Merchant Processing Solutions Review

About Merchant Processing Solutions

Overview

In this review of Merchant Processing Solutions, Inc., we take a detailed look at the company’s services, including credit card processing, payment gateways such as Authorize.Net and their own Merchant Pro Payment Gateway, and a variety of POS systems for different business needs. We also examine their instant capital offerings, ATM services, web development projects, and the Affinity Partner Program. Our analysis covers contract terms, rates, fees, and cancellation policies, while addressing customer and employee feedback, common complaints, and confusion with similarly named companies. We review their marketing tactics, legal history, and industry ratings to provide a balanced picture, and conclude with the pros and cons of working with Merchant Processing Solutions so business owners can make informed decisions.

About Merchant Processing Solutions

Merchant Processing Solutions, Inc. is an Annapolis, Maryland-based merchant account provider that offers credit card processing for most standard-risk business types. Founded in 2007, the company appears to resell the products and services of First Data (now Fiserv) and Authorize.Net. The company offers merchant accounts for a wide range of business types, but it does not appear to provide high-risk merchant accounts at this time. The company also offers zero-fee processing.

Potential Name Confusion

Merchant Processing Solutions, Inc. should not be confused with Merchant Processing Solutions, LLC, a California-based DBA of Payment Systems Corporation. If you have a comment about Merchant Processing Solutions, LLC, please post it beneath our review of Payment Systems Corporation.

Location & Ownership

Merchant Processing Solutions, a registered ISO of PNC Bank, N.A., Pittsburgh, PA, is headquartered at 200 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Gary Baillio serves as the president and CEO. The company is also known as “Merchant Pro.” It is worth noting that the Better Business Bureau lists profiles for several companies with the same name, which may cause confusion for those looking for the Maryland-based Merchant Processing Solutions.

Payment Gateway

Merchant Processing Solutions provides payment gateways for online purchases, including the widely-used gateway and their proprietary Merchant Pro Payment Gateway. The Merchant Pro Payment Gateway offers various solutions tailored to specific needs, such as three-step direct API, direct post API, mobile API, query API, and turnkey shopping carts through their QuickClicks software. The gateway features encryption for customer information, reporting, recurring billing, and compatibility with third-party shopping carts.

Payment Processing

Merchant Processing Solutions enables businesses to accept a range of electronic payments, including credit cards, debit cards, and mobile wallets.

Point of Sale Systems

The company provides Point of Sale (POS) systems designed for different types of businesses.

Instant Capital and Rev Program

Merchant Processing Solutions offers instant capital options and a revenue program known as the “Rev Program,” aimed at helping businesses increase their profits.

ATM Services

As part of their payment solutions, the company also offers ATM services, providing businesses with an additional payment option for customers.

Web Development and Affinity Partner Program

Merchant Processing Solutions offers web development services and an Affinity Partner Program, helping businesses enhance their online presence and build partnerships.

Review of Complaints Against Merchant Pro

We have identified more than 30 negative reviews concerning Merchant Pro, with allegations ranging from the company being a scam to engaging in ripoff practices. Common issues highlighted include aggressive marketing tactics, undisclosed fees, unsatisfactory customer service, and steep penalties for contract termination. Merchant Processing Solutions has addressed some of these complaints, showing a willingness to resolve misunderstandings or errors, yet maintaining strict policies regarding early termination fees. We encourage you to share your experiences with Merchant Processing Solutions in the comment section below to assist others in forming a balanced view of the company.

Clarification on Complaints

In researching Merchant Pro, it’s crucial to distinguish between complaints aimed at Merchant Processing Solutions, LLC in Los Angeles, and a similarly named entity in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. These organizations are not connected. Merchant Processing Solutions, LLC, particularly, has attracted a significant number of severe complaints. Our analysis carefully differentiates among these entities to provide accurate information.

Exploring Customer Support Options

Merchant Processing Solutions extends phone and email support to its clientele, though it does not publicly share its operating hours. This approach facilitates direct communication but may leave some users seeking more transparency.

PaymentPop Rating for Merchant Processing Solutions

Negative Feedback

There are no negative reviews published about Merchant Processing Solutions on the PaymentPop website.

Merchant Processing Solutions BBB Rating

Merchant Processing Solutions currently has an “A+” rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been BBB accredited since 2010. As noted above, there are multiple companies with the name Merchant Processing Solutions that have a profile with the BBB, and those seeking the Maryland MPS should take care to confirm they are on the correct page. The company’s profile is currently showing 2 complaints in the last 36 months. Both complaints were resolved to the dissatisfaction of the client or received no final response.

