Security Card Services 2023: Reviews & Complaints
Update: At the time of this update to our review of Security Card Services, the company's website is no longer functioning. We believe the company is no longer in business and will no longer be updating this review.
Company Overview
Founded in 1996, Security Card Services is a merchant account provider that takes a unique approach to marketing its services. Rather than selling directly to business owners, the company builds partnerships with regional and community banks across the country in order to supply merchant services for those banks' customers. As a result, it is unlikely that any merchant will deal directly with Security Card Services (SCS) unless that merchant signs up for merchant services through a local bank partnered with SCS. A merchant who signs up for an SCS account through his or her bank may deal with bank representatives, SCS representatives, or both, depending on the type of partnership established between SCS and the bank.
First Data CFI
BluePay acquired Security Card Services in August 2017, shortly before BluePay and its subsidiaries were acquired by First Data in December 2017. The acquiring partner portfolios of Security Card Services, BluePay, and CardConnect, were consolidated to form First Data Community Financial Institutions (First Data CFI). As a newly created division of First Data, First Data CFI specifically partners with community financial institutions to give customers streamlined payment solutions. It has yet to be seen if Security Card Services will retire its independent brand identity and eventually operate under the First Data CFI heading. An alert on its website notifies customers that Security Card Services “is now First Data CFI,” but it appears to be retaining its unique identity for the time being.
FTC Settlement
Security Card Services shares an address with a debt settlement company called “Security Credit Services” and is one of three businesses managed under the “Security Holdings LLC” brand. In 2014, Security Credit Services was forced to pay out more than $761,000 to consumers to compensate for phone payment fees that the FTC found to be deceptive. Two former executives of Security Card Services are also now the co-founders of Ironwood Payments.
Location & Ownership
SCS is headquartered at 2653 West Oxford Loop, Suite 108, Oxford, Mississippi 38655. William Alias is the principal for Security Holdings and, by extension, Security Card Services.
Table of Contents
- Costs & Contract: Offers variable auto-renewing contract terms depending on…
- Complaints & Service: Has received fewer than 10 on…
- BBB Rating: Has an “A+” rating with the Better Business Bureau and has received…
- Sales & Marketing: Does not appear to market directly to merchants and has received only…
Security Card Services Customer Reviews
Here's What Their Clients Say
| Total Online Complaints | <10 |
|---|---|
| Live Customer Support | Yes |
| Most Common Complaint | N/A |
Low Complaint Total
We are able to locate only a few Security Card Services complaints, but some of these accuse the company of being a ripoff or a scam. This is a low complaint total for a company that has been operating since 1996, but it should be noted that Security Card Services often does not interact directly with merchants.
Security Credit Services Complaints
It is also worth mentioning that Security Credit Services, the debt settlement service that shares ownership with SCS, is showing a moderate number of complaints online related to aggressive legal action against debtors. It does not appear that the actions of Security Credit Services are impacting merchants who have signed up for Security Card Services, but the two companies do appear to have remarkably different online reputations.
Security Card Services Lawsuits
Security Card Services and its affiliate Security Credit Services are two of three businesses managed under the holdings company Security Holdings LLC. In 2014, Security Credit Services was forced to pay out more than $761,000 to consumers to compensate for phone payment fees that the FTC found to be deceptive. Two former executives of Security Card Services are also now the co-founders of Ironwood Payments.
Illegally assessed fees and other instances are fraud are a consistent theme in complaints against poorly reviewed merchant service providers. Merchants should understand red flags like the fees charged in this case. Identifying possible fraud and reporting it to the relevant supervisory organizations allow merchants to pursue recourse against these practices.
Security Card Services Customer Support Options
Given the total lack of complaints against Security Card Services, we are assigning the company an “A” rating in this section, but it is not necessarily a top payment processor for good customer service. Merchants who are considering SCS are advised to ask whether they will receive customer service through their local bank, through SCS, or through First Data.
Security Card Services Online Ratings
Here's How They Rate Online
| Product & Service Complaints | 1 |
|---|---|
| Billing & Collection Complaints | 0 |
| Advertising & Sales Complaints | 0 |
| Guarantee & Warranty Complaints | 0 |
| Delivery Complaints | 0 |
One BBB Complaint
Security Card Services currently has an “A+” rating with the Better Business Bureau and is not currently accredited with the BBB. The company has received 1 complaint through the BBB in the past three years. This complaint was related to a product or service issue and either was not resolved to the satisfaction of the merchant or did not receive a final evaluation from the merchant.
It is also worth noting that Security Credit Services has an “A+” rating with the BBB with 84 complaints in the past 36 months. We will not count this profile against Security Card Services, but we have mentioned it here in the interest of comprehensive reporting.
