Elite Merchant Solutions 2023: Reviews & Complaints
(866) 822-2378 Company Overview
Elite Merchant Solutions, founded in 2002, provides merchant accounts, bank card authorization, and settlement services to merchants nationwide. The company also goes by the name Elite Data Processing and is a reseller of TSYS and First Data (now Fiserv). It advertises Clover and Foundry as POS solutions. Elite Merchant Solutions should not be confused with Elite Merchant Services or Elite Payment Processing, as both are two separate companies. In 2021, Elite Merchant Solutions partnered with QuickFee to enter the Buy Now, Pay Later space.
Article Summary
Before we dive in, here’s a short summary of what we’ll cover:
- Elite Merchant Solutions’ various payment processing services.
- EMS has received a significant number of complaints, but not many have come in recent years.
- There is little information about the company’s contract, but it appears to contain some expensive fees.
Elite Merchant Solutions Payment Processing
Elite Merchant Solutions processes all major debit and credit cards for most business types. Their services include POS solutions and terminals, check processing, access to payment gateways, ATM machines, Ameridoc telemedicine services, the DataMiner data tracking tool, QuickBooks integration, wholesale rates, cash advances, and gift programs including the Yiftee service.
Customizable Point-of-Sale Systems
Elite Merchant Solutions offers customizable point-of-sale (POS) systems designed to meet the needs of various industries, including retail, hospitality, and healthcare. These systems aim to be user-friendly and come with features such as inventory management and integration with accounting software.
Mobile Payment Processing
The mobile payment processing service provided by Elite Merchant Solutions enables businesses to accept payments using a smartphone or tablet. This feature can be especially useful for businesses operating outside traditional brick-and-mortar settings or those looking to offer more convenient payment options for their customers.
E-Commerce Payment Gateway Integration
Elite Merchant Solutions’ e-commerce payment gateway integration is designed to give businesses a seamless online payment experience. The company claims to provide easy integration with popular shopping carts and e-commerce platforms, streamlining the online transaction process for businesses.
Virtual Terminal Services
Elite Merchant Solutions offers a virtual terminal service for processing phone and mail orders. This service enables businesses to handle remote transactions securely through an internet-connected device, providing a solution for businesses that need to process payments without a physical card reader.
Security Measures and Fraud Prevention
Elite Merchant Solutions prioritizes security and fraud prevention by adhering to industry standards such as PCI compliance and implementing advanced security measures. This approach helps protect sensitive data and minimize the risk of fraud, ensuring a secure transaction process for both businesses and their customers.
Location & Ownership
Elite Merchant Solutions can be found at 21800 Oxnard Street, Suite 960, Woodland Hills, CA 91367. The company is a registered ISO/MSP of Woodforest National Bank, N.A., Houston, Texas. The Better Business Bureau does not currently list a CEO; however, Justin Milmeister was the last listed president and CEO of Elite Merchant Solutions. Joe Kottas is also listed on LinkedIn as CEO.
Table of Contents
- Costs & Contract: Appears to offer a three-year contract with…
- Complaints & Service: Complaints number approximately 10 on…
- BBB Rating: Has an “A+” and has received…
- Sales & Marketing: Appears to hire independent sales representatives and has…
Elite Merchant Solutions Customer Reviews
Here's What Their Clients Say
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Total Online Complaints | 10+ |
| Live Customer Support | Yes |
| Most Common Complaint | Hidden Fees |
| Recent Lawsuits | No |
Various Complaints
We were able to locate over 20 negative Elite Merchant Solutions reviews, with some of these complaints accusing the company of being a scam or a ripoff. One complaint from 2010 recounts a disagreement on the company’s contract rule for cancellation fees. After signing the contract agreement with Elite Merchant Solutions, a business owner decided at the last minute to cancel their account and did not expect to pay a $500 cancellation fee. Other complaints mention a variety of issues, including undisclosed fees, cancellation difficulties, and chargeback resolution problems. If you have your own Elite Merchant Solutions review to make, please do so in the comments below.
