Poynt POS Review

Originally created to sell the “world’s first smart payment terminal,” Poynt is a POS provider that offers credit card processing software and hardware for merchants. Poynt was launched in late 2014 by the former head of Google Wallet to promote a single piece of hardware with pre-installed POS software as well as a built-in register, scanner, and printer. The company started shipping its first orders in September 2015 and has since expanded its service offering to include a proprietary operating system, business management tools, and an app marketplace.

Acquired by GoDaddy

In December 2020, GoDaddy announced its intention to acquire Poynt for $320 million cash at closing, with an additional $45 million in deferred cash payments due over the next three years. GoDaddy plans to integrate Poynt payment systems into its existing hosting platform.

Point of Sale

Poynt offers its proprietary point-of-sale (POS) system, available in mobile and tabletop versions, using their own software. These systems support EMV reading, NFC, mag stripe swiping, gift card reading, EBT, cash payments, PIN on glass, and all major debit and credit cards. They include built-in PCI compliance and can handle MOTO and virtual terminal transactions. Poynt also provides accessories such as USB and wireless printers, paper rolls, cash drawers, and USB/HID barcode scanners. The system is compatible with all major credit card processors, so clients can continue using their existing processors.

Mobile Payment Solutions

Poynt’s mobile payment solutions enable businesses to process payments on the go via the Poynt Mobile app.

Reporting and Analytics

Poynt provides reporting and analytics tools that offer insights into sales trends, customer behavior, and overall performance.

Evaluation of Poynt Reviews

Our research has identified over 30 negative Poynt reviews on various consumer protection platforms. While no reviews categorically label the company as a scam or ripoff, common concerns include software and hardware issues, inadequate customer service, and setup difficulties. Users frequently express frustration with devices that exhibit consistent glitches, slow performance, or hardware failures shortly after purchase. We encourage you to share your personal experiences with Poynt in the comments below for a comprehensive perspective.

PaymentPop Rating for Poynt POS

Positive Feedback

There are no positive reviews published about Poynt POS on the PaymentPop website.

Poynt POS BBB Rating

Poynt currently has an “A+” rating with the Better Business Bureau and does not receive BBB accreditation. The company has received 4 complaints in the last 36 months. Poynt has a 1 out of 5 star rating based on 1 user reviews on the Better Business Bureau website.

Poynt has also received 2 informal reviews, which are negative in tone. It should be noted that these reviews are not subject to authentication by the BBB. The most recent review describes faulty equipment and a poor response from customer service:

Merchants should review the best providers for customer service before entering into any contract as well as the reputation of a company’s sales tactics.

An “A” Overall

In light of the company’s low complaint total,  we agree with the BBB’s rating of an “A.” Merchants should note, however, that there are reasons to be skeptical of the BBB’s rating system.

Trustpilot Rating for Poynt POS

Poynt POS has a 1.7 out of 5 stars based on 25 user reviews on Trustpilot.

No Contract Terms

Poynt can be purchased at a variable cost from a business’ current provider and does not come with a linked merchant account. This means that Poynt does not charge any per-transaction fees, monthly fees, or cancellation fees, and there are no contract terms associated with its use. Poynt is simply a piece of equipment that connects to a client’s chosen credit card processor or existing POS system. Any additional fees that a business pays on a per-transaction or monthly basis will be charged by that business’ processor.

Avoid Equipment Leases

Similar to other smart terminals, Poynt may have a higher upfront cost compared to conventional credit card swipers. However, the versatility of the product may justify the one-time purchase cost. If businesses are offered a lease option for Poynt, it’s crucial to carefully review the lease terms. Equipment leases are typically opportunities for providers to bind merchants to long-term contracts that end up being more expensive than the equipment’s actual value. While a Poynt terminal may have a higher value than a conventional one, it’s still not worth paying thousands of dollars over several years just to acquire it. In fact, most credit card terminals can be bought for under $500.

No significant class-action lawsuits or Federal Trade Commission (FTC) complaints have been recorded against Poynt. A notable legal challenge came in 2016 when Verifone sued Poynt for trademark infringement after acquiring Point International AB, but the lawsuit did not directly relate to Poynt’s merchant services. The federal court ruled in favor of Poynt, dismissing the lawsuit. Clients seeking non-litigious resolutions are advised to report their concerns to appropriate supervisory bodies.

Removed From Sales Process

Poynt does not market directly to businesses. Instead, business owners can purchase Poynt through one of its partner processors if they wish. This means that Poynt is generally removed from the sales process. We therefore will assign the company a rating of “A” unless information emerges to suggest that the company is complicit in deceptive sales tactics.

Poynt is recognized as a high-quality point-of-sale (POS) system well-suited for modern credit card processing needs, according to comprehensive evaluations from various sources. However, despite its strong performance in many areas, Poynt has encountered some criticisms particularly centered around its initial setup process, ongoing device reliability issues, and less-than-satisfactory customer service. These complaints highlight some potential challenges that users may face, suggesting that the system’s advanced features and functionality might not seamlessly translate into user experience for every business.

For business owners considering investing in Poynt’s POS system, it is crucial to carefully evaluate the practical application of its versatile features against its cost, which is reported to be higher than many other competing POS systems in the market. The decision to purchase should be informed by a clear understanding of how Poynt’s specific functionalities align with the unique needs and operational demands of their business. Ensuring that the system’s capabilities are a necessary and beneficial addition to their operations will help justify the investment and mitigate any dissatisfaction with the product’s cost relative to its performance in their specific commercial environment.