Updated 1/24/2019: The website for Everest Merchant Services (ems-merchants.com) appears to no longer be an active website, and unanswered BBB complaints seem to suggest that the company is no longer functioning. At this time, Everest Merchant Services appears to be a defunct organization, and third-party sources support this. If you have any knowledge of Everest’s status (whether it is still active, operating under another name, or no longer in business), please leave that information in the comment section below this review.
Everest Merchant Services (ems-merchants.com) is a nationwide merchant account provider providing credit card processing services to merchants for Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, signature cards, customized gift and loyalty cards, and debit cards. The company initially began operations on September 8, 2010, with business offices located at 261 Madison Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, New York. Several reviews indicate that EMS relies on Cynergy Data (now Priority Payment Systems) for its actual credit card processing services. The company also does not publicly list an acquiring bank. Arnold Olshanesky is listed as the CEO of Everest Merchant Services.
Customer Reviews & Sentiment
We’ve located over 15 Everest Merchant Services negative reviews on non-BBB consumer protection websites (including the comment section of this review), most of which cite an inability to reach any customer service representatives from EMS to resolve the stated problem. Other complaints mention unexpected fees and nondisclosure of contract terms, as well as internal issues at the company. The company’s website provides an email form and a telephone number that may or may not be related to customer support; it’s also possible that the company relies on Priority Payment Systems for its customer support in addition to its payment processing. Regardless, EMS does not appear to have a very responsive or readily available customer service team.
Client Satisfaction Ratings
| Product & Service Complaints | 1 |
|---|---|
| Billing & Collection Complaints | 2 |
| Advertising & Sales Complaints | 1 |
| Guarantee & Warranty Complaints | 0 |
| Delivery Complaints | 0 |
As of this update, Everest Merchant Services (EMS) has been assigned an “F” rating with the Better Business Bureau and is not accredited. Of the four complaints filed against EMS, one was related to the product or service, one was related to an advertising or sales issue, and two had to do with billing and collection. All four went completely unaddressed. In light of the company’s complaint total and resolution ratio, we agree with the BBB’s rating.
Card Processing Rates & Fees
Because EMS appears to resell the services of Priority Payment Systems, the standard EMS contract is likely to be very similar to the standard Priority Payment Systems contract, which includes a $495 early cancellation fee and PCI compliance fees of up to $185. One complaint does mention that EMS offers interchange-pluspricing, although this particular merchant did not end up receiving the appropriate rates.
EMS advertises a number of different guarantees and promotions, so it is reasonable to assume that the terms of an EMS contract will include provisions addressing these promotions. Even so, merchants are encouraged to carefully review any contract they are given, regardless of a sales agent’s guarantees.
Bottom Line
EMS rates as an average merchant account provider largely because of its BBB rating and complaint record. The company’s rating may improve once more is known about its contract terms, but the known details are not especially competitive. As always, merchants are advised to carefully research the company before signing any contracts.
Everest Merchant Services Rating