Elite Merchant Solutions Lawsuits and Fines
We have not found any outstanding class-action lawsuits or FTC complaints filed against Elite Merchant Solutions. Dissatisfied clients who wish to pursue a non-litigious course of action against the company should consider reporting it to the relevant supervisory organizations.
Elite Merchant Solutions Customer Support Options
It is worth noting that Elite Merchant’s relationship with TSYS and First Data (Fiserv) may result in some of the company’s customer service and complaints being funneled to those processors. The company offers several dedicated phone support lines and an email form on its website; however, it does not meet our criteria to be considered a top-rated credit card processor for customer support at this time.
Elite Merchant Solutions Customer Service Numbers
- (800) 327-0093 – Toll-Free Customer Service
- (866) 822-2378 – Los Angeles Headquarters
- (818) 503-4442 – HQ Fax
- (888) 245-7455 – Michigan Office
- (844) 863-1782 – Georgia Office
- (770) 763-8979 – Georgia Fax
Other Support Options
- Support form
- Live chat
Elite Merchant Solutions Online Ratings
Here's How They Rate Online
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| BBB Reports | 3 |
Low Complaint Total
Elite Merchant Solutions has been an accredited business of the Better Business Bureau since 2009 and currently maintains an “A+” score. The BBB complaint summary shows 0 complaints in the last 36 months.
What Merchants Say
Elite Merchant Solutions has received 3 informal reviews in the last 36 months, all positive. A previous negative review mentions bad customer service and a cancellation fee:
Worst Customer Service Ever. I went with them because I was told there was no contract, because I have been paying on a contract with First Data that I never had even set up. When I went to cancel a couple years later because I sold my business, I called and wanted to verify when I closed my account everything was paid for so I can close my bank account. I was told I had no contract and that my last merchant fees were deducted from my bank so I was getting ready to close my account and when I went to close it they charged my bank a 495.00 early termination fee. When I called to complain and tell them I thought there was a mistake I was told they would look into it and check it out and call me back in 48 hours. That time came and went and no call. I called again and they said here hadn’t been a decision yet so wait another 48 hours. Once again no call so I called again and they said that they were not going to credit me back because I had a contract. I asked for a manager and they said they would have to call me. SO I waited again no call back. I called again and once again told me the same thing. So I am on hold again filling this out because I am getting no where. I was told my account was closed January 15th and I saw another .22 cents come out of my bank again in February. They keep on charging me fees and overdrawing my account I am trying to close! DON’T TRUST THIS COMPANY!
Rates, customer service, and a straightforward application process are all important aspects of merchant services. Nevertheless, the company does not rank as one of our best merchant account providers.
An “A” Performance Overall
In light of the report’s age and the figures shown, we will not adjust the BBB’s rating at this time.
Elite Merchant Solutions Fees, Rates & Costs
A Closer Look at The Contract
| Item | Result | >
|---|---|
| Cancellation Penalties | Yes |
| Monthly & Annual Fees | Yes |
| Processing Rates | 1.00% - 4.99% |
| Equipment Leasing | Yes |
Three-Year Agreement
There is very little information available regarding the standard Elite Merchant Solutions contract. We were able to locate one Elite Merchant Solutions review that made a mention of a three-year agreement with a $500 early termination fee, which a company representative confirmed in her response. We have also seen reports of a three-year agreement with a $350 termination fee.
Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Pricing
In addition to its storefront payment processing services, Elite Merchant Solutions also dedicates a portion of its website to advertising its virtual terminal and payment gateway services. Though First Data (Fiserv) and TSYS offer their own payment gateways, Elite Merchant Solutions advertises eProcessing Network as its gateway provider. eProcessing Network charges a gateway fee of $0.05 per transaction and a monthly fee of $8 to $10.
