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Is Universal Transaction Processing the Best Fit for Your Business?

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Maintained Since: November 11, 2016

We take our role in providing guidance and education regarding the card payment industry very seriously. At our own expense, we have vigorously defended our right to continue expose unethical and predatory practices in the industry, successfully defeating every attempt to silence us. However, fending off frivolous lawsuits is costly. To sustain these efforts, one of the ways we generate revenue is through affiliate partnerships with ethical providers. This means that some of our outgoing links connect business owners to trustworthy, low-cost payment processors, which is what most of our readers seek. We see this revenue channel as a win-win-win for everyone involved. Business owners find good processors, processors get good clients, and we are able to continue to provide a valuable service to the small business community. We also recommend and link to many services that do not compensate us. Our priority is to guide you to the best solutions for your needs, regardless of potential revenue. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us.

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.

Universal Transaction Processing
Rating
B
4.3/5
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Pros

Advanced technology integration
Competitive rates
Reliable security measures
Efficient transaction processing
Good customer support

Cons

Hardware compatibility issues
Possible hidden fees
Contractual commitments
Complex setup process
Customer service variability

Overview

In this Universal Transaction Processing review, we’ll take a closer look at their credit card processing services, including point-of-sale (POS) systems, mobile payment options, and e-commerce tools. We’ll highlight which types of businesses may benefit most, while also reviewing customer feedback to uncover common trends and concerns. Along with services, we’ll break down pricing, contract terms, and key features so you know what to expect. By the end, you’ll have the insights needed to decide whether Universal Transaction Processing is the right choice for your business’s payment processing needs.

About Universal Transaction Processing

Screen Capture of Universal Transaction Homepage
Universal Transaction Processing Homepage

Founded in 2013, Universal Transaction Processing is a merchant account provider that serves retailers of all sizes in the UK. The company uses Barclays as its backend credit card processor, which is surprising considering that the UK merchant services industry typically relies on companies like First Data (now Fiserv) and Global Payments. The company also provides merchants with virtual terminal services.

Products & Merchant Services

Payment Processing

Universal Transaction Processing handles major debit and credit card transactions for a variety of business types. Their services include EMV card readers and swipers, POS solutions, mobile payment options, virtual terminals, payment gateways, and cash advances.

Mobile Payment Solutions

For businesses operating on the go or in multiple locations, Universal Transaction Processing offers mobile payment solutions.

E-Commerce Solutions

Universal Transaction Processing provides e-commerce solutions designed to facilitate secure online transactions, supporting businesses in operating online stores and accepting digital payments.

Virtual Terminal

The virtual terminal service from Universal Transaction Processing enables businesses to handle card-not-present transactions.

POS Systems

Universal Transaction Processing offers point-of-sale (POS) systems that not only process transactions but also provide features like inventory management, sales analytics, and employee management.

ATM Solutions

Additionally, Universal Transaction Processing offers ATM solutions, allowing businesses to provide cash withdrawal services, which can be beneficial in high-traffic areas or for businesses handling cash transactions.

Customer Reviews & Sentiment

Assessing Universal Transaction Processing Reviews

In our current review, we found fewer than 10 negative Universal Transaction Processing reviews, with no indications of the company being a ripoff or scam. The main issues highlighted include undisclosed fees, misrepresented rates, fund holds, persistent sales calls, and subpar customer service. Considering Universal Transaction Processing has been operational since 2013, its relatively low complaint record could be attributed to newer market presence. Another factor could be that clients often receive their statements from Barclays, leading them to post complaints under Barclays instead of UTP. Without clear evidence of this redirection, it seems that Universal Transaction Processing may simply offer effective customer support and maintain practices that do not generate a high number of complaints. We encourage users to contribute their Universal Transaction Processing reviews in the comments section for a fuller understanding.

No Lawsuits Universal Transaction Processing

No class-action lawsuits or FTC complaints have been identified against Universal Transaction Processing. For alternative dispute resolution, clients are advised to report their issues to relevant supervisory organizations.

Industry Scores & User Ratings

Online Ratings Summary
PaymentPop1
BBBN/A

PaymentPop Rating for Universal Transactions Processing

Negative Feedback

The worst decision made to change from paymentsense to UTP. Sales rep made it clear they could match the service level including online reporting and clear Z prints. After 2 days of trying to establish why we had an inferior service we stopped using the machines and expected UTP customer service to resolve our issues. No attempt was made by them other than to threaten court action and then send to a debt collector. UTP miss sold and misrepresented their service. Check out google reviews to see genuine reviews of how bad a service they provide.

