In the late 2000s, as a broke college student struggling to make ends meet, I was contacted by a merchant services company after uploading my resume to a job listings website. This company promised substantial commissions and ongoing residual income for simply persuading businesses to accept credit card payments. It seemed straightforward enough—after all, what business doesn’t need to process credit card payments? Following a phone interview with a persuasive “sales director,” I found myself embarking on what I believed would be an easy job that would significantly boost my bank account with reliable monthly income and large sales commissions. However, the lessons I learned would profoundly change my life in ways I could never have imagined.
After completing my sales training, I hit the ground running, eager to make sales. This broke college student was determined to improve his financial situation! My first attempt at a cold call, with no prior appointment, ended with a burly man in his 50s yelling at me to leave, claiming he had been “totally robbed” by someone like me before. As I hastily exited, puzzled and intimidated by his reaction, I couldn’t help but wonder what he meant. Throughout the day, I encountered similar hostility from other business owners, all expressing disdain for the industry I had been so excited to join that morning. Confused and curious, I decided to shift my approach from selling to listening.
I quickly uncovered that the merchant services sector was riddled with unethical practices, including hidden fees, deceptive marketing, fine-print traps, and much more. It dawned on me that I had nearly been tricked by a dubious company into selling overpriced services under contracts with long-term commitments, all without being fully aware of what I was promoting. Outraged, I resigned from that company but learned that there were indeed ethical credit card processing companies that treated their clients fairly. Over the next four years, I worked for one such company, assisting hundreds of businesses in securing cost-effective processing solutions. Yet, I also met many more who had been misled and trapped in onerous service agreements. Determined to help people steer clear of these unscrupulous providers, I launched this website in my spare time, dedicating myself to researching and sharing my findings on every merchant account provider I could investigate.
Gradually, more and more business owners began to discover my articles. As word spread, search engines started to rank my content highly, amplifying its reach. My efforts were making a difference! Eventually, the website garnered enough traffic to enable me to leave my job and focus on it full-time, a journey that has now spanned over a decade. This path has not been without its challenges; unscrupulous company owners have tried to intimidate and sue me into silence on several occasions. Yet, I have stood firm against each threat. Here I am, continuing to publish reviews and articles, hoping to safeguard others from the pitfalls of the credit card processing industry.
If you believe in my mission and wish to contribute, please share my articles on your websites and social media. Thank you for visiting!
Marko
I never leave bad reviews. Just not my style. But i never seen anything like this. When you are in business with Eonline Data you have a feeling you leave in third world country. Bad, bad and some more bad. High fees, terrible customer service, deceptive approach, mafia like. I could go on and on. But i guess all credit card processors are mafia like. Not to mention that i never wanted to do any business with them. I was signed up with them through authorize.net. Another deceptive approach by credit card industry. Something needs to change. These guys are not regulated at all. I guess they are paying lawyers with our money.
Mel McLaughlin
Horrible, Awful, Terrible – that is how I would describe their customer service. Watch out for their “computer glitches” which explains all their problems. Over charging, mysterious charges, and an overall lack of concern when they debit/credit from your account in the wrong amounts. My latest problem has had me calling 7 times and taking over 6 hours just to have them say, “I’m not sure”. Do Not Use.
Ashley Moran
It took me 3 to 4 calls to finally get my account closed after I closed my business in March. As of now, the company has deducted 2 payments from my account after the account was closed in mid March. In April, I was assured that no more payments would be deducted. I called after 4/1/16 to once again verify that I wouldn’t be charged any more monthly fees. 5/1 I had another payment deducted. I called twice in May about getting the money credited back to my bank account. I called 5/31 to make sure I would receive my credit in my bank account for the May payment and reaffirm that nothing would be deducted from my account in June. On 6/1 instead of receiving the credit for the May payment, another payment was deducted from my account. On 6/2 I contacted customer service again about the 2 payments and to find out when I would receive a credit on my account. I was told the credit would be escalated for review. On 6/7, I called again to check on the status. Again, I was told the credit was being reviewed but once again the customer rep promised to escalate the review. After 3 more calls that day, a supervisor told me the credit would be processed and in my bank within 3-5 business days. On 6/14, I was told by Jody (a supervisor) the credit would be processed on 6/15 and I should see it in my bank account by 6/17. I called today and was told the credit was still being reviewed and that a credit will not be received until after 7/1/16. I was also told the review process can take till the end of the month. I have notified my bank so e-Online Data can’t withdraw any more payments from my account. If customer service or a supervisor tells you they will call you back after they check on your account, don’t believe them. As of now, I have had 5 to 6 people promise to return my call over the last 2 months. I have yet to receive a call.
t renaud
This company is absolutely HORRIBLE to work with. When you have a question, you have to talk to several different people, none of whom communicate to each other.