Variable Contract Terms
Because Elite Merchant Solutions is an ISO of TSYS and First Data (Fiserv), it is reasonable to assume that the standard Elite Merchant Solutions contract closely resembles those companies’ standard contracts. While rates and fees vary between the two, each of those providers includes long-term equipment leases in their merchant agreements which cannot be canceled. However, Elite’s apparent use of outside sales agents means that contract terms may be subject to variation depending on the agent setting up the account.
One official complaint response from a company representative states the following with regard to agent alterations: “If the merchant has a month-to-month agreement signed by management certainly Elite will honor that document. However, the document must be signed by management to be valid.” If you have any knowledge of the standard Elite Merchant Solutions contract (including any PCI compliance fees or monthly minimum fees), please leave that information in the comment section of this review. We also encourage businesses to check out our list of the providers of the best merchant accounts.
Elite Merchant Solutions offers access to the eProcessing Network payment gateway
Elite Merchant Solutions Employee Reviews & Sales Tacitcs
Should You Work For Them?
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Uses Independent Resellers | Yes |
| Telemarketing | Yes |
| Misleading Marketing | No |
| Discloses All Important Terms | No |
Outside Sales Reps
Elite Merchant Solutions appears to rely on referral partnerships and independent sales agents to market its services. The use of independent sales agents typically results in high complaint rates, and we have found a number of negative Elite Merchant Solutions reviews that cite pushy, rude sales calls and agent attempts to upsell services. This does not compare favorably to our list of best credit card processors.
No Deceptive Advertising
Elite Merchant Solutions does not appear to engage in any deceptive advertising strategies in its official materials. The few Elite Merchant Solutions complaints that are available mention nondisclosure of fees by representatives, with varying resolutions offered by management. For instance, we were able to locate one Elite Merchant Solutions complaint alleging nondisclosure of a cancellation fee, but this accusation was fully retracted once the company acceded to the client’s demands. Elite Merchant Solutions complaints of this variety have been posted with less frequency in recent years. Still, if you suspect that Elite Merchant Solutions is charging you undisclosed fees, we recommend seeking a third-party statement audit to find and eliminate hidden charges.
Our Elite Merchant Solutions Review Summary
Our Final Thoughts
Elite Merchant Solutions rates as an above-average credit card processing services provider according to our rating system. The company has a low complaint rate for its size and time in business, but the few contract details we have been able to locate aren’t very competitive. The company’s overall rating is likely to change once more information about Elite’s contract terms becomes available. For now, businesses should compare the company’s pricing to that of top overall providers to obtain the best deal.
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Your Comments & Reviews
How Did Elite Merchant Solutions Treat You?30 Responses
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C.J
Elite Merchant Solutions has been up front with their pricing, hands on with their service, and far more affordable than the two previous options I had.
CPO
Hi C.J.,
Please reply to this comment with your business name and location in order to authenticate your testimonial. Thanks!
Shawn
Since switching over, I have been very pleased. Have had a couple of small issues that were resolved right away. Kevin has been my contact and gets things done! Thank you.
CPO
Hi Shawn,
Please reply to this comment with your business name and location in order to authenticate your testimonial. Thanks!
Anne Svensson Taheri
Excellent service and rates! Our business has saved a lot of money on processing fees and I highly recommend Elite Merchant Solutions!
CPO
Hi Anne,
Please reply to this comment with your business name and location in order to authenticate your testimonial. Thanks!
Robyn King
My rep Bjay has been amazing on his follow up and follow through! If he says he’s going to do it, he does! If I have a question or need help with something, he follows through with all the information I needed. If he doesn’t know the answer, he finds and gets back to me. He’s consistent and always available. I have past experience with several other huge processing companies and their rates would rise over time and their contracts were horrible – with Elite, I have GREAT low rates and NO contract. This is truly service with a smile!
Oshin
It was a change for my business. And I was hesitant about it and Bjay was very understanding about it. Help me out step by step. I very pleased and satisfied.
