Prestige Payment Systems Review
Note: As of December 2021 the Prestige Payment Systems website is down and the BBB believes they are out of business. We will no longer be updating this review, though we will leave it up. If you have any information that Prestige Payment Systems is still in business, please let us know in the comments below.
A First Data Reseller
Prestige Payment Systems 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 Payment Processing
Prestige Payment Systems appears to process most major debit and credit cards. Their website gives shockingly little info on what exactly services they offer, but if the websites of their DBAs are any indication, we can assume that the company offers POS solutions including mobile readers and countertop terminals, e-commerce solutions, telephone payments through a virtual terminal, PCI compliance, EMV, and gift card options for merchants.
Prestige Payment Systems Location
Prestige Payment Systems is a registered ISO of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Walnut Creek, California, and as of this review is headquartered at 707 SW Washington St Ste 800, Portland, OR 97205, although multiple sources also refer to an address at 615 SW Broadway Ste 310, Portland, Oregon 97205 and a Vancouver, Washington location. Other sources list an address at 80 Blue Ravine Rd, Folsom, California 95630.
Prestige Payment Systems Review Table of Contents
- Costs & Contract: Prestige Payment Systems offers a three-year contract through First Data (Fiserv) with a variable early termination fee.
- Complaints & Service: Prestige Payment Systems has received more than 100 public complaints.
- BBB Rating: Prestige Payment Systems has no rating with the Better Business Bureau and has received 14 complaints and 1 review in the past 3 years.
- Sales & Marketing: Prestige Payment Systems hires independent sales agents and has received a high number of complaints about its sales practices.
Prestige Payment Systems Customer Reviews
Here's What Their Clients Say
| Total Online Complaints | 100+ |
|---|---|
| Live Customer Support | Yes |
| Most Common Complaint | Hidden Fees |
Widespread Complaints
We are currently able to locate over 100 negative Prestige Payment Systems reviews, many of which accuse the company of being a scam or a ripoff. The majority of complainants cite sales issues including aggressive telemarketing, rude behavior, deceptive rate quotes, and incomplete disclosure of contract terms. Other problems mentioned include poor or unreachable customer service, expensive contract terms, and confusion over the company’s location and ownership.
Prestige Payment Systems Lawsuits
In 2015, Prestige Payment Systems’ parent company was the subject of this lawsuit. National Payment Systems names company executives Brad Law and Jonathan Beckman as co-defendants in the matter. While the suit alleges misrepresentation of rates and fees, it was dismissed in 2016.
Prestige Payment Systems Customer Service Options
Prestige Payment Systems representatives do not often appear to respond to public complaints, and it is unclear at this time whether the company supplies any direct customer service or if it simply outsources it to First Data (Fiserv). In light of both the content and the quantity of complaints, we have assigned the company’s customer support a “D” rating and do not consider it worthy of competing with top payment processors for customer service.
Prestige Payment Systems Online Ratings
Here's How They Rate Online
| Product & Service Complaints | 7 |
|---|---|
| Billing & Collection Complaints | 6 |
| Advertising & Sales Complaints | 1 |
| Guarantee & Warranty Complaints | 0 |
| Delivery Complaints | 0 |
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.
Merchants who find themselves in this situation should research the proper steps to cancel their merchant account without paying a fee.
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.
Prestige Payment Systems Fees, Rates & Costs
A Closer Look at The Contract
| Flat Rate | 3.25% + $0.09 |
|---|---|
| Interchange Plus | Interchange + 0.50% + $0.09 |
| Virtual Terminal Rate | 1.00$ + 4.99% |
| Payment Gateway Fee | Undisclosed |
| Annual Fee | $50 - $197 Per Year |
| Early Termination Fee | $250 |
| PCI Compliance Fee | $150 Per Year |
| Help Desk Fee | $15 Per Month |
| Inactivity Fee | $99+ Per Month |
| Equipment Lease Costs | $50 - $77 Per Month |
| Equipment Lease Terms | 48 Month (locked) |
Three-Year Agreement, A Slew of Added Fees
The standard Prestige Payment Systems contract (available below) is a three-year agreement with an undefined early termination fee, a $150 PCI compliance fee, a $50 annual fee, a $15 monthly “help desk” fee, a $10 monthly statement fee, and either tiered or interchange-plus pricing. Some merchant complaints state that the company’s standard early termination fee is $250. Among the company’s many merchant agreements is a flat rate of 3.25% plus $0.09.
The company also appears to lease terminals through First Data Global Leasing, which typically offers 48-month, non-cancellable leases that cost up to $77 per month. It should be noted that most credit card terminals can be purchased upfront for under $500. We also encourage merchants to check out our list of the providers of the best merchant services.
