In this article of Merchant Processing Solutions, Inc., we take a closer look at various aspects of their services. We'll cover their credit card processing, payment gateways like Authorize.Net and their proprietary Merchant Pro Payment Gateway, and diverse Point of Sale (POS) systems tailored to different business needs. We will also explore their instant capital options, ATM services, web development initiatives, and unique Affinity Partner Program.
Our analysis includes their contract terms, focusing on rates, fees, and cancellation policies, and highlighting common complaints and feedback from customers and employees. We'll address potential confusion with similarly named companies and provide insights into their customer support options. Additionally, we'll scrutinize the company's marketing tactics, legal history, and overall online and industry ratings. Finally, we weigh the pros and cons of their services to help businesses make informed decisions about partnering with Merchant Processing Solutions.
About Merchant Processing Solutions
Merchant Processing Solutions, Inc. is an Annapolis, Maryland-based merchant account provider that offers credit card processing for most standard-risk business types. Founded in 2007, the company appears to resell the products and services of First Data (now Fiserv) and Authorize.Net. The company offers merchant accounts for a wide range of business types, but it does not appear to provide high-risk merchant accounts at this time. The company also offers zero-fee processing.
Merchant Processing Solutions Products and Services
Payment Gateway
Merchant Processing Solutions provides payment gateways for online purchases, including the widely-used Authorize.Net gateway and their proprietary Merchant Pro Payment Gateway. The Merchant Pro Payment Gateway offers various solutions tailored to specific needs, such as three-step direct API, direct post API, mobile API, query API, and turnkey shopping carts through their QuickClicks software. The gateway features encryption for customer information, reporting, recurring billing, and compatibility with third-party shopping carts.
Payment Processing
Merchant Processing Solutions enables businesses to accept a range of electronic payments, including credit cards, debit cards, and mobile wallets.
Point of Sale Systems
The company provides Point of Sale (POS) systems designed for different types of businesses.
Instant Capital and Rev Program
Merchant Processing Solutions offers instant capital options and a revenue program known as the “Rev Program,” aimed at helping businesses increase their profits.
ATM Services
As part of their payment solutions, the company also offers ATM services, providing businesses with an additional payment option for customers.
Web Development and Affinity Partner Program
Merchant Processing Solutions offers web development services and an Affinity Partner Program, helping businesses online presence and build partnerships.
Location & Ownership
Merchant Processing Solutions, a registered ISO of PNC Bank, N.A., Pittsburgh, PA, is headquartered at 200 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Gary Baillio serves as the president and CEO. The company is also known as “Merchant Pro.” It is worth noting that the Better Business Bureau lists profiles for several companies with the same name, which may cause confusion for those looking for the Maryland-based Merchant Processing Solutions.
Merchant Processing Solutions Customer Reviews
Here's What Their Clients Say
Customer Reviews Summary
Total Online Complaints
30+
Live Customer Support
Yes
Most Common Complaint
Hidden Fees
Recent Lawsuits
No
Review of Complaints Against Merchant Pro
We have identified more than 30 negative reviews concerning Merchant Pro, with allegations ranging from the company being a scam to engaging in ripoff practices. Common issues highlighted include aggressive marketing tactics, undisclosed fees, unsatisfactory customer service, and steep penalties for contract termination. Merchant Processing Solutions has addressed some of these complaints, showing a willingness to resolve misunderstandings or errors, yet maintaining strict policies regarding early termination fees. We encourage you to share your experiences with Merchant Processing Solutions in the comment section below to assist others in forming a balanced view of the company.
Clarification on Complaints
In researching Merchant Pro, it’s crucial to distinguish between complaints aimed at Merchant Processing Solutions, LLC in Los Angeles, and a similarly named entity in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. These organizations are not connected. Merchant Processing Solutions, LLC, particularly, has attracted a significant number of severe complaints. Our analysis carefully differentiates among these entities to provide accurate information.
