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Merchant 1 Payments Reviews & Complaints
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Overview
In this review of Merchant Advocate, we provide a detailed overview of the company's services aimed at reducing credit card processing fees for businesses. We will discuss the range of services offered, including fee audits, contract renegotiations, and ongoing monitoring. We will also identify the types of businesses that may benefit from these services. Additionally, we will examine client and customer reviews to highlight common trends and potential concerns. We will cover the company's pricing structure, contract terms, and the specifics of the services provided. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of whether Merchant Advocate meets your needs for managing credit card processing fees.
About Merchant 1 Payments
Merchant 1 Payments is a merchant account provider headquartered in Concord, Ontario. Founded in 1999, the company provides Canadian merchant accounts as well as payment processing for U.S.-based businesses. The company provides Poynt as a POS solution to its merchants. It is worth noting that Merchant 1 Payments could potentially be confused with Merchant One in search results; however, these two entities are unrelated.
![](https://www.cardpaymentoptions.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Merchant1Payments-homepage.webp)
Merchant 1 Payments Products and Services
Payment Processing
Merchant 1 Payments handles processing for all major debit and credit cards, catering to a wide range of business types. Their services include EMV card readers, POS systems, MOTO (mail order/telephone order) solutions, e-commerce options, data reporting and analytics, and wireless payments.
Mobile Payment Solutions
As smartphone usage for payments increases, merchant services companies often offer mobile payment solutions. These solutions enable businesses to accept payments anywhere and anytime, enhancing customer convenience.
Online Payment Gateways
For online businesses, merchant services companies typically provide online payment gateways. These gateways allow businesses to securely process transactions over the internet.
Point of Sale Systems
Modern point of sale (POS) systems are a standard offering, providing transaction processing along with inventory management, sales tracking, and valuable analytics.
Merchant 1 Payments Customer Reviews
Here's What Their Clients Say
Total Online Complaints | <10 |
---|---|
Live Customer Support | Yes |
Most Common Complaint | N/A |
Recent Lawsuits | No |
Minimal Complaints Reported
At present, we could not find any Merchant 1 Payments reviews that label the company as a scam or a ripoff. In fact, there are only a handful of reviews across various consumer protection websites. One complaint dating back to January 2014 vaguely mentions unexpected bills for online transactions that the merchant claims never occurred. However, this seems to be an isolated incident, and it’s unclear if the complainant is referring to an external agent of Merchant 1 Payments or a representative from another entity. If you’ve had an experience with Merchant 1 Payments, feel free to share your review in the comments section below.
Legal Issues and Penalties
No significant class-action lawsuits or FTC complaints have been filed against Merchant 1 Payments. Clients dissatisfied with their experience and seeking a non-litigious resolution can explore reporting their concerns to relevant supervisory organizations.
Customer Support Services
The scarcity of complaints suggests that the company likely maintains capable customer service representatives and transparent contract terms. The Merchant 1 website provides dedicated phone support available 24/7, indicating a commitment to customer care that aligns with the standards of top-rated payment processors for customer support.
Merchant 1 Payments Customer Service Information
- (877) 797-1783 – Toll-Free Support
- (800) 541-2613 – Fax
Other Support Options
- Customer service email address at [email protected]
Merchant 1 Payments Online Ratings
Here's How They Rate Online
BBB Reports | 7 |
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Clean Complaint Record
Merchant 1 Payments has been an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau since 2009. As of this review, the company currently holds an “A+” rating with the BBB and has had 0 complaints filed against it in the last 36 months.
What Merchants Say
Merchant 1 Payments has also received 7 informal reviews from users, all 5 stars. One recent informal review describes excellent customer service:
Jayden has recently set up my small business with Merchant 1 and I am very happy with the service so far. Quick and easy to get a hold of, always checking in to see how we are doing and a pleasure to work with. We have had zero issues with our set up and new machine. ***** ****** ********* ** ****** ** *** ******** ********* they take the time to listen and understand who we are. Currently using Merchant 1 in my retail storefront but looking forward to working with them for new my ecommerce site as well!
This level of quality of customer service is an important consideration when choosing a merchant account provider.
An “A” Performance
Given the fact that Merchant 1 Payments has received 0 complaints, we agree with the BBB’s score in this case. For more information on how we factor BBB grades into our overall ratings, please see our rating criteria.
