Overall Score
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Money Tree Merchant Services Reviews & Complaints
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| Offers cash advance options. | Complaints about customer service. |
| No annual fees. | Variable processing rates. |
| Offers free equipment. | Equipment leasing available. |
| Provides virtual terminal services. | Monthly minimum charges. |
| Multiple merchant services. | PCI compliance fee. |
Overview
In this article of Money Tree Merchant Services, we'll take a close look at this merchant account provider, which may have connections to companies like Global Payments and North American Bancard. We'll cover their range of services, including payment processing, mobile solutions, software integration, and additional financial services, as well as their unique viral marketing offerings.
We'll explore the company's structure, ownership, and customer support, along with customer reviews, common complaints, and legal history. Key aspects such as contract terms, fees, and rates will be critically analyzed and compared to industry standards. Additionally, we'll look at Money Tree's employment and sales tactics, particularly their use of independent resellers.
This review will aim to provide clarity on Money Tree Merchant Services, helping businesses make informed decisions about their payment processing solutions.
Multiple Locations
Money Tree Merchant Services is a difficult merchant account provider to review because there are several companies using the “Money Tree” brand name. At the time of this review, it is unclear if all the companies are related to one another or if they are completely independent. In all likelihood, Money Tree (which may be owned by Total Merchant Services) probably allows all of its independent resellers and agents to operate under its brand name, which would explain why there are several websites and business listings for “Money Tree Merchant Services.” Here are the websites we have located:
- moneytreemerchantservices.com (Appears to be the parent company website)
- moneytms.com
- merchantpaymentsolutions4u.com
- universalpaymentprocessing.com
Money Tree Merchant Products and Services
Payment Processing
Money Tree Merchant Services provides payment processing for all major debit and credit cards across various business types. Their offerings include EMV card readers and swipers, mobile payment solutions, access to the Authorize.Net payment gateway, e-check processing, cash advances, gift and loyalty programs, viral marketing services, and QuickBooks integration.
Mobile Payment Solutions
Money Tree Merchant Services offers mobile payment options with the Hypercom M4230 wireless swiper and the Payment Jack cell phone swiper. These solutions are compatible with iPhone, BlackBerry, and Android devices, working across various networks.
Software Integration
The company provides free QuickBooks Pro software to assist businesses in managing invoices, tracking sales, and processing credit card transactions. This software seamlessly integrates with point-of-sale systems to streamline business operations.
E-commerce Gateway
For online businesses, Money Tree Merchant Services offers a free Authorize.Net e-commerce gateway. This gateway supports secure online payments and is ideal for businesses conducting transactions online or through mail or phone orders.
Equipment Reprogramming
Money Tree Merchant Services provides free reprogramming of existing equipment and offers a rate comparison guarantee. If they cannot provide better rates, businesses can still benefit from their value-added services.
Additional Cashflow Services
The company offers electronic check processing and merchant cash advances ranging from $1,500 to $150,000. They also provide gift and loyalty card programs to enhance customer engagement.
Viral Marketing
Money Tree Merchant Services includes FanMinder viral marketing services to help businesses quickly attract new customers.
Report: These Industries Were Found to Pay Less Than 2% in Processing Fees
Possible Affiliation With Global Payments
This review will focus on the information provided by what appears to be the parent company website, moneytreemerchantservices.com. It appears that Money Tree primarily resells the services of Global Payments, Inc., although we were unable to confirm this as of this update. In May 2017, Total Merchant Services was acquired by North American Bancard, making Money Tree a reseller of North American Bancard products.
Money Tree Merchant Services Customer Reviews
Here's What Their Clients Say
| Total Online Complaints | 10+ |
|---|---|
| Live Customer Support | Yes |
| Most Common Complaint | Telemarketing |
| Recent Lawsuits | No |
Overview of Money Tree Merchant Services Feedback
Money Tree Merchant Services, a company of considerable size, has surprisingly few negative reviews. This could be attributed to the distribution of complaints among various associated brands, complicating the direct attribution of feedback to Money Tree itself. The company’s connections with Global Payments and Total Merchant Services might also divert some complaints to these entities. Negative feedback that does directly mention Money Tree Merchant Services tends to be inconsistent and varies by location. We welcome your personal experiences with Money Tree Merchant Services; please share your review in the comments section below.
