Guardian Payment Systems Review
A Payment Processor Founded by Small Business Owners
Founded in 2010, Guardian Payment Systems is a merchant account provider whose founders started the company after years of being frustrated with their payment processing providers as small business owners. In light of their frustration with unexpected fees, high rates, and undesirable contract terms, the company provides its merchants with interchange-plus pricing free of contracts. Its pricing model is offered by the company’s e-commerce, mobile payments, and in-store payment solutions. The company also advertises gift card programs, Apple Pay and Google Pay integration, as well as Clover POS systems.
Location and Ownership
Guardian Payment Systems is headquartered at 5111 Rogers Ave., Suite 620, Fort Smith, AR. The company is a registered ISO of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Concord, CA. Ryan King is listed as the owner of the company while Todd Dupont is its director of operations.
Guardian Payment Systems Review Table of Contents
- Costs & Contract: Guardian Payment Systems offers interchange-plus pricing free of long-term contracts.
- Complaints & Service: Guardian Payment Systems has received fewer than 10 public complaints.
- BBB Rating: Guardian Payment Systems has an “A+” and has received 0 complaints in the last 3 years. The company has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 2013.
- Sales & Marketing: Guardian Payment Systems does not appear to hire independent sales agents and has not received any complaints about its sales practices.
- Rates & Fees: How Merchants Got The Best Rates With Guardian Payment Systems.
Guardian Payment Systems Customer Reviews
Here's What Their Clients Say
Key Points |
|
|---|---|
| Total Online Complaints | <10 |
| Live Customer Support | Yes |
| Most Common Complaint | N/A |
Low Complaint Total
We have not been able to find any negative reviews about Guardian Payment Systems. However, that is the byproduct of a lack of online reviews in general, negative or otherwise. Even though the company has a clean complaint record, the lack of insight into its customer’s experiences precludes it from being one of the best merchant account providers available. Nevertheless, the lack of any negative reviews is an auspicious omen for merchants considering the company’s services.
Guardian Payment Systems Lawsuits
We have not found any outstanding class-action lawsuits or FTC complaints filed against Guardian 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.
Guardian Payment Systems Customer Support Options
Guardian Payment Systems provides a phone number and automated form on its website. The phone number provides callers with customer support options for technical support and billing inquiries. Though the company provides these services, they are only available during standard business hours. Merchant account providers with a great track record of customer service typically offer more comprehensive support options, including 24/7 customer service.
No Red Flags
Though there is no evidence to suggest that merchants are having negative experiences through the company, the lack of clear, comprehensive customer support channels other than basic phone support is the basis for the company getting a “B” rating in this category.
Guardian Payment Systems Online Ratings
Here's How They Rate Online
Online Ratings Summary |
|
|---|---|
| Product & Service Complaints | 0 |
| Billing & Collection Complaints | 0 |
| Advertising & Sales Complaints | 0 |
| Guarantee & Warranty Complaints | 0 |
| Delivery Complaints | 0 |
Clean Complaint Record
Alliant is not currently accredited with the Better Business Bureau. As of this review, the company has an “A+” rating with the BBB and has had 0 complaints filed against it in the last 36 months. It also has not received any informal reviews, although it should be noted that these reviews are not subject to verification by the BBB.
An “A” Performance Overall
In keeping with our policy that “A+” ratings should typically be reserved for companies with 0 complaints, we agree with the BBB’s rating at this time. Merchants should be aware, however, that there are reasons to be skeptical of the BBB’s reviews.
Guardian Payment Systems Fees, Rates & Costs
A Closer Look at The Contract
Key Points |
|
|---|---|
| Swipe Rate | Interchange-Plus |
| Keyed-in Rate | Interchange-Plus |
| Virtual Terminal Rate | Interchange-Plus |
| Payment Gateway Fee | Undisclosed |
| Early Termination Fee | None |
| PCI Compliance Fee | Undsiclosed |
| Equipment Lease Terms | None |
Transparent Pricing Free of Contracts
Guardian Payment Systems goes makes it rather apparent that a lack of transparent pricing resulting in higher than expected fees was a major factor in influencing its founders to start the company. As such, the company’s website makes explicit mention of an interchange-plus pricing model. Though the company alludes to a mark up to those interchange rates via an additional transaction fee, that specific fee is not disclosed and may vary from merchant to merchant. Nevertheless, the interchange rates offered by the company are the clearest and most transparent pricing model a merchant account provider can offer. The company also states that it will enter into a contract with merchants guaranteeing that they will be free or an increase to those rates.
