Integrated Card Service 2023: Reviews & Complaints

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2.5
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How did they treat you? ▼

Note: As of 2023, we believe Integrated Card Service is no longer in business. We will no longer be updating this profile. If you have any information that the company is still in business, please let us know in the comment section below.

Company Overview

Integrated Card Service, aka International Card Service, is a merchant account provider that has been active since 2007. International Card Services also does business as Merchant Account Solutions. Integrated Card Service appears to be a reseller of iPayment contracts.

Possibly Inactive DBA

As of this update, Integrated Card Service's website is hosted on a free Weebly site and has been stripped of most of its content. Additionally, the company's alternative web domain is not responsive. This may indicate that the company is transitioning its Integrated Card Service resources to a different brand and URL, or it may simply mean that Integrated Card Service is being shut down. International Card Service's alternate DBA, Merchant Account Solutions, is still active at this time. Additionally, the BBB lists Integrated Card Service as an alternate name for iPayment, Inc. If you have any knowledge of the situation, please share it in the comment section below this review.

Integrated Card Service Payment Processing

The ICS website does not list much information on their services. It appears Integrated Card Services processes major credit and debit cards and offers “a credit card machine, integrated accounting software, an easy merchant account setup guide, and a payment-processing infrastructure composed directly from invoices.” They also appear to take phone, mail, and mobile payments and provide e-commerce solutions and equipment rental through First Data (Fiserv).

POS Systems

Integrated Card Service offers a range of POS systems that are designed to meet the needs of businesses in various industries. Their POS systems come with a range of features that make managing transactions simple and efficient, including inventory management, employee management, and reporting tools. Integrated Card Service's POS systems are easy to use and come with all the features that businesses need to manage their transactions effectively.

Mobile Payments

Integrated Card Service offers mobile payment solutions that allow businesses to accept payments using their mobile devices. The mobile payment solutions are easy to use and come with all the security features that businesses need to protect their customers' data. Integrated Card Service's mobile payment solutions are ideal for businesses that are always on-the-go.

E-Commerce Solutions

Integrated Card Service offers e-commerce solutions that allow businesses to accept payments online. The e-commerce solutions are easy to use and come with all the features that businesses need to manage their online transactions effectively. Integrated Card Service's e-commerce solutions are ideal for businesses that want to expand their customer base and reach a wider audience.

Gift Card Programs

Gift card programs are an excellent way for businesses to increase sales and customer loyalty. Integrated Card Service offers gift card programs that are fully customizable, allowing businesses to design their own gift cards and track sales data in real-time. Integrated Card Service's gift card programs are easy to set up and use, and they come with all the features that businesses need to manage their gift card programs effectively.

Location & Ownership

The company’s corporate address is located at 5126 Clareton Drive, Suite 260, Agoura Hills, California 91301. International Card Services, LLC, DBA: Integrated Card Service, is a registered ISO/MSP of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Walnut Creek, California.

Table of Contents

Integrated Card Service payment processing
This is essentially the only information online about Integrated Card Service

Integrated Card Service Customer Reviews

Here's What Their Clients Say

Customer Reviews Summary
Total Online Complaints 40+
Live Customer Support Yes
Most Common Complaint Hidden Fees
Recent Lawsuits No

Moderate-to-High Complaint Total

We are currently able to locate over 40 Integrated Card Service reviews on this and other consumer protection websites, many of which accuse the company of being a scam or ripoff. Complainants consistently report deceptive sales tactics, expensive contracts that are difficult to cancel, unhelpful or unavailable customer support, unauthorized debiting of undisclosed fees, and refusal by the company to provide a copy of the full processing contract. Some of these complaints have been filed against a DBA of Integrated Card Service, International Card Services. If you have your own Integrated Card Service review to make, please do so in the comments below.

Integrated Card Service Lawsuits

We have not found any outstanding class-action lawsuits or FTC complaints filed against Integrated Card Service. Dissatisfied merchants who wish to pursue a non-litigious course of action against the company should consider reporting it to the relevant supervisory organizations.

