Fortis Payment Systems: Card Processing Reviews & Complaints
(800) 761-8039 Company Overview
Formerly known as Cambridge Payment Systems, Fortis Payment Systems is a merchant account provider based in Novi, Michigan. As of 2022, it appears that the company has rebranded as FortisPay.
FortisPay Payment Processing
The company primarily focuses on providing hospitality, chiropractic, restaurant, veterinary, medical, non-profit, retail, automotive, liquor, grocery, fitness, and e-commerce merchant accounts. Fortis Payment Systems also appears to be a reseller of Elavon and other First Data (Fiserv) services.
Payment Gateway Services
FortisPay’s payment gateway services enable businesses to accept credit and debit card payments securely and easily via their website. The payment gateway is fully customizable and integrates with major e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and more.
Virtual Terminal Services
FortisPay’s virtual terminal services allow businesses to process credit and debit card payments over the phone or via email, without the need for a physical card reader. This is ideal for businesses that don’t have a storefront or need to process payments remotely.
POS Systems
FortisPay offers a variety of POS systems that are designed to meet the needs of businesses in various industries. Whether you’re looking for a traditional countertop terminal or a mobile POS, FortisPay has a solution that can help you process payments quickly and securely.
Mobile Payment Solutions
FortisPay’s mobile payment solutions allow businesses to accept payments on-the-go using a smartphone or tablet. This is ideal for businesses that operate in remote locations or attend trade shows, farmers markets, or other events.
E-commerce Payment Processing
FortisPay offers a range of e-commerce payment processing solutions for businesses that operate online. This includes payment gateway services, recurring billing, and digital wallet services.
Gift and Loyalty Card Programs
FortisPay offers gift and loyalty card programs that can help businesses increase customer loyalty and drive sales. These programs are fully customizable and can be integrated with POS systems and e-commerce platforms.
Merchant Cash Advance
FortisPay offers merchant cash advances that can help businesses get the funding they need quickly and easily. This service provides a lump sum of cash in exchange for a percentage of future credit card sales.
Fraud Prevention Services
FortisPay offers a suite of fraud prevention services that can help businesses reduce the risk of fraud and chargebacks. These services include address verification, card security code (CVV2) verification, and fraud screening.
FortisPay Expansion
In late 2020 Fortis Payment Systems acquired Blue Dog Business Services, another online payment technology provider. It appears Blue Dog has become FortisPay Pro, which has its own website separate from that of FortisPay. In early 2021 it was also announced they would acquire Swype at Work to further bolster their portfolio. Also in 2021, FortisPay acquired EpicPay and Change Merchant Solutions, and in 2022, they acquired payment technology firm Payment Logistics.
Location & Ownership
The company is a registered ISO/MSP of Elavon Payments Partner and registered ISO/MSP of Fifth Third Bank, N.A., Cincinnati, OH; Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Concord, CA; Compass Bank, an Alabama State Chartered Bank; Citizens Bank, N.A., Providence RI; Woodforest National Bank, The Woodlands, TX; and U.S. Bancorp, Minneapolis, MN. Fortis Payment Systems is headquartered at 43155 Main St. Suite 2310-C Novi, Michigan 48375. Jimmy Nafso is the co-owner and former CEO of Fortis Payment Systems, while Greg Cohen is the current CEO.
Table of Contents
- Costs & Contract: Appears to offer variable contract terms that may or may…
- Complaints & Service: Complaints number more than 10 on…
- BBB Rating: Has a “D-” rating with the BBB, with 2 complaints and 1 review over…
- Sales & Marketing: Appears to hire independent sales representatives and has received…
Fortis Payment Systems Customer Reviews
Here's What Their Clients Say
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Total Online Complaints | <10 |
| Live Customer Support | Yes |
| Most Common Complaint | Unexpected fees |
| Recent Lawsuits | No |
Low Complaint Total
There are more than 10 Fortis Payments reviews to be found across all of the usual consumer protection websites, and there some claims that the company is a scam. Most of the available complaints are found in the comment section below this review and cite hidden fees, nondisclosure of contract terms, and difficulty canceling service. As noted above, the company’s former name of Cambridge Payment Systems did attract three complaints on CPO, but these reviews do not necessarily apply to Fortis as well. It should be noted that after FortisPay began rapidly acquiring companies in 2021, the number of negative FortisPay reviews on this site has increased heavily. If you have your own FortisPay review to make, please do so in the comments below.
