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MerchantPlus, founded in 2003, is a U.S.-based merchant account provider focusing primarily on multi-platform, enterprise solutions, small-businesses, mobile payments, and global currency. The company offers its own payment gateway which is compatible with Authorize.Net.
MerchantPlus processes all major debit and credit cards for most business types. Their services include EMV card readers and swipers, POS systems, mobile solutions, e-commerce solutions, ACH processing, access to a variety of payment gateways including its proprietary NaviGate gateway, a number of business management apps, the RateAssure variable rate program (based on volume), and international payments.
With the growing popularity of mobile payments, MerchantPlus provides businesses with the tools needed to accept payments through smartphones and tablets. This feature allows businesses to offer customers a convenient and modern payment option, enhancing the overall shopping experience.
MerchantPlus ensures seamless integration with popular e-commerce platforms, making it easy for businesses to set up and manage their online stores. The integration process simplifies the online checkout experience, ensuring that customers can complete their transactions with ease.
MerchantPlus prioritizes security by implementing advanced fraud protection measures and utilizing cutting-edge encryption technology. This approach helps safeguard businesses and their customers from potential fraudulent activities, ensuring a secure transaction environment.
For businesses that offer subscription services or require recurring payments, MerchantPlus provides a convenient recurring billing feature. This service simplifies the billing process and ensures timely collection of payments, contributing to better cash flow management.
MerchantPlus is committed to providing exceptional customer support for businesses using their services. With a dedicated team of experts, businesses can count on timely assistance and guidance to address any concerns or issues they may encounter while using MerchantPlus’s payment processing solutions.
The company website lists its headquarters at 30 Vesey St., 9th Floor New York, New York 10007. MerchantPlus, LLC is a registered ISO/MSP of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Concord, California. Its international/high-risk processing is offered through Global Card Solutions. Zachary Smith is listed as the founder and president of MerchantPlus.
Video Summary
Key Points |
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Total Online Complaints | <10 |
Live Customer Support | Yes |
Most Common Complaint | N/A |
Recent Lawsuits | No |
We are currently able to locate fewer than 10 negative MerchantPlus reviews, some of which accuse the company and one of its former payment processors, iPayment, of being a ripoff or a scam. Common themes among complainants include nondisclosure of rates and fees (specifically the early termination fee), unhelpful or unavailable customer service, and withholding of funds. One MerchantPlus review received a response from a company representative, but it did not appear to ultimately resolve the complainant’s issue. If you have your own MerchantPlus review to make, please do so in the comments below.
It seems as though a great deal of these complaints are directed at iPayment rather than MerchantPlus. Although they mention MerchantPlus, they sometimes go out of their way to distinguish between the quality service they receive from MerchantPlus and the poor service they received from iPayment. Before iPayment was absorbed into Paysafe, it rated as one of the worst merchant account providers in the industry. It is our belief that ISOs are responsible for the services they resell, just as large processors are responsible for the conduct of their ISOs.
We have not found any outstanding class-action lawsuits or FTC complaints filed against MerchantPlus. Dissatisfied clients who wish to pursue a non-litigious course of action against the company should consider reporting it to the relevant supervisory organizations.
The complaint rate for MerchantPlus appears to be lower than average for its size and time in business, and it does seem as though the company services its own accounts via live chat, email, and phone lines.
Online Ratings Summary |
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BBB Reports | 2 |
MerchantPlus is not an accredited business of the Better Business Bureau and scores an “A-” rating at the time of this review. 2 complaints have been filed against the company in the past 36 months.
While we do not look favorably upon a company that fails to address complaints, we agree with the BBB’s rating of an “A” in light of the company’s low complaint volume.
Key Points |
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Cancellation Penalties | Yes |
Monthly & Annual Fees | Yes |
Processing Rates | Interchang-plus |
Equipment Leasing | Yes |
MerchantPlus advertises its virtual terminal and payment gateway services called the NaviGate Gateway. Though the gateway is compatible with Authorize.Net, the pricing listed on the company’s website discloses interchange-plus pricing in place of the 2.90% plus $0.30 rate charged by Authorize.Net. The Plans & Pricing page on the MerchantPlus website lists two tiers of service for different monthly rates. For $30 per month, businesses can receive the Advanced plan, which offers interchange-plus pricing at a markup of 0.30% plus $0.30 per transaction. For $299 per month, large companies can receive the Enterprise plan, which charges a smaller Interchange-plus markup beginning at interchange plus 0.20% and $0.02. According to the company, neither plan comes with a contract or early termination fee.
Both plans are also subject to MerchantPlus’ RateAssure program, which gradually reduces a business’ interchange-plus markup from 0.30% for clients processing under $100,000 per month down to 0.10% for clients processing over $5,000,000 per month. The program’s terms and conditions also enforce a long-term, non-cancellable equipment lease.
Overall, the company’s terms appear to hover around the industry average, and a good portion of available MerchantPlus reviews specifically complain about unexpectedly pricey contract terms. The low overall number of complaints suggests that many business owners do not encounter difficulties with their service, but the terms themselves have lowered the company’s score in this category. We do not consider MerchantPlus to be competitive with the cheapest merchant accounts at this time. We also encourage merchants to check out our list of the providers of the best merchant accounts.
Key Points |
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Uses Independent Resellers | Yes |
Telemarketing | No |
Misleading Marketing | No |
Discloses All Important Terms | No |
MerchantPlus appears to utilize an affiliate program and its website to market its services. It is unclear as of this review whether the company employs independent sales agents. We are currently able to locate a handful of negative MerchantPlus reviews that accuse the company’s sales agents of nondisclosure of fees. This does not compare favorably to our list of best credit card processors.
In most of the company’s sales complaints, it seems as if the MerchantPlus sales agents were helpful and forthright when setting up the account, but once it was handed over to iPayment, the clients saw a dramatic shift in quality of service and rates. This would seem to reflect poorly on iPayment more so than MerchantPlus, but it must be noted that MerchantPlus is the party that is actively setting up clients with these accounts. Complaints that mention iPayment tend to be over three years old; it is possible that MerchantPlus only resells for BluePay now that iPayment has been absorbed into Paysafe.
As a point in its favor, MerchantPlus promotes interchange-plus pricing for all businesses, which is the most transparent pricing model available. However, if you suspect that MerchantPlus is charging you undisclosed fees, we recommend seeking a third-party statement audit to eliminate those costs.
MerchantPlus rates as an average credit card processing provider according to our rating system. The company’s use of iPayment as its credit card processor appears to be responsible for the bulk of its complaints. The company’s overall rating could improve once it corrects the issues cited on its BBB profile and elsewhere. MerchantPlus does not qualify as a top-rated merchant account provider at this time.
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Garry Marino
Taking $196 from me 2 months in a row, over and above all of my authnet fees ($30), Merchant Plus ($30 monthly) and fee and about $70 in percentage charges. Then out of no where $196. Have called and left 3 messages with this office in NY
Merchant Plus, LLC
30 Vesey Street, 9th Floor
New york, NY 10007
(800) 546-1997
No response. Charged my $196 2 months in a row, no explanation, no call back. Stay away from these people. Contesting the charges now.
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Lucas
Never do business with company, lots hidden charges and you can never cancel their services. This is the second month I am trying to contact them and they are still charging me for Discovery even after closing the account with them. I mean big bucks. Zachary is a scam! I had to change my entire bank account because of these guys