Integrated Card Service Customer Support

Generally speaking, Integrated Card Service appears to have a severe problem with its customer service team, which is consistent with the reputation of its apparent processor, iPayment. In fact, it is possible that Integrated Card Service outsources its customer service to iPayment, which would scatter complaints across both entities. The company does not appear to offer a direct phone line to its support team on its website. Integrated Card Service’s lack of dedicated customer support paired with its complaint record prevents it from being considered a top merchant account provider for customer service.

Integrated Card Service Online Ratings

Here's How They Rate Online

No Dedicated BBB Profile

The Better Business Bureau’s profile for Integrated Card Service has been deleted, and the BBB currently groups Integrated Card Service’s complaints with complaints about iPayment, which itself has been conflated with Paysafe:Group.

Integrated Card Service Fees, Rates & Costs

A Closer Look at The Contract

Cost & Fees Summary
Processing Rates 1.00% - 4.99%
Cancellation Penalties Yes
Monthly & Annual Fees Yes
Equipment Leasing Yes

Three-Year Contract

Integrated Card Service appears to resell the contracts of iPayment, which are typically three-year agreements with automatic renewal and an early cancellation fee of $350 if service is canceled before the first year of service, a fee which drops to $250 after the first year of the contract is completed. We have located some mentions of a PCI Compliance fee at or around $100, and businesses report discount rates that are less than competitive. Client reviews also reflect a PCI non-compliance fee of $30 per month, a monthly statement fee of $8, and a chargeback fee of $25. Generally speaking, these terms may vary from agent to agent but are far from likely to be competitive with the cheapest merchant accounts.

iPayment also utilizes First Data Global Leasing for payment processing hardware. First Data Global Leasing contracts for equipment are 48-month, non-cancellable agreements that usually cost far more than the actual market price of the equipment. At the end of an equipment lease, the client does not become the owner of the equipment but rather may purchase the equipment for an additional cost that is calculated with respect to the length of the lease. In the event that a business owner wishes to cancel before the conclusion of the lease, they will owe the entirety of the remaining monthly payments on the lease in the form of one lump sum (essentially a Liquidated Damages fee), which can often total thousands of dollars.

Dissatisfaction with Contract Terms

The most consistent negative factors appear to be an early termination fee, high processing rates, and a pattern of nondisclosure by sales agents. We also encourage business owners to check out our list of the providers of the best merchant accounts.

Integrated Card Service Employee Reviews & Sales Tacitcs

Should You Work For Them?

Jobs & Marketing Summary
Uses Independent Resellers Yes
Telemarketing Unclear
Misleading Marketing No
Discloses All Important Terms No

Sales Complaints

Integrated Card Service appears to hire independently contracted sales agents to market its services. This is a common hiring practice within the industry that usually results in elevated complaint rates among merchants, and it appears to be a major problem for Integrated Card Service and its clients. We are currently able to locate numerous negative Integrated Card Service reviews that describe misrepresentation of rates and fees by the company’s sales agents, sudden charges for contracts that business owners claim to not have signed, and nondisclosure of contract length at the point of signing. If you, too, suspect that Integrated Card Service is charging you hidden fees, we recommend a third-party statement audit to find and eliminate undisclosed charges.

Some Red Flags

There was also some confusion over an advertisement formerly posted to the company’s website that promoted free service for the first 90 days. Although the fine print on the Integrated Card Service website explained that the company only waives the monthly service fee (while other fees remain active), many clients expressed confusion and surprise upon being charged for their first three months. The consistent nature of these complaints led us to believe that it is a common practice among Integrated Card Service agents to intentionally fail to disclose certain contract terms. This does not compare favorably to our list of best credit card processors. We therefore award the company a “C” in this category.

