What You Should Know About LevelUp’s Payment Platform

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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.

LevelUp

Rating
A
5/5
full starfull starfull starfull starfull star

Pros and Cons of LevelUp

Pros

User-friendly interface
Customizable branding options
Secure payment processing
Detailed analytics reports
Efficient order management

Cons

Potential setup fees
Transaction fees apply
Limited customization options
Learning curve present
Limited offline functionality

Overview

In this review of LevelUp, we’ll take a closer look at the company’s mobile payment processing and customer engagement tools designed to support businesses of all sizes. We’ll cover their services, pricing, and contract terms, while also examining customer feedback to highlight common strengths and concerns. Key points include the transparency of their fees, the effectiveness of their customer support, and overall client satisfaction. This article provides a clear, balanced perspective to help you determine whether LevelUp is the right fit for your business’s payment processing needs.

About LevelUp

LevelUp is a one-of-a-kind credit card processing service that entered the merchant services industry in mid-2011. The company is based in Boston, MA, and has established itself as a unique alternative in the world of mobile payments. LevelUp was acquired by online and mobile food ordering platform GrubHub in September 2018, but the company appears to be maintaining its own branding for the time being. It has yet to be seen how the acquisition will affect LevelUp’s rating on a long-term basis, but for now this review will cover the company’s current operations.

Screen Capture of LevelUp Homepage
LevelUp Homepage

LevelUp payment processing
LevelUp is an interesting marketing addition for merchants

Products & Merchant Services

Payment Processing

LevelUp offers an app that enables businesses to accept credit and debit card payments in a unique way, distinct from traditional merchant account providers. The service is marketed to consumers as a secure method to store payment card information and pay businesses using unique QR codes displayed on their mobile devices. This technology allows customers to connect with LevelUp clients and earn rewards for loyalty and first-time visits. For businesses, LevelUp provides data and insights about customer visitation and purchasing patterns, which can be used to enhance engagement through customizable loyalty programs and targeted incentives for new customers.

A Secure Supplement

LevelUp is designed as a marketing supplement rather than a replacement for traditional merchant accounts. Businesses join the program by downloading an app for their iPhone or Android device and completing a short setup process. LevelUp can also provide an optional countertop docking station and an Android app to read customer QR codes. The company handles payment data storage, minimizing risk for both clients and consumers.

Customer Engagement Services

LevelUp includes features for customer engagement beyond simple transactions, such as loyalty programs and promotional campaigns aimed at retaining customers and encouraging repeat business.

Data Analytics and Reporting

Merchants using LevelUp have access to detailed analytics and reporting tools that track payments, customer behavior, and key performance indicators.

Order Ahead and Digital Ordering

LevelUp’s “Order Ahead” functionality allows customers to place orders in advance through the app, enabling them to skip the line and improve their overall experience.

Integration Capabilities

LevelUp is compatible with various point-of-sale systems and can be integrated into existing hardware and software solutions, providing convenience for businesses with established POS systems.

Regulatory Compliance

LevelUp ensures that its payment processing adheres to industry compliance standards, including PCI compliance, offering a secure option for businesses concerned about data breaches.

Location-based Services

LevelUp offers location-based services to deliver offers and promotions to customers when they are near a store, encouraging in-store visits and purchases.

Customizable User Experience

The app’s interface can be customized to align with a business’s brand identity, enhancing the overall user experience and reinforcing brand consistency.

Customer Reviews & Sentiment

Positive Feedback

LevelUp garners mostly positive feedback with fewer than 10 negative reviews scattered across online forums. None of these complaints label the company as a scam or ripoff. While issues like technical glitches and subpar customer service surface, they lack a consistent pattern. Notably, LevelUp receives overwhelmingly positive reviews on both the App Store and Google Play. If you have your own LevelUp review to share, feel free to do so in the comments below.

Legal Disputes

In 2017, CardFree sued LevelUp, alleging that LevelUp accessed CardFree’s platform for mobile orders, falsely advertised comparable services, and redirected business from CardFree. The lawsuit highlights competition challenges in the mobile services sector.