Interchange Optimization
Among the multitude of pricing schedules that the company makes available is its Interchange Pass-Through Program. This pricing schedule details the interchange-plus pricing model that the company makes available to merchants. Under this plan, merchants are charged a rate of interchange plus 0.50% plus $0.09. Since interchange rates are the most transparent in the industry, merchants are encouraged to request a pricing plan based upon them.
Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Pricing
In addition to its storefront payment processing services, Prestige Payment Systems’ programs guide, the former website, and other documents mention 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
Costly Contract Terms
Multiple merchants claim that they did not receive full documentation or explanation of these rates prior to submitting their applications, so we have included as many of the company’s fee schedules as possible to help potential customers evaluate their costs. Merchants are advised to request all documentation and to inquire about all possible fees in writing in order to ensure that agents are held accountable for any lack of disclosure. Overall, the company’s contract terms are more expensive than industry averages, and merchants would receive a much better deal from a low-cost merchant account provider. We therefore assign the company a “D” in this category.
See the Prestige Payment Systems Merchant Application
See the Prestige Payment Systems Program Guide
See the Prestige Payment Systems 2 Tier Pricing Schedule
See the Prestige Payment Systems 3 Tier Pricing Schedule
See the Prestige Payment Systems Enhanced Billback Pricing Schedule
See the Prestige Payment Systems Flat Rate Pricing Schedule
See the Prestige Payment Systems Interchange-Plus Pricing Schedule
Prestige Payment Systems Employee Reviews & Sales Tacitcs
Should You Work For Them?
| Employs Independent Resellers | Yes |
|---|---|
| Advertises Deceptive Rates | No |
| Discloses All Important Terms | No |
Aggressive Sales Tactics
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 of best 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.
Our Prestige Payment Systems Review Summary
Our Final Thoughts
Serious Red Flags
Prestige Payment Systems rates as a substandard credit card processor according to our rating criteria. The company performs at a level comparable to the worst-rated merchant services providers on CPO. Prestige Payment Systems regularly receives complaints regarding its sales tactics, and its contract terms are more expensive than industry averages. Merchants should be sure to understand whether they are dealing with Prestige Payment Systems of Portland, Oregon, or PPS USA of Los Angeles, California, because the two companies are separate entities with markedly different reputations among business owners.
If you found this article helpful, please share it!
Ron
Prestige Payments aka National Payment Systems LLC has joined forces with Blue Square Resolutions, Riverside Payments, GoCHYP founder Mychol Robirds and others.
Here are a few Links to Verify.
Here is a video from Sabin Burrell facebook
Shows Brandon Sinner/Riverside and Robirds/CHYP Hero Secures
https://www.facebook.com/sabin.burrell/videos/10158918057642778
Link explaining other involvement
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200114005127/en/Payments-Powerhouse-Secures-Senior-Capital-and-Rebrands-as-Boom-Commerce-with-Focus-on-Integrated-Payments-and-Strategic-Acquisitions
https://www.digitaltransactions.net/eye-on-acquirers-boom-commerce-debuts-nab-launches-a-new-pci-program/
Phillip CPO
Thank you, Ron!
nourtobacco inc.
stay away stay away stay away, false promises, outrageous fees, professional in laying to their customers, fee chages every month
This post will help: Eliminate Hidden Fees From Your Monthly Bill
-Phillip
Cindy Brannon
Signing on with Prestige Payment Solutions was possibly the worse business decision I’ve made in my 25 year career as a business owner. We have been charged as much as 56% ABOVE interchange rates. They hung up on me today and would not answer any of my attempts to call back. The “customer relations manager” does not answer direct questions in regard to overcharges. I requested a copy of our contract and was told she would TRY to get it to me but I still have not received it. This company has robbed our small seasonal business of thousands of dollars. I am wondering if anyone is aware of a class action suit against this company and if not, how do we get one started. They need to be held accountable for what they are doing.
This post will help: Best Merchant Accounts for Seasonal Businesses
-Phillip
Donna Sit
Prestige will lock you in for 4 years without telling you about this. They will keep charging you fees even after your account is closed. They will get any execute to charge you 7 different Debit fee once or twice at a time. Never believe what they said.
From The Editor
This Post Might Help: Cancelling a Merchant Account Without Paying a Fee
Kelly Kelly
Do not use this company, they are not honest.
The contract has hidden fees, they insisted I get a credit care processing machine that I did not need and charged me $50 mo for 2 years. I could of bought one at Costco for $200. My contract was up with them in April 2018 and they are still charging me fees, I called and talked to someone about and they hung up on me. When you call you get a recording to leave a message. They are hurting a lot of small businesses.