One star is too generous!

Positive Feedback

There are no positive reviews published about Universal Transaction Processing on the PaymentPop website.

No BBB Profile

The Better Business Bureau does not maintain a profile for Universal Transaction Processing at this time. We therefore will not factor a BBB rating into this review.

Processing Rates & Fees

Variable Contract Terms

Details on Universal Transaction Processing’s standard contract terms, including pricing, are not widely disclosed. Few online reviews provide specific insights into the company’s rates or fees. A notable mention in a complaint suggested a 48-month contract term with a potentially high early termination fee, speculated to be as much as £25,000 under certain circumstances. This figure, while alarming, may not be universally applied but could indicate the presence of a liquidated damages clause within some contracts.

Partnership With Barclays

Universal Transaction Processing partners with Barclays for processing services, potentially aligning its clients with Barclays for statement issuance. Rates and fees might mirror those typical of Barclaycard, known for an 18-month contract duration and variable early termination fees. For example, Barclaycard often applies a 1.25% flat transaction fee, with monthly terminal fees ranging from £15 for countertop services to £25 for mobile payment solutions.

Universal Transaction Processing states that it tailors pricing and terms to individual business needs, including monthly terminal rental fees and transaction-based charges.

Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Pricing

While Universal Transaction Processing promotes virtual terminal and payment gateway services on its site, specific pricing details remain undisclosed. Expectations for additional costs should include gateway fees, technical support fees, batch fees, and other transaction-related fees for e-commerce services.

Review Your Contract Carefully

Due to the limited information on contract specifics and pricing, businesses should approach negotiations with Universal Transaction Processing prepared to discuss terms. Comparing UTP’s offerings with those from more transparent and potentially more affordable providers is advisable. If you possess details regarding Universal Transaction Processing’s standard contract terms, your insights could greatly benefit others in the comments section of this review.

Business owners seeking competitive rates and terms are encouraged to explore our comprehensive list of the best merchant account providers.

Employee Reviews & Sales Practices

Outside Sales Team

Universal Transaction Processing appears to utilize telesales and independent sales agents to market its products and services. The use of telemarketing and independent agents is commonly tied to elevated complaint rates due to business’ general distaste for sales calls and the difficulty of managing independent agents. Predictably, we are currently able to locate a number of Universal Transaction Processing complaints that describe higher-than-expected rates, undisclosed fees, and annoying telemarketing calls.

This does not compare favorably to our list of best credit card processors.

No Deceptive Rates

Although the number of complaints is relatively low, their content indicates that the company does generate some negative feedback with its sales approach. To its credit, Universal Transaction Processing does not list any misleading rate quotes or guarantees on its website, but we have lowered its grade slightly due to its complaints. If you suspect that you are being charged hidden Universal Transaction Processing fees, we recommend seeking a third-party statement audit.

Universal Transaction Processing Competitors

Compare Universal Transaction Processing to competitors that earned top marks.

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Bottom Line

Universal Transaction Processing (UTP) rates as an above-average credit card processing provider for UK businesses according to our rating criteria. The company has built a solid reputation for delivering reliable payment processing solutions tailored to the needs of UK merchants. However, it’s important to note that we currently lack specific details regarding UTP’s standard contract terms, which makes a comprehensive evaluation challenging. Despite this, the available information and client feedback indicate that UTP maintains a generally positive standing in the industry.

Business owners considering UTP should remain vigilant and seek out detailed contract information before making a commitment. This due diligence is crucial to ensure that they are fully aware of any potential fees, terms, or conditions that could impact their operations. Additionally, UK businesses looking for alternatives to UTP might benefit from exploring top-rated mobile UK credit card processing apps. These alternatives can offer competitive rates, flexibility, and advanced features that may better suit the dynamic needs of modern businesses. As we continue to gather more feedback and data on UTP, we will update our rating to reflect the most accurate and current assessment of their services.

Read Actual User Reviews

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Contact Universal Transaction Processing

Contact & Customer Support
Founder and CEOMichael Ault
HeadquartersSapphire Plaza, Watlington St, Reading RG1 4RE, UK
Support0330 99 99 900
Sales0330 99 99 300
Websiteutpgroup.co.uk