Our Integrated Card Service Review Summary

Our Final Thoughts

Integrated Card Service receives a substandard score as a credit card processing provider according to our rating system. The credit card processor has a persistently high complaint rate that appears to stem from its sales tactics and uncompetitive contract terms. Even more troubling is the fact that there does not appear to be a concerted effort to improve these undesirable factors. Because Integrated Card Service is rated as low as some of the worst merchant account providers on CPO, merchants would be better served by selecting a top-rated option for merchant account needs.

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Which is Most Important for You?

If you had to pick one, which quality would you say will be the most important with your next credit card processor? Tap or click your selection to register your vote:

  1. Low Transaction Fees
  2. No Monthly Fees
  3. No Contract
  4. Reliable Customer Support
  5. Quick Signup

Testimonials & Complaints

How Did Integrated Card Service Treat You?

23 User Reviews

  • Michael Belachew

    Very bad experience, I closed my account Return my credit card machine and they keep charging me over $130.00 a month I called customer service they said you have 3 accounts you didn’t close all three of them which I don’t know about it after I return the machine I thought everything thing will be closed, when I told him to close all my accounts that means he should close everything, now over a year they charge me over $2800.00 dollars without using the machine at least all the charges before I return the machine maybe it’s my fault after I return the machine they keep charging me.
    I ask him at least return the money after I return the machine he said no, ok let me talk to supervisor he said no, you need to close the phone now that’s what he said, his name is Anthony Herrera. I don’t know who do I have to speak.

  • CCL LLC

    The worst hidden fee’s and customer service I have ever experienced in my 25 years as a business retail owner. Refused to release me from contract. Double charged me every month for over a year and will not finalize investigation into account. Will not allow me to discontinue even outside of 2 year contract and continues to charge me and deduct from business account even though we have not processed one card with them or their equipment in over a year.


    Are you with Integrated Card Service? Learn how to resolve this complaint.

  • Lucy SIlva

    DO NOT USE MERCHANT ACCOUNT SOLUTIONS. This company is based out of Thousand Oak California they are a very dishonest company. The last 3 months they have been pulling payments out of my account and each month my payments have done up. I called to cancel it and they said i couldn’t because of a contract i had with them i asked them if they could mail me a copy of the contract its been a month now and i haven’t received anything except more payments getting pulled out of my account. I talked to Anthony, Courtney, and Bryne who were not helpful at all. So now i’m dealing with charges for a service i don’t use.

  • Gonzalez

    I got in to Merchant account solutions for a card reader. before we process my application I ask the guy if I want to cancelled my account is there any fees he said no that was less then 2 days before my application was process so I called them in the 3day to cancelled they said yes no problem with fees unfortunately my business wasn’t I accepted I close my business. the next month I see they charged 35.00 two time I wasn’t checking my account when I told them to cancelled the account with them, in April there was a charged of 35.00 again I call my bank account to cancelled the pending so they did, in five days they send me to collection, they charging me 60.00 when is 35.00, I talked to a man whom is charged cancellation he was rude and unfair he told me to cancelled I have to pay 545.00 for termination I told I close my business I’m not using the card reader it’s new and haven’t used it,he said he well give one until next year March my account it will be close,I’m paying something to that I don’t even use.

  • Khanh Tran

    This is very worst credit card company and I will not recommend anyone to do business with. First, I signed up with this company because the salesman provide very good deal for credit card service such as monthly fees, rates, terminal set up, etc. But actually I was charged more that what suppose to be, I got stuck with 2 years agreement if I want to cancel. I closed my business due to loss since January 2014 I called customer service then was transferred to several operator before I was told that I have to pay penalty and they advise me to keep the account until October 2014 to cancel. October 2014 I called to close my account and I was happy because I trust the matter was resolved but actually nothing happen. I called again in November when I received bank statement showing monthly charge continue posting to my account. Again, I was told that she will take care of closing the account and refund the charge. That was wrong when nothing happen again: bank account is still being charged for monthly service, account still not cancel. I called again in December 2014, January 2015 and today February 12, 2015, Each time I keep getting a promise to close account and refund the fee but nothing happen. The company knows that my terminal was pulled out of service since January 2014 but why they don’t want to close the account per customer’s request??? This company is not honest to its customers why we trust them?? DON’T DO BUSINESS WITH ICS (Integrated Card Service)