Legal Proceedings and Regulatory Issues
Our research found no active class-action lawsuits or Federal Trade Commission (FTC) complaints against Merchant Processing Solutions. Customers seeking resolution outside the courtroom might consider reaching out to appropriate regulatory bodies.
Exploring Customer Support Options
Merchant Processing Solutions extends phone and email support to its clientele, though it does not publicly share its operating hours. This approach facilitates direct communication but may leave some users seeking more transparency.
Contact Details for Customer Service
(888) 573-1133 – Toll-Free Customer Service Number
Despite these provisions, Merchant Processing Solutions’ customer service framework does not fully align with the benchmarks set by industry leaders in customer service.
This revision aims to offer a nuanced view of Merchant Processing Solutions, emphasizing user reviews, complaint management, and customer support practices while ensuring the content is SEO-optimized to enhance discoverability for topics related to “reviews,” “complaints,” “customer reviews,” “customer service numbers,” and similar keyphrases.
Note: We have adjusted this company’s BBB rating according to our own standards. To better understand why we adjust BBB ratings, please see our Rating Criteria.
Under 10 Complaints
Merchant Processing Solutions currently has an “A+” rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been BBB accredited since 2010. As noted above, there are multiple companies with the name Merchant Processing Solutions that have a profile with the BBB, and those seeking the Maryland MPS should take care to confirm they are on the correct page. The company’s profile is currently showing 2 complaints in the last 36 months. Both complaints were resolved to the dissatisfaction of the client or received no final response.
A “B” Performance Overall
In light of the company’s complaint total and resolution ratio, we have adjusted the BBB’s rating to a “B.”
Based on client feedback, the standard Merchant Pro rates and contract entail a three-year agreement with an early termination fee of $495, along with a $10 monthly service charge, an annual fee of $129.95, and a variable monthly minimum fee. While complaints prior to 2018 mention iPayment as Merchant Processing Solutions’ backend payment processor, it remains unconfirmed whether the company now resells Paysafe contracts following iPayment’s absorption into Paysafe. Some complainants also highlight long-term, non-cancellable equipment leases through First Data Global Leasing.
Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Costs
In addition to its in-store payment processing services, Merchant Processing Solutions advertises its virtual terminal and payment gateway services through Authorize.Net. A typical Authorize.Net contract includes a rate of 2.90% plus $0.30, a payment gateway fee of $25, and a batch fee of $0.10. However, Merchant Processing Solutions retains the authority to modify these terms and conditions as a reseller of these services. MPS also provides its own payment gateway, Merchant Pro Payment Gateway.
Beware of Liquidated Damages
The company’s early termination fee can potentially escalate to thousands of dollars if the business triggers a Liquidated Damages penalty or violates any condition of the equipment lease agreement. Several clients have reported in Merchant Processing Solutions reviews that they agreed to pay the $495 fee upon cancellation only to receive unexpected bills amounting to thousands of dollars. This type of complaint aligns with those against other companies selling iPayment contracts. We recommend business owners to explore our list of the best merchant accounts providers.
Competitive Pricing
While most complaints about Merchant Pro’s contract terms revolve around the cancellation penalty, a few also mention higher-than-expected rates. The available evidence indicates that Merchant Pro offers industry-average contract terms, which may not be competitive with more budget-friendly merchant accounts. As a result, it has been rated as “C” in this section.
Merchant Processing Solutions offers its own proprietary payment gateway
Merchant Processing Solutions primarily utilizes telemarketing and independent sales representatives to market its products and services. The combination of telesales and independent agents is usually tied to high complaint rates, and Merchant Processing Solutions is no exception. We have located over 30 negative Merchant Processing Solutions reviews that cite undisclosed fees, persistent sales calls, and higher-than-advertised rates. These Merchant Processing Solutions reviews originate from business owners all across the country, which is typical of merchant account providers that employ independent contractors. This does not compare favorably to our list of best credit card processors.