In addition to its interchange-plus pricing, the company states that it does not ask merchants to enter into long-term contracts. This means merchants will not be subjected to expensive early termination fees. The contract-free operation extends to equipment leases, which Guardian Payment Systems states it does not incorporate into its services. It is unclear if the company charges PCI compliance fees, monthly minimum fees, or other monthly fees.
Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Pricing
In addition to its storefront payment processing services, Guardian Payment Systems also dedicates a portion of its website that advertises its virtual terminal and payment gateway. However, pricing on either of those services is not disclosed. It does appear that the company’s interchange-plus pricing applies to its virtual terminal, however, additional rates and fees, including gateway fees, technical support fees, batch fees, and additional transaction rates may apply to these e-commerce services.
An “A” Overall
The transparent pricing, lack of contracts. early termination fees, and equipment leases gives merchants a lot of benefits. With that flexibility and lack of exorbitant fees, Guardian Payment Systems is awarded an “A” overall.
Guardian Payment Systems Employee Reviews & Sales Tacitcs
Should You Work For Them?
Key Points |
|
|---|---|
| Employs Independent Resellers | No |
| Advertises Deceptive Rates | No |
| Discloses All Important Terms | No |
Free of Independent Resellers
Guardian Payment Systems does not appear to hire independently contracted sales agents to market its services. This is a common hiring practice within the credit card processing industry that often results in a sales team composed of poorly trained or unregulated agents. The company choosing not to employ this tactic is a positive reflection on its sales practices.
No Long Term Contracts
Notably, Guardian Payment Systems markets itself as a contract-free merchant account provider. This is not standard across the industry, as many providers sign merchants into long-term contracts with expensive early termination fees. The company’s decision to operate without those contract terms is emblematic of its philosophy to provide its merchants with service free of expensive fees included in many other contracts. In a marketing tactic starkly juxtaposed with industry standards, the company’s website states that it will sign a contract with merchants ensuring that it will not raise their rates.
No Misleading Quotes
To its credit, Guardian Payment Systems does not advertise deceptive rate quotes. The company notably discloses its interchange-plus pricing model. However, the price of the transaction fee marking up interchange rates is not disclosed by the company. It is possible that this mark up varies from merchant to merchant. Given the company’s lack of independent resellers and deceptive advertising as well as its transparent pricing, we award the company an “A” in this category. If you suspect that the company is charging you undisclosed fees, we recommend seeking a third-party statement audit to find and eliminate hidden charges.
Our Guardian Payment Systems Review Summary
Our Final Thoughts
A Great Option Across the Board
Given Guardian Payment Systems interchange-plus pricing as well as offering service free of contracts and the expensive fees they encompass, the company is a great option for most merchants. The company’s website makes no mention of serving high risk merchants, which is worth mentioning. It offers a full range of services from POS systems to e-commerce solutions. The only reason the company did not receive “A” ratings across the board is its lack of 24/7 customer support or a dedicated email address for that purpose. That may reflect the size of the company and its
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Kai Kathy
I’ve been using Guardian Payment Systems for my business’s payment processing needs, and I can’t say enough good things about them! From the moment I signed up, their customer service has been top-notch. They guided me through the setup process with ease, making it a breeze to integrate their system into my operations. Not only is their platform user-friendly, but it’s also incredibly secure, which gives me peace of mind knowing my customers’ data is protected.
But the real game-changer for me has been the competitive rates they offer. With Guardian, I’ve been able to save significantly on transaction fees, positively impacting my bottom line. I’ve also appreciated their range of payment options, catering to my diverse clientele.
Overall, Guardian Payment Systems has truly been a reliable partner for my business, and I highly recommend them to anyone in need of efficient, trustworthy payment solutions.