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In this review of Prestige Payment Systems, we provide a clear overview of their credit card processing services, including point-of-sale (POS) systems, mobile payment options, and e-commerce tools designed for different types of businesses. We’ll examine which industries may benefit most from their offerings while also considering client and customer reviews to highlight common trends and concerns. Along with a breakdown of pricing, contract terms, and specific features, this review will evaluate both the strengths and weaknesses of Prestige Payment Systems. By the end, you’ll have a balanced perspective to help decide if this provider is the right fit for your payment processing needs.
About Prestige Payment Systems
Prestige Payment Systems’ Homepage
Prestige Payment Systems (affordablepaymentsolution.com) is a Portland, Oregon-based merchant account provider that has been active since 2007. The company is a reseller of First Data (now Fiserv) and a DBA of National Payment Systems, LLC. Prestige Payment Systems is often confused with PPS USA, a Los Angeles company that formerly went by the name of Prestige Payment Systems but changed its name to avoid being associated with the company that is the subject of this review.
Prestige Payment Systems Leadership
The Better Business Bureau lists Brad Law as the managing member at Prestige Payment Systems, but Jonathan Beckman is the registering agent for Prestige’s DBA, National Payment Systems LLC. We have located an online comment claiming that Brad Law and Jonathan Beckman have launched a new payment processing venture called “Performance Merchant Alliance,” but we have been unable to confirm some of the details related to this new venture. Performance Merchant Alliance has transitioned to the new brand identity of Freedom Card Solutions, and you can see the latest information that we have found in our Freedom Card Solutions review. LinkedIn has Izak Zabek as the CEO.
Other Possible Identities
In addition to the information we have found about Performance Merchant Alliance, we have received public comments below this review and private correspondence claiming that Prestige Payment Systems is also operating under the brand names “United Card Solutions,” “National Card Solutions,” and “Direct Processors.” These companies are based in Portland, Oregon, and do not disclose the identities of their executive teams. To learn more about these three companies, see the reviews we have written for each one. Additionally, the BBB page for Prestige lists “AffordablePaymentSolutions.com” as the Prestige website, though the link is not functioning.
Prestige Payment Systems Products and Services
Payment Processing
Prestige Payment Systems seems to handle the processing of most major debit and credit cards. However, their website provides limited details about their specific services. Based on the websites of their DBAs, it appears that the company likely offers POS solutions, including mobile readers and countertop terminals, e-commerce options, telephone payments via a virtual terminal, PCI compliance, EMV support, and gift card programs for merchants.
Customer Reviews & Sentiment
Widespread Customer Concerns
Currently, we’ve identified over 100 negative reviews of Prestige Payment Systems. Many customers have expressed dissatisfaction, with some even labeling the company as a scam or ripoff. The primary grievances revolve around sales practices, including aggressive telemarketing, alleged deception in rate quotes, and incomplete disclosure of contract terms. Customers have also reported challenges in reaching or receiving support from the company, along with concerns about expensive contract terms and confusion regarding its ownership and location.
Prestige Payment Systems Legal History
In 2015, Prestige Payment Systems’ parent company faced a lawsuit, with National Payment Systems naming company executives Brad Law and Jonathan Beckman as co-defendants. The lawsuit alleged misrepresentation of rates and fees but was ultimately dismissed in 2016.
Customer Service with Prestige Payment Systems
There’s a notable absence of public responses from Prestige Payment Systems representatives to customer complaints. It remains uncertain whether the company provides direct customer service or outsources it to First Data (Fiserv). Given the volume and nature of complaints, we’ve assigned the company’s customer support a “D” rating, indicating it falls short when compared to top payment processors for customer service.
Industry Scores & User Ratings
Online Ratings Summary
BBB
1
Prestige Payment Systems BBB Rating
Prestige Payment Systems has a 1 out of 5 star rating based on 1 user reviews on the Better Business Bureau website.
Positive Feedback
There are no positive reviews published about Prestige Payment Systems on the Better Business Bureau website.
A Curious Complaint Reduction
Prestige Payment Systems currently shows no rating and no accreditation from the BBB. The company has received 14 complaints to its BBB profile in the past 36 months. 1 complaint related to advertising issues, complaints related to billing or collection disputes, and the remaining 6 complaints related to problems with a product or service. Only 1 of these 14 complaints were resolved by the company to the satisfaction of the merchant. The remaining 13 were resolved to the dissatisfaction of the merchant or received no final response.
What Merchants Say
In addition to the 15 complaints filed with the BBB against Prestige Payment Systems, the company’s profile has also received 2 reviews. Both of the reviews are negative in tone. One review, like several others, describes deceptive practices:
No, do not trust these people. You will be disappointed. There is nothing up and up about them.
