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Evaluating Stax Payments: An Analysis of Pricing, Features, and Client Satisfaction

Name: Stax Payments
Item: Stax Payments
Rating: 3
Author: Phillip Parker

Author: Phillip Parker

Updated: June 11, 2025

Maintained Since: November 5, 2015

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All mentions of rate and fee costs are estimations based on publicly available information and client feedback. Actual costs may vary based on a variety of factors unique to your business.

Stax Payments

Rating

3/5

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Pros

Next-Day Funding Available

QuickBooks Integration

ACH Processing Capabilities

Cons

Reports of Billing Issues

E-Commerce Limitations

Equipment Return Fee

Monthly Fee Required

Additional Add-On Fees

Overview

This review looks at Stax Payments, a company that offers the wholesale cost of credit card processing, known as "interchange," for a flat monthly fee. We will also compare Stax to competitors like Stripe and Payment Depot. Additionally, we’ll talk about the company’s customer support, legal issues, and feedback from both customers and employees. Finally, we’ll examine Stax's pricing model and how it compares to others in the payment processing market. This article gives business owners the information they need to decide if Stax Payments is the right choice for them.

About Stax Payments

Screen Capture of Stax Payments Homepage — Stax Homepage

Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Stax Paymetns is a subscription-style merchant account provider that was established in 2013 but began operations in early 2014. The company was previously known as “Fattmerchant” and “Sunshine Payment Services.” Stax was last know to be a reseller of Worldpay processing services.

A Competitor to Stripe

Stax Payments’ e-commerce solution includes features similar to those of the popular payment aggregator Stripe, with several enhancements. Both services offer an API for developers, month-to-month contracts, and integrated mobile payment options. However, Stax offers a lower per-transaction fee, a customer support phone line, next-day funding, and QuickBooks integration. Stax’s mobile solution also supports invoicing, manually keyed transactions, saved payment methods, and camera-scanned cards. Businesses can add a Bluetooth reader or terminal for card-present transactions if needed.

Products & Merchant Services

Payment Processing

Stax Payments operates on a straightforward pricing model, charging a flat monthly fee and a fixed per-transaction fee, without percentage-based rates. This service offers merchant accounts with mobile payment processing and a comprehensive virtual terminal for e-commerce. The Stax mobile app is available on iOS and Android and can function independently or as part of an integrated platform for both card-present and card-not-present transactions. Transactions, drafts, catalog items, and inventory updates made in the mobile app are synced in real-time across all devices, including Stax’s virtual terminal.

Subscription-Based Pricing Model

Stax’s subscription-based pricing model sets it apart from many other providers. This pricing structure offers businesses a cost-effective alternative to traditional percentage-based fees.

Omni Software Platform

The Omni software platform by Stax consolidates payment processing across various channels, providing a unified view of a business’s transactions. The platform features a user-friendly interface and real-time analytics.

Integrated Inventory Management

Stax includes an integrated inventory management system within its suite of services, allowing businesses to maintain accurate inventory records and streamline operations.

Virtual Terminal with Invoice Management

Stax’s virtual terminal offers advanced invoice management features, enabling merchants to create and send customized invoices, track outstanding payments, and set up automated reminders.

Developer-Friendly API

Stax provides a developer-friendly API for seamless integration with third-party platforms and custom applications.

Customer Reviews & Sentiment

Limited Complaints

We have only found a few negative Stax Payments reviews, and there is no suggestion that the company is involved in any scam or fraudulent activities. The existing complaints mostly revolve around negative sales experiences or unfavorable pricing, without a consistent pattern in the negative feedback received by the company. If you have your own Stax Payments review to share, please feel free to do so in the comments below.

Email Invoicing Service

Stax Payments’s virtual terminal offers the flexibility to send one-time email invoices, schedule future invoices, or set custom payment due dates to ensure timely payments.

Stax Payments Support Options

Stax Payments offers phone and email contact details on its website, with additional in-house after-hours support available. This sets it apart from competitors like Square or Stripe in catering to mobile businesses and e-commerce merchants.

Industry Scores & User Ratings

Online Ratings Summary
PaymentPop	1
BBB Rating	1
Trustpilot	4.1
Google Maps	4.2
Average Rating	3.1

PaymentPop Rating for Stax Payments

Negative Feedback

Beware: We signed up and never received our terminals. However, was being charged monthly fee of $209. We tried to cancel and ask for refund but the refused to refund. Eventually, we got more terminals but we called to return them and was told that I would receive return shipping labels in an email. Never received that either. I thought we could get this resolved but we were ignored and monthly drafts just piled up to upwards of $2900.00. We just had to stop payment on the drafts to our account. Probably going to seek legal advice. Never once used terminal, never once used service, never once received any cancellation notice from them even though I cancelled. I think it is illegal to charge for services/goods never received or used.

Positive Feedback

There are no positive reviews published about Stax Payments on the PaymentPop website.

