, including eMerchant
Datalink Bankcard Services Employee Reviews & Sales Tacitcs
Should You Work For Them?
| Uses Independent Resellers | Yes |
|---|---|
| Telemarketing | Yes |
| Misleading Marketing | No |
| Discloses All Important Terms | No |
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.
Our Datalink Bankcard Services Review Summary
Our Final Thoughts
Datalink rates as an average credit card processing provider according to our rating system. The credit card processor has received a moderate complaint volume related to its sales practices and contract terms, and the details of its contract suggest that its service can be more expensive than industry averages. Datalink can improve its overall rating by removing the liquidated damages clause from its contract terms and by altering its apparent sales tactics. For now, businesses are advised to compare the company’s pricing to the top overall providers to get the best deal.
If you found this article helpful, please share it!
Timmthy
Thank you for all your reviews! A Data Link bank card rep is “slamming” me right now. I almost fell for it. She promised me an incredible rate of 0.1%. that would save me thousands every month! and she did pose as a member of my current merchant bank who wanted to save me money. that’s the only reason that I even agreed to talk to her in the first place. the only reason that stopped me from singed up right the way was that her offer is unleavable. I wanted to do my own research before I make the commitment. Thank God! and all of you! thank you!
Lindsey
They started off by lying saying they are above other cars processors and get their business if they are not pci compliant. This was a lie. Once we got their machine, the charges were outrageous. We were told $25 a month and it ended up charging us OVER $500. Including a lease on the machine that they did not tell us about, additional charges on card fees that they later said “oh we don’t control that” but never said anything regarding this until after we were charged. We only had them for one month which shouldn’t have had fees from what they said but it did. They never call back when they say they will unless it comes to signing up they will blow up your phone. DO NOT GO TO THIS COMPANY. THEY SUCK. Payroc has been very good to us and I wish I got up with them before we switched not knowing they weren’t connected. Payroc helped us get set back up and is only $25 a month. I will never trust another company.
Mack Hendrick
I am a local rep for a reputable ISO. Today a Data-Link rep, Sasha called one of my customers and did a total Slamming job. She first falsely identified herself as being an agent for my company. Then when the merchant said that they already had a rep, Sasha said that she couldn’t remember that guy’s name, but he is no longer with the company. She went on to say that the deal she had was terrible and that the hardware was bad and that it needed to be replaced. She was so persuasive that the merchant signed up. Afterward the merchant started thinking and called me to check on this. She then realized how badly she had been scammed. The merchant has now called and spoken with the sales manager and he agreed to cancel everything. The merchant then followed up with an email to the company to verify the conversation and the agreement to cancel. I was a witness to the call and the email. Now we will wait to see if they really cancelled or if they will come back with more lies.
This seems to be a regular sales technique with this company which is partly responsible for the terrible reputation of the industry. Let me guarantee that if this happened in my company that Sasha would be fired immediately, even if she was the top producer in the company.
[Last sentence redacted due to self-promotion which is not allowed]
Steve Swanson
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
Nancy Erwin
Every time I turn around they are charging a fee for this and for that. It’s like they sit around and just think up things to charge for, like pci compliance fee. I don’t even take credit cards on-line but yet I’m charged for it every three months and still have to go through the test, or another fee monthly until you do.
This post will help: Best Merchant Accounts for Lodging
-Phillip
Beverly Vasterling
This is the absolute worst company I’ve ever had to deal with. I have been since last Thursday trying to close it down and find out the address to where I can ship these worthless machines back to them. My boss had to OK that I could talk with them and still can’t get them to close this account. I’ve already changed over to a much better company. Every time I’ve had to call I never could hear them. So when I asked nicely for them to repeat? They became a little irritated. Every single time. You need more training on customer service.
This post will help: Cancelling a Merchant Account Without Paying a Fee
-Phillip
Barbara
Still being billed for services, have not used in over 2 years. Non compliance fee, and $3.00 fee for whatever. MC located fee.
Eva Cooper
I had dealt with company over 15 years! Recently had some issues with service. Decided to cancel the service mid MARCH this year. After 2weeks of phone calls I was told it had been canceled and no further fees would be charged. This was end if March. I was charged the monthly fee early April. Figured that one would happen. Got bank statement today, May 16, discover I was charged the monthly fee for April AaND THE QUARTERLY “PORTAL FEE”! Call and get multiple excuses, againwent to my bank and file dispute charges! It’s not a large amount, ITS THE PRINCIPAL!!!
Eric McNamee
There is a company called Tier 1 Processing that is affiliated with Datalink. I came across them before and now some of my merchants are being contacted using the sales pitch that they are affiliated with my company, which obviously they are not. The phone number they are using is 855-455-6851 and their fax is 855-792-7161. They’ve called a couple of clients of mine multiple times and each time it’s a different representative. From your reviews I think contacting Tier 1 and posting a review about them would be advantageous to merchants who are unaware of these weak ploys to scam merchants into a new contract with expensive leases.
Also Tier 1’s website is conveniently down all the time.