One Rival’s Report
The following excerpt from a rival agent commenting below this Merchant Processing Solutions review is especially alarming:
The guy in charge, Arthur Williams, proceeded to tell me that I wasn’t allowed to give my cell number to clients. He also said that they only hire sales people with no industry experience and didn’t pay on residuals. They were solely looking for headhunters to put people in leases. […] Merchant Pro Inc’s rep not only didn’t disclose that he was putting them in a lease, he also forged the business owner’s signature in 2 places after he left the business. These guys are crooks.
This comment is clearly identified as coming from a competitor, but if true, it is a harsh indictment of Merchant Processing Solutions’ sales approach.
No Deceptive Ads
To its credit, Merchant Pro does not appear to promote any deceptive rate quotes or unrealistic guarantees in its official marketing materials. However, the consistent complaints that it has received regarding its sales tactics have lowered its grade to a “D” in this section. If you suspect you’re being charged undisclosed Merchant Processing Solutions fees, we recommend seeking a third-party statement audit to eliminate hidden charges.
The Merchant Processing Solutions philosophy
Our Merchant Processing Solutions Review Summary
Our Final Thoughts
Merchant Processing Solutions is assessed as an average player within the credit card processing industry. This places them notably below the calibre of the industry’s top-rated processors. The company’s offerings in terms of contract terms do not deviate significantly from what is typically expected within the industry, which suggests a baseline level of service that meets but does not exceed standard expectations.
The company has attracted a moderate volume of complaints, particularly concerning the practices of its sales team. These complaints often highlight issues related to transparency and the clarity of the information provided by sales representatives. A specific area of concern that could potentially impact the perception of Merchant Processing Solutions is the manner in which they handle early termination fees. Details about these fees remain somewhat unclear. Until more definitive information is available regarding their policies on early termination fees and other critical contractual details, our current evaluation stands, but it remains open to revision based on new insights and developments.
Location & Ownership
Merchant Processing Solutions is a registered ISO of PNC Bank, N.A., Pittsburgh, PA, and is headquartered at 200 Harry S. Truman Pkwy, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. Gary Baillio is the president and CEO at Merchant Processing Solutions. The company often goes by the shortened name of “Merchant Pro.” It should be noted that the BBB holds profiles for at least three other companies called Merchant Processing Solutions, which is likely to confuse those seeking the Maryland MPS.
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In the late 2000s, as a broke college student struggling to make ends meet, I was contacted by a merchant services company after uploading my resume to a job listings website. This company promised substantial commissions and ongoing residual income for simply persuading businesses to accept credit card payments. It seemed straightforward enough—after all, what business doesn’t need to process credit card payments? Following a phone interview with a persuasive “sales director,” I found myself embarking on what I believed would be an easy job that would significantly boost my bank account with reliable monthly income and large sales commissions. However, the lessons I learned would profoundly change my life in ways I could never have imagined.
After completing my sales training, I hit the ground running, eager to make sales. This broke college student was determined to improve his financial situation! My first attempt at a cold call, with no prior appointment, ended with a burly man in his 50s yelling at me to leave, claiming he had been “totally robbed” by someone like me before. As I hastily exited, puzzled and intimidated by his reaction, I couldn’t help but wonder what he meant. Throughout the day, I encountered similar hostility from other business owners, all expressing disdain for the industry I had been so excited to join that morning. Confused and curious, I decided to shift my approach from selling to listening.
I quickly uncovered that the merchant services sector was riddled with unethical practices, including hidden fees, deceptive marketing, fine-print traps, and much more. It dawned on me that I had nearly been tricked by a dubious company into selling overpriced services under contracts with long-term commitments, all without being fully aware of what I was promoting. Outraged, I resigned from that company but learned that there were indeed ethical credit card processing companies that treated their clients fairly. Over the next four years, I worked for one such company, assisting hundreds of businesses in securing cost-effective processing solutions. Yet, I also met many more who had been misled and trapped in onerous service agreements. Determined to help people steer clear of these unscrupulous providers, I launched this website in my spare time, dedicating myself to researching and sharing my findings on every merchant account provider I could investigate.
