Universal Transaction Processing Reviews & Complaints
Company Overview
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 Payment Processing
Universal Transaction Processing appears to process all major debit and credit cards for most business types. Their services include EMV card readers and swipers, POS solutions, mobile solutions, access to virtual terminals and payment gateways, and cash advances.
Universal Transaction Processing: Mobile Payment Solutions
For businesses that operate on-the-go or in varying locations, Universal Transaction Processing provides mobile payment solutions. These services enable businesses to process payments via mobile devices, expanding the range and flexibility of business operations.
Universal Transaction Processing: E-Commerce Solutions
Universal Transaction Processing also offers e-commerce solutions. These services are designed to facilitate secure online transactions, enabling businesses to operate online stores and accept payments digitally.
Universal Transaction Processing: Virtual Terminal
The virtual terminal service offered by Universal Transaction Processing allows businesses to process card-not-present transactions. This service is especially useful for businesses that take orders over the phone or through mail order.
Universal Transaction Processing: POS Systems
Universal Transaction Processing provides point-of-sale (POS) systems that not only process transactions but also offer additional functionalities like inventory management, sales analytics, and employee management.
Universal Transaction Processing: ATM Solutions
Lastly, Universal Transaction Processing offers ATM solutions, enabling businesses to provide cash withdrawal services. This can be a value-added service, especially for businesses in high traffic areas or those that deal with cash-based transactions.
Location & Ownership
Michael Ault is the founder and CEO of Universal Transaction Processing, which is headquartered at Sapphire Plaza, Watlington St, Reading RG1 4RE, UK.
| 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. |
Universal Transaction Processing Customer Reviews
Here's What Their Clients Say
| 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.
Evaluating Universal Transaction Processing’s Customer Support
UTP provides phone and email support, meeting basic standards expected from top merchant accounts known for great customer service. Consequently, we award them an “A” rating in this category.
Contact Information for Universal Transaction Processing
- 0330 99 99 900 – Support
- 0330 99 99 300 – Sales
- Customer support email at [email protected]
Universal Transaction Processing’s commitment to accessible customer support through multiple channels is commendable, enhancing their profile as a customer-focused merchant service provider.
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
| 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?
| 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 rates as an above-average credit card processing provider for UK businesses according to our rating criteria. Business owners should be aware, however, that we do not have specific details regarding its standard contract. We will continue to monitor client feedback about the company and adjust our rating as more information comes to light. UK businesses that are interested in alternatives to UTP should consider a top-rated mobile UK credit card processing app.
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Afson Ali
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 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
K sahni
Absolutely rubbish service with illiterate staff.
not aware of any issues call again and again for same issue for 45 days still no resolution.
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