Fortis Payment Systems and Fines
We have not found any outstanding class-action lawsuits or FTC complaints filed against Fortis Payment Systems. Dissatisfied merchants who wish to pursue a non-litigious course of action against the company should consider reporting it to the relevant supervisory organizations.
Fortis Payment Systems Customer Support Options
Given the general lack of complaints about specific issues, we will award the company an “A” rating at this time. Fortis offers phone, chat, and a contact form to its merchants as well as a dedicated account manager.
Fortis Payment Systems Customer Service Number
- (800) 761-8039 – Toll-Free Customer Support
This is a respectable level of customer support, but Fortis does not quite rank among our top-rated payment processors for great customer service.
Fortis Payment Systems Online Ratings
Here's How They Rate Online
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Total Complaints | 2 |
| Resolved Complaints | 2 |
Under 5 Complaints
FortisPay (as Fortis) is not an accredited business of the Better Business Bureau and currently maintains a “D-” rating. As of this review, there are 2 complaints filed against the company. Both of the complaints were successfully resolved to the satisfaction of the merchant.
What Merchants Say
In addition to the 2 complaints posted to the company’s BBB profile, Fortis has also received 1 informal review, which is negative. This review cites frustration with unexpected charges and poor customer service:
Fortis is a total joke. Can’t believe D** ******* is a part of this. We have a retail store and wanted to find an alternative to Square to process credit cards. We contacted them in May and the guy who helped us (K*** ******) seemed very down to earth and helpful, able to answer any questions. Got all our account info and told us that their new credit card processor might not be the best for us with it’s glitches so we opted for another one that actually cost more per month but we did not know that right away. It did not get to us. We were not able to complete their PCI Compliance since we are not lawyers or IT personnel and did not understand the terminology. So we told them not to send the device since we would have to pay for it and weren’t sure we could get this accomplished without help. Apparently K*** was trying to call us (remember we run a business?) about it but before we could connect, Fortis (under the name Merchant Bank) charged us around $25 for their services which they were not providing. So at that moment we decided not to do business with them and asked for a refund. No one gets back to us. Finally K*** in his charming way emails to apologize and says this is not normal but he understands. Then we had to sign some kind of cease/desist form to stop doing business with them but they charged us again for another month of non service. After asking several people for a refund we finally get an email (7/18) that it was denied by management and sorry for the inconvenience. What a way to run a business. Maybe others have better luck but this was a nightmare for us. They don’t care about mom and pops like us, just their bottom line or the letter of the law, whatever. So sad D** ******* is a part of it.
In cases like this, merchants would benefit from understanding how to cancel an account without paying a fee.
A “B” Performance
In light of the company’s complaint total and resolution ratio, we have adjusted the company’s rating to a “B”.
Fortis Payment Systems Fees, Rates & Costs
A Closer Look at The Contract
| Item | Result | >
|---|---|
| Cancellation Penalties | Yes |
| Monthly & Annual Fees | Yes |
| Processing Rates | 1.00% - 4.99% |
| Equipment Leasing | Yes |
Variable Contract Terms
There is no specific information to be found regarding the standard Fortis Payment Systems contract at this time, but there are a few details available about the terms offered by its former business name of Cambridge Payment Systems. According to more than one FortisPay complaint, the company enforced an early termination fee of $350 up to $695, an undisclosed PCI compliance fee, and a monthly PCI noncompliance fee of $30. These FortisPay fees are far above industry standards.
Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Pricing
In addition to its storefront payment processing services, Fortis Payment Systems also dedicates a portion of its website to advertising its virtual terminal and payment gateway services. However, pricing is not disclosed on that service. Additional FortisPay rates and fees, including gateway fees, technical support fees, batch fees, and additional transaction rates typically apply to these e-commerce services.
Few Contract Complaints
We have seen a few FortisPay reviews that mention hidden fees, and its standard pricing is not likely to be competitive with the cheapest merchant accounts. If you have any knowledge of the standard Fortis Payments contract, please leave that information in the comment section below this review. We also encourage business owners to check out our list of the providers of the best merchant accounts.
Fortis Payment Systems Employee Reviews & Sales Tacitcs
Should You Work For Them?
