Is Usio a Reliable Option for Your Payment Processing?

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All mentions of rate and fee costs are estimations based on publicly available information and client feedback. Actual costs may vary based on a variety of factors unique to your business.

Usio

Rating
A
4.5/5
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Pros and Cons of Usio

Pros

Flexible contract terms
Competitive pricing options
Multiple payment methods
Developer-friendly platform
Dedicated customer support

Cons

Undisclosed pricing details
Potential cancellation fees
Possible hidden charges
Transparency concerns
No 24/7 support

Overview

In this review of USIO, we take a closer look at the company’s credit card processing services. Their offerings include point-of-sale systems, mobile payment options, and e-commerce features designed for different types of businesses. We’ll highlight which businesses may benefit most from these services. We’ll also review client and customer feedback to spot common trends and concerns. In addition, we’ll cover pricing, contract terms, and included services. By the end, you’ll know whether USIO is the right fit for your payment processing needs.

About Usio

Screen Capture of Usio Homepage
Usio Homepage

Formerly known as Payment Data Systems and founded in 1998 under the name Billserv, Usio is a merchant account provider for e-commerce and retail merchants as well as non-profit organizations. The company acquired Singular Payments in September 2017. Usio appears to resell the merchant services of Merrick Bank.

Products & Merchant Services

Payment Processing

Usio offers transaction processing for various business types, handling all major debit and credit cards.

EMV Card Readers and Swipers

Usio provides EMV card readers and swipers that allow businesses to accept chip-enabled credit and debit cards. These devices help enhance the security of transactions by complying with industry standards aimed at reducing card fraud.

Mobile Payments

Usio’s mobile payment solutions enable businesses to accept payments through smartphones and tablets, offering a more flexible payment option for mobile vendors and service providers.

Cryptocurrency Acceptance

Usio includes cryptocurrency payment options, allowing businesses to accept digital currencies like Bitcoin. This could appeal to businesses looking to attract a tech-savvy or forward-thinking customer base.

Donation Processing

Usio offers donation processing services for nonprofits, enabling them to accept contributions through various digital platforms. These tools are designed to simplify the donation process and manage donor information.

Invoicing

Usio’s invoicing solutions provide businesses with tools to send electronic invoices to customers and clients, helping streamline the billing process. Automated invoicing can reduce manual tasks and improve payment tracking.

Gift Card Programs

Gift card programs from Usio enable businesses to offer both physical and digital gift cards to their customers. These programs can help businesses attract new customers and drive repeat purchases.

e-Commerce Solutions

Usio provides e-commerce solutions that help businesses sell products and services online. These include payment gateways and shopping cart functionality, essential for conducting secure online transactions.

ACH and RCC Processing

Usio’s ACH (Automated Clearing House) and RCC (Remote Check Capture) processing services allow businesses to handle bank transfers and checks electronically. These services are particularly useful for recurring payments and high-value transactions.

Fraud and Chargeback Protection

Usio offers fraud and chargeback protection to help businesses reduce the risk of fraudulent transactions and handle disputes efficiently.

Data Reporting and Analytics

Usio’s data reporting and analytics services give businesses insights into their transactions, customer behavior, and overall financial performance.

Customer Reviews & Sentiment

No Public Complaints

There are no Usio reviews currently available that label the company as a scam or ripoff. With zero total complaints on various review platforms, Usio seems to have a proficient customer service team. While there’s a possibility that some Usio complaints might be misdirected to its processor, Merrick Bank, there’s no substantial evidence of this occurrence. If you have an experience with Usio to share, please add your review in the comments below.

Usio Lawsuits

In 2014, Usio faced allegations related to the failure to prevent $181,709 in fraudulent transactions. Details on this case are limited. More recently, in 2021, Usio was involved in a complex lawsuit with World Health Merchants and Laitan Group, who are suing over an alleged $1.8 million in withheld funds. This case, interwoven with connections to the marijuana industry and Russian business figures, is still unfolding. The outcome will be considered in our review once more information is available. Merchants seeking non-litigious resolutions are advised to report to supervisory organizations.

Industry Scores & User Ratings

Online Ratings Summary
PaymentPop5
BBB RatingN/A

PaymentPop Rating for Usio

Negative Feedback

There are no negative reviews published about Usio on the PaymentPop website.

Positive Feedback

Usio’s been great for our business. We needed something that could handle different types of payments without getting overly complicated. Setup was simple, their team is easy to work with, and everything works smoothly. Highly recommend!

Usio BBB Rating

Usio has two BBB profiles. As Payment Data Systems, the company was formerly an accredited business of the Better Business Bureau since 2011 but is no longer accredited and holds no rating at this time of review. As Usio, the company is showing an “A+” rating and no accreditation. The company has received 0 complaints in the past three years across both profiles. It also has not received any informal reviews on its BBB profiles, although it should be noted that these reviews are not subject to verification by the BBB.

An “A” Performance

In light of its clean complaint record, we agree with the BBB’s rating at this time. However, merchants should keep in mind that there are reasons to be skeptical of BBB ratings.

Processing Rates & Fees

Three-Year Contract

According to a sample merchant agreement and pricing sheet previously released when the company was still doing business as Payment Data System, Usio resells the merchant services of Merrick Bank. The terms of the standard Usio contract include a three-year agreement that automatically renews for three more years if not canceled before the final 90 days, an early termination fee (ETF) of $350 plus any other monthly fees for the remaining term of the agreement, and a $25 monthly minimum fee.

The pricing structure for Usio describes a standard tiered rate model. According to the pricing sheet, the company offers a swipe rate of 1.53% plus $0.25 for debit cards and 1.94% plus $0.20 for credit cards. Keyed-in transactions are charged at 1.99% plus $0.35 for debit cards and 2.28% plus $0.30 for credit cards.

High Cancellation Fee

The terms of this early termination fee appear to resemble a liquidated damages clause, but the actual enforcement of this penalty may vary depending on the circumstances. Overall, these contract terms are slightly less competitive than industry averages, but the total absence of complaints about Usio indicates that most merchants are satisfied with their terms.

We therefore assign the company a “C” in this category but do not consider it one of the cheapest merchant accounts at this time.

Employee Reviews & Sales Practices

No Sales Complaints

Usio appears to primarily market its services by partnering with other financial institutions that act as resellers of the company’s products. We are currently unable to locate any negative Usio reviews that mention unethical conduct by its sales team. In our view, this indicates that there is a general policy of transparency among the company’s sales staff.

No Misleading Rates

Usio also does not appear to engage in any deceptive advertising strategies in its official materials. It therefore receives an “A” rating in this category. However, if you suspect that Usio is charging you undisclosed fees, we recommend seeking a third-party statement audit to eliminate hidden charges.

Usio Competitors

Compare Usio to competitors that earned top marks.

Bottom Line

Usio stands out as a reliable merchant account provider. The company’s reputation shines through a nearly spotless complaint record across consumer protection websites, indicating a strong focus on customer satisfaction. However, its contract terms appear to be somewhat less competitive than the industry averages. Therefore, merchants are strongly encouraged to negotiate contract terms, even with highly-rated companies like Usio. Doing so helps ensure they secure the best possible deal. Comparing Usio’s offerings against top-rated overall providers will further empower merchants to make informed decisions that meet their unique business needs.

Read Actual User Reviews

All user reviews have been moved to our partner, PaymentPop.com

Contact Usio

Contact & Customer Support
Co-founder, CEO and PresidentLouis Hoch
Headquarters3611 Paesanos Pkwy #300, San Antonio, Texas 78231
General Customer Service(210) 249-4100
Websiteusio.com