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(855) 426-6842
Company Overview
A Waud Capital Partners private equity company, Sphere is a merchant account provider partnered with a multi-level marketing company called ACN. More commonly known as SphereCommerce, the company was created following Waud Capital Partners’ 2017 acquisitions of Anovia Payments and TrustCommerce, a payment gateway provider, Anovia relied on TSYS Merchant Solutions for its processing networks in the U.S. and First Data (now Fiserv) for its processing network in Canada, and these relationships may remain unchanged under its new name. In fact, it appears that Sphere functions in a more-or-less similar fashion to Anovia Payments even after the acquisition.
SphereCommerce is partnered with a number of businesses, including Radix Health, Raintree Systems, Qgiv Inc., MDofficeManager, and Saina Health.
Sphere Commerce Payment Processing
Sphere Commerce processes all major credit and debit cards. They have a few branches of their services: Health iPASS focuses on mobile payments for hospitals and healthcare providers, Qgiv processes payments for non-profits and fundraisers, while TrustCommerce provides processing for more traditional merchants. Through TrustCommerce, Sphere offers POS systems, virtual terminals, ACH processing, an open API, PCI compliance, e-commerce solutions, data reporting and analysis, recurring billing, and mobile payment solutions.
POS Systems
SphereCommerce offers POS systems that provide businesses with advanced features such as inventory management, employee management, and reporting tools. Their POS systems are user-friendly, versatile, and customizable to meet the specific needs of each business.
Virtual Terminals
SphereCommerce provides virtual terminals that enable businesses to accept payments online, making it easy for businesses to manage their online transactions. Their virtual terminals are secure, easy-to-use, and come with a range of features that make managing transactions simple and efficient.
E-commerce Solutions
SphereCommerce offers e-commerce solutions that allow businesses to accept payments online. Their e-commerce solutions are equipped with state-of-the-art features, such as fraud detection and prevention, to ensure secure online transactions.
Mobile Payments
SphereCommerce offers mobile payment solutions that enable businesses to accept payments using their mobile devices. Their mobile payment solutions are secure, fast, and easy-to-use, making them an ideal payment option for businesses that are always on-the-go.
Location & Ownership
Sphere was formerly headquartered at 1033 Demonbreun Street, Suite 300 Nashville, Tennessee 37203. However, it appears they have moved to 1 MacArthur Pl #400, Santa Ana, CA 92707, and its merchant services division is headquartered at Anovia Payments’ old headquarters of 600 Las Colinas Blvd., Suite 1200, Irving, Texas 75039. The company is a registered ISO/MSP of Merrick Bank, South Jordan, Utah; Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Walnut Creek, CA.; Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Canadian Branch, Toronto, ON, Canada; and Elavon DAC. Steve Rizzuto is the president and CEO of Sphere, while Todd Baylis is CEO of Qgiv.
Table of Contents
- Costs & Contract: Offers a three-year contract with…
- Complaints & Service: Complaints number more than 70 on…
- BBB Rating: Currently has a “D-” rating with the Better Business Bureau and Anovia Payments has no rating. Between the two profiles, the company has received…
- Sales & Marketing: Appears to hire independent sales agents and has received…
Some of Sphere Commerce’s payment processing offerings
Sphere Reviews and Complaints
Here's What Their Clients Say
Complaint Summary
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Total Online Complaints
70+
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Live Customer Support
Yes
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Most Common Complaint
Excessive Fees
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Recent Lawsuits
Yes
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More Than 70 Complaints
We are able to locate only a few negative SphereCommerce reviews, but we have found more than 70 Anovia Payments complaints on this and other consumer protection websites. We consider these complaints to be applicable to Sphere, and some of these SphereCommerce complaints accuse the company of being a scam or a ripoff. Complainants mention a wide range of different issues, including internal problems among employees, inaccurate pricing quotes, undisclosed contract terms, costly one-time and recurring fees, unreachable customer service, and unexplained fund-holds. If you have your own SphereCommerce review to make, please do so in the comments below.
