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.
In this review of Velocity, LLC, also known as Velocity Marketing Partners, we examine the company’s services, operations, and reputation through customer feedback and industry ratings. We highlight its ties to Todd McCartney, T-Money Holdings, and related legal troubles, shedding light on the complex relationships within its business network. Our analysis covers payment processing services such as POS systems, mobile payments, merchant cash advances, and gift card programs, while also explaining contract terms, fees, and what they mean for merchants. We address customer complaints, marketing tactics, and controversies surrounding the company, along with an evaluation of customer support and online ratings. This balanced overview provides readers with a clear understanding of Velocity, LLC’s strengths, challenges, and position in the payment processing industry.
About Velocity, LLC
Velocity Homepage
Also known as Velocity Marketing Partners, Velocity, LLC was founded in 1999 as a merchant account provider that serves most standard-risk business types. There are reports connecting Velocity, Todd McCartney, or a related holding company, “T-Money Holdings,” to the following companies:
Additionally, according to a complaint on our Payment Systems Corporation review, Smart Choice Payments, First Choice Payments, and North American Processing Solutions may be subsidiaries or related to Payment Systems Corporation, which ranks as one of the worst merchant account providers we have ever reviewed.
Todd McCartney has contested his connection or ownership to several of these companies, including North American Processing Solutions, Payment Systems Corporation, and Advantage Media Partners. He also contests a connection to “First American Payment Systems” in an email, though CPO has never alleged that the two are connected. It is difficult to determine the exact nature of some of these relationships; however, we can confirm that Todd McCartney and North American Processing Solutions have been named together in at least one lawsuit. Todd McCartney has also listed alongside various company names in legal disputes.
We can also determine from public sources that North American Processing Solutions shared an address with one of Mr. McCartney’s other companies, a Massage Envy franchise. Mr. McCartney claims in the dispute that “we only did customer service for them.” We did find evidence of another business operating under the name of American Payment Systems, LLC, listing Todd McCartney as the president and North American Processing Solutions as an alternative business name. According to online records, American Payment Systems is reported to be under the T-Money Holdings portfolio.
Alternative DBAs
American Payment Systems LLC, registered in Las Vegas, lists North American Processing Solutions as an alternative name.
A second American Payment Systems LLC, at a different Las Vegas address, lists T-Money Holdings INC as the manager.
Todd McCartney Interview
We were also able to locate a recent interview with Todd McCartney where he talks about some of his business ventures. We formerly linked this interview here, but after we posted it, it disappeared off the internet.
Also a Marketing Firm
Unlike its payment-oriented DBAs, Velocity also presents itself as a web design and online marketing firm—hence its alternate name of Velocity Marketing & Commerce. The company’s marketing services are offered alongside its e-commerce merchant accounts, but this should not obscure the fact that Velocity is as much a payment processor as it is a marketing service. Other names that have been reported to be associated with Velocity as a marketing firm in various online merchant complaints include Global Media Solutions, Wholesale Internet Solutions, and Priority Placement Media.
Products & Merchant Services
Payment Processing
Velocity, LLC provides payment processing for most major debit and credit cards, catering to a variety of business types. Their services encompass PCI compliance, mobile solutions, POS systems, MOTO (mail order/telephone order) transactions, access to payment gateways, card-not-present payments, cash advances, and loyalty programs.
POS Systems
Velocity, LLC offers a range of POS systems tailored to meet the needs of businesses across different industries. These systems feature inventory management, employee management, and reporting tools, making transaction management straightforward and efficient.
Mobile Payments
Velocity, LLC provides mobile payment solutions that enable businesses to accept payments via mobile devices. These solutions are designed with security features to safeguard customer data.
Gift Card Programs
Velocity, LLC offers customizable gift card programs to help businesses boost sales and enhance customer loyalty. These programs allow businesses to design their own gift cards and track sales data in real-time. They are straightforward to set up and manage, providing all the necessary features for effective gift card program administration.
Merchant Cash Advance
Velocity, LLC provides merchant cash advances for businesses needing quick access to capital. These advances serve as an alternative to traditional loans, offering easier qualification and flexible repayment terms.
Customer Reviews & Sentiment
Moderate-to-High Complaint Total
Currently, we’ve identified a substantial number of negative reviews concerning Velocity, totaling more than 30, with some customers even labeling the company as a scam. Moreover, this count doesn’t encompass the additional grievances directed towards affiliated entities like Smart Choice Payments, Wholesale Merchant Processing, First Choice Payments, and North American Processing Solutions, which collectively contribute to an extensive pool of complaints. Complaints directed at Velocity, LLC commonly highlight issues such as undisclosed contract terms, subpar customer service, costly equipment leases, and an overall unprofessional business environment. Given the intertwined nature of these businesses and the recurring themes in customer feedback, we’ll address them collectively without distinction in this overview. We also encourage individuals with their own experiences to share their reviews in the comments section below.
When it comes to customer support, Velocity, LLC shares a comparable rating with Smart Choice Payments, as there’s little evidence to suggest differentiation between the two entities. The company provides contact details, including phone and email, on its website. However, its track record of complaints raises questions about whether or not it will ever qualify among the best merchant account providers for customer service.