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Uses Independent Resellers | Yes |
| Telemarketing | Unclear |
| Misleading Marketing | No |
| Discloses All Important Terms | No |
Outside Sales Team
Fortis Payments appears to utilize ISOs and independent sales agents to market its services. The use of independent agents is commonly linked to elevated complaint rates due to the lack of training and oversight that these agents typically receive. In this case, we have found a number of negative Fortis Payments reviews that mention hidden fees, false pricing, and nondisclosure of contract terms. This does not compare favorably to our list of best credit card processors.
No Deceptive Quotes
As a point in the company’s favor, the Fortis Payments website does not promote any misleading rate quotes intended to deceive clients. Considering the fact that it has only received a few vague complaints, we will assign the company an “A” rating at this time. If you suspect, however, that Fortis is overcharging you, you can double-check your monthly bill with a third-party statement audit.
Our Fortis Payment Systems Review Summary
Our Final Thoughts
Fortis Payment Systems rates as a reliable credit card processing provider according to our rating standards; however, its complaint total is growing as it expands, which is concerning. Business owners are advised to carefully read all contract terms and compare them to those offered by top-rated merchant account providers.
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Your Comments & Reviews
How Did Fortis Payment Systems Treat You?17 Responses
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Ruth
I would not recommend Fortis to anyone. It is a holiday weekend , my card service is not working and there is no one to contact. The support chat is down,
the phone numbers provided direct you to merchant services who cannot help because Fortis is using Zeamster as an 3rd party vendor to web terminals.
Absolutely devastating to my business this holiday weekend.
Dan
I should have read the reviews prior to purchasing.
I never leave reviews but this one is so bad I had no choice but to warn others. I had a great sales lady, she was amazing. She was the last one to be helpful. Their initial sales guy had no idea what was happening, 2 guys in total, young kids.
After that I got her and was very happy with all she had to say.
We signed the contract, then they said we can’t do automated batch reporting. That was after they said they could… within 72 hours I sent an email to cancel the account. We never even logged in, set up anything. Then they started to debit my bank account. I reached out to the sales lady and she said she would work on it. Then the same thing the next month. Then the third month again. She never got back to me so I had to get the bank to do a stop payment.
Now they want $2,400.00. “we took so long to set up the account”.
I said I would consider coming back when they have API integration but they want me to pay for something that CAN’T work as they said it would.
Now they are threatening collection action.
Use anyone else but just beware. I should have read the reviews first. Now its a nightmare and no one to talk to.
Bruce
Now the two star part: I sold my business, cancelled with Lightspeed/Fortis Payments and was given a final bill. Now 7 months later I am still getting billed for FortisPay monthly service fees. I asked them to refund and they sent me a docusign to cancel the service. It was placed in a billable check that wasn’t why I was cancelling. I told them I already did as the business owner. They refused to refund, multiple times, “Unfortunately, we will not be able to refund the fees.” You would think with zero transactions for 7 months, a company with any sort of moral spine or customer service bone in their DNA would notify such customers and check up and say hey, we wondered why you are no longer processing $200,000 a month, is there anything we can do to help? NOPE, we will keep your money sir.
Michael Martin
I signed up with Fortis after telling World Pay to take a flying leap. The sales rep seemed to know what he was doing and set me up with a plan that made sense for my business, along with a free processing terminal. I received the terminal and hooked it up with no problems. The PCI compliance that was supposed to be transferred over apparently never took place. The tech that was supposed to get my terminal set up blew me off. After 4 months of using my Square reader, I told Fortis to take a leap and closed all accounts with that merchant ID. I never processed a single transaction with them, but they charged my bank account over $160.00 in access fees. Total thieves. DO NOT USE FORTIS!
Josh
I signed up with Fortis as a new small business owner into a tiered rate plan. I did not know other fee structures were available. Fortis recently increased my non-qualified tier rate by 50% without explicit notice. The monthly statement they provide did not disclose my effective rates. In fact the only document I have that shows my rates is on my initial agreement. This is an unfair and deceptive trade practice that hurts new and small businesses.
Steve
Astounding incompetence! Complete waste of time.
Pissed off Customer
Haven’t had the satisfaction to even use this company yet. Once I got set up and they sent my Bluetooth card reader they had me run a test Transaction. The card reader wouldn’t connect and they sent me another card reader. This card reader works 50% of the time and won’t work with Mastercard. Now the install representatives want to try other cards like a visa, I told them I don’t have a visa and they said the only option is for me to ask a neighbor or friend to borrow their visa card to run a test transaction. Are you freaking kidding me?!?! What kind if two-bit company is this. I’ve heard of Nigerian princess offering better customer service then this so called “fortis”
DO NOT USE FORTIS FOR ANY OF YOUR BUSINESS PAYMENT PROCESSING. YOU WILL ABSOLUTELY 100% REGRET THIS.