CPO
Hi Oshin,
Please reply to this comment with your business name and location in order to authenticate your testimonial. Thanks!
Maria Galloway
We switched over to Elite Merchant Solutions about a year ago, off of a friend’s recommendation. We not only have saved money, but have gained such personal attention. Any questions we have had, we contact our rep. and he usually answers his phone or get back to us right away.
Mario De La Rosa
Elite Merchant Solutions helped me when I really needed an honest consultation. Mr. Harold Robles from the Latin Business Division was great! I am now saving $1,000.00 each month. and can say that each time I have called Harold or his customer service team were awesome! I recommend Harold Robles to assist you for a Quote.
GERMAN HERNANDEZ
My agent Harold Robles convinced me to trust a merchant service provide again. Since he has been assisting me on my merchant account I have received the best service by far and a savings of $150.00 monthly. Contact him if you’d like an honest representative.
Mi Agente Harold Robles me convencio en tener confianza en una empresa procesadora de tarjetas de credito una vez mas,. Despues de tantas companias estafadoras ahora tengo ahorro de $150.00 al mes y buen servicio hasta en espanol. Gracias Harold
CPO
Hi German,
Please reply to this comment with your business name and location in order to authenticate your testimonial. Thanks!
David Garcia
Great Service and great rates. Mr. Harold Robles assisted me with all of my questions that I had in reference to merchant services. The consultation really helped me get more familiarized with the industry and I am thankful for a an honest agent and company.
Jeffry Hays
Company continued to charge me for PCI compliance fees for over a year on an account that was no longer active, and would only refund 1/3 of the amount when I brought it to their attention. I will be cancelling this service as soon as my contract allows.
Barbara Metzger
Very happy with Elite Merchant Solutions. Kevin Jones was very knowledgeable and helpful as compared to the competition. He went above and beyond to answer all of our questions and provide a competitive quote and was instrumental in our decision to switch to Elite for our credit card processing. His patience was very much appreciated.
Erika Portela
So far the best merchant company that I have worked with. The associates are always eager to help. I have received great support from Harold, he makes sure everything it up to date with my machines and helps every time I have an issue with a charge back.!
CPO
Hi Erika,
Please reply to this comment with your business name and location in order to authenticate your testimonial. Thanks!
Felipe Mendez
I just want to give thanks to Harold Robles of Elite Merchant Solution, He has been very helpful in saving money on account compared to what we used to have will not mention name of other merchant. If you have any question Harold Robles knows the answer to your predicament. Once again Thank you,. Harold.
Awards, Trophies and Treasures
After being a business owner for only 2 years, I started to really dislike merchant accounts. We received calls from people who cared only about pushing their sales pitch and wouldn’t listen to us.
When Kevin Jones first contacted us, I was very ready to tell him to leave us alone. However, something about the way he listened to me and treated me got my attention. I told him we weren’t ready to change when we first spoke but that maybe I would consider his services later on.
I’ve never seen a more patient but respectfully persistent business man. He continued to contact us with deals that he could offer but never seemed pushy or belittling like other merchant account dealers I’d spoken too.
After dragging him along for months, my husband and I finally crunched numbers and realized his offers were very fair. Saving money is always worth at least considering… Since we confirmed that we would save money switching to Elite Merchant Solutions and we had come to respect Kevin Jones, we finally started to seriously consider his services. We asked him lots of questions and made him go through every line of our policy before signing. As we’d come to expect, he was very professional and had no problem explaining every detail.
Since switching to Elite Merchant Solutions, I’ve continued to shoot Kevin Jones questions from time to time about our account or options we’re considering. He always replies to emails within a few hours. I’m not surprised when I get a response immediately… except the time I emailed him around midnight and he replied immediately! (His poor family.)
