Merchant Services Reviews

Paystone Reviews & Complaints

▼ 2 User Reviews
Paystone Logo
Overall Score
4.75
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Would you recommend them?

Overview

In this review of Paystone, we will provide a detailed overview of the company’s credit card processing services. We will cover the range of services they offer, including point-of-sale (POS) systems, mobile payment solutions, and e-commerce capabilities. The review will identify the types of businesses that might benefit from these services. Additionally, we will examine client and customer reviews to highlight common trends and potential concerns. The article will also address the company’s pricing structure, contract terms, and specific services provided. By the end of this review, you will have a clear understanding of whether Paystone meets your payment processing needs.

About Paystone

Headquartered in Ontario, Canada, Paystone was founded in 2009 as Zomaron but became rebranded as Paystone in November of 2019. According to the company’s website, Paystone serves over 25,000 locations in the United States and Canada, processing $6 billion from over 50 million transactions annually. The company is partnered with Elavon of Canada and First Data (now Fiserv) of Canada for its processing network.

Screen Capture of Paystone Homepage
Paystone Homepage

Paystone Products and Services

Payment Processing

Paystone processes major debit and credit cards for a variety of business types. They provide in-person, wireless, fundraising, and online payment solutions tailored for retailers, restaurants, and non-profit organizations. The company promotes Talech as a POS solution and also offers data reporting, analytics, and marketing automation services.

Acquisitions and Rebrand

On November 4, 2019, the company (then known as Zomaron) announced its acquisition of DataCandy. The newly acquired company was a software company based in Montreal that focused on gift card and loyalty program platforms. Zomaron’s acquisition of DataCandy prompted the company to rebrand itself under its current name, Paystone. Following the rebrand, DataCandy’s previous headquarters became Paystone’s Montreal-based office. The acquisition of DataCandy was the company’s third in 2019, following that of POS West and NXGEN Canada earlier in the year. In October 2021, Paystone acquired NiceJob, a reputation marketing service. This follows the acquisition of POS West, NxGen Canada, and Swift Payments, marking a major expansion from the company into the market. In 2022, Paystone acquired Canadian Payment Services, which they say makes them the biggest processor in Canada. See our Canadian Payment Services review here.

Paystone payment processing
Paystone offers a variety of payment processing services

Paystone Customer Reviews

Customer Reviews Summary
Total Online Complaints <10
Live Customer Support Yes
Most Common Complaint Customer Support

Low Complaint Total

Our research uncovered only a few Paystone reviews, some dating back to when the company operated as Zomaron. Notably, one Paystone review directly accuses the company of unfair practices towards merchants. These reviews primarily mention billing discrepancies and costs tied to long-term equipment leases. An employee’s complaint highlights issues such as nonpayment of commissions, inadequate training, and burdensome long-term contracts. However, it’s important to note that similar complaints have not been prominently observed since Paystone’s rebranding. Despite these concerns, Paystone maintains a relatively low complaint volume, warranting an “A” rating in this category. We encourage sharing your Paystone reviews in the comments for further insight.

Paystone Lawsuits and Fines

No significant class-action lawsuits or FTC complaints have been found against Paystone. Merchants looking for non-litigious avenues to address their concerns are advised to consider reporting to relevant supervisory organizations.

Paystone Customer Satisfaction Ratings

Online Ratings Summary
Total Complaints 4
Resolved Complaints 1

Under 5 Complaints

The Better Business Bureau currently awards Paystone an “A+” rating overall and is showing accreditation for the company since 2010. Paystone’s BBB profile has received 4 complaints in the last 3 years. 1 of these complaints was resolved by the company to the satisfaction of the merchant. The remaining 3 were resolved to the dissatisfaction of the merchant or did not receive a final reply.

What Merchants Say

In addition, Paystone has received 2 informal reviews on its BBB profile, which are negative. One recent negative review describes unexpected fees and poor customer service:

TERRIBLE COMPANY. I stopped using their online processor (Their fees were never what I agreed with them *** ***** ** ** ****** ***** ** * **** ****** *******), after my last month of using their online processing, they kept charging me monthly are trying to send me to collections claiming I owe them for “physical products” when I don’t have anything physical from them as this was online processing.

Merchants should make sure to thoroughly review their contract terms before signing anything.

An “A” Performance

In light of the company’s low complaint volume, we agree with the BBB’s rating.

Paystone Fees, Rates & Contract

Rates & Fees Summary
Swipe Rate 2.60% + $0.05
Keyed-in Rate 2.90% + $0.25
Debit Card EMV Rate 0.00% + $0.05
Debit Card Tap Rate 0.00% + $0.085
Fundraising Donation Rate 3.90% + $0.25
Virtual Terminal Rate 2.90% + $0.25
Payment Gateway Fee $25 Per Month
e-Commerce Software Fee $25 Per Month
Talech POS Fee $70 Per Month ($40 Per Additional License)
Set Up Fee $99
PCI Compliance Fee $15 Per Month
Early Termination Fee Undisclosed
Equipment Lease Cost $30 - $60 Per Month
Equipment Lease Term Undisclosed

Clearly Disclosed Rates and Fees

Paystone rates and fees across the multitude of options it offers merchants are clearly listed on its website. Pricing for retailers, restaurants, e-commerce, and non-profit merchants are each explicitly listed, as are Paystone fees for merchants who choose to use Talech’s POS system. The only unclear facet of its pricing is the length to which merchants are contracted under a merchant agreement with the company.

