In this review of EmeraldPay, we will provide a detailed overview of the company's credit card processing services. We will cover the range of services they offer, including point-of-sale (POS) systems, mobile payment solutions, and e-commerce capabilities. The review will identify the types of businesses that might benefit from these services. Additionally, we will examine client and customer reviews to highlight common trends and potential concerns. The article will also address the company's pricing structure, contract terms, and specific services provided. By the end of this review, you will understand whether EmeraldPay meets your payment processing needs.
About EmeraldPay Card Processing
Founded in 2009, EmeraldPay (formerly Emerald Business Solutions) is a merchant account provider serving retail, internet, and mobile merchants. The credit card processor is “powered by” First Data (now Fiserv), which means that it resells the products and processing services of First Data (Fiserv), including Clover as a POS system.
EmeraldPay offers processing services for most major debit and credit cards, catering to a variety of business types. They also provide cash advance options and support for the Payeezy, eProcessing network, and Authorize.Net payment gateways.
Clover POS System
The Clover POS system offers businesses a comprehensive and customizable platform for managing sales and operations. Designed to meet the needs of a wide range of industries, Clover combines robust hardware with intuitive software, enabling businesses to streamline transactions, track inventory, and manage customer relationships effectively. The system supports various payment methods, including credit cards, digital wallets, and gift cards, making it a versatile solution for any business environment.
Mobile Solutions
Mobile solutions provide businesses with the flexibility to accept payments wherever they go, whether at a storefront, event, or on the move. These solutions typically include portable card readers that connect to smartphones or tablets, enabling businesses to process transactions on the spot.
EMV Readers and Card Swipers
EMV readers and card swipers are tools for businesses that prioritize secure payment processing. EMV readers, designed to read the chip embedded in modern credit and debit cards, offer enhanced protection against fraud compared to traditional magnetic stripe technology. Card swipers, often used alongside EMV readers, provide the flexibility to process both chip and magnetic stripe transactions.
Mail Order/Telephone Order (MOTO) Capabilities
Mail Order/Telephone Order (MOTO) capabilities are for businesses that accept payments without the customer being physically present. This method allows businesses to securely process credit card transactions over the phone or through mail orders, making it ideal for industries such as catalog sales, customer service centers, or remote services. MOTO transactions are processed through a secure virtual terminal, ensuring that sensitive payment information is handled safely.
EmeraldPay offers most standard payment processing services
EmeraldPay Customer Reviews
Here's What Their Clients Say
Customer Reviews Summary
Total Online Complaints
<10
Live Customer Support
Yes
Most Common Complaint
N/A
Recent Lawsuits
No
EmeraldPay’s Customer Feedback Overview
As of our latest research, no EmeraldPay reviews label the company as a scam or ripoff. However, we discovered a Google review mentioning excessive fees and continued billing post-account cancellation. The scarcity of complaints on various non-BBB consumer protection sites suggests that EmeraldPay likely maintains a proactive and effective customer support team. We invite those with personal experiences to share their EmeraldPay reviews in the comments below to assist others in making informed decisions.
Legal and Regulatory Status of EmeraldPay
Our investigation reveals no active class-action lawsuits or Federal Trade Commission (FTC) complaints against EmeraldPay. Customers seeking alternatives to legal action are encouraged to report their experiences with the company to appropriate supervisory organizations for resolution.
EmeraldPay Customer Support Accessibility
EmeraldPay, being a First Data (Fiserv) reseller, lists a single contact number for customer support on its website. It’s plausible that a significant portion of customer service operations is managed by First Data (Fiserv), which may lead to them receiving most related complaints. This relationship is a factor in EmeraldPay not being included in our list of top-rated merchant account providers for exceptional customer service.
EmeraldPay Online Ratings
Here's How They Rate Online
Online Ratings Summary
BBB Reports
0
No BBB Complaints
EmeraldPay currently has no rating from the Better Business Bureau and is not BBB-accredited. Within the last 3 years, the company has received 0 complaints. EmeraldPay has also not received any informal reviews on its BBB profile.
An “A” Performance
In light of the company’s clean complaint record, we agree with the BBB’s rating at this time. Readers should note, however, that there is cause to be skeptical of the BBB’s rating system.
EmeraldPay Fees, Rates & Costs
A Closer Look at The Contract
Cost & Fees Summary
Cancellation Penalties
Yes
Monthly & Annual Fees
Yes
Processing Rates
Variable
Equipment Leasing
Likely
EmeraldPay Contract Terms
Currently, there is limited information available to the public about the standard terms of the EmeraldPay contract. A client complaint highlighted a $500 early termination fee, which was also acknowledged in the company’s response, aligning with the practices of other First Data (Fiserv) resellers. Commonly, contracts offered by First Data (Fiserv) include a swipe rate of 2.69% plus $0.19 per transaction and a keyed-in rate of 3.69% + $0.19, in addition to a monthly PCI compliance fee of $19.95. Nonetheless, as a reseller, EmeraldPay may modify these terms. Additionally, there are indications that EBS engages in selling long-term, non-cancellable equipment leases through First Data Global Leasing.
Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Pricing
EmeraldPay promotes its virtual terminal and payment gateway solutions as part of its e-commerce services. The company offers gateway options such as Authorize.Net, eProcessing Network, and Payeezy. The pricing for these services varies depending on the selected gateway and may include additional rates and fees, such as gateway fees, technical support fees, batch fees, and extra transaction charges.
Satisfaction with Contract Pricing
Despite limited complaints about its contract terms, it remains uncertain how EmeraldPay’s offerings compare to the most affordable merchant accounts available. The lack of widespread dissatisfaction suggests that many clients find their services acceptable. We encourage individuals with detailed knowledge about EmeraldPay’s standard contract, including any PCI compliance fees or monthly minimums, to share their insights in the comments section of this review.
EmeraldPay provides a selection of payment gateway options.
EmeraldPay Employee Reviews & Sales Tacitcs
Should You Work For Them?
Jobs & Marketing Summary
Uses Independent Resellers
Yes
Telemarketing
Possible
Misleading Marketing
No
Discloses All Important Terms
No
Outside Sales Partner Program
EmeraldPay appears to utilize referral programs and independent sales agents to market its services. The use of independent sales agents is often linked to high complaint volumes among clients since outside agents generally don’t receive much training or oversight. In the case of EmeraldPay, though, this does not seem to be a widespread problem.
Lone Sales Complaint
We have previously located only one EmeraldPay review that describes the misrepresentation of rates by an EBS sales rep, and this lone incident occurred in 2012. In this case, the client claimed that a sales representative provided an inaccurate rate comparison that resulted in increased fees after switching. To its credit, the company does not engage in any deceptive rate quoting in its official materials. If you suspect that EmeraldPay is charging you undisclosed fees, we recommend a third-party statement audit to eliminate hidden charges.
Our EmeraldPay Review Summary
Our Final Thoughts
EmeraldPay is considered a trustworthy merchant credit card processing provider according to our criteria. While information on the company’s contract terms is limited, the consistently low volume of complaints across consumer protection websites bodes well for its reliability. Current indications suggest that EmeraldPay predominantly employs tiered rate pricing, may impose early termination fees, and may market non-cancellable equipment leases. However, the scarcity of complaints hints that such contract terms might be exceptions rather than standard practice.
Despite the positive feedback, we urge prospective clients to thoroughly scrutinize any contract terms before committing and to compare EmeraldPay’s pricing with the industry’s leading merchant account providers. Taking this proactive approach can help businesses ensure they receive the most favorable pricing and terms available for their unique needs, ultimately fostering a seamless and advantageous processing experience.
Contact EmeraldPay
Support & Contact Information
President
Christoper Kelly
Jennifer Kelly
Managing Partner
Address
1420 Celebration Blvd, Suite 200, Celebration, Florida 34747-4650
I found that the fees from EBS were so much higher than expected and when I cancelled the account to go with a better source, Steve Ward agreed to cancel but did nothing and I continued to be charged fees even though I was not using them for any account processing. After repeated attempts to contact the company, and getting nothing, I contacted Steve again and he got the monthly fee billings stopped but refused to refund the money they had debited from my account. They even gave my bank bogus info when I tried to stop the debits from my end. Good luck trying to get honest help from this company.
When there is a problem Kelly is no where to be found . I am very disappointed in Emerald world and lack of help with the one problem I had in the3-4 years I was with them. would no recommend him or his company a
Steve and his clover system offer an extremely user friendly system for businesses who process credit-card payments. I always mention EBS when working / talking with retail businesses.
CPO
Hi David,
Please reply to this comment with your business name and location in order to authenticate your testimonial. Thanks!
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Donna Powell
I found that the fees from EBS were so much higher than expected and when I cancelled the account to go with a better source, Steve Ward agreed to cancel but did nothing and I continued to be charged fees even though I was not using them for any account processing. After repeated attempts to contact the company, and getting nothing, I contacted Steve again and he got the monthly fee billings stopped but refused to refund the money they had debited from my account. They even gave my bank bogus info when I tried to stop the debits from my end. Good luck trying to get honest help from this company.
This post will help: Cancelling a Merchant Account Without Paying a Fee
-Phillip
Debbie Kozin
When there is a problem Kelly is no where to be found . I am very disappointed in Emerald world and lack of help with the one problem I had in the3-4 years I was with them. would no recommend him or his company a
This post will help: Best Merchant Accounts for Great Customer Service
-Phillip
David Rekerdres
Steve and his clover system offer an extremely user friendly system for businesses who process credit-card payments. I always mention EBS when working / talking with retail businesses.
CPO
Hi David,
Please reply to this comment with your business name and location in order to authenticate your testimonial. Thanks!