National Merchant Services Review: Fees, Complaints & Lawsuits
(888) 715-8021 Note: As of September 2021, the National Merchant Services website is down. We have been unable to find any indication that the company is still in business since and believe they have closed. We will no longer be updating this review. If you have any information that the company is still in business, please let us know in the comments below.
A First Data Reseller
National Merchant Services is a merchant account provider headquartered in Brooklyn, New York. The company is a reseller of First Data (Fiserv) and First Data Global Leasing and also appears to operate under the name Tribeca Merchants. National Merchant Services was founded in 2011 and should not be confused with National Merchant Center or National Bureau of Merchant Services, both of which are unrelated entities.
National Merchant Services Location and Ownership
National Merchant Services is a registered ISO/MSP of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Concord, California, and is headquartered at 132 W 36th St, New York, New York 10018. Semyon Vays is the CEO of National Merchant Services, while its managing director is Max Katsap.
National Merchant Services Review Table of Contents
- Costs & Contract: National Merchant Services appears to offer a multi-year contract through First Data (Fiserv) with an early termination fee of up to $595.
- Complaints & Service: National Merchant Services has received more than 10 public complaints.
- BBB Rating: National Merchant Services has no rating with the Better Business Bureau and has received 0 complaints in the past 3 years.
- Sales & Marketing: National Merchant Services hires independent sales agents and has received a low number of complaints about its sales practices.
National Merchant Services Customer Reviews
Here's What Their Clients Say
Key Points |
|
|---|---|
| Total Online Complaints | 10+ |
| Live Customer Support | Yes |
| Most Common Complaint | Poor Work Environment |
Low-to-Moderate Complaint Total
We have located more than 30 negative National Merchant Services reviews outside of the Better Business Bureau, and many of these complaints have been filed by former employees rather than merchants. Common complaints include a lack of training or sales support, poor service rendered to customers, unqualified leads, and the need to sign up merchants for equipment leases in order to collect commissions. The company averages fewer than three stars on Glassdoor and fewer than four stars on Indeed. Google’s review section has over 20 1-star reviews, many of which mention repeated calling from sales agents. There are also merchant reports of hard-to-reach or unhelpful customer service representatives, expensive contract terms, and aggressive telemarketing tactics.
National Merchant Services Lawsuits and Fines
In 2015, a small class-action suit was brought against NMS, and they were ordered to pay $60k to the complainants. Dissatisfied merchants who wish to pursue a non-litigious course of action against the company should consider reporting it to the relevant supervisory organizations.
National Merchant Services Customer Service Options
National Merchant Services does advertise 24/7 phone and email support for its merchants. However, its complaint record makes it clear that this phone line falls short of performing as well as a top-rated payment processor for great customer service. We have therefore assigned it a “B” in this category for the time being.
National Merchant Services Online Ratings
Here's How They Rate Online
Online Ratings Summary |
|
|---|---|
| Product & Service Complaints | 0 |
| Billing & Collection Complaints | 0 |
| Advertising & Sales Complaints | 0 |
| Guarantee & Warranty Complaints | 0 |
| Delivery Complaints | 0 |
No Complaints
National Merchant Services currently has no rating with the Better Business Bureau and is not accredited at this time. The company has received no complaints in the last 36 months.
Not Taken into Account
In light of the company’s lack of any information on their profile, we have not included the BBB profile in our accounting.
National Merchant Services Fees, Rates & Costs
A Closer Look at The Contract
Key Points |
|
|---|---|
| Swiped Rate | 2.69%+$0.19 |
| Keyed-in Rate | 3.69%+$0.19 |
| Virtual Terminal Fee | 1.00% - 4.99% |
| Payment Gateway Fee | Undisclosed |
| Annual Fee | $99 |
| Statement Fee | $20 Per Month |
| PCI Non-Compliance Fee | $115 Per Year |
| Early Termination Fee | Up To $595 |
| PCI Compliance Fee | $115 Per Year |
| Equipment Lease Terms | 48 Month (locked) |
Long-Term Contract
National Merchant Services does not provide its full contract terms on its website, but we have found consistent reports of certain rates and fees in various merchant reviews.
As a reseller, the company reserves the right to alter the terms and conditions of a typical First Data (Fiserv) contract. Under those contracts, merchants who process up to $50,000 each month will receive a swiped rate of 2.69% plus $0.19 and a keyed-in rate of 3.69% plus $0.19. Merchants whose monthly charges exceed $50,000 will receive a swiped rate of 2.29% plus $0.19 and a keyed-in rate of 3.29% plus $0.19.
According to multiple complainants, the company’s standard contract is an agreement lasting a year or more with an early termination fee of $495 or $595, an annual PCI noncompliance fee of $115, an annual fee of $99, a $20 monthly statement fee, and a tiered pricing plan. The company also leases terminals through First Data Global Leasing for a term of 48 months and a cost of up to $60 per month.
Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Pricing
In addition to its storefront payment processing services, National Merchant Services also dedicates a portion of its website to advertising its virtual terminal and payment gateway services. However, pricing is not disclosed on either of those services. Additional rates and fees, including gateway fees, technical support fees, batch fees, and additional transaction rates typically apply to these e-commerce services.
Average Pricing
Overall, these terms are average to slightly below-average for the industry, but the specific rates and fees for each agreement may vary depending on the agent setting up the account. The use of FDGL lease agreements precludes NMS from competing with the cheapest merchant accounts in our opinion. If you have any specific knowledge of the standard National Merchant Services contract, please share that information in the comment section below this review. We also encourage merchants to check out our list of the providers of the best merchant accounts.