BBB Warning The BBB notes that it detected a pattern of complaints from consumers regarding sales, billing, or collection issues in November 2017 and contacted Prestige regarding these complaints. Prestige Payment Systems replied to the BBB’s inquiry by defending its sales practices and contract terms. The company also stated that it is no longer in business. This reply appears to have satisfied the BBB, which has only lowered its rating due to Prestige’s unsatisfactory response to three BBB complaints.
An “F” Performance Overall
In light of the company’s complaint total, resolution ratio, and response to the BBB’s inquiry, we have adjusted the BBB’s rating to an “F” according to our rating criteria.
Processing Rates & Fees
Three-Year Contract and Fee Details
The standard Prestige Payment Systems contract entails a three-year agreement with various fees. These include an undefined early termination fee, a $150 PCI compliance fee, a $50 annual fee, a $15 monthly “help desk” fee, and a $10 monthly statement fee, alongside either tiered or interchange-plus pricing. While some complaints mention a $250 early termination fee, the company’s merchant agreements may also feature a flat rate of 3.25% plus $0.09. Additionally, the company leases terminals through First Data Global Leasing, with lease terms typically spanning 48 months and costing up to $77 monthly. However, most terminals can be purchased upfront for under $500. Merchants are encouraged to check out our list of the providers with the best merchant services.
Transparent Pricing Options
Prestige Payment Systems offers various pricing schedules, including its Interchange Pass-Through Program, which adopts an interchange-plus pricing model. Under this plan, merchants are charged a rate of interchange plus 0.50% plus $0.09. As interchange rates are transparent, merchants are advised to request a pricing plan based on them.
Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Pricing
While Prestige Payment Systems offers virtual terminal and payment gateway services, pricing details for these services are not readily available. Additional rates and fees, such as gateway fees, technical support fees, batch fees, and additional transaction rates, typically apply to e-commerce services.
Transparent Documentation and Inquiries
Merchants should ensure they receive full documentation and explanation of rates prior to submitting their applications. Requesting all documentation and inquiring about potential fees in writing can help ensure accountability. Overall, the company’s contract terms are considered more expensive than industry averages. Merchants may find better deals with low-cost merchant account providers.
Prestige Payment Systems appears to utilize a combination of telemarketing and independent agents to market its services, and this strategy seems to have resulted in a large number of public complaints about the company’s sales team. There are numerous complaint threads on 800Notes that describe aggressive, unwanted telephone calls from Prestige sales reps, and multiple Google reviews also cite unpleasant exchanges both in-person and over the phone. In addition, there are many complaints on other websites and on our review of PPS USA that describe nondisclosure of fees, misrepresentation of rates, incomplete documentation at the point of signing, rude behavior, and general deception by Prestige Payment Systems representatives. This does not compare favorably to our list ofbest credit card processors.
Sales Agent Misconduct
One complaint on our PPS USA review seems to suggest that a Prestige Payment Systems representative posed as a representative of PPS USA in order to capitalize on the “A” rating we have assigned to PPS USA. If true, this would seem to confirm an accusation made by a PPS USA representative that “[Prestige Payment Systems] use our name because they know we are A+ accredited with the Better Business Bureau and want to ride our coattails.” Regardless of whether this is happening on a wide scale at Prestige Payment Systems, this lone report does not reflect positively on the sales representatives at Prestige Payment Systems.
No Listed Quotes
To its credit, the Prestige Payment Systems website formerly did not prominently list any misleading rates or promotions. However, the website is no longer functioning, indicating that Prestige may be out of business.
Prestige Payment Systems Competitors
Compare Prestige Payment Systems to competitors that earned top marks.
Prestige Payment Systems currently ranks poorly within the credit card processing industry, reflecting a performance level akin to the lowest-rated providers reviewed on our site. This assessment stems from a consistent flow of merchant complaints that frequently cite deceptive sales tactics and unfavorable contract terms. These issues contribute significantly to the company’s subpar reputation, as the terms offered by Prestige often exceed the cost benchmarks of the industry, potentially placing unnecessary financial strain on business owners.
It is crucial for merchants to clearly distinguish between Prestige Payment Systems based in Portland, Oregon, and PPS USA located in Los Angeles, California. Despite the similarity in names, these are distinct entities, each with its own operational standards and reputation in the merchant services market. The Oregon-based Prestige Payment Systems, in particular, has attracted criticism and dissatisfaction at a level that warrants caution from potential clients. Merchants considering this company are strongly advised to thoroughly review and understand all contractual terms and to consider seeking alternatives among more highly rated merchant service providers to ensure more transparent and cost-effective solutions for their payment processing needs.