What Merchants Say
The sole complaint filed against Security Card Services appears to be directed to Security Credit Services and describes deceptive sales practices and poor customer service:
On May 3, 2019, I received a call from ************. The caller said he was calling from “Security **** ********” (www.securitycardservices.com), a service he claimed operates under the major credit card companies and credit bureaus. He said based on my good credit and excellent payment history I qualify for a permanent 0-6% interest rate on my credit cards. The caller made three promises if I signed up with a service he was offering: 1) That I would save a minimum of 15K 2) That I would pay off my debt 3-5x faster 3) That I would receive an interest rate of 0-3% or 0-6% on a permanent basis He detailed two available offers. The first offer was a balance transfer to a card with 0% interest. With this offer, interest will only increase if I miss three consecutive payments, at which point it would increase to 6% or 12%. The second offer he called the “Hardship Program,” for people with more than $8K or $9K of debt to a card. With this second offer, the card would be put on hold, my credit would not be affected, and once 50-60% of the debt is paid off, my interest would reduce to 0-6%. He went on to explain there are no annual or monthly fees, but there is a one-time service fee of $5,090, in which I have unlimited time to pay – I could gradually pay off the balance over time with the 0% interest. I was under the impression I was speaking with a legitimate service already tied to my credit cards, so I discussed with him three accounts with which I have high-interest rates and balances over $1K and I naively gave out my personal information. He said I qualify for the balance transfer offer so I can more easily pay off my debt. The call was then transferred to “**** ******** *********” (*****************************) using the phone number 1-************. I spoke to a gentleman by the name of “***** ***** who said I qualify for a new Discover card with 0% interest and no annual fees. With Discover, the 0% interest rate is good for 14 months, but with “Security **** ********” the rate will never go up as long as I don’t miss those three consecutive payments. “Mr. ***** opened a new Discover card under my name with a $24,500 credit line, lowered the one-time service fee to $4,690, which he charged to one of my existing credit cards. He said the balances from the three cards I provided will transfer to the new Discover card, which will come in the mail. Moments after the call, something about the call did not sit right with me. I spoke with a trusted friend who quickly advised me to call them back immediately and cancel the transaction. Because my interest rates on these cards are high and I’m not currently in a situation I can pay them off in full, I believed I was getting a good offer but I did not know that a balance transfer was something I could myself for free. I immediately called “**** ******** *********” back and was told “Mr. ***** had gone home for the day but they would NOT charge me for the service before I had the opportunity to speak with “Mr. ***** on Monday, however, the $4,690 charge for “Professional services” was posted over the weekend, on May 5. According to the charge on my credit card statement, “**** ******** *********” is operating under the name “**** ********.” May 6 I spoke to a “****** ******” at “**** ******** *********.” I insisted on canceling the service and receiving a refund. “Mr. ******” took on a very harassing tone and tried to convince me not to close my account, but I held firm. I was put on hold for several minutes and then he told me he would need to charge me a $990 cancellation fee and to call him back to cancel my new Discover card when it comes in the mail. I said I was unhappy, I wanted to close my account, I was never informed of a cancellation fee when I agreed to the contract, nor did I receive an agreement outlining the cancellation terms. Later that same day (5/6), I received another call and an email from “***** ***** at “**** ******** *********” offering a lower rate of $2,990 to complete the services. A follow-up docu-sign was sent shortly after, which I did not open, review, or sign. I responded to “Mr. ****’s” email that I wish to terminate my agreement, I would like a refund of $4,690, I do not want my balances transferred to the new Discover account, I do not wish to purchase the lower-rate plan, and I do not authorize any more charges.,
Security Card Services has responded to clarify that the merchant’s experience was with Security Credit Services.
An “A” Performance
Given the complaint total on Security Card Services’ profile, we agree with the BBB’s rating at this time.
Security Card Services Fees, Rates & Costs
A Closer Look at The Contract
| Swiped Rate | 1.00% - 4.99% |
|---|---|
| Keyed-in Rate | 1.00% - 4.99% |
| Monthly Fee | $20 - $60+ Per Month |
| Early Termination Fee | $400+ |
| PCI Compliance Fee | Undisclosed |
| Equipment Lease Terms | 48 Month (locked) |
Security Card Services Contract Terms
There is very little publicly available information about the standard Security Card Services contract at this time. Before its acquisition by BluePay, the company was a reseller of NPC/Vantiv, which means that its standard terms could still resemble those offered by Vantiv (now Worldpay).
