PayAnywhere Credit Card Processing 2023: Reviews & Complaints

Worst cc processing app ever. They updated their app and now it has so many bugs none of the payments processed will even show up for days. There is no way you can run a business with it. It has been messed up for a month now and every time we call they say they are aware of the problems and are trying to fix them but have no idea when things will be resolved. How are we expected to run a business? We are switching to Square. This service is absolutely unacceptable. I never comment on anything online, but have taken the time to do this so others won’t make the wrong choice and spend money and waste time on this horrible lack of service.

I am telling you now… beware! Please save yourself from all the wasted time, frustration, and poor reflection on your business… Don’t go with Pay Anywhere!

This company is the worst I have ever dealt with. I have been trying to collect my money from them for 3 months. I now found out that they have another customer using my account number. I am owed hundreds of dollars from them and after being on the phone with them for numerous hours upon hours…..no solution….no money.

This is a BIG SCAM. i made 5 different transaction last week. i was very clear with them when a firs open the account and i tell them i work in the hospitality industry and people pay me with international credit cards. THEY TELL ME NO PROBLEM. GUESS WHAT? THEY WANT TO HOLD MY MONEY FOR 6 MONTHS. AND I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO NOW. THIS PEOPLE WORK WITH YOU MONEY. IF ANYBODY KNOW WHERE I CAN PUT A FORMAL LEGAL COMPLAINT PLEASE HEP ME. (PLUS CUSTOMER SERVICES IS SUCK).

Spent 2.5 hrs on the phone trying to get paid from a transaction I have reicept for, from pay anywhere and all i got got for help was getting sent back and forth between departments. they owe me $810 and I got nothing but a run around. customer service sucks. stay away form these a-holes. you will lose money.

PayAnywhere First transaction. I ordered the PA service on line, received the card reader in just a few days and set up a merchant account. The on-line service was user friendly and well designed to guide you through and explain the process. Made the first sale and the reader coupled to my Samsung Android worked flawlessly. sale was “approved’ and I went away happy. Two days later I received an Email from PA thanking me for the new account and promising payment in two days. Later that same day, the trouble started: another Email ” your payment will be delayed for review”, then the next day another Email “…to protect our merchants’ accounts from threats of fraud…” (that’s how tyrants always start) “send the name and address of the card holder, three months of your bank records’… etc.

Now I don’t think it is unreasonable for a credit card acceptance co. to ask for three months bank records. They have to know that they can reach back to collect from me for charge backs and the like from Visa if any should occur.

My objection is the lie, this is not to protect my merchant account, but to secure their ability to collect from me if the need should arise. and the timing, if bank records are needed, collect them before the merchant has accepted the card for payment, They have put me in an untenable position.

This practice was referred to in their Email as a random check. It makes me wonder, what do they mean by random? one in one-thousand? Nine-hundred ninety-nine in one thousand?

I don’t believe any business can afford to use a bank that employs these tactics.

MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2013
Applied for merchant account. Application process asked for name, phone number, address, social security number and bank account information.

After applying for the account, I received an email notification that the account had been approved.

After adding the app to my iPhone, I received another email that I could access the Merchant Portal.

When I logged into the Merchant Portal, it informed me that I need to add my bank account information again (account ending in **7675). I added this information and received a message that my bank account could not be verified and I needed to contact Customer Service. I contacted the Customer Service department who explained that the message regarding my bank account was a system error. The representative verified my account information and told me that all required information was in the application and I could start taking payments immediately. I asked if there were any account limits or verification processes that needed to occur and she told me that unless I was making charges in excess of $10,000 a day, no additional information was needed. She also told me that I was set up for next day funding but it would take 24 hours for the bank account information to be active so it would be 48 hours before I would see a deposit into my account.
Throughout the remainder of the day, I processed $1397.88.
According to PayAnywhere’s website, charges should be available in “real time” for view via the Merchant Portal.

I attempted to view the transactions online but they were not available. According to PayAnywhere’s website, you can get assistance 24/7.

When I attempted to call or online chat, a message stated that they were closed and to call back during normal business hours: 8am-10pm, est.

TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2013
I received an email stating that I needed to add my bank account information.

I contacted the customer service department and customer service through online chat to find out why I wasn’t able to view my transactions online and to find out why I was receiving an email stating I needed to add Bank Info. I was informed that viewing transactions online could take up to 48 hours and that there was no bank information on my account. I gave my bank information and was told it would be forwarded to the correct department and would take 24 hours to verify so it would be another 2-3 days before transactions were transferred to my bank account the first time but next day funding after that.

