Host Merchant Services Reviews & Complaints
Company Overview
Host Merchant Services is a Newark, Delaware-based merchant account provider that serves a variety of business types. Company founder and CEO Lou Honick got his start in the web hosting industry by launching, owning, and operating HostMySite.com from 1997 until its acquisition by a private equity firm in 2008. One year later, he founded Host Merchant Services, which has become one of the top-rated merchant services providers on CPO.
Host Merchant Services Payment Processing
Host Merchant Services processes all major debit and credit cards for most business types. Their services include EMV card readers and swipers, POS solutions (from Clover, Vital POS, and SwipeSimple), mobile solutions, access to payment gateways and virtual terminals, other e-commerce solutions, cash discounts, EBT processing, gift and loyalty programs, and cash advances.
Video Summary
Host Merchant Services Customer Reviews
Here's What Their Clients Say
Total Online Complaints | <10 |
---|---|
Live Customer Support | Yes |
Most Common Complaint | N/A |
Recent Lawsuits | No |
Positive Customer Feedback
Our investigation has found no Host Merchant Services reviews alleging fraudulent activities, indicating the company’s effective in-house customer support. While a few complaints exist regarding issues like merchant account denials or hardware malfunctions, these are relatively minor compared to the overall positive feedback received. A recent comment cited misrepresentation of rates and unexpected equipment leases, but it stands as an isolated incident amidst predominantly positive testimonials.
Host Merchant Services Legal Standing
No class-action lawsuits or FTC complaints have been lodged against Host Merchant Services. Dissatisfied customers seeking recourse outside of litigation are encouraged to report their concerns to relevant supervisory organizations.
Host Merchant Services Customer Support Options
Host Merchant Services ensures round-the-clock customer support for all clients, emphasizing its commitment to addressing customer needs promptly.
Host Merchant Services Customer Service Number
- (877) 517-4678 – Toll-Free General Customer Service
Other Support Options
- Support form
- Live chat
- Customer service via email at [email protected]
Overall, Host Merchant Services appears to offer dependable customer support, earning it a commendable “A” rating in this category.
Host Merchant Services Online Ratings
Here's How They Rate Online
BBB Reports | 3 |
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Low Complaint Total
Host Merchant Services has been an accredited business of the Better Business Bureau since 2011 and currently holds an “A” rating. The company’s BBB profile shows 3 complaints in the past 36 months. 1 complaint was resolved to the satisfaction of the merchant. The other 2 complaints were resolved to the dissatisfaction of the client or received no final communication.
An “A” Performance Overall
Considering the low complaint total and resolution rate, we agree with the BBB’s rating at this time.
Host Merchant Services Fees, Rates & Costs
A Closer Look at The Contract
Cancellation Penalties | No |
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Monthly & Annual Fees | Yes |
Processing Rates | Interchange + (Variable) |
Equipment Leasing | Yes |
Month-to-Month Contract, No Termination Fee
Host Merchant Services provides interchange-plus pricing without a specified contract length or early cancellation fee. Their contract includes a crossed-out section detailing an early termination fee between $250 and $500, which business owners should ensure is not part of any contract they enter into. There is one reported complaint regarding a termination fee linked to a long-term equipment lease. While Host does not promote equipment leases, it’s prudent for clients to verify that their contract does not implicitly include such terms.
Retail, Restaurant, and E-Commerce Pricing
Host Merchant Services tailors its transaction rates to different business types: retail at interchange plus 0.25% and $0.10, restaurants at interchange plus 0.20% and $0.09, and e-commerce at interchange plus 0.35% and $0.10. They also offer high-risk merchant accounts with pricing based on the specific business type and processing history. It’s beneficial for readers to compare these rates with other top merchant accounts.
Other Fees
Host Merchant Services openly discloses its additional fees, including a $0.20 batch fee, an optional $5.00 monthly gateway fee, a $14.99 monthly fee, and an annual $24.00 fee for 1099 reporting costs.
Few Contract Complaints
With only a single online complaint regarding contract terms, most clients seem content with Host Merchant Services’ agreements. The company’s transparent and competitive terms have earned them an “A” rating in this category.
Host Merchant Services Employee Reviews & Sales Tacitcs
Should You Work For Them?
Uses Independent Resellers | Yes |
---|---|
Telemarketing | Possible |
Misleading Marketing | No |
Discloses All Important Terms | No |
No Sales Complaints
Host Merchant Services appears to employ both W2-employed sales agents and independently contracted outside salespeople. We have located only one negative Host Merchant Services review that mentions the company’s sales team. This complaint describes higher-than-expected fees and improper disclosure of the company’s termination policy. The absence of any other such complaints indicates that Host’s sales reps are generally forthright and helpful when signing businesses up for services. This compares favorably to our list of the best credit card processors.
Transparent Pricing
Host Merchant Services actively promotes interchange-plus pricing on its website and includes a description of this pricing structure for businesses that may not be familiar with it. Host offers interchange-plus pricing with its mobile merchant accounts and e-commerce merchant accounts in addition to its conventional retail merchant accounts. The company also does not appear to engage in any deceptive advertising strategies in its official materials.
Our Host Merchant Services Review Summary
Our Final Thoughts
Host Merchant Services rates as an exemplary credit card processing provider based on our standards. The company consistently garners positive reviews across consumer protection platforms, reinforcing its reputation for customer satisfaction. Host Merchant Services also favors the interchange-plus pricing model, which enhances transparency and provides businesses with a clearer understanding of their transaction costs.