Merchant 1 Payments Fees, Rates & Costs
A Closer Look at The Contract
Cancellation Penalties | No |
---|---|
Monthly & Annual Fees | Yes |
Processing Rates | 1.00% - 4.99% |
Equipment Leasing | Yes |
Month-to-Month Contract
The standard Merchant 1 Payments contract is a flexible month-to-month agreement without an early termination fee. It includes a PCI compliance fee of $9.99 monthly. Additionally, there’s an option for an equipment lease with Ladco Leasing, which has received negative feedback. Merchants not maintaining PCI compliance are subject to a $20 monthly fee.
A representative from the company advises clients on purchasing, renting, or leasing equipment, with a strong recommendation to buy equipment outright to avoid the pitfalls of leasing.
Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Pricing
Merchant 1 Payments extends its services to include virtual terminal and payment gateway offerings through Elavon. Detailed pricing for these services is not provided directly on their site. Customer feedback suggests transaction rates could be as much as 3.5% plus $0.30, with a potential gateway fee up to $25 monthly. One complaint mentioned a setup fee nearing $500, but this claim is outdated, with no recent reports supporting this figure. Typically, additional costs, such as gateway fees, technical support, batch fees, and other transaction-related charges may apply, especially for e-commerce services.
No Pricing Complaints
There appears to be an absence of complaints regarding hidden fees or unexpected charges in Merchant 1 Payments’ standard fees or contracts, suggesting a general contentment among its clientele with the company’s pricing structure. Merchant 1 Payments is considered to offer contract terms that are on par with some of the most affordable merchant accounts available.
Merchant 1 Payments Employee Reviews & Sales Tacitcs
Should You Work For Them?
Uses Independent Resellers | Yes |
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Telemarketing | Unclear |
Misleading Marketing | No |
Discloses All Important Terms | Yes |
Inside and Outside Sales Agents
Merchant 1 Payments appears to employ both full-time, W2-employed inside sales agents and paid-by-commission external sales agents to market its services. The latter practice is often responsible for client frustrations in this industry due to the difficulty of monitoring these agents’ behavior, but in this case, we are only able to locate a few Merchant 1 Payments reviews that mention problems with the company’s sales team. One Merchant 1 Payments complaint does not provide specific details of what transpired and is therefore of little use. The other describes frustration with the company’s insistence on scheduling a phone call to receive a rate quote. If true, these complaints do not compare favorably to our list of best credit card processors.
No Red Flags
Merchant 1 Payments does not appear to engage in any deceptive advertising strategies in its official materials. If you suspect that the company is charging you undisclosed fees, we recommend seeking a third-party statement audit to eliminate hidden costs.
Our Merchant 1 Payments Review Summary
Our Final Thoughts
Merchant 1 Payments stands out as a dependable credit card processing provider according to our standards. With very few complaints on record and strong performance with the Better Business Bureau, it demonstrates a commitment to customer satisfaction and operational excellence. The company performs at a level comparable to our top-rated all-purpose merchant account providers, offering competitive and reliable services for businesses seeking seamless payment processing solutions.
Even when working with well-regarded credit card processors, merchants should meticulously review the terms of any contract they receive. This ensures a comprehensive understanding of fees, obligations, and service features, helping businesses avoid unforeseen costs and find the provider that best aligns with their specific needs. By exercising due diligence in this way, merchants can secure a payment processing partner that fosters their long-term growth and success.
Location & Ownership
Merchant 1 Payments is a registered MSP/ISO of the Canadian branch of U.S. Bank National Association and Elavon. The company is located at 2180 Steeles Ave W, Suite 300, Concord, ON L4K 2Z5. The president and CEO of Merchant 1 Payments is Joe Bonavota.
If you found this article helpful, please share it!
Payam
Saved me money, and with minimal effort
Stephanie Greve
We have been partners with M1P for a year now and I have nothing but great things to say. From the savings to the PCI compliance being taken care of, our account manager, Robert, is amazing! I would highly recommend any business utilize M1P as their merchant services.
Karen Avery
Our company has been dealing with Merchant 1 payments for one year now and the service has been excellent.
Ashleigh Watkins
Amazing to deal with. Great customer service and went above and beyond to make our company feel welcomed. Robert Bauco was excellent and explained everything clearly. Definitely recommend Merchant 1 Payments!!