Customer Support and Assistance

LevelUp offers personalized service through dedicated account managers for each client. These managers serve as direct contacts for inquiries and service issues and provide guidance on loyalty programs and effective business strategies. Additionally, LevelUp provides customer support through phone and a customer service form, demonstrating a commitment to service quality similar to top processors.

Industry Scores & User Ratings

Online Ratings Summary
BBB Rating1
Average Rating1

LevelUp BBB Rating

LevelUp has been accredited with the Better Business Bureau and is currently showing a rating of “F” due to 30 complaints filed against it in the last three years. Only 15 of these 30 complaints were resolved by the company to the satisfaction of the merchant. The remaining 15 were resolved to the dissatisfaction of the merchant or received no final response. LevelUp has a 1 our of 5 star rating based on 2 user reviews on the Better Business Bureau website.

What Merchants Say

The company also has 2 informal reviews posted to its BBB profile, which are negative. The most recent review mentions unexpected charges and poor customer support:

I just want to warn people about Levelup. I had two charges on my bank debit card for a product and service that I never bought from them. Finally, my bank gave me two credits. The is a local burger place that we frequent twice per month. They have a rewards program that provides a free something after you spend $100. However, the program is administered by none other our buddies at Levelup. Try getting credit!!!! Try communicating with Levelup!!!! They tell you that “we will have a service representative get in touch with you”!!!! Seriously, they are playing such a scam on the public. We just stopped believing that the burger place cares, because they don’t

An “A” Performance

It is worth noting that the BBB LevelUp complaints are largely from dissatisfied consumers using the app and do not necessarily reflect on the client’s experience, so business owners should not solely rely on the BBB to assess the company’s trustworthiness. In light of the company’s complaint total and resolution ratio, we have adjusted the BBB’s rating to an “A”.

Processing Rates & Fees

LevelUp’s Transparent Pricing Structure

LevelUp’s pricing approach includes a month-to-month service agreement with a consistent transaction fee of 1.95% and no associated cancellation fee. The company presents a one-time hardware investment: $50 for a LevelUp scanner or $100 for a LevelUp tablet. Alternatively, clients can opt for complimentary hardware rentals, subject to a $250 charge if the equipment is not returned. Customer feedback on LevelUp has generally not highlighted concerns about high transaction or monthly fees. The unique selling point of LevelUp’s model is its loyalty programs, which are customized by clients. LevelUp earns revenue by charging 25% on redeemed incentives in each loyalty campaign, contributing to its ability to maintain low transaction fees. Furthermore, LevelUp offers 100% protection against chargebacks to its clients.

Value-Oriented and Competitive Terms

LevelUp’s terms are attractively priced, particularly when compared to other affordable merchant account providers. The structure of loyalty program fees, based on actual campaign performance, further enhances LevelUp’s appeal, offering a more advantageous deal than many standard providers in the market.

Employee Reviews & Sales Practices

No Misleading Marketing

LevelUp uses no deceptive advertising or rate-quoting tactics that are apparent to this reviewer. The company appears to primarily market its services using its own outside sales agents (as opposed to independent agents) as well as other business development and marketing methods.

No Sales Complaints

In addition, there are no client or consumer complaints that mention deception or misrepresentation by either LevelUp or one of the company’s agents. We have assigned the company an “A” rating at this time, but always recommend that merchants seek a third-party statement audit if hidden fees are suspected.

LevelUp Competitors

Compare LevelUp to competitors that earned top marks.

Bottom Line

LevelUp provides a distinctive credit card processing service at a competitive price. The platform’s ability to collect data and deliver insights into customer visitation and buying patterns can be especially valuable for many businesses, particularly restaurants. The rewards and incentive programs also present a competitive edge over companies that don’t participate, encouraging customer loyalty and repeat business.

While some users might favor a traditional mobile credit card processing app, LevelUp holds its ground as a fully capable and unique solution. Its innovative features, combined with the cost benefits, make it an intriguing choice for businesses looking to enhance their marketing strategies and understand customer behavior at a deeper level.

Read Actual User Reviews

All user reviews have been moved to our partner, PaymentPop.com

Contact LevelUp

Contact & Customer Support
CEOSeth Priebatsch
Headquarters1 Federal St, 6th Floor, Boston, MA
Customer Service(855) 538-3542
Websitethelevelup.com