  • DEBRA SMITH

    Dealing with ics was a nightmare for me as well. The agent made false promises about the low fees. He said there would be no hidden for yearly fees. After I got tired of them charging excessive fees, I went to my bank and put a stop payment on the account. They duped my bank by using a different id code and took out an additional $250.00. I called ics to complain and they keep talking about a mysterious contract that I had signed with them and the $250.00 was for early termination. I never saw or signed a contract. I had to close out my bank account to make sure that they couldn’t steal anymore of my money. This company is lies, trickery and thieves. I don’t understand how a business like this can still operate. Where is the accountability?

  • Susan Yang

    This is a worst company I ever met! They are liar!
    I found them online year ago, I called a agent, the name is Colt, he said there was no contract, then I started use their service, after 1 year I found I have three years contract! I didn’t sign anything , I didn’t know I have contract! I asked them to show me the document to me, they show me one and the signature line was a IP address! It wasn’t my signature ! I don’t know who filled this form for me !
    I want to cancel my account but they said they will charge me $350 cancelation fee! Is there anything I can believe ?!
    Who can help me? This company shouldn’t exist ! Is here any lawyer can help me?

  • Ronnie

    People don’t take these reviews lightly. This is not only the worst credit card processor ive ever dealt with but company period. They have this salesman “Byron” that has all the answers until he gets you hooked up. Then he forgets everything.I ran a credit a credit card through his company for 4000.00. They took the 4000.00 out of my customers account, one problem they forgot to put the in mine. So I call trying to explain this. Oh you gave us your wrong bank acc. # . Come on I say its the same one you been charging ever month. Oh you went over your limit he says. Well why did you take it out of my customers account then. They Finally put the money back in my customers acc. after many phone calls. They still charge my acc. 62.90 every month even though I have ran another card since that day almost a year ago. I AM going to see if I have any legal action. People stay away from this company…or you will be sorry!!!! Owner Affordable Truck Repair Inc.

  • michael

    this is the worst company possible they cost me thousands of dollars and took money out of my bank account and over drew me many times causing over draft costs of thousands, plus the scam what they told me was a lie.
    this is a boiler room company with about 3 persons working it on the phones that steal everything and lie as much as they can. I had to close my bank account and close my company from the bank to stop them from taking fees and fees and fees that i was not told would happen and had no control over my own account. I plan to sue them if they give me one more peep of trouble. this company is dishonest and thieves at most. Get a square do not go here,

  • John

    WOW, reading these complaints, I suddenly feel like Yogi Beara, “deja vu, all over again!”
    I too was smoothed over by a salesman and assured no fees for closing, as we only use the terminal for one weekend a year for the festival. Trying to contact customer no service was fruitless.
    I am in the process of filing complaints with Consumer financial Protection Bureau, state attorney generals (OH & CA), and the BBB.
    Reading this just makes me sick that everything is so IDENTICAL!!!
    I have even been told by my bank that these ACH transactions can continue after I am dead and the account is closed, as each time they hit the account it reopens and the fees accumulate for ISF and daily penalties.
    Seriously, afdter I’m dead.

  • Cindy

    I originally went with Merchant Warehouse because I had a Blackberry Pearl cell phone and thought their app would be compatible with my phone. The screen was too small so I decided to get a “real” terminal and went with Integrated Card Services and was with them from Febrary 2012 and tried to cancel the service October 28, 2012 but didn’t get it cancelled until January 2013. As I review my records I find they processed $3,283.91 in sales for me and charged me $715.54 in fees; 21.79%. When I tried to close the account, they ran the $350 termination fee through my account twice. My bank has charged me two stop payment fees totalling $60 and one NSF fee of $25 and returned my utility payment. (Embarassing to say the least. I’ve had my bank account 26 years and have never bounced a check.) This latest round of fees brings the percentage to 35.04%. I have tried to contact the company numerous times and tried to send back the equipment twice. I think they have it now. I’ve talked to Anthony and Bryan and Sheree and finally emailed [email protected] twice. I’ve joined a class action lawsuit at http://www.PaymentCardSettlement.com in hopes of recouping some of my costs. I use the Square, now. Their fees are a straight up 3% and I’ve never been happier.

