Pearl Payments 2023: Card Processing Reviews & Complaints

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Pearl Payments
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Pearl Payments

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Company Overview

Pearl Payments is a payment management software that has been developed to enable a merchant account to automate its recurring payments made by credit card or ACH deposits. Additionally, the company also allows merchants to charge one-time payments. The interface allows users to minimize the amount of time they spend on collections. In addition to automation, Pearl Payments also helps merchants keep their customer’s information up to date and notifies them of missed payments and past-due balances. Pearl Payments was developed by Swing Set Labs.

Pearl Payments Payment Processing

Pearl Payments appears to process most major debit and credit cards through an online portal. Their software also creates reports on payments processed and allows for recurring payments to be set up.

POS Systems

Pearl Payments offers POS systems with advanced features, including inventory management, employee management, and reporting tools. Their POS systems are customizable and user-friendly, allowing businesses to tailor their system to meet their unique needs.

Mobile Payments

Pearl Payments offers mobile payment solutions that allow businesses to accept payments using their mobile devices. Their mobile payment solutions are secure, easy-to-use, and fast, making it a great option for businesses on-the-go.

Virtual Terminals

Pearl Payments provides virtual terminals that allow businesses to accept payments online, providing a convenient option for managing online transactions. Their virtual terminals are secure, user-friendly, and customizable to suit the specific needs of each business.

Business Loans

Pearl Payments offers business loans to businesses that need quick access to capital. Their business loans have flexible repayment terms and low-interest rates, making them an attractive alternative to traditional loans for businesses seeking to expand or grow.

Location & Ownership

Pearl Payments was developed by Swing Set Labs, which describes itself as a product incubation company powered by Bust Out. Swing Set Labs is headquartered at 514 N Third St, Suite 105, Minneapolis, MN. Pearl lists their headquarters at 5720 LBJ FWY Suite 610 Dallas, TX 75240. The Swing Set Labs headquarters shares its address with Bust Out, whose founder and CEO is Jeff Lin.

Table of Contents

Pearl Payments payment processing

Pearl Payments appears to offer standard payment processing services

Pearl Payments Customer Complaints & Reviews

Here's What Users Think

Complaint Summary

Total Online Complaints
<10
Live Customer Support
No
Most Common Complaint
N/A
Recent Lawsuits
No

Low Complaint Total

We are not currently able to locate many negative Pearl Payments reviews, and most of the existing ones are in the comments below. However, it should be noted that the company shares its name with another Pearl Payments and frequently gets mistakenly reviewed as the other company. The Pearl Payments reviewed in this profile is actively responding to these mistaken Pearl Payment complaint instances. If you have your own Pearl Payments review to make, please do so in the comments.

Pearl Payments Lawsuits and Fines

We have not found any outstanding class-action lawsuits or FTC complaints filed against Pearl Payments. Dissatisfied merchants who wish to pursue a non-litigious course of action against the company should consider reporting it to the relevant supervisory organizations.

Pearl Payments Customer Support Options

Pearl Payments offers limited information to contact customer support through its website. The sole means to contract the company is through a general email address at [email protected], which itself is not dedicated to customer support alone. This level of service falls short of our expectations of top-rated payment processors for great customer service. While the company’s clean complaint record and legal history reflect well on the company, its limited customer support is the reason why it receives a “B” rating in this category for now.

Pearl Payments Reviews Online

Our Better Business Bureau Profile Assessment

BBB Summary

BBB Reports
2

Under 5 Complaints

Pearl Payments is not accredited with the Better Business Bureau and currently has an “A+” rating with the BBB. The company has received 2 complaints in the last 3 years.

An “A” Performance

Considering the low number of complaints and good resolution rate, we agree with the BBB’s score at this time.

Pearl Payments Fees and Rates

A Closer Look at the Contract

Cost Summary

Cancellation Penalties
Yes
Processing Rates
2.90% + $0.30
Monthly & Annual Fees
Unclear
Equipment Lease Terms
No

Different Rates for Different Payment Methods

Pearl Payments lists a flat fee of 2.90% plus $0.30 for card transactions along with a 0.8% transaction fee for ACH payments. Transaction fees for ACH payments are also capped at $5. The company’s website does not list any additional contract terms, such as monthly fees, set-up fees, contract length, a PCI compliance fee, or an early termination fee.

No Additional Equipment Necessary

According to the Pearl Payments website, its services are hosted on a virtual terminal. While the company emphasizes a focus on recurring payments, its website also states that it can process one-time payments as well. Using a virtual terminal to process one-time payments eliminates the need for a client to enter into a long-term equipment lease as this interface is hosted on a business’ computer or through an app on a compatible mobile device.

An “A” Overall

On the basis of all available information, Pearl Payments is awarded an “A” in this category. This determination has been reached due to the clearly disclosed Pearl Payments rates for credit card and ACH payments. However, business owners who are considering the service should inquire into the potential for any additional fees.

pearl payments payment gateway

Information on the Pearl Payments payment gateway

Pearl Payments Jobs and Employment

Hiring Standards and Ethical Marketing Assessment

Key Points

Uses Independent Resellers
No
Telemarketing
No
Misleading Marketing
No
Discloses All Important Terms
No

No Independent Sales Agents

Pearl Payments does not hire independent sales agents or operate an affiliate program. There are no Pearl Payments complaints or online reviews that make mention of any issues with the company’s inside sales practices either. This compares favorably to our list of best credit card processors.