I received an email later in the evening stating that my first batch of transactions was under review and I needed to contact Merchant Awareness. I emailed the Merchant Awareness department asking what this meant and what they needed. I never received a response.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013
I received an email congratulating me on my first transactions and stating that my transactions would be deposited into my bank account ending in **3577 within 2 days. This was not my bank account number. Although the number was wrong, I took this to mean that my first batch had been approved since I hadn’t received a response from my email to Merchant Awareness.

When I logged into the Merchant Portal, I reviewed the “Settlements” link and found that a deposit of $1155.91 was deposited into my account and the account number was incorrect again (**2238).

I was unable to contact Customer Service as they were closed for the evening.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013
I received another email stating that I needed to add my banking info.

FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013
8am, est: I contacted the Customer Service department to let them know there was the $1155.91 deposit was put into the wrong account, I was told that was simply a reporting error. I also told them that I had received another email stating I needed to add my account information and I was informed that they had my current account information. When I asked why there had not been any deposits into my account yet, I was informed that they were being held by the Merchant Awareness department and I needed to call back when they get in the office, 9am, est.

I called back at 9:15am, est and was transferred to a representative in the Merchant Awareness department, I was informed that my transactions and business needed to validated as there was no business description on my account. I informed them that a business description was never asked for during the application process. I then informed the representative that I sell items via Craigslists, Pennysaver, Recycler, etc. The representative informed me that these were prohibited activities for them and they would be holding my deposits for 120 days. When I asked her to point out where I had signed an agreement to this information, she told me it was in the Terms and Conditions. I asked her to send me a copy of the Terms and Conditions and she told me that I received them when I applied so they didn’t need to be resent. She also pointed out that according to the Terms and Conditions, they could hold my funds in a reserve account at their discretion. When I asked her why they would be held, she again stated that my business was a prohibited activity. I asked her to tell me where it stated that on any documents that I had seen. She said I needed to speak with Adrian in the Risk department to see if they would release the funds. She gave me his phone number and email address and told me I needed to forward him copies of all transactions. I sent an email to Adrian outlining my business along with copies of all transactions and copies of correspondence I’d had with PayAnywhere since I’d signed up so that he could see the issues I was having.

After numerous emails and 2 more phone calls, they finally told me that they were simply issuing refunds to all my customers and I would need to recharge them. If I had any questions, I could call 800-226-2270 ext. 1400.

I attempted to call the number given to verify the refunds. The number indicated went through to an automated solicitation line that told me I had won a 2-day cruise to the Bahamas. It stated I could press any key to talk to a representative about setting up my free cruise and paying the $59/person port fees. It also stated that if I wasn’t interested, to hold. It repeated the same offer 3 different times and then finally stated that if I needed additional information, call: 800-712-3000. When I called that number, I again received an automated solicitation for All State Insurance and then received options for education, government, and horoscope which was obviously the wrong number again. I sent the following email to Adrian which received no response.

I called the Customer Service line and asked to be transferred to Merchant Awareness. I immediately asked to speak with a Supervisor. I was placed on hold then told that a Supervisor was not available. At this point, I was upset and crying and I stated I was not hanging up until I spoke with a Supervisor. I was told the Supervisor was on another call but should be done in a few minutes if I wanted to hold. I was placed on hold for another 17 minutes before the Supervisor came on the line. I told her I wanted to get status on the refunds and she informed me that it could take anywhere from 3-10 days for the refunds to go through. I again pleaded that they simply deposit the transactions and close the account as the $1600 they were holding was my rent and food money and to go back to my customers and ask them to pay again after the money was refunded would make my business look bad. I again went over the fact that their Terms and Conditions stated nothing about my business model being prohibited and she stated it wasn’t in the Terms and Conditions I saw, but the criteria they had on their end in the risk department. I pointed out my conversations with Customer Service where they told me that everything with my account was ok before I started processing and again, she stated that they automatically approve everyone and let me them process transactions but they review the accounts before allowing deposits. I stated that this was unethical business practice as I would have had no way of knowing that my business model was prohibited and that they shouldn’t be allowed to take money from my customers if they aren’t planning on giving me the money for products they purchased. I again requested a copy of the Terms and Conditions and was again denied. Intermittently she would place me on hold for long periods of time. While I was talking to her, I started a fake account on their website in order to get a copy of the Terms and Conditions. She stated that I was lucky they were refunding my customers payments as they could hold funds for 180 days. She also asked why I created a fake account and I told her that it was to get a copy of the Terms and Conditions. She stated that they had canceled that account. She also stated that they had already processed the refunds on their end and it would take the customer banks 3-10 days to put it back in the accounts and there was nothing else they could. She also stated that my transactions could not be verified. The conversation culminated with her stating that there was nothing else that they could do.