Do your homework before you choose a credit card processing company.
From The Editor
This Post Might Help: How To Get Out of a Merchant Account Contract
Bruce James
Worst processor in the industry. Constant overcharges. We dropped them and are glad we did.
Roz Kitchner
DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY. They will cheat, lie, and do whatever possible to get your business. Once they hook you, customer service is non existent. I had to read my statement with a fine tooth comb each month. I never understood them and they were never explained to me even though I asked. My contract stated no annual service charge. They decided after 3 years to charge this fee and printed it on page 3 of the statement in small letters. They said they would refund me $97 of the $197 that was charged. It took 4 months to get that back and 2 phones calls. I cancelled my account on the 5th of the month. I did everything they told me to do so I wouldnt be charged any fees. 2 months later they took $144 out of my account and said it was an inactive fee. They said they never received my cancellation in writing. I kept a copy of it and resent it and made sure my account was cancelled. I was told I would get the $144 returned to my checking account. I never got it after 1 month so I called again. I was told there was nothing that could be done about it as my account was closed. I could go on and on about other fees I have been charged in the past but that was the straw that broke the camels back
Eva
I left Prestige after 8 yrs. with many phone calls of leaving on June31,2017. New company. In Aug, Sept, Oct . Nov. Dec. and Jan. they kept taking(stealing) from my bank. total being $1570.35 stolen. Then after phone calls from Nov.10-April 12. 9 phone calls total.( I have nothing better to do.) So far they have paid back in stange amounts. totals being paid back $963.92. They still owe me $606.43. Today they say they owe me $534.00, something like that. This is out of control. Under escuation now. Right. Why now? Taking was easy but refunding is real tough.
Adam
We cancelled our account with Prestige Payment Systems on the phone and in writing, per their instructions and they continued to charge us for 34 months. We never used them during this time as we went with another company. They are claiming they thought we were only cancelling our machine and not the account which is pure baloney.
Tray Maxson
Poor company on all levels, negative rating on Customer service. Hidden fees, had no idea that we were being put in a lease until it dinged my credit report. Non cancelable contract that I am currently seeking legal action to settle this. Do not use prestige or first data
Melissa Wynn
This company is such a scam. You fulfill your obligation of a 48 month contract, email them a 30 day notice to let them know you do not wish to renew after your 48 months are up, send back the terminal you were forced to lease for 48 months, they receive the terminal, and continue to take money out of your account 2 months after you have stopped using their company for merchant services. I do not recommend this company NOR EVER giving them your bank information. They do not honor the contract you sign, so BEWARE!
Jon Pienkowski
**SCAMMERS**
They said I would get 0% on most transactions and that I only had to pay $70 a month for the machine lease, processing fee and they would take care of all PCI compliance needs (which they are supposed to take care of and say they will do for you). It’s all BS. I pay about $100-$150 a month PLUS processing.
Then I have had PCI issues for over 2 years. So after a YEAR of them saying it was fixed (but wasn’t) I finally worked with TransArmor directly myself and found out they had my account setup wrong and that’s why I was having PCI test issues.
They are simple sales company and it’s all a SCAM/SHAM.
Unless you are processing $1000 orders, just get a regular square/mobile swiper.
Customer support is a phrase that does not exist in their world.
One of the last times I called to work out my PCI issue, one of their service reps put me on hold for 45min to try and make me go away. Called back and she answered immediately and just demanded a supervisor; equally as bad. TERRIBLE COMPANY! RUN FAR FAR AWAY!
Mark
They tell you lies to get you to sign. Read the fine print. Card machine lease is over $100 per month. Stay away from these criminals.
mike
this company is the worst I have ever dealt with.. fees are not what they say they are and every moth I have to keep calling back because of being over charged .. If your looking for a card system DO NOT USE PRESTIGE (MERCHANT SERVICES)
Donald J
Please write me at [email protected] and I will give you some very negative information regarding my personal experiences with this company. Dont sign up till you contact me….
Scott
Worst processor I have ever used! So many hidden fees, they are not at all transparent with what the charges are. They ended up charging me double on my processing due to a “computer error” and I’ve had 3 managers tell me they will call me back, but to no avail. Also, they auto renewed my account with out my permission and charged me almost $300 dollars. I’ve been trying to get out of my contract, and am not happy!!!