CPO
Hi Ashleigh,
Please reply to this comment with your business name and location in order to authenticate your testimonial. Thanks!
Ashleigh Watkins
Aztec Landscaping Ltd
Grande Prairie, AB Canada
Renda A
Merchant 1 was wonderful when I opened my new business. The setup and support has been excellent and any questions I had were always answered right away. I would not think of going with another merchant account.
Clara Kovats
I have been a very happy client of Merchant1Payment (located in Canada) for over 7 years. I was using another merchant service before and Calvin came to my rescue! I have been receiving friendly, EXCELLENT, customer service consistently. Merchant1Payments have been a reliable, affordable, professional interac service provider for my business at Urban Bliss Wellness Spa in New Westminster. Thank you!!!!
Peter Reichart
A bit shady. Non existing extension was provided be the first contact. They insisted on scheduled phone meetings and did not provide the analysis via email. That’s what the competitors did. Apparently there is only one person that can interpret the analysis (Robert) and he demands a scheduled phone meeting. After sending in one of our statements, I feel they are very opportunistic and have wasted my time by not providing tan analysis back. Reselling elavon is not a bad thing, being cagey with information, providing a false extension and trying to gain leverage with all that is leaving a bad taste. Never heard back from them or saw an analysis of my provided statement after telling that to the cold caller (Representative)
FRANK WANG
Switch to Merchant one 2 months. the fees rate is higher than agreement and hidden cost. customer service is poor. in 1st month (July), they ignore me my request for a week then promises to return the overcharged fees in August and correct the fee rate in the system. but in August the fee rate is still wrong and the overcharged fees is not returned. email them on Sep 6, no reply until now. call them today. nobody pick the phone. left message. no reply till now
CPO
Hi Frank,
Did you intend to post this comment below our review of Merchant 1 Payments (this page) or below our review of Merchant One?
Frances Monach
Super company! I have been with Merchant 1 Payments for over 2 years now. From my first monthly statement I can finally say I understand the rates being charged. We have multiple locations with Merchant 1 Payments and all our locations are very happy with the services we receive. Thank you Merchant 1 Payments.
Phillip CPO
To authenticate your testimonial, please reply to this comment with your business name and location(s).
Jack Del
Switched to Merchant 1 Payments 4 years ago. Great service, lower rates and they supply me with the paper rolls. One stop shop with no hidden fees or rate changes. Their slogan is “at Merchant 1 Payments the Merchant is always # 1” and they stick to it. Thank you to my Regional Account Executive Len for helping me make the switch.
Phillip CPO
To authenticate this testimonial, please reply to this comment with your business name and location.
Paul
I have worked for Merchant 1 Payments for 3 years now and I can verify that they do not charge an early termination fee or PCI compliance fees. I have worked in the merchant services industry for 3 and a half years now and I have had some real nightmares with other merchant services providers. With Merchant 1 Payments I can call Merchants that I have signed up and ask for referrals, 9 out of 10 times I will get the referral. Customers are very happy with the all aspects of services received from Merchant 1 Payments. My Relationship Manager always says to me “Paul, we are not the biggest but we are the best and we are building the Merchant 1 Payments brand one merchant at a time”.
When I first stared with Merchant 1 Payments I thought this was just going to be another nightmare but I was so desperate to get my more than unsatisfied Merchants which I signed up with other providers away from the nightmare which I put them through and put them with a real company that has integrity and most important respect for their customers. Most of the Merchants I signed up with the other providers were friends & family who had businesses and they could not understand why I would placed them with such a bad provider. I spoke to my Relationship Manager with Merchant 1 Payments and they helped me move them from the other Merchant Services Providers and are now more then happy with the rates and services. I hope this is very helpful and please beware of the crooks out there!
paul elliot
I have seen the Merchant 1 Payments Agreement and it is the replica of the Elavon Agreement. They do NOT have any PCI Compliance Fee and they have the only agreement that I have seen that does NOT have any early termination fee. Their current website demonstrates their policy of total transparency and their objectives to have such universal. They conform to the Canadian Code of Conduct which is a voluntary standard that they wish to see as compulsory throughout the industry. I know many merchants who use their services and all are extremely pleased.
Phillip CPO
Hi Paul,
In order to authenticate your testimonial, please reply to this comment with your business name and location. Thank you.