The are not supportive of small businesses trying to grow – they make growth very difficult!
RJ Schultz
e-Online data terminated my account in December 2015 after less than one month of using their service because one of the first three transactions processed was disputed by the cardholder (cardholder claimed someone used her card fraudulently). I did not contest the dispute even though I had delivered the product (downloadable file) to the email address associated with the order. On December 11th, the cardholders merchant bank withdrew funds for the $999 disputed charge. Not sure how the cardholder’s bank obtained my banking information and was able to withdraw funds without notice or any agreement with them – but that’s for another complaint. On December 22nd, e-onlinedata also pulled $999 for the same disputed transaction. I made several calls to their customer service dept and supplied on three occasions documentation that they and the cardholder’s bank had retrieved funds from my account to refund this one transaction. I finally was informed that since my account was terminated, it was their policy to hold funds for 45 days to protect their “exposure and liability” against future or pending disputed charges. After 45 days, I called back to have the held funds refunded. I was informed that I needed to wait another 30 days since “A cardholder has a full 6 month time frame to dispute if they are not happy with the product or service provided. The cardholders on the existing chargeback still have a 45 day time frame after the dispute is closed to continue into dispute. As such, due to the existing liability and exposure on this account, the release from the reserve is postponed. We will review your account again in 30 days for a potential release. ” The initial transaction occurred on November 11th. So the cardholder and her merchant bank card have been made whole – -since they retrieved the funds. My account was terminated in December so there are no further transactions other than the original three that occurred before termination – -one of which was from me to test the payment system. So now i am out the product, plus $1,998 from an initial charge of $999, of which I only received $899.1 since they withheld 10% due to their “risk and loss prevention policy.” When pressed that they did not have any further “exposure or liability”, they then said the reason I needed to wait another 30 days was because my bank account rejected “fees” charged in January. I have seen no activity in bank account where they tried to post any “fees”. When pressed as to what fee, the actual amount of the fee, and the exact date they tried to charge fees, they did not respond. They just used a generic response that they would review my account in another 30 days to determine whether or not they would release my funds. Since my account was terminated in early December, and there have been no transactions since November 22nd, I do not understand what “fees” they could possible try to charge. Again, they would not provide that information, but just said it was their policy that I would need to wait another 30 days since fees were rejected and that any further rejection of fees or chargebacks would result in another 30 day review period. Basically, it seems to be just a good excuse for them to continue to hold funds for an indefinite period.
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Judy
Signed up with e-online data almost 6 years ago because it seemed like they didn’t have any hidden fees. One of the major selling points was NO termination fees. Just recently cancelled service and a month later was dinged with a $250 termination fee from PowerPay LLC (mother of e-online data apparently), taken out of our bank account. Would not recommend this company for this reason and only wish we had taken our business elsewhere sooner.
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Are you with e-onlinedata? Learn how to resolve this complaint.
Jordanna
I’ve also felt screwed over by this company. I had a long conversation with an account representative when I first opened my account and they insisted there were no extra or hidden fees. I walked away feeling very clear about what I was to be charged every month, only to find random chunks of money taken out of my account each month thereafter. When I called to inquire about the fees they were very rude and defensive, and insistent that I was informed of the fees before I signed. I’m now feeling stuck paying far more each month for than I would have ever agreed to.
latoya lundy
THE MAXIMUM SHADY BUSINESS:
Okay my Account is closed and we have 39 clients with outstanding orders. Since all the funds are frozen, I think its best that I refund the clients. I was then advised by B Peterson that I COULD NOT REFUND THE CLIENTS. Instead I had to contact each client and have them process a chargeback with their bank…. This is so wrong on so many levels, I then said well chargebacks I will incur a $25 fee per (39 customer) the lost prevention analyst supervisor Peterson then told me they “Would not charge me the full fee for the chargebacks” Ofcourse, I hit the roof. So, how will my account be reviewed and funds released if I do not have any charge backs BUT you are telling me to direct my customers to initiate chargebacks with their banks.
A small synopsis of what’s going on with me. Yes they advised me the only option I had was to have each of my customers call their banks and place a chargeback to get their funds. Stay away at all costs especially (Unfortunately, I hate to bring this up but It seems the department has a problem with the color of my skin, my youth and or gender as it relates to the amount of money I make monthly, as all questions were always geared to “Whats” and “How’s” instead of facts.
