We take our role in providing guidance and education regarding the card payment industry very seriously. At our own expense, we have vigorously defended our right to continue expose unethical and predatory practices in the industry, successfully defeating every attempt to silence us. However, fending off frivolous lawsuits is costly. To sustain these efforts, one of the ways we generate revenue is through affiliate partnerships with ethical providers. This means that some of our outgoing links connect business owners to trustworthy, low-cost payment processors, which is what most of our readers seek. We see this revenue channel as a win-win-win for everyone involved. Business owners find good processors, processors get good clients, and we are able to continue to provide a valuable service to the small business community. We also recommend and link to many services that do not compensate us. Our priority is to guide you to the best solutions for your needs, regardless of potential revenue. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us.
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.
In this review of Host Merchant Services, we’ll cover the company’s card processing services, rates, fees, contracts, and customer feedback. We’ll assess their pricing transparency, customer support quality, and overall client satisfaction. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what Host Merchant Services offers and whether their payment processing is a good fit for your business.
Host Merchant Services is a Newark, Delaware-based merchant account provider that serves a variety of business types. Company founder and CEO Lou Honick got his start in the web hosting industry by launching, owning, and operating HostMySite.com from 1997 until its acquisition by a private equity firm in 2008. One year later, he founded Host Merchant Services, which has become one of the top-rated merchant services providers on CPO.
Host Merchant Services provides an extensive range of payment processing solutions tailored to a variety of business types. Their services support all major debit and credit cards.
For businesses requiring secure transaction methods, Host Merchant Services offers EMV card readers and swipers. These devices adhere to the latest security standards, helping protect against fraud and unauthorized transactions.
The company’s POS (Point of Sale) solutions include popular systems such as Clover, Vital POS, and SwipeSimple.
Host Merchant Services also caters to businesses on the move with their mobile solutions. These solutions enable payments to be accepted on the go, which is ideal for non-traditional business settings like food trucks, pop-up shops, and mobile service providers.
For online transactions, Host Merchant Services provides payment gateways and virtual terminals. These tools facilitate secure and seamless e-commerce transactions, allowing businesses to process payments through their websites efficiently.
Their e-commerce solutions integrate tailored payment systems for online retailers, ensuring a smooth and secure checkout experience for customers.
Host Merchant Services offers cash discount and advance programs. These programs provide businesses with financial flexibility and incentives for customers to use cash, potentially reducing processing costs and improving cash flow management.
Host Merchant Services also supports EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) processing. This service enables businesses to accept payments from government-issued benefits cards, which is particularly beneficial for grocery stores and retailers serving diverse customer bases.
To enhance customer engagement and retention, Host Merchant Services provides gift and loyalty programs. These programs are designed to attract and retain customers by offering incentives and rewards for repeat business.
Our investigation found no major complaints about Host Merchant Services, which suggests that their in-house customer support is effective. While some issues were raised, like account denials or hardware problems, these are small compared to the mostly positive feedback. One recent comment mentioned unclear rates and unexpected equipment leases, but this seems to be a rare case among many good reviews.
No lawsuits or FTC complaints have been lodged against Host Merchant Services.
Our investigation found no significant complaints about Host’s support channels, indicating that their in-house customer support is effective. The company offers 24/7 customer service, and promotes a dedication to promptly addressing client needs.
| PaymentPop | 5 |
|---|---|
| BBB Rating | 5 |
| Trustpilot | 4.6 |
| Google Maps | 4.4 |
| Consumer Affairs | 4.4 |
| Average Rating | 4.68 |
There are no negative reviews published about Host Merchant Services on the PaymentPop website.
Host Merchant Services has been easy to work with from day one. The setup was quick, their team answered every question clearly, and there haven’t been any surprises on our statements. Everything just works.
Host Merchant Services has been an accredited business of the Better Business Bureau since 2011 and currently holds an “A” rating. The company’s BBB profile shows 3 complaints in the past 36 months. Considering the low complaint total and resolution rate, we agree with the BBB’s rating at this time. Host Merchant Services has a 5 out of 5 star rating based on 3 user reviews on the Better Business Bureau website.
Host Merchant Services has a 4.6 out of 5 star rating based on 48 user reviews on Trustpilot.
Great customer service. Huge improvement over the merchant service we used before. Easy to use website to run charges. Lower cost than before
First it is very hard to understand your techs. I have never once spoken to someone who is easy to understand. Not once have I had an American to talk to. This last time my issue was nt resolved. I was given a case number . I waited to be reached and havenot had the opportunity to get back. When you are very busy this is a real problem when you get someone who has no idea what you are talking about and they you need to wait to get it resolved.
Host Merchant Services has a 4.4 out of 5 star rating based on 17 user reviews on Google Maps.
As great as the credit card machines and processing services are, the best part of Host Merchant Services is the customer service. It doesn’t matter who you talk to, everyone is extremely knowledgeable and courteous. My company has not had any issues. I highly recommend them for your business.
awful company
Customer reviews on Consumer Affairs mirror that of Trust Pilot, with 123 submissions that are mostly testimonials.
I had the good fortune to speak with Chris who I think is the sales manager there. I was surprised the sales manager would work with a smaller company like mine, but he said that’s just how they do business. I might have been a little skeptical at first, but I’ve had a lot of bad experiences with credit card companies. I switched to save money, which I did, but I also wanted better service. Host Merchant answers the phone when I call and the people are good at their jobs. I did have one call that was a little confusing and I wasn’t too happy, but I talked to Chris and he fixed things up super fast. What more can I ask for? I read a lot of reviews about HMS before I signed up and they do seem to live up to their reputation.
Host Merchant Services offers interchange-plus pricing with no early cancellation fees and a low monthly fee of $10.
Host Merchant Services tailors its transaction rates to different business types: retail at interchange plus 0.25% and $0.10, restaurants at interchange plus 0.20% and $0.09, and e-commerce at interchange plus 0.35% and $0.10. They also offer high-risk merchant accounts with pricing based on the specific business type and processing history. It’s beneficial for readers to compare these rates with other top merchant accounts.
Host offers various processing hardware options from mobile card reader to full POS systems. Some hardware options may require additional monthly fees for maintenance or cell service capability for mobile transactions. Most of these fees appear to be under $10 per month.
Host Merchant Services employs both W2 sales agents and independent contractors, and we found only one negative review mentioning the sales team. This lack of complaints indicates that their reps are likely well-trained, with clear expectations set for job duties and earnings. Online employee reviews generally reflect a positive work environment, with many highlighting the support and training provided by the company. Employees often praise the transparent commission structure, but some note that success may depend heavily on individual sales performance. Overall, the feedback suggests a mostly supportive and fair workplace for salespeople.
Host Merchant Services stands out as a top-rated credit card processing provider, earning positive feedback on consumer protection platforms. Their use of the interchange-plus pricing model promotes transparency, helping businesses better understand transaction costs. Despite the high ratings, clients should always carefully review contracts to avoid hidden terms. By comparing details with other processors and understanding the fine print, businesses can ensure they get the best value, meet their payment processing needs, and manage costs effectively.
| CEO and Founder | Lou Honick |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | 250 Corporate Blvd., Suite L, Newark, Delaware 19702 |
| Toll-Free General Customer Service | (877) 517-4678 |
| Additional Support Channels | Online Contact Form and Live Chat |
| Website | hostmerchantservices.com |