However, regardless of a company’s high rating, it’s essential for clients to carefully examine their contracts to avoid potential pitfalls or misunderstandings. By scrutinizing the terms and conditions and comparing them to other processors, businesses can ensure they’re receiving the best value while meeting their specific payment processing needs effectively and cost-efficiently.
Location & Ownership
Host Merchant Services is a registered ISO/MSP of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Walnut Creek, California. Host Merchant Services is headquartered at 250 Corporate Blvd., Suite L, Newark, Delaware 19702, and they list a second office at 10661 Airport-Pulling Road North, Suite 13, Naples, FL 34109. Lou Honick is the CEO and founder.
If you found this article helpful, please share it!
MELINDA WEIGT
We have been using SquareUp for several years, with no complaints. They recently increased their rates to be more competitive. We “shopped” around to ensure we would still be getting a great deal, and found this site very helpful to confirm that! Their site is easy to use, offers reports and easy to upload, etc. They’re changing rates to 2.65% swiped plus 10cents per trans.
imad
I do not recommend this company to anybody. They have very bad customer service. It is the worst company I have ever dealt with.
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Anne Hoang
Stay away from this company! They tricked us into thinking they were cheaper than our previous company but ended up being the same or more expensive. And the representative told us that the equipment was given to us free for use as long as we used them. But could be returned in the future if we decided we no longer wanted to use them. Turns out that was a lie. Cancelling with them might be at no charge if they cant beat another competitor company’s fees, but you have to pay $3600 for equipment! Look over everything before signing! What they say to you does seem too good to be true, so don’t fall for it.
Clyde Washburn
We have have switched our Church to this Merchant Provider and have found their fees, service and courtesy to be exemplary at every level.
Trustee & IT Manager, P.O.M.O G. Orthodox Church
clint
I see nothing about whether they offer virtual terminal or not. Also I don’t see anything about ‘card not present’ fees.
Mike S
I have worked with HMS for a few years now and they have been not only responsive, but they connect with clients on a personal level. Rates are better than any other option we can offer our clients and the application process is painless and fast! Thanks HMS!
Michael Cardascia
I have been using Host Merchant Services at my restaurant for 2 years. The customer support is outstanding and I would highly recommend them to any business.
Chris Bath
I have used host for a few years now and I have to say it is far superior to my previous hosting company. Low rates on processing and the customer service has been outstanding.
CPO
Hi Chris,
Please reply to this comment with your business name and location in order to authenticate your testimonial. Thanks!
Allison Jones
Host Merchant Services has handled my restaurant’s payment processing for a few years now. I switched over because they were able to lower the rates and fees I was paying to save me quite a bit each month. After processing with them, I realized that other company’s customer service and support cannot compare to theirs. When I need help with something, I give them a call and have a real person on the phone in about 10 seconds. They are a great company to work with, and I’d recommend them to any business owner.
CPO
Hi Allison,
Please reply to this comment with your business name and location in order to authenticate your testimonial. Thanks!
Ana R
I am trying to get in touch with them and no results . I sent an email and call leaving a message because i am interested to work with them but i do not have response.
michael
Waste of time. Their response to our application was, Unfortunately I could not get this pre approved. Your score does not qualify for further consideration”
What is that based on? We are over a million dollar business and do not qualify. I question the ratings here.
Carina Cooper
Hugo helped me over the phone today.I found him very personable,and professional.He took care of the professional request that I needed in a timely manor.It is refreshing to talk to a pleasant representative who seemed happy to help.Thank you Hugo!
CPO
Hi Carina,
Please reply to this comment with your business name and location in order to authenticate your testimonial. Thanks!
Terry Gruchacz
I started applying for a merchant account with Host Merchant Services on July 30, 2015. After a reminder on August 11th that I was still interested, the account manager finally sent me an application. I completed it and e-mailed on August 14th. The account manager then asked for more info on the 14th. I collected it and e-mailed it on the 19th. Today, August 28th, I had to remind the account manager I was waiting for a reply or anything saying he had received my e-mail. He got back to me and wrote Host Merchant Services could not take my account because my credit card volume was too low.
The reason I am putting in a complaint is they dragged out the whole procedure when they could have told me on the 14th, when I e-mailed the original application, my volume was too low.
shirley
my credit card machine will not work..it says ‘reversal not cleared’ I know there is a way to fix this but I can’t find it…please help me
Joel Thomas
Great merchants account providers are hard to come by. Finding one that can not only suit your needs but also provide top class support is another.
We’re proud to have partnered with Host Merchant Services. This is a company that places great emphasis on customer service and are always there to help. We recommend HMS to the people we care about the most because there’s no question they’ll deliver!
William Brown
Host Merchant Services are in my opinion the way to accept credit/debit cards if you want the “personal touch” Our business has been associated with many different credit card processors in our 20+ years in business, and HMS has been the only one with a local representative that is consistently available when you need her. They also provide quicker deposits of transactions with lower fees. We unequivocally recommend Host Merchant Services.
Ryan German
Host Merchant Services has first rate unparalled customer service. Local office and direct cell phone numbers for tech support in addition to the standard 24-hr toll free. I especially like their web based processing solution to process cards not present for our phone orders and catering jobs. Rates are very competive (we have saved money processing with Host Merchant) and Host Merchant has also supplied us with wireless terninals we use to process cards at fairs, festivals, offsite and special events. Little extras (like free thermal paper) are a nice bonus.