Sphere Lawsuits and Fines
Sphere was named in Bradley Sanger vs. Trust Commerce Technology, a legal case where Bradley Sanger, a merchant, sued Trust Commerce Technology, a payment processing company, for breach of contract, fraud, and unfair business practices. Sanger claimed that Trust Commerce Technology failed to provide the services it promised, withheld funds, and engaged in deceptive business practices. The case was settled out of court, and the terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
Dissatisfied clients who wish to pursue a non-litigious course of action against the company should consider reporting it to the relevant supervisory organizations.
Sphere Customer Support Options
The Sphere website lists a phone number for general customer support and an email form for non-urgent issues.
Sphere Customer Service Numbers
- (855) 426-6842 – Toll-Free General Customer Service
- (855) 330-7057 – Canadian Sales
- (855) 330-7057 – Canadian Support
- (800) 915-1680 – Payment Gateway Sales Support
Other Support Options
- Customer support form
Given Sphere and Anovia’s complaint volume and the content of the complaints, we will assign it a “C” in this category at this time.
Sphere BBB Rating and Report
Our Better Business Bureau Profile Assessment
BBB Summary
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BBB Reports
24
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Note: We have adjusted this company’s BBB rating according to our own standards. To better understand why we adjust BBB ratings, please see our Rating Criteria.
Rising Complaint Total
Sphere is represented by two BBB profiles; one for Sphere Commerce and one for Anovia Payments. Sphere Commerce currently has a “D-” rating with the Better Business Bureau and is not BBB accredited, while Anovia Payments now has no rating with the BBB and is not accredited. The company is showing 17 complaints between the two profiles over the last 36 months.
What Merchants Say
Sphere has also received 7 informal reviews on their BBB profile. 6 of these reviews are negative in tone. The latest review that was negative in tone describes hidden fees and problems with cancellation:
Sphere is the worst company I ever worked with. I had to pick a star to post this. I give them zero stars! They steal your money by charging your bank account over and over. Every time I try to close my account with them, getting no where. 1st I was told not to do anything and the account will automatically close due to nonactivity and he would make sure its done. Trying to get some answers calling and calling getting no satisfaction. They’ve been taking money out of my account for 3 years well over $3000. This last time I was told I had to pay $495 to close the account. Why would I have to do that. I am expecting the $3000 in my account. If it is not there immediately I will call and report them to the necessary people. Lisa B
Merchants in this situation can benefit from learning how to cancel their accounts without paying a fee.
A “C” Performance Overall
In light of the company’s moderate complaint volume and resolution ratio, we have adjusted the BBB’s rating to a “C.”
Sphere Fees and Rates
A Closer Look at the Contract
Cost Summary
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Processing Rates
Variable
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Cancellation Penalties
Yes
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Monthly & Annual Fees
Yes
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Equipment Leasing
Unclear
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Three-Year Contract
SphereCommerce rates and contract terms are likely to be identical to the Anovia contract terms. Anovia does not list its pricing and fees on its website, but we have been able to determine some of the company’s costs by reading client complaints. Sphere’s partnerships with TSYS and First Data (Fiserv) also mean that Sphere likely offers contract terms that are very similar to the terms offered by those companies.
First Data (Fiserv) Contract Terms
Typical contracts with First Data (Fiserv) offer a wide variety of contract terms and pricing plans, but its standard agreement is typically a multi-year contract with an early termination fee of $495, a monthly PCI compliance fee of $19.95, and tiered pricing. Businesses that process up to $50,000 each month will receive a swiped rate of 2.69% plus $0.19 and a keyed-in rate of 3.69% plus $0.19. Businesses whose monthly charges exceed $50,000 will receive a swiped rate of 2.29% plus $0.19 and a keyed-in rate of 3.29% plus $0.19. These contracts may also include equipment leases through First Data Global Leasing.
TSYS Pricing Plans
At the time of a previous update, the TSYS website outlined three pricing plans. The “Pursue” plan listed a swiped rate of 2.5% plus $0.20 per transaction and a keyed rate of 3.5% plus $0.20 per transaction. The “Grow” plan listed a swipe rate of 1.99% plus $0.20 per transaction and a keyed rate of 3.1% plus $0.20 per transaction. The “Accelerate” plan listed a swipe rate of 1.7% plus $0.20 per transaction and a keyed rate of 3% plus $0.20 per transaction.