In all honesty, I still don’t trust merchant account dealers… with the exception of Kevin Jones. While he’s obviously a loyal employee of Elite Merchant Solutions and does his job to inform me of deals/offers his company has, I never feel cornered or pressured to do something that isn’t in my best interest. I can trust him to be honest and upfront in all our dealings. I know he’ll help us out whenever we have a technical glitch or question about our policy. My husband and I feel comfortable asking him for advice, knowing we aren’t going to deal with high pressures sales tactics.
It’s obvious that Kevin Jones is a successful businessman because of his character and good prices… and not because he cheat his customers. Thanks Kevin Jones. Because of you, (and your competitive rates) we’re extremely happy with Elite Merchant Solutions.
CPO
Hello,
Please reply to this comment with your business location in order to authenticate your testimonial. Thanks!
Awards, Trophies and Treasures
We’re located in Santa Clarita, California.
Brandon Caldwell
We’re located in Santa Clarita, California.
Angie
I had the best Merchant rep Harold Robles, he was amazing never once did he give me a hard time when I would call him and constantly ask him what account number was amd he never failed to answer that question or any questions I had and provide proof of what the company was charging me when it came to some fees. He made me feel really comfortable about being able to call him at any time and his quick responses were amazing. Thanks for being such a professional on what you do.
Phillip CPO
Hi Angie,
To authenticate your testimonial, please reply to this comment with your business name, location, and/or website URL.
Mario Acosta
Hi Phillip,
Unfortunately, I have to disagree with your ratings. I switched from Durango to Elite Merchant Solutions a few months ago and I have never looked back.
I own several websites but my mass exodus from Durango started when Durango failed to notify me of a chargeback. Durango notified me the night before the expiration date to reply to the bank.
It was actually a USPS issue, they’d lost the package. But due to Durango’s inattention, I lost $600 for the chargeback and I couldn’t file a claim for the lost package with the USPS due to the time frame. So I lost over $1000 in one fell swoop. Durango shrugged their shoulders.
A business buddy of mine had switched to Elite Merchant Solutions a few months earlier and couldn’t stop talking about them. Long story short, I contacted Kevin Jones at Merchant Solutions. He not only got my stun gun website out of the “High Risk” category, he also reduced my rates and gave me 60 days of free processing to be sure I had made the right move.
I have since switched my mailboxes site, my patio heaters site and my vaping site over to them. But the best part is the support. Kevin answers his cell phone on weekends, evenings and holidays. Not only that, we now call him up and get his advice regarding different e-commerce industries as it applies to merchant account fees when we’re considering a website purchase.
Sorry Phillip, ask around my friend, Elite Merchant Solutions is an A+ and I’m on a crusade to tell everyone about it. Those lost $1000 bucks hurt!
Mario A.
Jerry Moore
Our company has been with Elite over 1 1/2 years and had a great experience! Kevin Jones is our representative and we could not have asked for a more professional and helpful one. Kevin helped us save a good amount monthly over fees we were paying with our former processor. We are so glad we made the change!!
CPO
Hi Jerry,
Please reply to this comment with your business name and location in order to authenticate your testimonial. Thanks!
Unhappy Cusotmer
Do not use this company for anything! An agent that worked for them signed me up for a month to month credit card processing service. I was told there would be no cancellation fee. I even have the email saved from the agent as proof. I found a better offer through another company and went to cancel with them and was told I would have to pay a $195 cancellation fee because the agent that signed me up didn’t have the authority to waive that fee. That agent no longer workers for their company so they cannot take the fee out of his residuals and upper management will not cover it. This sounds like they hire salespeople to tell customers whatever they want so they can make a commission, but won’t back their bogus claims. What a poorly run company. On top of that, they will never call you back. I was told twice I would get a call back by the end of the day and no call. They said upper management isn’t available to talk to me and that they would “give my number” to them and they would call me back. Still waiting on that call….
jay
This merchant service is very poor, total unprofessional, nothing systematic, called 10 times to close to account, still up to 4 month, they have not close my account and still charging $39.95 to my account. I am taking legal action now.