Gradually, more and more business owners began to discover my articles. As word spread, search engines started to rank my content highly, amplifying its reach. My efforts were making a difference! Eventually, the website garnered enough traffic to enable me to leave my job and focus on it full-time, a journey that has now spanned over a decade. This path has not been without its challenges; unscrupulous company owners have tried to intimidate and sue me into silence on several occasions. Yet, I have stood firm against each threat. Here I am, continuing to publish reviews and articles, hoping to safeguard others from the pitfalls of the credit card processing industry.
If you believe in my mission and wish to contribute, please share my articles on your websites and social media. Thank you for visiting!
Testimonials & Complaints
How Did Merchant Processing Solutions Treat You?
4 User Reviews
Owner
MERCHANT PROCESSING SOLUTION STOP CALLING ME @#$%^&* !!!! I’m on the State Do not call list, National Do not call list, I told your mangers 18 times in 2018 to put me on the company Do Not Call List, I sent a letter, and STILL YOU IDIOTS called me 4 times this week! That’s not including the 19 calls in 2017. I’m going to sue you now ! DIE IN A FIRE !
These people have called me over 52 times, and won’t stop calling since 2015. I’m looking for a lawyer right now. Tell me the one you used. They called me 9 times in 1 day!
When I first got into the business 2 years ago, I met with Merchant Pro Inc about becoming one of their agents. The interview was about 15 minutes long. The guy in charge, Arthur Williams, proceeded to tell me that I wasn’t allowed to give my cell number to clients. He also said that they only hire sales people with no industry experience and didn’t pay on residuals. They were solely looking for headhunters to put people in leases. I knew right away that this wasn’t the company for me. In the course of growing my business, I’ve come across a number of their clients who’ve switched over to me. One was my mechanic. Merchant Pro Inc’s rep not only didn’t disclose that he was putting them in a lease, he also forged the business owner’s signature in 2 places after he left the business. These guys are crooks.
LIsa Allen
These people are underhanded. They hide the fees, pretend they notified you, do not communicate and rapidly raise fees after presenting you with low fees to start. I have a small business and was using them for my credit card processing. I switched and they are giving me the run around about closing my account and want to charge me more fees. Bad news.
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Owner
MERCHANT PROCESSING SOLUTION STOP CALLING ME @#$%^&* !!!! I’m on the State Do not call list, National Do not call list, I told your mangers 18 times in 2018 to put me on the company Do Not Call List, I sent a letter, and STILL YOU IDIOTS called me 4 times this week! That’s not including the 19 calls in 2017. I’m going to sue you now ! DIE IN A FIRE !
This post will help: How to Report Bad Credit Card Processors
-Phillip
MOTR
These people have called me over 52 times, and won’t stop calling since 2015. I’m looking for a lawyer right now. Tell me the one you used. They called me 9 times in 1 day!
This post will help: How to Report a Bad Credit Card Processor
-Phillip
Jaron Rice
When I first got into the business 2 years ago, I met with Merchant Pro Inc about becoming one of their agents. The interview was about 15 minutes long. The guy in charge, Arthur Williams, proceeded to tell me that I wasn’t allowed to give my cell number to clients. He also said that they only hire sales people with no industry experience and didn’t pay on residuals. They were solely looking for headhunters to put people in leases. I knew right away that this wasn’t the company for me. In the course of growing my business, I’ve come across a number of their clients who’ve switched over to me. One was my mechanic. Merchant Pro Inc’s rep not only didn’t disclose that he was putting them in a lease, he also forged the business owner’s signature in 2 places after he left the business. These guys are crooks.
LIsa Allen
These people are underhanded. They hide the fees, pretend they notified you, do not communicate and rapidly raise fees after presenting you with low fees to start. I have a small business and was using them for my credit card processing. I switched and they are giving me the run around about closing my account and want to charge me more fees. Bad news.