Clear Rates

The Pearl Payments website clearly lists the fees that it charges for both credit card and ACH payments made to businesses. However, the company’s website does not list whether or not clients utilizing the service must enter into any contract or if there are any additional monthly Pearl Payments fees, set-up fees, or early termination fees.

A “B” Overall

Given the company’s clear rate disclosure along with insight into other features its service offers, Pearl Payments receives a “B” in this category. The lack of information about any additional contract terms and fees is the sole reason its grade is not higher.

pearl payments rates

The rates as advertised on the Pearl Payments website

Pearl Payments Review Summary

Our Final Thoughts and Opinions

Pearl Payments is a small credit card processing provider offering merchant accounts and credit card processing. Customer complaints are reporting difficult-to-reach customer service and unexpected fees, most of which have surfaced within the last year. We will continue to monitor this trend in negative reviews and update as new information surfaces.  Other than these issues, Pearl Payments markets its services to businesses that charge subscriptions, memberships, or other monthly bills along with traditional POS options. Business owners are advised to thoroughly read their service agreement prior to setting up a merchant account.


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Customer & Employee Reviews

What Others Are Saying About Pearl Payments

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7 Responses

  • MIKE SALEH

    EZ MART

    DO NOT SIGN-UP, BEWARE!!!!
    THEY ARE FRAUD COMPANY THAT WILL SIGN YOUR LEASE FOR MERCHANT PROCESSING MACHINE WHICH YOU CANNOT CANCEL EARLY. THEY HAD ME LOCKED ON 4 YEAR LEASE FOR A MACHINE THAT I AM NOT USING AND WHEN I CALLED TO CANCEL. THEY SAID I HAVE TO CALL THIRD PARTY TO CANCEL.

    RATES ARE HIGH, MACHINES ARE REALLY SLOW AND NEVER WORKED, AND LOCK YOU INTO PAYING FOR EQUIPMENT BY PUTTING YOU LEASING IT TO YOU.

  • Candace Farris

    BUYER BEWARE! DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY! From not paying our early termination fees as they promised they would, to charging us WAY MORE monthly than we had been paying in processing fees, to not being able to get in touch with anyone, to having to pay early termination fees again to get out of the lease with Ascentium when we finally left Pearl(after paying early termination fees when we left our previous processor that we never received reimbursement for), to being bounced from one employee to another…this company is a nightmare! We ended up being out right around $7,000 in fees and overcharges that they miraculously never could do anything about, although they were “looking into it” the entire time. When we first signed up with them they couldn’t get us a machine that would work. This was right at the beginning of the pandemic. We were charged for 6 months(including non-use fees as we weren’t processing any payments through them). Those 6 months of fees were never reimbursed although it was their fault we couldn’t process during this time! What this company does should be criminal! I should have read reviews on them before we switched. They sent a salesman to our company, we did not seek them out. They were a nightmare from the beginning.

  • Donna Irish

    Wicked Wicks Creations and More LLC

    I have been trying to contact them for my account for weeks. every number including customer service goes to voice mail which is ok but not if they all have full mail boxes. going to stop automatic payment see how fast they get incontact with me then.

  • Debbie Ferguson

    When I started working with Pearl Payments I did not know very much about POS companies or products. After several months I received a Clover mini. This did not work as it was too small. After several more months I finally received an EHopper. Keep in mind, each of these companies use a different credit card processing company. The EHopper was way too big so again, after several months I finally received the E500 Pax. Perfect size, works great.
    The problem is that now one cancelled the credit card processing contracts that went with the Clover and EHopper. Although I had no choice, these companies will not cancel. They are 48months term. I have called Pearl, written Pearl, left voicemails. I have been promised that it will be taken care of, but to date, I am still paying over $300 to credit card processing companies I not longer are using.

    I will be filing a complaint and cancel all business dealing with Pearl.

    DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY! THEY WILL SELL YOU SOMETHING AND THEN IGNORE YOU!

  • Catherine McWhinnie

    Could you help me get in contact with John Sarkisian? Thanks

  • Colin Qian

    This is not an honest company. There are fees that are not disclosed at the agreement signing. They don’t honor what they promise to do like a free trial. Also I just noticed that they could alter the contents of the agreement you signed off. And the worst is their merchant support. For legitimate issues and concerns, they ignore your calls and emails, not willing to help you resolve them.

    • Colin Qian

      This is a follow-up to my review on October 19, 2019.

      I want to commend Mr. John Sarkissian, Director of Operations, for reaching out to me and trying to address my concerns. I got sold a plan that didn’t meet the goal of saving card processing fees using a second payment system at my store. There were also fees that were not communicated to me when I signed up. John was willing to address my concerns. Now I’m on a different plan that he thinks would work for me. For his efforts, I would recommend Pearl Payments. Also I really like the smart terminal they have, Poynt. It is flexible in that it has apps to allow different plans to meet different customers needs.

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How We Score Processors

Please note that our rating system was overhauled on April 26th, 2023. Reviews dated before this date may not score in accordance with the following.

Star Rating Criteria:

At the start of our research, all processors are awarded five stars. We deduct stars if the processor engages in any of the following business practices:

– One star deduction if the processor has any junk fees.

– One star deduction if the processor does not post its pricing clearly on its website.

– One Star deduction if the processor is suffering from moderate client complaints.

– Multiple Star deductions if a processor is suffering from severe complaints, imposes unjust cancellation fees, markets non-cancellable equipment leases, engages in predatory rate pricing, or may be engaged in illegal activities.

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