Be advised fortis will try and make you pay a cancelation fee. Legally this does not stand if they violate the terms of service. The state attorney General will be your best course of action.
Rachel Biondo
There fees are not competitive. They will charge you even if you don’t use the services. Better make sure you cancel or they will continue to charge you. This company can not be trusted.
Jabari Hunt
Absolutely horrible experience!!! I hear Blue Dog was great, but I guess things have changed since they merged with Fortis. I paid for a machine, they sent the incorrect one (after weeks of waiting). Additionally, it was programmed to someone else’s account. They sent a second one, I returned the first. The second was also programmed incorrectly which I confirmed with the machine manufacturer (Deja Vu). To date, that machine still isn’t working. The kicker…they then billed me for the first machine (claiming that they never received it back). They are the ones who messed up and sent the incorrect one in the first place, they are the ones who lost it, yet they have decided that I am responsible for paying for it. I’ve now spent $610 for two machines, yet don’t have a single working one. Their WooCommerce integration is solid, and the Virtual terminal works well enough. Customer service though…horrid. Absolutely horrid. I should have kept the first machine, at least I’d have two expensive paper weights instead of just one. :-/ The amount of the machines isn’t worth the time and expense of legal action (I really thought about it). I guess instead I’m left with writing these fun reviews to help others from experiencing the same nonsense…
Heidi Lusson
Thieves and crooks!! I was never told Blue Dog was bought out and when my fees more than tripled I asked why! Was told, by their customer service, Fortis didn’t like dealing with small business and we couldn’t afford their fees. So I told them I wanted out. Now I’m fighting with a collection agency for the $350 dollar fee they are trying to stick me with for dropping them!!! Turning me into collections in 3 days because I blocked them from just attacking my bank. RUN do not walk away from this company. Next step attorney general I guess.
Jason
Wrost company ever! Never ever deal with this company! They have false pricing system and wrost agreement! They will give you xtremly hard time to cancel your service with them.. all kinda hidden fees will show up! Also rude customer server, even with treating you! Please alert your business or friend to stay away from this company!
Fred Perry
Our flight school had some significant difficulties after canceling our service with FORTIS due to the fact that another provider was integral to our ability to use a specific aviation related scheduling system. However, once the problem was elevated to the ownership level of FORTIS, the issue became understood, and FORTIS did everything they could to remedy the situation. They recovered nearly a thousand dollars on our behalf and solved the problem in a couple of weeks when it took others over a year with no positive results. Anyone can provide good service to an existing customer, but FORTIS provided us with exemplary service, recovered monies and treated us like we were the most important client in the world to them….all after we had left the firm. For that, I give them Five Stars and look forward to doing business with them again one day.
Nancy
Fortis payment system sucks and they give all false pricing and get business and later hold you for contract . Don’t join fortis payment . No service at all . I am going to sue them
Christina Henley
This is the worst company i have ever dealt with. I have been trying to cancel this account for over a year. Someone telling me they were the owner called and asked if there was any way to keep our biz. We use a software for billing that only gave us one option to process through their system. We explained this and ended the conversation cordially. since then they have charged us over $900 and refuse to close our account. They even billed us again this month! We are now taking action.
Jim
I think their sales reps are sneaky and can’t believe they haven’t been sued. I had originally signed up for a different company that offered me a free terminal. The application was missing info or something and I couldn’t get in touch with my original sales rep to figure it out. Months later, a rep claiming to work for the same company comes to help me and get me the deal I had originally wanted. I didn’t realize until afterwards that she had signed me with Fortis (a completely different company) and I was now required to pay $50/mo for the terminal. It would appear that this rep used to work for the previous company and misrepresented herself to me using their info. Not only do I feel cheated, but this rep should be sued.
Sam P
Service Sucks! After being with them for 2 year, They cancel my account middle of the day without any notice! No explanation was giving.
Timothy
Hi Sam,
I noticed you posted that your account was closed without any notice. I would be more than happy to review the account information with you in order to provide feedback as to what occurred. Please feel free to email me directly with your business name and we can determine the issue.
Thank you Sam.