TSYS Contract Terms
TSYS Merchant Solutions’ basic contracts also include a three-year service agreement that automatically renews for one-year terms unless the client cancels during a small window of opportunity. Businesses that cancel outside of the grace period will be subject to a $295 Early Termination Fee (ETF). This, with an automatically renewing contract, greatly reduces the company’s rating in this section as it makes avoiding paying an early termination fee difficult. In addition, clients are charged a quarterly PCI compliance fee of $18.80 ($75.20 a year).
Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Pricing
In addition to its storefront payment processing services, Sphere also dedicates a portion of its website to advertising its virtual terminal and payment gateway services. However, pricing is not disclosed on either of those services. Additional SphereCommerce rates and fees, including gateway fees, technical support fees, batch fees, and additional transaction rates typically apply to these e-commerce services.
Other Sphere Fees
Recent Sphere complaints indicate that Sphere’s minimum early termination fee is $495, but that some clients that terminate may face a liquidated damages fee calculated by multiplying the number of months remaining in the contract by the business’ average monthly processing fees. One SphereCommerce complaint cited a $22 monthly service fee and a $30 monthly fee for a service called “Anovia Insights.” SphereCommerce reviews also mention issues with fund-holds, which may be related to account setup errors. We encourage business owners to check out our list of the providers of the best merchant accounts.
Pricier Than the Competition
Our reviews of Sphere’s backend processors describe those companies’ contract terms as average, and the client feedback we’ve received about Anovia confirms that the company is not a cheap merchant account provider. We will therefore assign Sphere a “D” rating in this section at this time. If you have any knowledge about the standard Sphere fees or contract, please leave that information in the comment section of this review.
Sphere Commerce offers e-commerce solutions, including a virtual terminal
Sphere Jobs and Employment
Hiring Standards and Ethical Marketing Assessment
Key Points
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Uses Independent Resellers
Yes
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Telemarketing
No
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Misleading Marketing
No
|
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Discloses All Important Terms
No
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In-House Sales Team
Like Anovia Payments, Sphere primarily hires in-house, W2-employed sales representatives to market its services directly. While this is preferable to the industry standard of hiring independently contracted agents, it is worth noting that Anovia is partnered with a telecommunications company called ACN to refer merchants. In general, this compares favorably to our list of best credit card processors.
Partnered With ACN
Although there are numerous negative ACN reviews online, a Sphere representative has stated that ACN sales reps do not have the ability to offer specific pricing or product recommendations to businesses. In addition, clients interact with Sphere for the entire sales process, and ACN representatives are not involved directly with the process. Sphere also has a referral program in place that allows business owners to make residuals by referring other merchants to Sphere.
Broken Sales Promises
This sales structure is designed to prevent businesses from experiencing deceptive practices when dealing with Sphere. However, we have located a low-to-moderate number of Anovia Payments complaints describing issues with the account setup process and rate guarantees from Anovia reps. It seems that some Anovia reps promise to beat or match clients’ current rates, but some dispute whether this guarantee is fulfilled. Other SphereCommerce reviews mention nondisclosure of the company’s contract length and expensive termination fees. It is likely that these issues may persist under the Sphere brand name. If you suspect that you are paying an undisclosed SphereCommerce fee, we recommend that you obtain a fee reduction audit from an independent third party. If you have any such SphereCommerce complaints to make, please do so in the comment section below.
Mixed Merchant Feedback
All told, the number of negative Sphere reviews we’ve received since our Anovia Payments review’s initial publication raises some concerns about Sphere’s sales approach. This has forced us to lower the company’s score in this section to a precautionary “C.”
Sphere Review Summary
Our Final Thoughts and Opinions
According to the company’s complaint trends, Sphere rates as an average credit card processing provider. The company appears to have some issues related to customer service and sales tactics, and its pricing appears to be more expensive than average for the industry. Businesses are encouraged to inquire about all possible fees before signing up with Sphere, and to compare it to more affordable options with better reviews.
If you found this article helpful, please share it!
Daniel Toth
I agree. I want currently challenging a change off from them that was sent to collections of $1120 just because I cancelled after one month of service. I can’t find any supporting documents that state that I agree to that. Wish me luck in getting it removed and DON’T get into business with them.
Toth Network Construction LLC
Glenda
Very Very bad experience. I will not recommend ANYONE use this company.