April 19, 2013
Contacted PayAnywhere to check on the status of the refunds. After sitting on hold for 25 minutes, I was informed that they were unable to verify the refunds yet and that if they still hadn’t posted in the next two weeks, I could call back to obtain further information.

May 7, 2013
After hearing from numerous customers that they had not received their refund, I contacted PayAnywhere to get verification of the refunds. After sitting on hold for 45 minutes, I had to hang up as I had customers to attend to. No one ever answered my call after I was transferred to the Merchant Awareness department. I contacted my customers and asked them to verify with their bank that they had not received a refund or that one wasn’t pending.

May 28, 2013
Heard back from a few customers that they still had not received a refund. I again contacted Pay Anywhere to check on the status of the refunds. After sitting on hold for 27 minutes, I was told that the refunds had been processed. When I asked for verification, I was told that they could not provide verification other than the verbal verification that the refunds had been processed. After stating that this issue would be presented to my attorney and the FTC, I was told that they would send me a verification via email of the refunds. This email was nothing more than the original email I received on April 12th telling me that the refunds were being processed (and, although they had told me that the refunds had processed on the 12th, in this email, the date changed to the 24th). When I emailed back asking for a transaction number or authorization code, I was told that this is all they had and they would need a copy of my customer’s bank statements to verify that the refunds had not been processed.

To date, I still do not have resolution. I will now be contacting an attorney, the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council and BBB. If you would like any verification of the items above, I have email copies of all correspondence.

Very strange communications from PayAnywhere via email though they have been helpful on the phone.
Merchant portal is an abomination of design and slow.
There are hidden fees they can not explain to save their lives.
App for Android 4.2.2 has bugs (will not take verification password for the app) so we will have to move on.

Do not use this company. I am chapter secretary for Whitetails Unlimited. We thought using credit cards at our annual banquet would be better for our members. The chargeing part was smooth but haven’t seen the money yet. Yes, it has only been 11 days not the 2-3 they tell you in their web site. I have called several times. The first few times I was directed to a woman, who was away from her desk. Left detail messages no return call. On Friday, I talked to her and she removed the restrictions on the account after I told her who I was and about my organization. She said the money would be deposited Sat or Monday since Sunday was Easter. It is Wednesday and no money. Talked to a senior account rep and he said that the money would be there tomorrow morning. I asked for his direct number and he said that I didn’t need it as the money would be there. I got his number anyway so we will see about tomorrow’s deposit. They are crediting my account with $10 for all my trouble which I will see in 2-3 business days. I will not do business with the company again and once I get the money I will delete the app.

TOTAL LOSS $3954.00

ALL Companies beware… EVERYTHING that you read about this company is TRUE.. I signed up with them and within 36 hours i had my approval.. so we completed the account and then processed $1977.00 in transactions. so the night prior to when i should have received the funds i get a letter form risk saying that they were holding my funds and the needed documentation and to give them a call. so i faxed all the information that they requested and i tried to call and NEVER got to talk to a actual person that Emailed me about holding my funds. then on the 6th day i get an email saying that they are shutting the account down and holding the funds. THEY STOLE MY MONEY. so im out $1977.00 in cash and $1977.00 in product. TOTAL LOSS $3954.00

Run from this Company……..frauds, thieves and liars. So many Complaints already filed with the Texas Attorney Generals Office. Anyone that posts positive reports on this Company are either employees or employees family members. Won’t release my money after 14 days, first they didn’t have by bank info first 10 days, haha and now after 1 transaction they have to audit. I am having my Customer reverse charges and looking foolish for switching from Square.

PLEASE DO NOT USE! I made the worst error of my business by using this service. I have not received any of my funds and it has been 7 days. The customer service is the worst. So what is the point of advertising customer service when they are all ignorant and rude. If you need your money in a rush then this is not your company. As well it takes forever to get your readers I had to go to OfficeMax to get it because it was so bad. There is a reason why so many are with other companies. Also the portal they advertised is cramp too. Pay Anywhere sucks…trust me.