As for rates, the company charges a different set of rates for debit or credit card transactions. Debit transactions are charged 0% plus $0.05 for EMV transactions and $0.085 for tapped transactions. Credit cards are charged a swipe rate of 2.60% plus $0.05 and a keyed-in rate of 2.90% plus $0.25. Additionally, merchants are charged a one-time set-up fee of $99 and a $15 monthly PCI compliance fee. It is unclear if Paystone charged an early termination fee.

Monthly equipment through the company leases range between $30 and $60 per month. Merchants choosing the company’s most comprehensive POS solution offered through Talech are charged a $70 monthly fee for the first equipment license and $40 for any additional licenses per month.

Non-profit organizations are assessed a different fee than retail or restaurant merchants. For those merchants, fundraising donations are charged a rate of 3.90% plus $0.25. Donations can be accepted through an online payment portal, mobile terminal, or unattended kiosk. While non-profit merchants are charged a transaction rate, no monthly fee is assessed to their fundraising programs.

Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Pricing

In addition to its storefront payment processing services, Paystone 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. Merchants are charged a rate of 2.90% plus $0.25 for online transactions. Furthermore, the company charged a $25 payment gateway fee per month along with a $25 monthly fee for the e-commerce software which runs its virtual terminal.

Fees That Run the Gamut

Paystone’s disclosure of its rates and fees reflects a high standard of transparency from the company. Unfortunately, the only thing that is not made especially clear is the contract terms merchants are signed onto as well as the possibility of an early termination fee. The company offers a wide range of rates, on the lowest end for debit transactions and on the highest end for fundraising donations. Paystone’s fees, while all but entirely disclosed, do seem to be a bit redundant, as evidenced by the two $25 monthly fees charged to e-commerce merchants, Other fees, including those for monthly equipment lease costs and POS licenses, are fairly standard. However, the higher end of the company’s rates and fees and the non-disclosure of its standard contract length result in a “B” overall in this category.

Still, we also encourage merchants to check out our list of the providers of the best merchant accounts.

Paystone virtual terminal
Paystone offers a variety of e-commerce solutions, including its virtual terminal

Paystone Employee Reviews & Sales Practices

Jobs & Marketing Summary
Employs Independent Resellers No
Advertises Deceptive Rates No
Discloses All Important Terms Yes

Inside/Outside Sales Team

Though Zomaron appeared to utilize a combination of full-time sales reps and independent, commission-based sales reps to market its services, it does not appear that Paystone hires independent sales agents. The company’s website is devoid of any mention of an affiliate program.

This compares favorably to our list of best credit card processors.

Clearly Defined Pricing

Paystone includes pricing for the different services it offers merchants across all industries. These disclosures include the cost of its Talech POS system aimed at restaurant merchants, its standard rates and fees, its e-commerce options, and the cost of its monthly equipment leases.

Improved Performance as a New Brand

At the time of our initial review for Zomaron,  the company had some complaints filed with respect to its independent reseller program and its equipment leases. However, upon review of the Paystone website, it does not appear that the company employs independent resellers. Furthermore, a section of the website exclusively dedicated to its payment terminals clearly states the monthly costs of its equipment leases. Paystone’s clear measures to address what once were concerns for Zomaron are the reason it received an “A” rating in this category.

Paystone Review Summary

Paystone stands out as a highly-rated merchant account provider due to its transparent pricing structure, clearly outlining rates, fees, and associated costs. Its comprehensive solutions cater to various industries, including retail and non-profits, making it a versatile option for many merchants. By incorporating Talech POS systems into its offerings, Paystone provides a robust point-of-sale solution that benefits both retail and restaurant merchants, helping them streamline their operations and deliver seamless customer experiences.

In addition, Paystone’s customizable in-store and e-commerce merchant contracts offer features like online invoicing and POS enhancements that aid in inventory management and other crucial tasks. This flexibility enables merchants to optimize their systems according to specific business needs, ensuring efficient operations. With this transparency, versatility, and adaptability, Paystone remains a reliable and competitive choice. However, merchants should compare its offerings against other providers to make the most informed decision possible.

Contact Paystone

Contact & Customer Support
President, CEO and Co-founder Tarique Al-Ansari
Headquarters 3200 Wonderland Rd S, London, Ontario N6L 1R4, Canada
Toll-Free General Customer Service (888) 900-9192
Website paystone.com

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Reader Comments, Testimonials & Complaints

2 User Reviews

  • Kurt Wallman

    Budget Pest Solutions

    what a rip off… the salesman told me monthly terminal charges were only $35 dollars…. didnt tell me about the $20 dollar cel charge and then a $20 dollar service fee.. and now a $20 dollar non compliance charge???? my current bill is over $120 dollars and my total dollars that my little company charged was uner $800.00… i am not happy camper this company misrepresented themselves..

  • BRANDY

    Paystone is a terrible company to work for, they and they are only as big as they are now because they had money to through around. They think about money first and about the customer second

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