Overall Score
How did they treat you?
Charge.com Reviews & Complaints
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Multiple Payment Options | Annual PCI Compliance fee required |
| Easy-to-use terminals | |
| No setup fees |
Overview
In this review of Charge.com, we will take an in-depth look at this prominent merchant account provider. We'll cover the range of services they offer, including credit card processing, e-commerce support, and mobile payment options. We'll also examine their virtual terminals and POS systems, tailored for modern businesses, along with their unique offerings in recurring billing, subscription management, and ACH processing.
A key part of our discussion will focus on understanding the rates, fees, and contract terms associated with Charge.com's services. This includes a look into common complaints and challenges faced by their clients, as well as an overview of Charge.com's approach to chargeback prevention.
We'll assess Charge.com's industry ratings and customer reviews, paying close attention to the experiences of both employees and users. This will provide a balanced view of the company's reputation in the market. Additionally, we'll scrutinize their marketing tactics, customer support options, and overall customer service experience.
Lastly, we'll provide insights into the legal landscape surrounding Charge.com, including any notable lawsuits and fines, to give you a well-rounded perspective of their operations and reliability as a merchant account provider. Our aim is to offer a thorough review of Charge.com, helping you determine whether their services align with your business needs.
About Charge.com
Charge.com is a merchant account provider that has been in business since 1995. The company was bought by Pipeline Data (a subsidiary of Cynergy Data) in 2005. Neither Pipeline Data or Cynergy Data are still operating: Pipeline went bankrupt and Cynergy was absorbed into Priority Payment Systems, so it is probable that Charge.com is now also part of Priority Payment Systems. The company resells Authorize.Net for its payment gateway services. Charge.com focuses primarily on supplying credit card processing services and equipment but can also provide e-commerce solutions for merchants who require them.
Charge.com Products and Services
Payment Processing
Charge.com facilitates the processing of Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Discover, and checks, whether online, in-person, by phone, mail, or fax, for a variety of businesses. Their offerings include a free terminal or swiper, mobile solutions, a virtual terminal, e-commerce solutions like shopping carts, SEO services, online management and reporting, and SSL certification.
Virtual Terminals
Charge.com provides secure, web-based virtual terminals for businesses to accept payments online. This service is particularly useful for businesses without a physical storefront or those primarily operating online.
E-commerce Payment Solutions
For online businesses, Charge.com offers e-commerce payment solutions, including a secure payment gateway that integrates with business websites for real-time transaction processing. These solutions enable businesses to accept payments globally, expanding their reach.
Mobile Payment Processing
Charge.com offers mobile payment processing services, allowing businesses to accept card payments using mobile devices. This service is ideal for businesses operating outside traditional brick-and-mortar settings, providing flexibility and convenience.
POS Systems
Charge.com provides Point of Sale (POS) systems designed to streamline business operations. These systems manage sales transactions, track inventory, and store customer information, offering a comprehensive business management tool. For details on specific POS systems, contacting the company directly is recommended.
Recurring Billing and Subscription Management
Charge.com supports businesses with subscription models or recurring billing needs by offering solutions that automate the billing process. This service allows businesses to collect regular payments for ongoing services or subscriptions without manual intervention.
ACH Processing
Charge.com provides ACH processing services for businesses to accept electronic payments directly from bank accounts. This fast, secure, and reliable service is ideal for businesses handling recurring payments or large payment volumes.
Chargeback Prevention
Charge.com offers chargeback prevention services to help businesses minimize the risk of chargebacks, which can lead to lost revenue and increased fees. These proactive services aim to resolve disputes quickly and efficiently.
Charge.com Customer Reviews
Here's What Their Clients Say
| Total Online Complaints | 45+ |
|---|---|
| Live Customer Support | Yes |
| Most Common Complaint | Hidden Fees |
| Recent Lawsuits | No |
Moderate Complaint Total
Charge.com has received a relatively low number of negative reviews considering its size and duration in the industry. However, it’s worth noting that its former parent company, Pipeline Data, and processor, Cynergy Data, accumulated significant complaint counts. While Charge.com has a consistent pattern of public complaints filed on Ripoff Report, it’s possible that a few of these reviews are against unrelated businesses with “-charge.com” in their names. Most complaints highlight unexpected and hidden fees, lack of disclosure regarding PCI Compliance fees, high cancellation fees, and unauthorized debits from business checking accounts. If you have your own review of Charge.com, feel free to share it in the comments below.
Charge.com Lawsuits and Fines
No outstanding class-action lawsuits or FTC complaints have been found against Charge.com. Dissatisfied clients who wish to address their concerns outside of litigation can consider reporting their issues to relevant supervisory organizations.