  • robert monk

    I decided to apply for ICS service following a comparison of information I obtained by consulting with 3 or 4 other credit card companies.

    The very nice ICS salesman offered the best plan, without hidden charges, etc., so I opened an ICS account based on the information provided by that salesman.

    I filled out an on line application which provided names, addresses, tax ID numbers, and of course, the banking information ICS required.

    I did not see a contract, nor was I provided a copy of a contract, and I saw no contract on line, nor did I read or hear mention of a contract.

    We began using their service and all was fine. Fees were reasonable just as the nice salesman had stated and the service was good.

    So, being satisfied with this first ICS account, I soon decided to open a second ICS account allowing us to receive credit card payments for a second smaller business that we run. Again, all went well, just as the salesman promised.

    As time went on, we began using the second account less and less and before long we received an overdraft notice from the second bank account connected to the second ICS account.

    To my surprise, I discovered that ICS had extracted fees from that second bank account even though we weren’t using the second ICS credit card machine.

    I expected a normal maintenance fee for the ICS account, but ICS also extracted an ‘FCC’ fee of about $129 which we are required to pay; a fee the nice salesman had never mentioned.

    ICS had completely depleted the second bank account by extracting unexpected and unannounced fees for the second ICS machine and the added ‘FCC’ fee.

    I called ICS and they refused to refund the amounts they had withdrawn from our second bank account, so we cancelled our second ICS credit card account.

    ICS then helped themselves to a $350 early closing penalty from the second bank account. I don’t know by what right they assessed this penalty. The nice salesman had never mentioned a $350 early closing penalty, and, of course, there was never a contract for me to read.

    I placed a ‘stop payment’ order with our bank for both ICS connected accounts and also closed the original ICS account.

    Having no further authorization to access our accounts, ICS modified the Automated Clearing House (ACH) number they and been using to take money from our bank accounts and were able to bypass the ‘stop payment‘ order.

    ICS extracted an additional $350 penalty for closing the second ICS credit card account.

    At this point, ICS has already helped themselves to over $700 from our bank accounts.

    My bank says that it is legal for ICS to modify ACH numbers to subvert ‘Stop Payment’ orders, and that the bank has only 24 hours to contest the extraction, otherwise, the act cannot be contested by the bank and it then becomes a civil or legal matter between ICS and ICS’s client.

    The moral of the story is: If you deal with ICS, you may regret it as much as we do, and in order to prevent ICS from helping themselves to the contents of your bank accounts should you decide to stop using their service, I suggest that you first empty and close your bank accounts before you close your ICS accounts.

  • Susan Parrish

    Last year we signed up with ICS, they dont answer there phones and never return a call EVER!! we called randy 805-435-2791 he set up aour account and was never told about the yearly renewal or the cancellation fee. We called him in july and asked him when our contract was up he said 07/31/2012. we faxed our termination form and sent the machine back ,account was closed 08/15/2012 they removed $250 today 10/01/2012 from our account two months LATER!! i turned them in to Better business bureau and KTLA. we need to band together and stop this company!! email me to joint the fight

  • Lotus Hypnotherapy

    About two months ago I signed up for a wireless terminal. When I signed up the sales person stated the fee and cancellation policy is totally different what they are charging. When I raised this issue, I have to pay cancellation feel for $300.00 (originally they said just give us a call then we’ll cancel your account.) The current charge of monthly fee is $52.66 with processing fee (Originally said $5.00 plus processing fee).

    Now I feel that I am totally deceived by the sales person.

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