Universal Transaction Processing Reviews & Complaints

universal transaction processing logo
Overall Score
4.3
full star full star full star full star empty star

Would you recommend them?

Pros: Cons:
Advanced technology integration. Hardware compatibility issues.
Competitive rates. Possible hidden fees.
Reliable security measures. Contractual commitments.
Broad compatibility. Limited international scope.
Efficient transaction processing. Complex setup process.
Good customer support. Customer service variability.

Overview

In this review of Universal Transaction Processing, 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 features provided. By the end of this review, you will understand whether Universal Transaction Processing meets your payment processing needs.

About Universal Transaction Processing

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.

Universal Transaction Processing Homepage

Universal Transaction Processing Products and 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.

Universal Transaction Processing Customer Reviews

Here's What Their Clients Say

Customer Reviews Summary
Total Online Complaints <10
Live Customer Support Yes
Most Common Complaint N/A
Recent Lawsuits No

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.

Universal Transaction Processing Online Ratings

Here's How They Rate Online

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.

Universal Transaction Processing Fees, Rates & Costs

A Closer Look at The Contract

Rates & Fees Summary
Cancellation Penalties Yes
Monthly & Annual Fees Yes
Processing Rates 1.00% - 4.99%
Equipment Leasing Yes

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.

Universal Transaction Processing Employee Reviews & Sales Tacitcs

Should You Work For Them?

Jobs & Marketing Summary
Uses Independent Resellers Yes
Telemarketing Yes
Misleading Marketing No
Discloses All Important Terms No

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.

Our Universal Transaction Processing Review Summary

Our Final Thoughts

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.

Contact Universal Transaction Processing

Contact & Customer Support
Founder and CEO Michael Ault
Headquarters Sapphire Plaza, Watlington St, Reading RG1 4RE, UK
Support 0330 99 99 900
Sales 0330 99 99 300
Website https://www.utpgroup.co.uk/

Testimonials & Complaints

How Did Universal Transaction Processing Treat You?

6 User Reviews

  • Afson Ali

    takla limited

    UTP are trying to scam there way by making a false agreement with my company and demanding £1500 because they are saying i signed a agreement with them for 48 months contract first of all i don’t even have there card machine nor did i ever applied for any card machine from UTP when i confronted them saying that could you provide the agreement paper went through the agreement and saw so many false information has been inputted on that agreement as

    mobile number wrong, my name was inputted wrong, my email wrong, the agreement was falsely signed wrong, not even my signature, and the person who signed behalf of UPT her name is Laura Woods she has falsely fill the complete agreement with false information which dose not even reflect with my company when i confronted them saying that UTP have a third party who provide them with these information because i never approached UTP if i did then they should provide a valid email which is not even my email and Laura woods has stated that the agreement was sent to my email and i have signed the agreement and sent it back to her were i have prove that the email is not even active then one she has put on the agreement UTP have denied that they don’t use any third party to provide customers information all there agreement has been done directly with there sales which is completely wrong as the id and valid document which they had was given by a third party who provides all the information to them

    i have information who those third party was because last year i did get 2 card machine through this agent who provided the card machine from paymentsense, and 123send and i did provide my ID copy of the driving lience and utility bills and copy of the cheque book plus they needed a photo of the running busniess to make sure it’s all genuine all these were provide to this agent who also promots UTP card machine to customers the same documents were sent to UTP but most of the information which was given to UTP were false and wrong and with out verifying the information they signed the agreement with a false signature via electronically laura woods used that false email twice a copy of that was provide but both emails were sent to the same email but the server IP address are different the agent who provide these information to UTP we’re super connections i have there full information

    and now what UTP have done is they have transferred to a debt collection
    saying i have terminated my agreement did speak to them and provided and explained that the agreement was not done by me and did not sign and the relevant information are wrong in the agreement and said they could check that my company did not do any transaction through there card machine because the agreement was signed on 11th February 2022
    it’s almost 8 months they could check no transaction were made by there card machine as i have already two active card machine for my company then why should i apply for another one the debt company and UTP are one joint company with the same director these both company’s are run by same director so they have agents out there working behalf of UTP and providing them with customers personal information and creating false agreement to trap customers and forcefully ending them up on a agreement

    will be grateful if anyone could advise me how to deal with this and to make a complaint to the consumer department or any other department regarding about these false agreement that UTP are creating and then conning by transferring the file to there debt company to gain the money

  • Rupert Cherryman

    The Cricketers Mill Green

    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!

  • Colin Doherty

    I got a cold call from these guys today. Typical scripted lines designed to catch you so they can then manipulate the information you give toward their biased and dubious sales practice. When I called the guy out for what he was doing he then started talking over me and behaving like a petulant child. Even after the call ended he then rang again and started laughing down the phone. AVOID!


    This post will help: How to Report Bad Credit Card Processors

    -Phillip

  • Garry Prentice

    UTP is the worst company I have ever had dealings with in 20 years of business.
    The quality of customer services is absolutely diabolical, we have had 4 years of hell with this company and still having problems and not once as any of the problem been any cause of ours.
    The day we signed up with them was the biggest mistake, they sent us the incorrect machines we had to send those back and wait for correct ones then the rep said he would be here to set them up for us but never saw him again.
    Time after time the machines would not work or connect so we would spend hrs on the phone going through different questions trying to sort them out we would have whole weekends without any machines working.
    Then we found out they were charging us for 7 machines and we only ever had 4 so had to wait for a credit. In the end it got so bad we went and got 4 new contract with another company so we could run our business and still pay for the utp ones even tho we weren’t using them
    After about 12 months of not using them we phone utp for a settlement figure to get rid of 2 machines we paid the settlement do that left us with 2 of their machines which was not being used.
    A few months later we phone to get the settlement figure on the remaining 2 machines only to be told we are out of contract and if we wanted to cancel just send a email saying that which we did.
    We thought great this nightmare was finally over, they were collecting the machines on the 1st of December they were never collected then weeks later we start receiving invoices for money what we owed I phone up again go through the story again only to be told to ignore the invoice their mistake, weeks later more invoices I phone again only to get a apology saying ignore the invoice you owe us nothing and all contracts are dead.
    We ask for a email to confirm this it never came and April 2019 they are asking for money and saying the 2 contracts are still live.


    This post will help: Cancelling a Merchant Account Without Paying a Fee

    -Phillip

  • Ian Turner

    I have just received a contract from UTP the rates are reasonable but the contract is for 48 months, the agreement has been written in lawyer speak but from what I can make out there is a maximum termination charge of £25000. I questioned the length of the agreement and never heard back from them

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