Jordanna
The one person I had any success with remedying all of their crap was named Joe Libby. I don’t have his direct line anymore, but here’s his email – [email protected]
Assuming he’s still there, I’d recommend for anyone who’s made the mistake of entering into an agreement with this company to contact him to get things resolved.
MARCO ZARATE
i am in the same situation as yourself. i am writing a letter to their issuing bank, attorney general and making a report with Federal Trade Commission. be very careful in regards to their chargeback advice, as they will deduct the money from your bank instead of the funds being held. I do not understand why we can’t just refund customer so that we can carry on an provide another form of payment, instead, we will loose customers and i personally think we should file a lawsuit for the loss of money and potential customers. Sadly, i do believe it is a discrimination issue.. :(
Emma Bragdon
I signed up for One Shopping Cart’s 30 day trial on October, 2013 and opted out at 30 days. They had recommended I apply for online merchant which I had done. I assumed they canceled that online merchant authorization when I opted out at 30 days. They didn’t. The e-online data that got ahold of my authorization (3rd party, mind you) has been withdrawing 37 usd per month for 18 months under the term “bkcrd” without any other identifier so my bookkeeper assumed it was a bankcharge. Finally the bank detected who was withdrawing funds. I’ve asked One Shopping Cart to offer help and they refused. Eonline data is offering me 2 months refund instead of the full 18 months they took. I never used their service and they still think I owe them. Unbelievable, immoral and unethical–I didn’t mind asking for some compassion as I am 68 years old and creating a start up which is a 501c3. No, they say…I signed a contract with an electronic signature so I have to pay. Is there no one with a heart in business? Disgusting and ruthless practice.
joe
The worst of the worst. Considering a lawsuit.
Their customer support is trained to lie and deceive as are the managers.
They dont send paper statements and erase electronic statements after 3 months.
They will start taking a reserve from your deposits without informing you or documenting what they are taking out on your statement.
They will raise rates and assessments without telling you. Or they will tell you on your statement a rate or fee is raising .02% and raise it 2%. then leave it up to you to detect it.
Criminals that should be class action sued.
STAY FAR AWAY
Bryce
Please, please stay away from this company. That is, unless you want to pay out the nose for what should be a reasonably priced service and have small print thrown in your face. I’m quite sure E-OnlineData instructs its employees to hide information from their customers so they can collect additional fees. I was close to filing a small claims lawsuit against E-OnlineData, but decided to eat the loss because couldn’t stand one more exchange.
Try Braintree if you want a decent product for a decent price and don’t want to deal with a company that operates with borderline criminality.
CPO
Hi Bryce, can you provide more details about the fees that you felt were hidden from you?
Bryce
The most blatant example of hidden or poorly disclosed fees is the $250 cancellation fee. While this is documented in contract, I felt customer services representatives intentionally hid it while I discussed leaving the service over multiple emails. Overall, their fee structure is confusing and seemingly intentionally obfuscated. I much prefer paying a flat rate + percentage per transaction as I do now, rather than paying for a half dozen fees, percentages, and minimums.
Also, did you know they delete your monthly statements from their online merchant control panel every 3 months? Why not give your customers proper access to historical statements?
Chris
This company is easily the worst I have ever dealt with. When a product we produced went viral and started selling like crazy they suddenly demanded a 20% reserve! Needless to say that completely crippled our small company and it took 3 months for us to switch to a new provider, who sees no reason for a reserve. STAY AWAY FROM THIS HORRIBLE HORRIBLE COMPANY.
Justin
My ecommerce business of 10 years closed January 1, 2012 and I closed my account with e-OnlineData. After waiting for about 90 days to make sure no additional fees or chargebacks might come through, I also closed the business checking account. On April 2 I rec’d a phone call from the bank manager telling me I had a debit come through for $129 from e-onlinedata for “PCI COMPLIANCE FEE.” I contacted e-onlinedata and was told this was a routine charge and there was nothing they could do about it even though it was charged on a CLOSED ACCOUNT! So my checking account was re-opened and I was also charged a $35 NSF fee by the bank. I looked back through years of records and never once was I ever charged such a fee. Not once! Begrudgingly I paid the bank $164 to get the account to zero and closed once again. Now today, May 4 2012, I have a new charge from e-onlinedata for $350 called a “CANCEL FEE” on my account. I was told over the phone that this is standard, even though I had an account with them for 10 yrs and paid them many tens of thousands of dollars in account fees and commissions. I just called the bank manager and she said this time she is going to fhelp me file charges with the authorities claiming it’s a fraudulent transaction and also recommended that I see if there are any pending or potential class actions that I can get involved in.