National Merchant Services Employee Reviews & Sales Tacitcs
Should You Work For Them?
Key Points |
|
|---|---|
| Employs Independent Resellers | Yes |
| Advertises Deceptive Rates | No |
| Discloses All Important Terms | No |
Outside Sales Team
National Merchant Services utilizes telemarketing, inbound sales reps, and independent sales agents to market its services. The combination of phone appointment setters and independent sales agents is commonly linked to elevated complaint rates within the payment processing industry, and National Merchant Services appears to be no exception. There have been multiple National Merchant Services complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau (previously) and with employee review websites that describe inadequate training for agents, nondisclosure of contract terms, higher-than-expected fees, and aggressive telemarketing tactics. This does not compare favorably to our list of best credit card processors.
Sales Complaint Contents
Merchants consistently report nondisclosure of mid-qualified and non-qualified rates, PCI compliance fees, annual fees, and equipment lease terms. The company enforced the terms of its contract in most of these cases, even when merchants claimed to supply documentation proving that they had been deceived.
No Deceptive Quotes
To its credit, NMS does not appear to list deceptive “teaser” rates on its website or in its official advertising materials. In light of its hiring practices, complaint rate, and advertising tactics, we have given it a “C” in this category. If you suspect that a National Merchant Services sales agent has added hidden fees to your contract, you can double-check your pricing with a third-party statement audit.
Our National Merchant Services Review Summary
Our Final Thoughts
An Average Option for Most Business Types
National Merchant Services rates as an average merchant services provider according to all available information. The company appears to utilize telemarketing and independent sales agents to market its services, and it frequently stands by its contracts even when these agents are accused of deceptive sales tactics. Its contract terms are also not especially competitive for the industry. As always, merchants are encouraged to compare NMS’s pricing to that offered by top-rated merchant account providers in order to obtain the best possible deal.
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Amie Fontenot
New businesses stay away from this company. They are very expensive and have charged me for more than I took in. Very bad mistake on my end…you have been warned…
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Jon Stairs
Just got off the phone with James who horrible on the phone. After I told them I had a 2 year contract with them that was over in September I was told well that does not matter since you stopped using us in Feb 2017. I explained the reason I stopped was because they raised my rates for a fixed account and when I called in he said oh well you signed a 2 year contract. Then he threatened to call and have my merchant services revoked from visa. Do not do business with them!!!
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Karen Hill
This company has the worst customer service in America and have unethical policies! Do no use them. They would not help us with an issue on a chargeback and then, after we sent a letter canceling our services with them, they call saying they were going to refund the disputed amount of fees. I asked them why they didn’t just credit our statement when I initially called several months prior. They said they wanted to call in person and had tried to reach us. We are in the office every day so we cannot explain how they couldn’t reach us. Run, don’t walk from doing business with National Merchant Services.
SARA ROBERTS
What a nightmare this company is. About 11 month ago, a business manager Charles Cycholl, came to our Coffee shop and offer Clover/National Merchant services integrated POS/cc processing offering all kind of great rates. I ended up paying 2% + more. But my nightmare was just starting. I returned the equipment, it took me about 4 months to get back my $2000 deposit, because they charge me twice, after call back and forth finally I got my deposit back. What a surprise they keep charging me a monthly fee about $400. Atter I thought I straight everything out. Just got a collection call this morning. Try to contact this company …and of course no answer phone or emails.
PLEASE SAVE YOURSELF A BIGGGG HEADACHE
Stay away from this company
I will be more than happy to answer any questions
Sara Roberts
MCN Professional
Avoid doing any business with this company, they are not transparent and will lock you in a contract with first data for 48 months with First Data without your knowledge.
Richard J. Delray
In an attempt to get our credit card business there telemarketing people have telephoned my business 27 times in the last few days under the caller ID of “Montpelier”. Most of the time no one is there and when we attempt to call them back their telephone doesn’t exist. When we do speak with someone they are aggressive and rude. We have requested to be removed from their calling list but that hasn’t happened as I received another call this morning. They are very unprofessional and I would never do business with them!
Rex E Sanders
Horrible company, they will send you on wild goose chases for ‘leads’ which is just their telemarketing team cold calling. Speaking of, their telemarketers are terrible, often asking potential clients to repeat their name and losing you the deal because of their lackluster talents. I would never recommend this company, they will waste your time and money.
TC
I was just called by National Merchant Services, or some marketing firm they’ve hired. I was told Visa and MC lowered their rates by 40%, and they could pass it on. Assuming it’s same firm, as I asked her 3 times the name of the company through the conversation,, they should be put out of business for their sales tactics.
Sunder lal
I found national merchant service best in the market also David Ortiz I spoke he helped me a lot. All I can say is awesome people awesome company.
Adrian Swagger
Good company. Agent very nice didnt cold call me. Explained to me my statement in detail n then explained there rates straight off of contract which were considerably lower than than mine.1.59 /credit and .89 / debit . Qualified .n only .05 cents per transaction and batch fees. Only $5 statement fee a month $0 pci fee and even With the $59 dollar lease was able to save me almost 50 percent a month on my fees… satisfied
Richard Nemetz
You have had National Merchant Service a year now are you still happy with that company?
G.dean
Y do you have to lease for$59 ??you can Buy the best machine direct from First Data for 399$
You don’t need contact this is the biggest scam.
Call directly to first data you don’t need nobody in between to rob you