DON’T EVEN START AN APPLICATION….GIVE NO CONTACT INFO….!
unless you are absolutely sure you want to engage their service. My complaint is minor comparatively. I STARTED an application. Part way into it I realized that it wasn’t worth it. (I use Square and PayPal). I bailed from the website, thinking that was the end of it. Emails and phone calls daily began. Attempts to opt out failed because their opt out links were conveniently broken. It took ten days to finally get them to stop. (Asking them to honor my “Do Not Call” request was a waste of time.) My heart goes out to the merchants that have monies lost or tied up. I hope this helps.

WOW I should have read the reviews on this website. PayAnyWhere has really been a hassle.
First the information I submitted was not correctly used and THEY gave me an incorrect address. The hoops to fix that are ridiculous.
Processing took almost two weeks before the account was approved.
I suppose I will follow the norm for identifying their NONcustomer service used on this review site.
Had submitted 3 different inquiries, talked on the phone 4 times and still not gotten a response to those 3 inquiries.
Inventory part of the application stinks. Cannot create an inventory on a laptop and upload. Far too tedious a process to create an inventory from the cell phone, a Motorola Droid Bionic.
I have ordered a Samsung Galaxy Note II cell phone and will be ordering a Samsung Galaxy tablet, not sure which tablet yet. Surprise the payanywhere app does not work on these devices.
Today I could reach tech support but not NONcustomer service, so sent an email.. Cancel my account,,, fortunately I have not charged anything on the account. They have a lot to fix before I will entrust them with a nickle. I can continue to use square sigh… at least they have made deposits on time as promised.

BELIEVE Everything you are reading below. Their advertisements are miss leading. We are going on 5 weeks to get the account setup & application to work. Their systems deleted transactions. It is crazy trying to talk to them they keep telling us to call back later to check.

When I was looking for a card processing company, I visited Pay Anywhere website to check it out. The next day, I had 2 emails from a representative and she was calling me. I spoke with the representative at length and signed up. She stated that she would be like my “account representative” and any questions, problems, etc. to just call her for help. Had a question during the signup process and emailed her, never a response. Got signed up and dialed in and finally used the system in early August. I noticed that they seemed to take more than the stated 2.69% for the swiped transaction. Processed another payment from the same customer and the same result, a larger than 2.69% fee. I figured out that they had charged me the higher fee for “keyed” transaction even though I “swiped”.
I called and left a message with my “account representative” and, again, did not receive a response by phone or email. I managed to get connected with customer support fairly quickly and was told that they automatically charge the higher fee ( 3.51% + 19 cents) on “corporate rewards cards” and the like. The agent said that “on page 17 of your merchant agreement, section…….paragraph…….it spells this information out”. She further stated that they do this because “as you know, these are higher risk cards”. Huh? I said I am not in the credit card business and I would have no idea as to one type of card versus anothers’ risk.
There is STILL no response from my “account representative”.
I will be looking for another provider.

There seems to be a trend here. They took their fee out just as PAYPAL does and then at the end of the month, there was another fee. The comment was that some of the cards you took are new to us so we held off retaining the fee for those cards. NO idea why that would matter, they were ALL MasterCard and Visa. They attempted to take out additional fees from an account that was empty due to my funds being moved around. They don’t market this practice yet have no issue charging an additional fee. Their answer was in your signed agreement it states blah blah blah… No signed agreement ever made and none of this is explained anywhere. So a 25.00 fee was assessed and the original extra fee’s are still due. RACKET….. be careful… they CAN AND WILL withdrawal funds from your account without prior notice. It happened to me twice !! STAY AWAY FROM THIS SCAM !!!!

PA called me today. They are not a company with integrity. They could not put me through to the president Mark to allow me to find out who these people are that are calling from call centers with an address. They refused to tell me where they are calling from. Smoke and Mirrors is what they should call themselves.

complete catastrophe, I open a account 3 weeks ago, at the same time I was updating my website (from a template). 1 week ago they close my account without me knowning (no email no phone call). i called the next day, they ask me to call x1413 Melisa. She said that my acc was close because my website stated that I’m doing business in europe. I explained that was a template, still doing some change on the website. she ask me to update my website and they’ll reopen my account, which i did the same day and called and left 2 voicemails no respond until today i got her on the phone, she said your account remain close …no explication and she hand up the phone…. very bad customer service. do not recommend this company, and the fee is to high.