Charge.com Customer Support Options
Recent observations suggest a slowdown in the company’s complaint volume, which may indicate improved policies and customer service, or potentially a change in business operations such as a Doing Business As (DBA) name. Charge.com offers 24/7 phone support to its clients. However, this support channel alone is not sufficient to qualify it as a top-rated payment processor for customer service.
Charge.com Customer Service Number
- (888) 496-4818 – Toll-Free General Customer Service
Other Support Options
- Customer support form on its website
- Customer service via email at [email protected]
Charge.com Online Ratings
Here's How They Rate Online
| BBB Rating | N/A |
|---|---|
| SiteJabber Rating | 2.33 |
| ComplaintsBoard Rating | 1 |
| Our Rating | 2.8 |
| Average Rating | 2.04 |
BBB Rating Analysis for Charge.com Payment Solutions
Charge.com Payment Solutions currently has no customer reviews or complaints on the BBB website. The business is not BBB accredited but has an “A+” rating.
Negative Feedback
There are no negative reviews published about Charge.com Payment Solutions on the BBB website.
Positive Feedback
There are no positive reviews published about Charge.com Payment Solutions on the BBB website.
Source: BBB
SiteJabber Rating Analysis for Charge.com
Charge.com has a rating of 2.33 stars on SiteJabber based on 3 customer reviews, indicating general dissatisfaction among customers. Common themes in the reviews include issues with account cancellation, unexpected fees, and poor customer service.
Negative Feedback
I signed up with them, they cancelled my account 1 week later saying they don’t want to have me as a client saying my transaction level is too high. They then charged $1000 cancellation fee for 2 account I just setup for my 2 business, and they are holding more than a $1000 of my money which I processed through them. I am the most ethical person, and there is no reason why any one should go through this. They are extremely anal, and arrogant to deal with. I would never recommend this merchant to anyone. There are merchants with no cancellation fees, lower monthly fees, and processing fees than this company. I would never recommend anyone go with charge.com – Review from July 5, 2010
My experience on charge.com was not good. – Their first scam is, each application is automatically approved. That should be a heads up that this is a bad business. The second scam is you say what your sales will be and if you want MC or Visa. And then somehow automatically you are taking AMEX and JCB and discover, and paying that AMEX fee. Then when you want to terminate because of their non existant customer support, it costs you $300 to leave (and that is why there is no set up fee). All they have is a good domain name. – Review from June 11, 2008
Positive Feedback
I have had a great experience with charge.com. I am saving about $200/month as compared to my previous processor. I was up and running with them the same day I applied. – Review from July 9, 2013
Source: SiteJabber
ComplaintsBoard Rating Analysis for Charge.com
Charge.com has received negative feedback and a 1/5 score on ComplaintsBoard. The primary complaint theme involves dissatisfaction with their business practices, particularly regarding automatic approval of applications and unexpected fees.
Negative Feedback
My experience on charge.com was not good. – Their first scam is, each application is automatically approved. That should be a heads up that this is a bad business. The second scam is you say what your sales will be and if you want MC or Visa. And then somehow automatically you are taking AMEX and JCB and discover, and paying that AMEX fee. Then when you want to terminate because of their non existant customer support, it costs you $300 to leave (and that is why there is no set up fee). All they have is a good domain name. – Review from October 29, 2010
Positive Feedback
There are no positive reviews published about Charge.com on the ComplaintsBoard website.
Source: ComplaintsBoard
Charge.com Fees, Rates & Costs
A Closer Look at The Contract
| Cancellation Penalties | Yes |
|---|---|
| Monthly & Annual Fees | Yes |
| Processing Rates | Variable |
| Equipment Leasing | Yes |
Flexible Pricing
Charge.com’s pricing structure is adaptable, tailored to individual businesses based on their type and processing volume. However, it’s important to note that the company’s pricing quotes have raised concerns regarding clarity and transparency, as discussed later in this review.
Contract Terms and Fees
According to the company’s standard contract terms, clients are bound by a 36-month service agreement with an Early Termination Fee (ETF) of $495. Other charges include a monthly statement fee of $25, applicable only if Charge.com creates a reserve account for the client, a one-time fee of $35 if keyed-in transactions exceed 15% of overall transactions in a month, and a $25 monthly fee for governmental compliance. Additionally, there’s an annual PCI Compliance fee ranging up to $185 (capped at $300), notably higher than the industry average. For clients opting for Charge.com’s gateway services, provided through Authorize.net, there’s a $25 monthly fee. We recommend business owners to explore our list of the top merchant services providers.
Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Charges
Apart from in-store payment processing, Charge.com offers virtual terminal and payment gateway services, reselling Authorize.Net’s solutions with known pricing. For businesses utilizing Authorize.net’s gateway, there’s a 2.9% plus $0.30 per-transaction fee, a $25 monthly gateway fee, and a daily batch fee of $0.10, in addition to the monthly gateway fee.