Stax BBB Rating

Stax Payments currently has an “A+” rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been accredited with the BBB since 2020. The company has received 66 complaints in the last 36 months. Stax has a 4.1 out of 5 star rating based on 24 user reviews on the Better Business Bureau website.

What Merchants Say

In addition to those 66 complaints, Stax Payments has also received 41 informal reviews, although it should be noted that these informal reviews are not subject to authentication by the BBB. Of the 41 informal reviews 28 were negative in tone while 13 were positive. This is a major uptick in negative reviews from the 3 at the time of a recent review, but it appears that the company does respond professionally to most reviews. The most recent negative review mentions faulty equipment and poor customer service:

We started with Stax payments 2 weeks ago. It has been nothing but trouble from the beginning. The first Dejavoo terminal wouldn’t turn on. The second took transactions but wouldn’t batch (at all). I am still waiting for those funds. The third seemed to work, but when I self batched, no funds have hit my bank in 3 days. Only the portal got funds into my acct. Of course that takes a lot more time and keyed-in expense, I assume. They said that they were working on it (a week ago). But now waiting on those that “batched” this week too. Communication is lacking. I hope I get this resolved before we run out off money? Looks like we will have to put sales through the portal again today, as those are the only funds that get to the bank! We are a small retailer. I’ve lost too much sleep over this!

Clients in this situation should familiarize themselves with how to cancel their account without paying any fees.

Trustpilot Rating for Stax Payments

Stax Payments has a 4.1 out of 5 star rating based on 1,033 user reviews on Trustpilot.

Positive Feedback

Great customer service and a user-friendly platform –
The reps always respond right away and are able to answer any questions you have during onboarding.

Negative Feedback

We opened a support ticket yesterday morning when we lost the ability to process payments. We are now well past 24 hours in what is our busiest business month and the issue is still not resolved. I have called, emailed, elevated the ticket, reached out on linked in, and now our trust pilot reviews are impacted directly citing the inability to take a payment. I am so unhappy.

Google Maps Rating for Stax Payments

Stax Payments has a 4.2 out of 5 star rating based on 823 user reviews on Google Maps.

Positive Feedbak

I was originally with Payment Depot and have stayed through the acquisition by Stax. I have been so pleased with the customer service as well as the cost of our processing. We continue to get the best prices and the best support.

Negative Feedback

Horrible experience. Misleading about fees and then refused to refund anything following their mistake. If you want to be overcharged and shook down, use this company. Otherwise, there are other processors that operate under a cloak of honesty.

Processing Rates & Fees

Month-to-Month, No Termination Fee

The standard Stax Payments merchant agreement is typically a three-year commitment through Vantiv with automatic renewal for two-year terms and a liquidated damages early termination fee. However, according to a company representative, the early termination fee is actually $0, as specified on the merchant application. The Stax Payments website also states a month-to-month contract with no cancellation penalty. Merchants should ensure their documentation aligns with a $0 early termination fee or overrides the NPC contract’s language. Additionally, the website clarifies no charges for statement, PCI compliance, annual, batch, or monthly minimum fees.

Subscription-Style Pricing

Stax Payments offers two plans: a $99 per-month standard plan for businesses processing under $1 million annually and a $199+ per-month enterprise plan for those over $1 million. The standard plan doesn’t include percentage-based markups above interchange but charges either $0.08 or $0.15 per transaction based on the sales environment. It includes analytics, 24/7 support, with no additional fees or long-term contracts.

Lacks Interchange Pass-Through Transparency

Despite claiming to pass base interchange fees without markup, Stax lacks transparency in transaction fees on statements, raising concerns. Detailed statements on each transaction’s interchange fee upon request were declined. This refusal raises doubts about fee transparency, potentially indicating undisclosed fee padding. Providing detailed transaction information should not be an issue if rates are based on base interchange.

Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Pricing

Apart from storefront payment processing, Stax Payments offers virtual terminal and payment gateway services. Monthly fees for the Standard Plan are $99, and for the Enterprise Plan, $199. Both plans charge interchange plus $0.15 per transaction.

ACH Payments

Bank-to-bank payments are accepted through Stax Payments at a flat rate of $0.25 (standard) or $1.50 (expedited) per transaction, included with all Stax Payments accounts.

Enterprise-Level Options

The $199+ per month plan also skips percentage-based markups above interchange. Its per-transaction rates vary based on the sales environment and include additional features like risk monitoring, dedicated account manager, analytics reporting, and chargeback assistance. The pricing page mentions enterprise plans starting at $199 per month, with higher quotes possible for clients processing well over $1 million annually.

Lawsuits & Legal History

No significant class-action lawsuits or FTC complaints have been filed against Stax Payments. Dissatisfied clients seeking non-litigious resolutions with the company are advised to report any concerns to the relevant supervisory organizations.