Luke
We had prestige for almost 2 years we got nothing that they had promised us when we signed on with them. They did not disclose everything that they should have. I canceled them December 2015 I was told they would call me back to complete the cancellation. They never called back, I finally called them in January then found out I had to send in a letter of cancellation, I sent this letter and then I find out I have almost $2000 and cancellation fees along with non-transaction fees because I quit using them. After that I found out my credit card processing machines were least to be on a four year lease with a $3000 buyout or the remainder of four years to pay and $77 a month. I finally got somebody who is willing to work with me we cancel out my account and supposedly brought it to zero. I had her send me a letter stating that my account was closed and there was no remaining balance.then April comes around and I received a letter from a debt collector saying I owe $1200 I call Prestige back and try to get this straightened out. I was told that it was fixed and that I had a zero balance. Then on September 5, 2016 I get another letter from A debt collector saying I owe $724 no other bill just this. I called proceeds back after the same person and she tells me I’m sorry but you need to pay this user fees for January February and we’re not using our system. I would not trust them with any of my money or anybody else’s money stay as far away from them as possible! It will promise you the moon but all it is is a big sales ploy to get you in and then it cost you too much money to get out when you find out you’ve been swindled!
Shelley
Luke,
How were you able to finally get ahold of them to stop the payments. Other than run-around on a phone call I can’t find an email address of a physical mailing address for the company.
Hi There
I used to work for Prestige Payment Systems, not in sales but HR and Operations. I only worked there for 6 months and didn’t want to be associated with a company that was unethical and downright fraudulent. I heard many conversations between sales people and business owners and all of the comments here are correct. They tell business owners anything they want to hear just to get a sale. It is a corrupt operation from top to bottom. Jonathan Beckman and Brad Law are the co-owners. There is a location in Vancouver, WA, Portland, OR, Dallas, TX, Sacramento, CA , Los Angeles and Florida. DO NOT do business with these people. At the end of the day, all the sales people and telemarketers want is cash for doing a deal and they will tell you anything you want to hear just to fill their wallets.
Kandy Heckendorf
They are the worst company I have ever worked with. They will tell you anything to get you to sign with them and then put you through the ringer. They should be put out of business and my hope is that no other small business will ever have to deal with what I have had to with them!
Matt
I bought a business and signed up with the same processing company as the previous owner, which I now realize was a huge mistake on my part. I completely regret signing up with Prestige Processing Systems – so much so that I’ve paid the penalty to terminate early.
Customer service is nearly impossible to reach. They will not return your calls or acknowledge emails. If you do reach someone, they constantly put you on hold to handle other calls, are unable to assist you, transfer you around to another person so you eventually end up back where you started. A total nightmare.
Many billing/fee problems, failure to properly set up my terminal — I mean the list goes on and on.
Judith Gibbons
Two very long years have passed using Prestige and I wish I had never heard from them or left my original Merchant services. Fees keep appearing that I did not know of and I had no idea that I could not get out of the contract of 48 months for their equipment without paying a fee of $4000. We are planning on closing our business to retire the end of 2016. There must be a way to not pay these crooks for something we do not want.
Margaraet Nunez
I am so sorry I signed up with them. They do not tell you the whole story…made m e think that they were giving me the terminal…hod no idea it was going to be a a lease with a different company.
Joel Hudson
Performance Merchant Alliance is connected directly to Prestige Payment Systems the non-cancelable lease through FirstData Global was associated with Prestige Payment Systems, but we only saw the Performance Merchant Alliance logo on the marketing material.
Joe Mama
It’s possible that Prestige Payment Systems is now operating as United Card Solutions using the same tactics. They likely wanted to rename in order to get away from their rotten reputation. I received a call from United Card Solutions today offering the same “0% processing” that Prestige used to always call about. Plus they had my first name and got our business name wrong, the same way Prestige used to. I’ve never done business with United Card Solutions so they shouldn’t have my name. I’ve had to resort to blocking their number.
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Are you with Prestige Payment Systems? Learn how to resolve this complaint.
Ned
Got a call from 503 595 7323, caller ID says prestige payment systems. If they call, never ever pickup.
I do not have an account with prestige payment sys, nor would I ever. The sales guy was extremely pushy, rude, & would not hang up after repeatedly telling this idiot that I am not interested. Prestige sales guy asked “who I was” that “I do not make the financial decisions of my company” and that” I was messing with his time” What!?
prestige payment systems is a total garbage scam company.
Jennifer
My call was from 916-661-6200. They have called me five times after being told to take me off their list. They wanted a four year commitment, signed immediately. No website. Really, no website?!! They said they didn’t need one. The application they sent was two by three inches in size, one page. They wanted to explain each item on the application verbally and have me commit verbally, but wouldn’t give it to me in writing. I can’t believe they haven’t been shut down!