It’s worth noting that Charge.com, as a reseller of Authorize.Net and other payment gateway services, may adjust the terms and conditions of these rates and fees.
Charge.com’s rates do not compete favorably with the most cost-effective merchant account options available.
Charge.com Employee Reviews & Sales Tacitcs
Should You Work For Them?
| Uses Independent Resellers | No |
|---|---|
| Telemarketing | Unclear |
| MIsleading Marketing | Yes |
| Discloses All Important Terms | No |
Charge.com Sales Approach
Charge.com’s marketing strategy appears to rely heavily on independent sales agents, online marketing, and affiliate partnerships. Charge.com has received a low score in this section because the company promotes highly misleading pricing on its website. This does not compare favorably to our list of the best credit card processors.
Deceptive Quotes
The company advertises itself as “the most trusted name in payments” with rates “as low as 0.25%” and a transaction fee “as low as $0.15.” Charge.com promotes these rates in a way that fails to disclose the Downgrade Fees for Mid-Qualified and Non-Qualified transactions. Additionally, the company’s website advertises that it does not charge cancellation fees yet its merchant agreement explicitly lists an early termination fee of $495.
The website quotes reviews from companies like Apple, NBC Internet, America Online, and Yahoo!, but it doesn’t provide links to these sources or explain why these companies would be reviewing Charge.com. In general, Charge.com appears to rely heavily on selective disclosure and vague testimonials to build trust with clients. If you suspect that Charge.com is charging you undisclosed fees, we recommend seeking a third-party statement audit to find and eliminate hidden charges.
Our Charge.com Review Summary
Our Final Thoughts
Charge.com has over two decades of experience in the credit card processing industry but struggles with familiar complaints often associated with less reputable processors. Clients frequently express concerns about undisclosed fees, confusing contract terms, and deceptive sales tactics. Such issues undermine customer trust and hinder the company’s credibility, preventing Charge.com from gaining traction as a trusted provider.
To improve its rating and reputation, Charge.com should focus on full transparency by clearly disclosing all fees and contract terms for both its own services and those it resells to businesses. Taking decisive action to curb deceptive sales tactics will also be essential in preventing further negative reviews. As we continue to monitor the company’s evolving reputation, it remains uncertain whether Charge.com will ultimately fall among the worst-rated providers or prove itself as a viable competitor to the industry’s top players.
Location & Leadership
The company is headquartered at 9715 W Broward Blvd # 182, Plantation, FL 33324-2351 and is a registered ISO of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Walnut Creek, California. Greg Danzig is listed as the president and CEO of Charge.com.
If you found this article helpful, please share it!
WilliamKirkland
My order for charger placed 8/26/19, received, not compatible, phoned them they tried to talk me out of returning by offering a 25% discount. Why buy if it won’t work, I asked. Returned 9/5/2019 by USPO to Pacoima, CA…my Visa charged and no credit issued in 5 weeks. Another example of an electronic company ripping customers off, same thing happened with a personal fan device…no more internet purchashes for me.
Roux Mohammed
Customer Service is poooooooooooooooooor. You email them or call them it’s hard to get hold of them. Advice to higher level invest in Sales and Customer Service team or may be train them better name a few Meredith A. Mitchell & Deborah D. Adler.
This post will help: Best Merchant Accounts for Great Customer Service
-Phillip
Jason Jones
Charge.com is an amazing company. I got set up the same day I applied and they are saving me 40% off of what I was paying with another company. I would not hesitate to recommend.
CPO
Hi Jason,
Please reply to this comment with your business name and location in order to authenticate your testimonial. Thanks!
Mark Trujillo
worst experience ever. Got charged so many fees that im doubling my fees with my own bank with stop payments. They advertise one thing, but they neglect to tell you that their several departments have their own billing processes. We’re warned about scam artist? These crooks are those very ones we were warned about. If you havent signed up with them, do a full research first .
Posy Lane
I sent them an email asking if they could beat the rates I am paying now. They were higher than what I am paying, and twice what I found another reputable vendor quoted.
They sent me an email asking why I didn’t choose them, and so I told them about their rates compared to others. Then they sent an insulting email back in response.
If they will treat me like crap before I am even a customer, I can’t imagine how they would treat me after I signed up.
DANIEL DORADO
this company does a bait and switch i was told no contract no canclation fees monthy fees of 10 bucks . this is what i was charge 30 a month for non use 3 precent with fee no statements no one to talk to at charge.com . dont trust them crooks
Pam
It has been a very difficult dealing with this company. Very very poor service and poor business practices! I feel taken advantage of and ripped OFF!
John
Do not use these switch and bait they get access to your account and hit you for fees in the first month and don’t pay you… THEY DO NOT PAY MERCHANTS STAY AWAY FROM THEM.
Stuf
Very poor company. Undisclosed fees galore. Do not sign up. Use Square