Zach Blenkinsopp
I am an 80% disabled veteran and own a small construction business. We signed through a friend with Anovia payments at a nominal charge of $15-$30 a month. After a year or so, we stopped doing residential jobs, therefore, we didn’t need the processing service anymore. Apparently, Sphere bought out Anovia and tried to charge us an absurd rate of $500 to cancel, but I believe we settled at $300 just to get rid of the service.
The next thing I know, I get a $1,850 delinquent account on my PERSONAL Credit Report! As a small business owner, my credit score is vital to our success. I am disgusted there are businesses like this out there. If you work for a dishonest company like this, you should be ashamed of yourself.
CPO
Zach,
Kenny,
This article may help: How to Cancel a Merchant Account Without Paying a Fee.
-Phillip
Jyoti Sharma
I have been in business for last 20 years this is worst credit card processing company I have ever used I have given them my 6 business account which are supposed to funded next day that never happened on top of that they put chargeback on my account without any customer dispute calling it a risk transaction with out any information .when I call them the representative put me to Rick department to the person Named Michal who called himself the decision maker with worst attitude not ready to listen and not to help .you end up begging for your own hard earned money and on top of that he holds all my accounts for no reason .so guys please be aware of this company and it’s not a small amount it’s $3400 dollars and the chargeback is for $3650 unbelievable when I ask them to put me the higher authority to speak ,the customer service Lady Armanda said there is no body is higher than him and she won’t let me speak to Manger.one more thing I came to know they are holding reserves on your accounts without your knowledge.so if you still want to do business with them Good luck.
David
This is a really bad company. I know that they bought one seemingly great running company (trust commerce) and one really shitty run company (anovia) and combined them to form Sphere in late 2017. It looks like they took out all the Execs at trust. I’ve work with trust since almost 2009 and they have gone downhill since Sphere took over. Sad, I wanted to work there since 2010, as well as most people I know in the industry. It was a company that I admired and there aren’t many of those these days.. The people, the products and leadership was 1st class. Now it’s another cruddy iso. Stay away, far away!!!
Please don’t use my name. Thank you.
Camille
Although this company did offer me a lower transaction fee, there are ALOT of hidden fees associated with this company. They also will not tell you that once you sign up with you are locked into a 3 year contract. If you cancel you will pay a $500 cancellation fee. There are other fee as well such as insurance and account fees that are determined bases your monthly transaction.
I understand that there are fees associated with every merchant service but none of the additional fees or contract was discussed prior to me signing up.
ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!!
This post will help: Cancelling a Merchant Account Without Paying a Fee
-Phillip
Alan Wu
DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY AT ALL COST!!
One of the worst mistake i ever made. I signed up with Anovia 5 years ago (later on got brought or became Sphere) because one of my friend talked me into it and i thought why not, i got a good merchant service and also help out my friend. Turned out it was the worst mistake i have ever made.
2 years ago i stopped receiving electronic statements for no reason and due to the business growing so i overlooked this; later on i found out they have been charged me so called “anovia insight” hidde fee for $50/month for almot 2 years; i called them back and asked them what it was, the rep said it was a new way to help us analyze the data which i didn’t request or needed. I asked for the refund and they put me thru the loops of the phone calls and was never successful. The represntative, Alex Spink, so called the retention specaliest, was not very hepful as well. While I was talking to him, I asked him why all the hidden fees were charged and the exact words he toled me was “we all have to make money somehow” (no joke).
When I was ready to switch out the service in the middle of May this year but they told me they have automatically renewal my contract for another year because it was expired in early May. In order for me to cancel the contract I will have to pay $595 cancellation fee.
How can the company renewal my contract without any notice? I called Alex back and he told me it was in the contract I signed 4 years ago. I requested a copy of the contract for review and it’s has been almost 2 months still haven’t gotten it. In the meantime I decided to go with another company just waited it out until contract expires, but I just checked my bank statement and showed a charged $161 for the service I don’t even use! This is ridiculous. Absolute scam! I am currenlty looking into the banking regulation and laws and see how I can get out of this mess. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY AT ALL COST!!
This post will help: Cancelling a Merchant Account Without Paying a Fee
-Phillip