Contract for "Free" Equipment: Can be restrictive.
Diverse Hardware: Suits various needs.
Potential ETF: For contract termination.
No Long Contract: Offers flexibility.
Variable Rates: Can be unpredictable.
Good Reputation: Suggests reliability.
Limited Global Reach: May affect international transactions.
Overview
In this review of First Merchant Payment Systems, 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 First Merchant Payment Systems meets your payment processing needs.
About First Merchant Payment Systems
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.
First Merchant Payment Systems Homepage
First Merchant Payment Systems Products and 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.
First Merchant Payment Systems offers most basic payment processing services
First Merchant Payment Systems Customer Reviews
Customer Reviews Summary
Total Online Complaints
<10
Live Customer Support
Yes
Most Common Complaint
N/A
Recent Lawsuits
No
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.
First Merchant Payment Systems Customer Satisfaction Ratings
Online Ratings Summary
BBB Reports
0
Sole Complaint
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.
First Merchant Payment Systems Fees, Rates & Contract
Rates & Fees Summary
Cancellation Penalties
Unclear
Monthly & Annual Fees
Possible
Processing Rates
Interchange +
Equipment Leasing
Likely
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 offers comprehensive e-commerce solutions, including a payment gateway.
First Merchant Payment Systems Employee Reviews & Sales Practices
Jobs & Marketing Summary
Uses Independent Resellers
No
Telemarketing
No
Misleading Marketing
No
Discloses All Important Terms
No
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 Review Summary
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.
Contact First Merchant Payment Systems
Contact & Customer Support
Co-founder and President
Kevin Winter
VP of Sales
Ryan Winter
Headquarters
5216 Summerlin Commons Blvd #100, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Toll-Free Support
(866) 936-2530
Local Office
(239) 936-2530
Additional Support Channels
Online Contact Form
Website
fmps.com
Top Performing First Merchant Payment Systems Competitors
Please note that we only suggest providers that adhere to strict ethical standards and offer top performing support at extremely competitive pricing. We may earn revenue if choose one of our recommendations.
Reader Comments, Testimonials & Complaints
1 User Reviews
russ
first merchant payment systems are horrible! i have been a customer of theirs for 7 years now. it is time consuming to compare other companies and rates. it is tricky to figure out the fees to compare to other companies because there are so many fees and charges. when i find myself with one full week i will do some research and change companies.
they do nothing. and the few times i contact them they are useless. and they make over 2% of every dollar i bring in. it is such a racquet. do not use them!!
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russ
first merchant payment systems are horrible! i have been a customer of theirs for 7 years now. it is time consuming to compare other companies and rates. it is tricky to figure out the fees to compare to other companies because there are so many fees and charges. when i find myself with one full week i will do some research and change companies.
they do nothing. and the few times i contact them they are useless. and they make over 2% of every dollar i bring in. it is such a racquet. do not use them!!