Industry Scores & User Ratings
Online Ratings Summary
PaymentPop
3.3
BBB Rating
5
Average Rating
3.4
PaymentPop Rating for Velocity LLC
Negative Feedback
I know that this is the correct business because I have paperwork with their logo on it do not do business with them this company has 31 complaints look up velocity reviews comparisons and and lawsuits before you do business with them. I have a contract began on October 31st 2019 it is now May 25th of 21 and is still not resolved I have 40 pages of excuses in email form and have sent them to Heather and Solana and nothing has happened they they denied having a contract with me so I sent them 40 pages of emails along with the contract. When I tried to contact them I had found that they had blocked my phone number and my emails the reason why I know that is I used a friend’s phone that is on the same phone system and I could get through just fine with that including the emails they simply just stopped communicating after all the money spent and all the promises I received nothing!
Positive Feedback
I just wanted to put in writing my gratitude towards Todd for today. He took the time to personally call me and help resolve my MASSIVE dilemma and I am very thankful for his understanding, kindness, and overall comforting approach to my uncomfortable situation. I appreciate the call and help from Bradley as well today. They both took time out of their day to resolve my dilemma with my card processing. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart and Merry Christmas.
Velocity BBB Rating
Velocity has an average customer review rating of 5 out of 5 stars on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, based on 3 customer reviews. The reviews present a mix of experiences, with some customers expressing satisfaction with the service and support, while others raise concerns about professionalism and issues with billing and communication.
Negative Feedback
On a previous update the BBB profile had the following user review, but it has since been removed.
I have had a contract with Velocity LLC since October 31st, 2019. It is now May 25th, 2021, and it has still not been resolved. I have 40 pages of excuses and have sent them to Heather and Selena, but they blocked my phone calls and my emails. Terrible company, all of them were very nice as long as they were getting money from me, but after two years I demanded results and they cut me off.
Positive Feedback
Great company to work with. They always answer all my questions in a timely manner.
Processing Rates & Fees
Extended Contract Obligations
Merchant feedback suggests that Velocity’s payment processing contract closely mirrors that of Smart Choice Payments. The Smart Choice Payments Merchant Application and Program Guide outline a three-year agreement accompanied by an early termination fee of $495, a monthly PCI compliance fee of $4.95, a $25 monthly minimum fee, a $10 monthly statement fee, and an obligatory four-year equipment lease through Northern Leasing Systems.
Moreover, there’s a reported additional early termination fee of $900 upon cancellation, reminiscent of a similar charge by Wholesale Merchant Processing. However, the reason behind this fee under either name remains unclear.
Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Costs
Velocity, LLC, leverages the Smart Choice Payments merchant application, which integrates a virtual terminal and payment gateway via Payeezy, powered by First Data (Fiserv). Payeezy offers two plans: the Basic Plan and Pro Plan. Neither imposes setup, statement, or gateway fees. The Basic Plan entails a rate of 2.90% plus $0.30, while the Pro Plan offers a lower rate of 1.89% plus $0.23 alongside a $19.95 monthly fee.
Caution Regarding Lengthy Leases
Velocity’s contract terms surpass industry norms in terms of expense, potentially warranting a rating no higher than “C” on their own. However, two additional factors contribute to lowering the company’s rating to an “F” in this category. Firstly, agents frequently bundle processing agreements with extended equipment leases through Northern Leasing Systems, infamous for their non-cancellable four-year leases charging thousands for equipment purchasable under $500. Secondly, recurrent complaints about undisclosed contract terms suggest that many businesses enroll without awareness of these fees, exacerbating the impact of the contract’s duration and fee structure on unsuspecting entrepreneurs.
Above-Average Expenses
Velocity’s contract terms appear subpar overall, with pricing falling far from competitive with the cheapest merchant accounts available. For merchants seeking better alternatives, we recommend exploring our list of the best merchant accounts.
Lawsuits & Legal History
As of our investigation, there are no ongoing Velocity class-action lawsuits or FTC complaints. Dissatisfied customers seeking alternative avenues for resolution are advised to report their concerns to relevant supervisory organizations.
Velocity’s payment processing complaints generally mirror those filed against Smart Choice Payments, and some Smart Choice complaints also mention Velocity as though they are the same company. However, Velocity has also generated a growing number of complaints related to its marketing services. In particular, the company appears to offer clients the ability to advertise on hotel room keycard envelopes. Many business owners state that they never received any proof that these advertisements were created or circulated. Although this does not relate to payment processing, it is a fairly damning trend for a company that promotes itself as both a credit card processor and marketing service.
Some Red Flags
Taking into account the complaints filed against both Velocity and its various DBAs, we have assigned the company a “D” in this section. If you suspect that Velocity is charging you undisclosed fees, we recommend seeking a third-party statement audit to find and eliminate hidden costs.
Velocity, LLC.’s hotel keycard marketing option
Velocity, LLC Competitors
Compare Velocity, LLC to competitors that earned top marks.
Velocity ranks as a substandard credit card processing services provider, much like its various other aliases. A change in name has done little to enhance the quality of the company’s services, and the addition of marketing offerings has only led to increased complaints from merchants. It’s essential to note that Velocity, LLC, is distinct from Velocity Merchant Services, a separate payment processor, to avoid any confusion between the two.
Businesses contacted by Velocity are strongly advised to request and thoroughly review all documentation before committing to any agreements. Comparing their terms and pricing against those of top-rated, all-purpose payment processors will provide valuable insight and help ensure that prospective clients receive transparent terms and the most competitive deal available.