More likely, however, is that it offers an agreement similar to the standard First Data agreement. Although First Data offers a wide array of contract terms, merchants can generally expect a multiyear agreement with a cancellation fee and terms that are more-or-less average for the industry. A non-cancellable 48- month equipment lease through First Data Global Leasing is a term of service cited by merchant reviews. However, given the large number of partnerships and the wide range of partnership configurations that SCS offers, it is very likely that any given SCS agent has a great deal of flexibility with regard to pricing.
Low Contract Complaint Total
We are currently able to locate two complaints that refer to auto-renewal policies in the company’s standard contract, and one that mentions a $400 early termination fee. However, the low overall complaint total inclines us to assume that most of the company’s merchants are satisfied with their contract terms, which could even be competitive with the cheapest merchant accounts. If you have any specific knowledge of the standard SCS contract (including any monthly minimum fees or PCI compliance fees), please share that information in the comment section below this review.
Security Card Services Employee Reviews & Sales Tacitcs
Should You Work For Them?
| Employs Independent Resellers | No |
|---|---|
| Advertises Deceptive Rates | No |
| Discloses All Important Terms | No |
Services Marketed Through Partner Banks
Security Card Services primarily markets its service to banks across the country and does not maintain an independent sales office division. SCS may sometimes assist its partner banks with the sales process under its “Referral Bank” program, in which banks send their customers to Security Card Services for all account boarding and customer service needs. It is also possible that banks will refer customers to SCS under a “Hybrid Bank” program.
No Widespread Sales Issue
We are currently unable to locate any Security Card Services complaints that accuse the company’s in-house sales team of misrepresentation or nondisclosure of fees. However, a couple of the comments found below this review claims that Security Card Services will sign cardholders up for some kind of interest rate reduction service over the phone without obtaining written authorization from them. This does not sound like a service that would be offered by SCS, but it could be related to Security Credit Services or Security Check.
No Deceptive Quotes
As one final note, SCS does not appear to list any deceptive rate quotes or unrealistic guarantees in its official advertising materials. We will therefore assign the company an “A” rating in this category for the time being. If you suspect that Security Card Services is charging you hidden fees, however, we recommend seeking a third-party statement audit.
Our Security Card Services Review Summary
Our Final Thoughts
A Solid Option for Standard-Risk Business Types
Security Card Services rates as a reliable merchant services provider according to all available information. The company generally does not market directly to merchants, but it is possible that merchants will deal with Security Card Services for issues related to their merchant accounts. Our rating for Security Card Services may change once more is known about its specific contract terms. Merchants should be sure to compare SCS’s pricing to that offered by top-rated credit card processors in order to get the best deal.
If you found this article helpful, please share it!
Marnie L
I get up to 19 calls per day from this company. I got a call I answered while working, and explained I could not talk I was working. He asked me what I was doing, I responded that I was driving. He continued to talk, I was using maps to drive to my destination and since I already explained this to him and he would not stop trying to get me to buy into his scam I hung up the phone. Again, I was working and explained this to him.
He then called back, but I did not answer as I was still using my maps to locate the address I was driving toward. I later checked my voicemail and to the most rude and scary message of my life.
He read number for number to me my social security number, which was terrifying as no one has the right to have this without my consent and then proceeded to to tell me he was freezing my social security number and black marking me and that I could try to call my bank to verify he has done this. He was angry and aggressive with me and told me this is my consequences for hanging up on him.
I have since filed complaints with the BBB and contacted social security as well as my attorney. These people need to be stopped. I simply was not interested in their business and he got very angry and aggressive and then threatened me. I will never do business with them. I would rather pay on my credit card for the rest of my life than ever give this company my business. It was the worst experience I have ever had with a company.
I am glad he (David) left me a voicemail that I have locked in my phone so that I was able to report his abuse. If they call you, make sure you save your voicemails from them,
Linda Roberts
Dont answer the phone or hang up immediately. They get verbally abusive if you accuse them of fraud. I hope they will not hack my information.
Linda Roberts
This company called me numberous times and today I forgot and answered. He knew I had a Visa with a high balance and could make sure my )% promotional rate would be extended till the end of the loan. He wanted information and when I would not give it to him and accused him of fraud he became angry and verbally abusive. He would charge me 5000.00 for his time and my Chase credit cards would be frozen, etc. I hung up. This is a total scam and do not give them any information.
Takeme Offyourlist
These people Call me 10x per week and there is no way to get off of their call list… Yes, I am on the do not call list. No, I will not leave my name and number- but do plan to send a certified letter requesting my reimbursement for not complying with the do not call list!!! Have a nice day…
Patricia A Beno
Phone scam : they ask for information in steps so as to not alert the respondent. They will set up a credit card and transfer your balance to it. the balance transfer is done without asking. Now the original card must be cancelled to protect it form the misuse.
