In this review of Guardian Small Business Consulting, we will provide a detailed overview of the company's credit card processing services. We will cover the range of services they offer, including point-of-sale (POS) systems, mobile payment solutions, and e-commerce capabilities. The review will identify the types of businesses that might benefit from these services. Additionally, we will examine client and customer reviews to highlight common trends and potential concerns. The article will also address the company's pricing structure, contract terms, and specific features provided. By the end of this review, you will understand whether Guardian Small Business Consulting meets your payment processing needs.
About Guardian Small Business Consulting
Formerly known as Guardian Small Business Consulting and Financial Services, Guardian Financial is an Idaho-based merchant account provider that serves most standard-risk business types. The company was founded in the mid-2000s and appears to be a reseller of Total Merchant Services, North American Bancard, Harbortouch, and Authorize.Net. Guardian Financial shares a name with a Texas-based wealth management firm also called Guardian Financial, but the two companies do not appear to be related.
As of 2022, it appears that Guardian Financial has started focusing on processing payments for home inspections, though it appears they also process payments for other businesses as well.
Guardian Financial provides payment processing services for various business types, handling both debit and credit card transactions. Their offerings include recurring billing, ATM placement, mobile device processing, an online payment gateway, virtual terminals, POS equipment, and gift card systems.
Guardian Financial Customer Reviews
Here's What Their Clients Say
Customer Reviews Summary
Total Online Complaints
<10
Live Customer Support
Yes
Most Common Complaint
N/A
Clean Complaint Record
Our search reveals no significant negative Guardian Financial reviews, suggesting that the company operates legitimately and is not involved in scams or ripoffs. While some reviews might be mistakenly attributed to Guardian’s backend processors, there’s no solid evidence to support frequent misattributions. Given Guardian Financial’s apparent longevity in the business, maintaining a clean complaint record is commendable, earning the company an “A” grade. If you have experiences with Guardian Financial, please feel free to share them in the comments below.
Guardian Financial Lawsuits
No notable class-action lawsuits or Federal Trade Commission (FTC) complaints have been filed against Guardian Financial. Merchants preferring non-litigious dispute resolution methods are encouraged to consider reporting their issues to relevant supervisory organizations.
Guardian Financial Customer Support Options
Guardian Financial provides phone and email contact options on its website. The company utilizes services from Total Merchant Services, North American Bancard, Harbortouch, and Authorize.Net for customer support. However, this reliance on indirect channels does not place Guardian Financial among the top-rated merchant account providers for customer service.
Contact details for Guardian Financial customer service:
The Better Business Bureau does not maintain a profile for Guardian Financial at this time. Accordingly, we will not factor a BBB rating into this review.
Guardian Financial Fees, Rates & Costs
A Closer Look at The Contract
Cost & Fees Summary
ASHI Member Rate
1.69% + $0.20
Account Maintenance Fee
$5 Per Month
Virtual Terminal Rate
2.90% + $0.30
Payment Gateway Fee
$5 Per Month
Batch Fee
$0.10
Minimum Processing Fee
$25 Per Month
Early Termination Fee
Undisclosed
PCI Compliance Fee
$4.95 Per Month
Equipment Lease Terms
Undisclosed
ASHI Member Pricing
Currently, specific information regarding Guardian Financial’s standard contracts is scarce. Being a reseller for Total Merchant Services, Guardian Financial’s rates and fees are expected to align with those offered by North American Bancard, Harbortouch, and Authorize.Net. For ASHI members, Guardian Financial promotes a transaction fee of 1.69% plus $0.20, a monthly account maintenance fee of $5, a monthly minimum fee of $25, and a monthly PCI compliance fee of $4.95. The company commits to waiving the PCI compliance fee for the first year and states there are no setup fees, cancellation fees, annual fees, or binding contracts. Details about card processing terminal provisions are mentioned, but without specific terms or costs related to equipment leases.
Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Pricing
Guardian Financial also highlights its virtual terminal and payment gateway solutions, specifying a $5 monthly gateway fee. Given its partnership with Authorize.Net, it’s implied that additional fees from this provider could apply, including a 2.90% plus $0.30 transaction fee and a $0.10 batch fee.
No Pricing Complaints
While the rates and fees outlined here are subject to verification, Guardian Financial has not faced complaints specifically about its contract terms. This lack of negative feedback contributes to an “A” rating, but businesses should consider comparing services with other affordable merchant account providers to ensure the best fit. It remains uncertain if the pricing detailed is exclusive to ASHI members or broadly applicable.
Guardian Financial appears to primarily market its services through strategic partnerships, an in-house sales team, and traditional advertising. It is unclear at this time whether the company employs independently contracted sales agents, but we are not seeing any Guardian Financial reviews that mention deceptive tactics by the company’s sales team. This indicates that Guardian likely does not have a large team of independent agents, or if it does, that it provides these agents with more support and training than is typical of the industry.
Somewhat Unclear Rates
Guardian is partnered with the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), which may be a major source of business for the company. The page of Guardian’s website dedicated to its ASHI partnership quotes a discount rate of 1.70%, a “communication fee” of $0.20, a Mid-Qualifieddowngrade fee of 0.40%, and a Non-Qualified downgrade fee of 1.40%. The company does not make it clear that the mid- and non-qualified downgrade fees are added to its base fee, but merchants should expect that to be the case. Overall, Guardian’s rate quotes are not entirely clear, but they also do not appear to be deceptively presented.
Our Guardian Financial Review Summary
Our Final Thoughts
Guardian Financial rates as a reliable merchant services provider according to all available information. The company appears to offer fairly standard pricing, but specific details about its contract terms are currently difficult to find. This lack of transparency means that potential clients should exercise caution and seek as much information as possible before committing to a service agreement.
Our rating for Guardian Financial may change as more merchant feedback becomes available or once the Better Business Bureau (BBB) creates a profile for the company. As it stands, the limited information makes it essential for merchants to thoroughly investigate and compare Guardian Financial’s offerings to those of the best overall credit card processors. By doing so, businesses can ensure they are receiving competitive pricing and favorable contract terms. This comparative approach helps merchants make informed decisions, securing the most advantageous merchant services for their specific needs.
Location and Ownership
Guardian is a registered ISO/MSP of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Walnut Creek, California. Ben Tolman and Aaron Fuhriman are co-ownersof Guardian Financial, which is headquartered at 7187 S Pear Blossom Way, Meridian, ID 83642.
Testimonials & Complaints
How Did Guardian Financial Treat You?
1 User Reviews
Cole Esther
Guardian Financial has been an absolute game-changer for me and my finances. From the moment I engaged their services, I felt a sense of relief and confidence in managing my money. The team’s professionalism and friendly approach made the entire process seamless and stress-free.
Their expert financial advisors took the time to understand my unique goals and tailored a comprehensive plan that fit my needs perfectly. With their guidance, I was able to make informed decisions about investments, savings, and retirement planning.
I can’t stress enough how much Guardian Financial has transformed my financial outlook. Thanks to them, I now have a clear roadmap to achieve my long-term financial aspirations. Their dedication and commitment to their clients truly set them apart. I highly recommend Guardian Financial to anyone seeking a reliable partner to secure their financial future.
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Cole Esther
Guardian Financial has been an absolute game-changer for me and my finances. From the moment I engaged their services, I felt a sense of relief and confidence in managing my money. The team’s professionalism and friendly approach made the entire process seamless and stress-free.
Their expert financial advisors took the time to understand my unique goals and tailored a comprehensive plan that fit my needs perfectly. With their guidance, I was able to make informed decisions about investments, savings, and retirement planning.
I can’t stress enough how much Guardian Financial has transformed my financial outlook. Thanks to them, I now have a clear roadmap to achieve my long-term financial aspirations. Their dedication and commitment to their clients truly set them apart. I highly recommend Guardian Financial to anyone seeking a reliable partner to secure their financial future.