In this review of Transparent Merchant Services, we will provide a detailed overview of the company's credit card processing services. We will cover the range of services they offer, including point-of-sale (POS) systems, mobile payment solutions, and e-commerce capabilities. The review will identify the types of businesses that might benefit from these services. Additionally, we will examine client and customer reviews to highlight common trends and potential concerns. The article will also address the company's pricing structure, contract terms, and specific services provided. By the end of this review, you will understand whether Transparent Merchant Services meets your payment processing needs.
About Transparent Merchant Services
Transparent Merchant Services is a merchant account provider based in Scottsdale, Arizona. The company offers standard credit card processing solutions for all business types, but what sets it apart from most of its competitors is its unique pricing model. Similar to Payment Depot or BaseRates Merchant Services, Transparent Merchant Services charges merchants a flat monthly rate with a per-transaction fee of interchange plus a fixed dollar amount. This means that Transparent does not keep a percentage of each sale for itself, which could make it appealing for merchants with high average tickets who want the cheapest credit card processing possible.
Transparent Merchant Services processes most major debit and credit cards. They provide POS solutions via Ingenico, Walker mobile payment equipment, and the Poynt 5 terminal. They also offer PCI compliance services through Conformance and provide a payment gateway, though the specific gateway is not specified.
Transparent Merchant Services offers standard payment processing services
Transparent Merchant Services Customer Reviews
Here's What Their Clients Say
Customer Reviews Summary
Total Online Complaints
<10
Live Customer Support
Yes
Most Common Complaint
N/A
Clean Complaint Record
Transparent Merchant Services reviews, garnered from various consumer protection websites, show very few negative experiences. Notably, there are no suggestions online that the company is involved in fraudulent activities. The minimal number of Transparent Merchant Services complaints suggests the company’s commitment to providing excellent customer support and resolving issues efficiently. If you have a Transparent Merchant Services complaint, we encourage sharing your experience in the comments below.
Transparent Merchant Services Lawsuits and Fines
As of our latest research, there are no outstanding class-action lawsuits or FTC complaints filed against Transparent Merchant Services. Merchants seeking non-litigious resolution of disputes with the company can find guidance on how to report concerns to supervisory organizations.
Transparent Merchant Services Online Ratings
Here's How They Rate Online
Online Ratings Summary
Total Complaints
0
Resolved Complaints
0
No Complaints
Transparent Merchant Services currently has an “A+” rating with the Better Business Bureau and was formerly accredited since June 2014 but no longer is accredited. The company’s BBB profile has only existed since June 2014 as well, but it has not accumulated any formal complaints in that time. There are also no unverified reviews posted about the company in the BBB’s “Reviews” section.
Transparent Merchant Services offers two primary pricing plans: Pro and Elite. The Pro plan entails a flat monthly fee of $64.97 alongside a per-transaction fee of interchange plus $0.15, tailored for merchants handling up to 500 transactions monthly. On the other hand, the Elite plan, priced at $99.97 per month, includes a per-transaction fee of interchange plus $0.09, catering to merchants processing over 500 transactions monthly. Additionally, for businesses exceeding $100,000 in monthly transactions or $1.2 million annually, the company provides customized Enterprise merchant account pricing.
Month-to-Month, No Termination Fees
Both lower-tier pricing plans come with a month-to-month agreement devoid of early termination fees or setup charges. However, there is a $99 annual PCI Compliance fee levied on the third billing cycle. The company also provides point-of-sale equipment, which can be rented for $9.95 monthly, purchased outright for $249, or offered for free to businesses processing over 300 transactions monthly. Overall, while these Transparent Merchant Services rates are reasonably competitive within the credit card processing industry and boast high transparency, merchants are advised to calculate costs based on their transaction volumes and applicable pricing tiers prior to enrollment. We encourage merchants to explore our list of the top merchant accounts and thoroughly review their Transparent Merchant Services contract.
Transparent Merchant Services appears to utilize traditional advertising methods and in-house, W2-employed sales agents to market its services. This tactic is generally preferable to hiring mill strategies because it ensures a greater degree of control over agents’ conduct. We are currently unable to locate any Transparent Merchant Services reviews that accuse the company’s sales staff of deception or nondisclosure, indicating that the company places an emphasis on forthright sales pitches.
As of this review, the Transparent Merchant Services website features a tool for calculating your potential savings through the company. This tool is useful for merchants who are currently on interchange-plus pricing because it draws a direct comparison between Transparent’s markup above interchange and a merchant’s existing markup above interchange. Merchants who are on tiered pricing should note that the tool assumes an average interchange rate of 1.6%, which may be more or less than the average interchange rate each merchant typically receives.
True to Its Name
To its credit, the company’s website does not promote any outright deceptive “teaser” quotes. Transparent’s pricing is fully disclosed for anyone to view, which is a major reason why we consider it a top-rated merchant account provider.
Transparent Merchant Services’ pricing calculator
Our Transparent Merchant Services Review Summary
Our Final Thoughts
Transparent Merchant Services ranks as a quality provider according to our rating criteria. The company distinguishes itself through month-to-month agreements featuring transparent pricing, with minimal online complaints—a testament to its reliability. This clarity and flexibility reinforce its appeal for many businesses seeking straightforward, commitment-free contracts.
Despite its transparency, the company’s pricing may not be the most cost-effective solution for all business types. Merchants processing fewer transactions at higher volumes will benefit most from Transparent Merchant Services’ pricing model. As always, it’s crucial for merchants to assess their transaction patterns carefully to determine whether this pricing structure aligns with their business’s specific needs, and compare the company’s offerings against other providers to ensure they secure the best value.
I’ve left many different forms of messages for their sales dept. to contact me as a potential customer, but my efforts were fruitless. Can you imagine a company not responding to a potential customer’s numerous messages???? I shudder to think how they treat their existing customers!!!! **POOR SALES SERVICE**
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Rita Carnevale
I’ve left many different forms of messages for their sales dept. to contact me as a potential customer, but my efforts were fruitless. Can you imagine a company not responding to a potential customer’s numerous messages???? I shudder to think how they treat their existing customers!!!! **POOR SALES SERVICE**