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Looking for a Reliable Processor? Here’s How First Merchant Payment Systems Performs

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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.

First Merchant Payment Systems

Rating
A
4.5/5
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Pros and Cons of First Merchant Payment Systems

Pros

Interchange-plus pricing
Clover POS systems
EMV card readers
Payroll solutions
Cash discount program

Cons

Potential cancellation fees
Monthly/annual fees
Variable processing rates
Limited industry specialization
Limited contract information

Overview

In this First Merchant Payment Systems review, we provide a clear look at their credit card processing solutions, including point-of-sale (POS) systems, mobile payment tools, and e-commerce features. We’ll outline which types of businesses may benefit most, while also highlighting customer feedback to reveal common experiences and concerns. Along with services, we’ll cover pricing details, contract terms, and overall reliability. By the end, you’ll have the insights you need to decide whether First Merchant Payment Systems is the right choice for your business.

About First Merchant Payment Systems

Screen Capture of First Merchant Payment Systems Homepage
First Merchant Payment Systems Homepage

First Merchant Payment Systems, founded in 2001, is a merchant account provider serving small to mid-sized businesses throughout the United States. It is worth mentioning that First Merchant Payment Systems could potentially be confused with First American Payment Systems; merchants are advised to keep in mind that these are unrelated entities. According to the company’s website, First Merchant Payment Systems offers interchange-plus pricing and resellsClover POS systems.

Products & Merchant Services

Payment Processing

First Merchant Payment Systems processes major debit and credit cards for small to mid-sized businesses. Their services include Clover and PTech POS systems, EMV swipers, mobile solutions, e-commerce solutions with shopping carts, payment gateway access, QuickBooks integration, Level 3 B2B processing, cash discount programs, and payroll solutions.

Payroll Solutions

First Merchant Payment Systems offers comprehensive payroll and HR solutions to manage tasks like payroll, taxes, HR issues, benefits, and insurance. These solutions provide flexible input options, direct deposit, new-hire reporting, electronic onboarding, and various HR tools such as a help desk, job description wizard, and advanced HR toolkits.

Cash Discounts

The Cash Discount Program from First Merchant Payment Systems helps businesses save on credit card processing fees by passing these costs to customers while offering discounts for cash payments. The program includes a 4% customer service fee on all transactions, which is waived for customers paying in cash. Merchants processing over $15,000 per month can use the program for free, while those processing less pay a $39 monthly fee.

On The Fly POS

On The Fly POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system designed for various business types, including restaurants, cafes, and retail stores. It supports payment processing, staff management, inventory organization, and report generation. Features include a digital menu board, kitchen display system, mobile app for online ordering, and contactless payment options.

Industries Served

First Merchant Payment Systems provides services to a wide range of industries, demonstrating their versatility in meeting diverse business needs. Industries served include restaurants, auto repair, beauty and fitness, e-commerce, service industry, lodging and hospitality, healthcare, retail, and veterinary services.

Customer Reviews & Sentiment

Low Complaint Total

We found only one external review of First Merchant Payment Systems beyond the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This minimal complaint volume might suggest an effective and responsive customer support team at First Merchant. However, it’s also plausible that some complaints directed towards First Merchant are instead addressed to the company’s backend payment processor. If you have a review or experience with First Merchant Payment Systems, we encourage you to share it in the comments section below for a broader perspective.

First Merchant Payment Systems Lawsuits

No outstanding class-action lawsuits or Federal Trade Commission (FTC) complaints have been found against First Merchant Payment Systems. For clients who prefer non-litigious resolutions to their issues, we recommend considering reporting their experiences to appropriate supervisory organizations.

Industry Scores & User Ratings

Online Ratings Summary
PaymentPop5
BBB RatingN/A

PaymentPop Rating for First Merchant Payment Systems

Negative Feedback

We’ve had a dependable experience with First Merchant Payment Systems. Setup was handled efficiently, and they walked us through each step without rushing. Since going live, transactions have processed without issue, and account management has been simple to keep up with.

Positive Feedback

There are no positive reviews published about First Merchant Payment Systems on the PaymentPop website.

First Merchant Payment Systems BBB Rating

First Merchant Payment Systems has been accredited with the Better Business Bureau since February 2019 and currently maintains an “A+” rating. The company has received 0 complaints through the BBB over the last 3 years. First Merchant has also received no informal reviews on its BBB profile.

An “A” Performance Overall

Given the company’s complaint record, we agree with the BBB’s rating at this time.

Processing Rates & Fees

Overview of Contract Terms

Public details on the standard contract for First Merchant Payment Systems are sparse. One isolated complaint surfaced in a review’s comment section, revealing dissatisfaction with the contract terms, though lacking specifics on fees or duration​“【oaicite:5】“​​“【oaicite:4】“​. First Merchant promotes interchange-plus pricing, noted for its transparency, and mentions a “free terminal” offer, which may include options from Clover. The specifics of whether Clover POS terminals are sold or leased under contract are not provided​“【oaicite:3】“​​“【oaicite:2】“​.

Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Services

First Merchant extends its interchange-plus model to e-commerce solutions, featuring virtual terminal and payment gateway services. This implies that additional costs, such as gateway fees, support fees, and batch fees, could be applicable to these online services, though specifics are not detailed on their platform​“【oaicite:1】“​.

Contribute Your Insights

The competitiveness of First Merchant’s contract terms with other low-cost merchant accounts remains uncertain. Insights on First Merchant’s standard contract specifics, including any PCI compliance fees or early termination fees, would greatly benefit from public contribution for clearer understanding​“【oaicite:0】“​.


First Merchant Payment Systems e-commerce solutions
First Merchant Payment Systems offers comprehensive e-commerce solutions, including a payment gateway.

Employee Reviews & Sales Practices

Inside Sales Team

First Merchant does not appear to hire independent sales agents to market its services, although this was unconfirmed as of this update. There are very few negative First Merchant Payment Systems reviews, and those that are available do not cite aggressive or deceptive sales strategies. This is a strong indicator that the company’s sales reps are well-trained and subject to adequate oversight.

No Deceptive Advertising

First Merchant does not appear to engage in any deceptive advertising strategies in its official materials. The company’s low complaint total has qualified it for an “A” rating for this section. If you suspect that First Merchant Payment Systems is charging you undisclosed fees, we recommend seeking a third-party statement audit to eliminate hidden charges.

First Merchant Payment Systems Competitors

Compare First Merchant Payment Systems to competitors that earned top marks.

Bottom Line

According to our rating criteria, First Merchant Payment Systems rates as a reliable credit card processing provider. The company boasts a low complaint rate and appears to employ an entirely in-house sales and support staff, which can contribute to more consistent and reliable customer service. Reviews do not suggest that First Merchant is a ripoff or scam operation.

However, we advise readers to carefully review the terms of any contract they are offered. It is also wise to compare First Merchant’s costs and services with those of other top-rated providers. This thorough approach ensures that businesses can make well-informed decisions, securing the best possible terms and pricing for their credit card processing needs.

Read Actual User Reviews

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

Contact First Merchant Payment Systems

Contact & Customer Support
Co-founder and PresidentKevin Winter
VP of SalesRyan Winter
Headquarters5216 Summerlin Commons Blvd #100, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Toll-Free Support(866) 936-2530
Local Office(239) 936-2530
Additional Support ChannelsOnline Contact Form
Websitefmps.com