Employee Reviews & Sales Practices

Keeping Sales In-House

Stax Payments appears to utilize conventional advertising and an in-house sales team to market its services. There is no evidence that Stax Payments is a typical industry “hiring mill,” and we cannot find any Stax Payments reviews that accuse the company’s sales reps of unethical conduct. Two complaints from the past few years do mention aggressive telemarketing tactics by Stax sales representatives, but this does not seem to be a widespread issue at the company.

Full Disclosure

Stax Payments provides a link to its contract terms on its website, and it lists its full pricing details for anyone to review. There is no indication that these fees are quoted in a misleading way. Stax Payments’ commitment to transparency is uncommon within the industry and has earned it an “A” in this category, as well as a spot on our top-rated all-purpose processors list.

Stax Payments Competitors

Compare Stax Payments to competitors that earned top marks.

Pricing

Bottom Line

Stax Payments has recently faced criticism for its lack of transparency concerning detailed account statements and interchange fees, prompting a reevaluation of its rating. The company asserts that it passes on base interchange fees with no markup, yet its refusal to provide detailed statements obscures the accuracy of this claim, challenging its integrity and transparency. This lack of clarity has led to a lower recommendation for Stax, pending improvements in how openly it shares financial details with its customers. Stax Payments stands out in the payment processing industry with its subscription-based model, which appeals especially to high-volume merchants by eliminating percentage-based rates, favorably impacting overall costs.

Despite this innovative pricing model and the comprehensive features of its Omni software platform, Stax Payments’s reluctance to offer complete transactional transparency raises concerns. Potential clients and existing users deserve clear, accessible information to verify billing accuracy, fostering trust and satisfaction. Businesses considering Stax for their payment processing needs should approach with caution and insist on complete fee transparency to avoid potential overcharges or discrepancies that could affect their financial operations.

Read Actual User Reviews

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All user reviews have been moved to our partner, PaymentPop.com

Contact Stax Payments

Contact & Customer Support
CEO and Founder	Suneera Madhani
Founder	Sal Rehmetullah
Toll-Free General Customer Service	(855) 979-1080
Other Support Options	Live chat
Website	staxpayments.com

About Us

CardPaymentOptions.com

Established 2009

My name is Phillip Parker, and I started this website back in 2009 as a simple blog to call out shady credit card processors that were taking advantage of small business owners. At the time, I had no idea this side project would grow into a leading voice pushing for transparency and integrity in the payment processing industry. I also didn't anticipate just how far some of these companies' owners would go to try to silence me.

I was recruited out of college for a sales role with a credit card processor. At the time, I didn't realize the “training” was really about tricking me... into selling business owners expensive processing with hidden fees and long-term service agreements. In my first few sales, I unknowingly cost friends and family thousands of dollars after they trusted me to switch their services. When it finally clicked that something was seriously wrong, I was furious. I quit immediately and made a promise to expose that company and any others operating the same way. That promise is what led to the creation of this website.

As I wrote about these processors, their tactics, and the people behind them, the articles started to spread among business owners. News organizations picked up the stories, readers shared them online, and traffic to the blog took off. Unsurprisingly, that also caught the attention of the companies and individuals I was exposing.

Over the last 17 years, I've received several anonymous death threats and defeated four lawsuits meant to intimidate me into taking my blog down. Their efforts to muzzle me only made my determination to expose them even stronger, leading me to work with state authorities to help shutdown some of the worst offenders.

I'm proud to say that of the millions of people who have read my work, thousands have taken the time to write and thank me for helping them narrowly avoid a very costly mistake. This blog has played a small role in pushing the industry toward more ethical practices - but there are still bad actors out there, which means the work isn't done.

If I can offer one piece of advice, it's this: get every promise in writing, and take the time to review contracts carefully. Tools like ChatGPT can help surface red flags and uncover expensive surprises buried in the fine print.

If you've made it this far, thank you for reading. I truly appreciate you being here, and I wish you every success with your business.

Our Research Methodology

Pricing & Fees

We analyze all costs including rate structures (interchange-plus, tiered, flat-rate, etc), monthly fees, equipment costs, early termination fees, and hidden charges. This data is gathered from service agreements, statements and client feedback.

Features & Technology

Evaluation of POS systems, e-commerce integrations, mobile capabilities, reporting tools, recurring billing..., and developer resources. When possible, we directly test services and hardware. Otherwise, we rely on client feedback and public information.

Customer Support

We evaluate availability across phone, email, chat, and social channels. Measuring hold times, night and weekend availability, and client feedback regarding effectiveness, professionalism, and resolution rates.

Contract Terms & Conditions

We review service agreements and equipment contracts for reasonability, transparency, and fairness. We focus on uncovering any predatory clauses, such as unjustified early termination fees, hidden costs, and unclear cancellation policies.

User Experience

We comb the internet and interview current and former clients to evaluate the overall user experience and identify any common pain points that may impact the user experience.

Sales & Marketing Practices

We evaluate sales tactics, marketing materials, and client feedback to determine the level of transparency and ethical nature of the provider's approach. Does the provider publicly disclose pricing? Do they use teaser rates? We score based on these and other factors.

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