They constantly verify they are not after your money.
The original call comes from Texas 979-984-0273. So when it is transferred to them at 18008478098, they can say you called them! Richard Stone Sr Account rep says all is done already, when you do not want a transfer or new card.
Richard Roop
These fools call me 3 to 5 times a week even though I’m on the ‘Do Not Call’ list and repeatedly request to be removed from their calling list.
Low-rent tele-marketer spammers.
This post will help: How to Report Bad Credit Card Processors
-Phillip
Madeline
I received a phone call today from this company making promises and stating that they can offer me a guaranteed 0% interest if I transfer my current credit card balance to theirs. I spoke with a “Chester Robins” and then was transferred to his manager “Chester Robinson”. I hung up and asked them not to do any business. Of course this was after they already had my info so I may already be scammed. I can’t believe I was going through with it. What raised a flag to me was when I asked for a phone number and they wouldn’t give it to me instead transferred the call to a “manager”. I also asked them not to run my credit and that I wanted the terms and conditions in writing before I agree to anything. I don’t have anything to report them to BBB as the BBB requires a business address. I’m angry that this company is scamming people and I may have fallen victim to them.
This post will help: How to Report Bad Credit Card Processors
-Phillip
DJ
This company is a scam they tell you they are not a third party company that they are card member services visa MasterCard and they get you to give them your credit card information with claims you will get 0% interest on all your cards . They then transfer you to another rep that tells you rate might be 1.9 or 3 then they wanted me to close out my cards and transfer to another card at o% , when I said I couldn’t do that they said I could just keep my cards but not use them until they are paid off but I would have to give them a fee of 3900. Total deceptive practice and miss representing them selves on the phone . I’m very upset that they are allowed to continue with this misleading and false representations .
Kayela
This company is a SCAM! Told us we would be paying $20 set fee per month and a % per purchase. Somehow that fee made it to $60 and over on top of the % increasing higher and higher on a theee year agreement. Since this company did not hold their end of the bargain we should be able to cancel with no penalty. However they want charge almost $400 to cancel. Customer support is a joke and treat you like you are stupid. Great way to take advantage of a small Veteran owned Business. Absolutely appalling! They don’t deserve one star if I didnt have to give one I wouldn’t. Stay far away and don’t ever enter an agreement with this company.
Howard
This company has been calling me with an automated recording saying that they had tried to contact me and this is the last time. If I want to lower my interest rate press 1, or if I want the offer to expire immediately press 2. I usually press 2 but still get an agent asking for personal information (card numbers, expiration dates, zip code, etc.) When I ask how I can be removed from their calling list, I was told that I can not be removed from their calling list, ever. They claim to be connected with Expedia and know everything about my credit history. I have led them on and they do not know much more than my name, address, and phone number. They do ask for the last four of my credit card number (for security reasons). I would like to know how to get off their calling list, as the calls are now up to 4 x week.
Mary
This company promises to lower your credit card interest rates for a service contract fee of $1500 which will be added to your credit card when you sign up but they won’t tell how much lower your interest rate will be until you sign up with them and after you agree to pay them $1500. They cannot provide a written contract so you’re not able to review the terms of the agreement and therefore you would be signing up verbally on a recorded line. Please beware as they will start the conversation by informing you that you’re being recorded and then ask you for your credit cards numbers and expiration dates of every card you are looking to lower your rates on. The thing is they will not give any details until they have your credit cards numbers and will also ask you for the billing address of your cards. Please beware that once you give them all the details they WILL have everything they need to charge you $1500.00 with you simple stating yes, I want lower rate. So technically they can charge the service fee and only lower it by half of 1%. Right. Don’t give them your number, much less your billing zip code. They cannot charge you without the correct zip codes although they will pressure you for it and make a tons of reasons why they need it… it’s a SCAM and at the slightest indication that you’re willing to move forward they can keep charging you every year and you wouldn’t be able to cancel their fee because all they need is your verbal agreement on the phone. Be aware they are professional con artists
Tyler Brooks
This is a 3rd party company or middle-man business that opens your account and will never let you close it. All the while they charge you excessive fees. I would caution anyone to think twice before doing business with them.
Gene Merideth
These guys are a scam. They use the hidden “evergreen” Auto-Renewal trick to keep your account going despite your attempts to close it.
We told them repeatedly over a 2 year period to cancel our contract but now they claim to have either never gotten these notices, or that they have lost them – depends who you talk to. Complete scammers and one of the companies to avoid!