A “B” Performance Overall

In light of the company’s complaint total and resolution ratio, we have adjusted the BBB’s rating to a “B.”

Google Maps Rating for Merchant Processing Solutions

Merchant Processing Solutions has a 4.2 out of 5 star rating based on 88 user reviews on Google Maps.

Merchant Processing Solutions Pricing

Based on client feedback, the standard Merchant Pro rates and contract entail a three-year agreement with an early termination fee of $495, along with a $10 monthly service charge, an annual fee of $129.95, and a variable monthly minimum fee. While complaints prior to 2018 mention iPayment as Merchant Processing Solutions’ backend payment processor, it remains unconfirmed whether the company now resells Paysafe contracts following iPayment’s absorption into Paysafe. Some complainants also highlight long-term, non-cancellable equipment leases through First Data Global Leasing.

Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Costs

In addition to its in-store payment processing services, Merchant Processing Solutions advertises its virtual terminal and payment gateway services through Authorize.Net. A typical Authorize.Net contract includes a rate of 2.90% plus $0.30, a payment gateway fee of $25, and a batch fee of $0.10. However, Merchant Processing Solutions retains the authority to modify these terms and conditions as a reseller of these services. MPS also provides its own payment gateway, Merchant Pro Payment Gateway.

Beware of Liquidated Damages

The company’s early termination fee can potentially escalate to thousands of dollars if the business triggers a Liquidated Damages penalty or violates any condition of the equipment lease agreement. Several clients have reported in Merchant Processing Solutions reviews that they agreed to pay the $495 fee upon cancellation only to receive unexpected bills amounting to thousands of dollars. This type of complaint aligns with those against other companies selling iPayment contracts. We recommend business owners to explore our list of the best merchant accounts providers.

Competitive Pricing

While most complaints about Merchant Pro’s contract terms revolve around the cancellation penalty, a few also mention higher-than-expected rates. The available evidence indicates that Merchant Pro offers industry-average contract terms, which may not be competitive with more budget-friendly merchant accounts. As a result, it has been rated as “C” in this section.

Merchant Processing Solutions offers its own proprietary payment gateway

Our research found no active class-action lawsuits or Federal Trade Commission (FTC) complaints against Merchant Processing Solutions. Customers seeking resolution outside the courtroom might consider reaching out to appropriate regulatory bodies.

Outside Sales Team

Merchant Processing Solutions primarily utilizes telemarketing and independent sales representatives to market its products and services. The combination of telesales and independent agents is usually tied to high complaint rates, and Merchant Processing Solutions is no exception. We have located over 30 negative Merchant Processing Solutions reviews that cite undisclosed fees, persistent sales calls, and higher-than-advertised rates. These Merchant Processing Solutions reviews originate from business owners all across the country, which is typical of merchant account providers that employ independent contractors. This does not compare favorably to our list of best credit card processors.

One Rival’s Report

The following excerpt from a rival agent commenting below this Merchant Processing Solutions review is especially alarming:

The guy in charge, Arthur Williams, proceeded to tell me that I wasn’t allowed to give my cell number to clients. He also said that they only hire sales people with no industry experience and didn’t pay on residuals. They were solely looking for headhunters to put people in leases. […] Merchant Pro Inc’s rep not only didn’t disclose that he was putting them in a lease, he also forged the business owner’s signature in 2 places after he left the business. These guys are crooks.

This comment is clearly identified as coming from a competitor, but if true, it is a harsh indictment of Merchant Processing Solutions’ sales approach.

No Deceptive Ads

To its credit, Merchant Pro does not appear to promote any deceptive rate quotes or unrealistic guarantees in its official marketing materials. However, the consistent complaints that it has received regarding its sales tactics have lowered its grade to a “D” in this section. If you suspect you’re being charged undisclosed Merchant Processing Solutions fees, we recommend seeking a third-party statement audit to eliminate hidden charges.

Merchant Processing Solutions is assessed as an average player within the credit card processing industry. This places them notably below the calibre of the industry’s top-rated processors. The company’s offerings in terms of contract terms do not deviate significantly from what is typically expected within the industry, which suggests a baseline level of service that meets but does not exceed standard expectations.

The company has attracted a moderate volume of complaints, particularly concerning the practices of its sales team. These complaints often highlight issues related to transparency and the clarity of the information provided by sales representatives. A specific area of concern that could potentially impact the perception of Merchant Processing Solutions is the manner in which they handle early termination fees. Details about these fees remain somewhat unclear. Until more definitive information is available regarding their policies on early termination fees and other critical contractual details, our current evaluation stands, but it remains open to revision based on new insights and developments.