Kotapay Reviews and Complaints

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Overview

This article will explore the history, services, and operational practices of Kotapay, detailing its transition from InterceptEFT to its current standing under the ownership of First International Bank & Trust. It will cover the range of payment processing solutions Kotapay offers, including its partnerships with BASYS Processing and its role as a reseller of Fiserv and Clover solutions. Additionally, the article will examine Kotapay's approach to customer service, its strategic business decisions, and the impact of these factors on its reputation within the industry. Insights into Kotapay's contract terms, fee structure, and the regulatory environment affecting payment processors will also be provided, alongside an evaluation of customer feedback and the company's standing with the Better Business Bureau.

Previously InterceptEFT

Kotapay is a merchant account and credit card payment processor based in Fargo, North Dakota. Originally operating under the name of InterceptEFT, the company was acquired by First International Bank & Trust in 2018 and rebranded as Kotapay. The company has been in business for 25 years according to its Better Business Bureau profile.

Kotapay has announced that it partners with BASYS Processing for debit and credit card processing services. Kotapay and First International Bank & Trust are also a contracted reseller of First Data (now Fiserv) and Clover solutions.

Kotapay Payment Processing

Kotapay processes all major debit and credit cards for most business types. Their services include ACH processing, the Clover family of POS systems, mobile solutions, and access to the Pay Now payment gateway.

Kotapay Location & Ownership

Kotapay is headquartered at 4334 18th Avenue South, Suite 200 Fargo, ND 58103. Kotapay is a registered ISO of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Concord, CA. Steve Stenehjem is the CEO of First International Bank & Trust, while Jim Haug is the senior vice president of Kotapay.

Pros & Cons
Pros: Cons:
High risk tolerance. Monthly minimum fee.
No setup costs. Early exit penalty.
Gift/loyalty program. Three-year contract.
Domestic phone support. Non-transparent pricing.
Extensive documentation. Incomplete term disclosure.

Kotapay Customer Reviews

Here's What Their Clients Say

Few Complaints

Kotapay, being a relatively new entity in the market, has limited documentation at this time. The number of Kotapay reviews and Kotapay complaints is sparse. One complaint noted in the comments section of this review highlights issues with customer service. Its predecessor, InterceptEFT, maintained a commendable record as reflected in our reviews. It appears that Kotapay has upheld a satisfactory level of customer service and support following the brand transition. We welcome your Kotapay review; please share your experiences in the comment section below.

Kotapay Lawsuits and Fines

We have not identified any outstanding class-action lawsuits or FTC complaints against Kotapay. Merchants looking for non-litigious solutions with the company may consider reporting their concerns to the appropriate supervisory bodies, and we encourage them to share their Kotapay reviews in the comments of this article.

Kotapay Customer Service Options

Kotapay provides dedicated phone support to all its merchant accounts, aligning with the practices of similar-sized companies.

Multiple Kotapay customer service numbers are available:

(800) 378-3328 – Toll-Free General Customer Service
(701) 241-7832 – Local Office Number

While Kotapay does not have a specific email support address, it offers live chat support and a customer support form on its website.

Given the absence of significant customer service-related complaints and considering InterceptEFT’s strong track record, we are provisionally assigning Kotapay an “A” rating. Although new brands typically do not receive an “A” rating immediately, the impressive customer service legacy of InterceptEFT warrants this initial assessment.

Kotapay Online Ratings

Here's How They Rate Online

Online Ratings Summary
Total Complaints 0
Resolved Complaints 0

No Complaints

According to the Better Business Bureau, Kotapay has been in business for 28 years. However, as mentioned previously, the majority of these years have been under the name of InterceptEFT. Kotapay has been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 2018 and currently has an “A+” rating with 0 complaints and 0 reviews in the last 36 months.

An “A” Performance Overall

According to our records on InterceptEFT and current public complaints, we have no reason to disagree with the Better Business Bureau’s rating of an “A” at this time.

Kotapay Fees, Rates & Costs

A Closer Look at The Contract

Cost & Fees Summary
Swiped Rate 2.6%
Keyed-in Rate 3.55%
Amex Rate 3.4%
Batch Fee $.35
Sign-up Fee $41.95
Annual Renewal $41.95

Partnered with BASYS Processing for Card Processing

Kotapay has chosen BASYS Processing as its partner for credit and debit card processing services. Although BASYS is known for its clear pricing model, specific details regarding Kotapay’s contract and rates are not readily available, and they may differ depending on the brand. The exact terms of Kotapay’s agreements, including any potential early termination fees, remain undisclosed.

Resells Fiserv (First Data) and Clover Merchant Accounts

BASYS discloses its rates online, whereas Fiserv (Formerly First Data) offers a variety of contract terms that can vary based on the merchant’s processing volume and industry. For detailed information on Fiserv’s rates, please refer to our Fiserv review. Kotapay also utilizes Clover POS systems for certain merchant accounts, enhancing their service offerings.

Negotiate Contract Pricing

At present, details regarding a specific Kotapay merchant account contract are unavailable. Merchants who have engaged with Kotapay for payment services are invited to share their experiences in the comments section. It is advisable for merchants to discuss Kotapay’s rates and contract conditions thoroughly and to review all contract documents carefully before agreeing to terms.

For broader options, merchants might consider exploring our curated list of the premier merchant account providers.

Kotapay point of sale
Kotapay facilitates access to Fiserv’s Clover POS systems.

Kotapay Employee Reviews & Sales Tacitcs

Should You Work For Them?

Jobs & Marketing Summary
Uses Independent Resellers Possible
Promotes Deceptive Rates No
Discloses All Important Provisions No

Previous Independent Sales Teams

While there is record of InterceptEFT hiring independent sales agents in the past, there is no current information to suggest that Kotapay contracts are under the same sales systems. InterceptEFT has been known to heavily rely on independent sales agents in the past; however, their network of independent agents produced few, if any, complaints.

This compares favorably to our list of best credit card processors.

Variable Contract Terms

Kotapay contracts have been publicly shown to be resold BASYS and Fiserv contracts. The exact details of these contracts, when issued by Kotapay, are still unknown. Considering the wide range of companies served by the two payment processors, it can be assumed there is potentially a wide range of rates possible. If any of our readers have dealt with a Kotapay contract recently, we ask them to comment below.

Our Kotapay Review Summary

Our Final Thoughts

A Good Option

Kotapay seems to be handling its merchant accounts well, as evidenced by the lack of current complaints. InterceptEFT generally had few complaints and even fewer poor reviews, so we hope that their strong tradition of customer service has survived the rebranding. For now, we see no reason not to recommend Kotapay for credit card processing and look forward to seeing how the company fares under the new name.

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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 Kotapay Treat You?

1 User Reviews

Tell Us How They Treated You

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