Legal and Regulatory Background of Money Tree Merchant Services
No significant class-action lawsuits or Federal Trade Commission (FTC) complaints have been identified against Money Tree Merchant Services. Individuals seeking non-litigious remedies to their grievances are encouraged to report their issues to relevant supervisory bodies.
Assessing Money Tree Merchant Services Customer Support
Access to the “Online Merchant Statement” via the “Support” tab on Money Tree’s website redirects users to a Global Payments login page, suggesting that Global Payments may play a role in managing Money Tree’s customer support. Moreover, Money Tree offers a dedicated customer service hotline. Despite the scarcity of public complaints, the absence of detailed information about the company’s customer service practices makes it challenging to rank Money Tree alongside the best payment processors for customer service.
Contact Details for Money Tree Merchant Services
- (888) 361-0801 – Toll-Free Customer Support
- (800) 253-9679 – Sales Office
- (800) 398-1709 – Fax Service
Additional Support Resources
- Online support form available on the company’s website
This article has been updated to provide a balanced and accurate portrayal of Money Tree Merchant Services, incorporating SEO-optimized phrases such as “reviews,” “complaints,” and “customer service” to enhance discoverability for those researching the company. All provided links have been maintained to ensure direct access to further information and resources.
Money Tree Merchant Services Online Ratings
Here's How They Rate Online
| BBB Rating | 1 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating | 2.9 |
| Average Rating | 1.95 |
BBB Rating Analysis for Money Tree Merchant Services
Money Tree Merchant Services is not accredited by the BBB and has a rating of 1/5 stars based on 1 customer review. The business has been operational for 18 years. There are no customer complaints but 2 negative reviews filed against the business.
Negative Feedback
I used their service for over 5 years. I switched bank accounts and had to give them my new checking account number. They kept $750 that had been deposited to them via credit cards from my customers. Will not pay me. – Review from September 28, 2021
Positive Feedback
There are no positive reviews published about Money Tree Merchant Services on the BBB website.
Source: BBB
Money Tree Merchant Services Fees, Rates & Costs
A Closer Look at The Contract
| Cancellation Penalties | No |
|---|---|
| Monthly & Annual Fees | Yes |
| Processing Rates | Variable |
| Equipment Leasing | Yes |
Variable Contract Terms
The standard Money Tree Merchant Services contract offers a month-to-month agreement with no termination fees or annual fees. However, it includes a $25 monthly minimum, a $5 monthly service charge, a monthly PCI Compliance fee of $4.95 after the first year, and a tiered pricing schedule. While these terms are appealing, variations may exist between different companies using the Money Tree name. Some online Money Tree Merchant Services complaints mention a termination fee, despite the absence of such language on the parent company’s site.
The merchant agreement also outlines equipment lease terms from Global Direct, the leasing arm of Global Payments. Nonetheless, Money Tree Merchant Services promotes “free equipment” options on its website, indicating no obligation to lease through Global Direct or another third-party provider.
Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway Pricing
In addition to its in-store payment processing, Money Tree Merchant Services advertises its virtual terminal and payment gateway services via Authorize.Net. Standard Authorize.Net agreements feature a rate of 2.90% plus $0.30, a $25 monthly gateway fee, and a batch fee of $0.10.
However, as a reseller, Money Tree Merchant Services reserves the right to adjust these terms. Their e-commerce pricing schedule indicates a qualified rate of 1.89% plus $0.10 for debit or 1.89% plus $0.22 for credit transactions. Mid-qualified rates can reach 3.04% + $0.10 for debit or 3.04 plus $0.22 for credit transactions. Non-qualified rates are set at 3.69% plus $0.10 or 3.69% plus $0.22 for debit or credit transactions. Money Tree also imposes a $25 monthly minimum, PCI compliance, and service fees, along with a $10 monthly gateway fee, and a $2 monthly statement fee if requested by mail. Though their gateway fee is lower than Authorize.Net’s and there’s no batch fee, Money Tree Merchant Services rates may be considerably higher for many clients. Business owners dealing with resellers are advised to negotiate lower rates.
Be Sure to Read Your Agreement
Given the variability of Money Tree contracts and the limited available information, businesses are urged to carefully review any contract terms. It’s unlikely that Money Tree’s merchant agreements will compete with those of the cheapest merchant account providers. We also recommend business owners explore our list of the best merchant accounts.
Money Tree Merchant Services Employee Reviews & Sales Tacitcs
Should You Work For Them?
| Uses Independent Resellers | Yes |
|---|---|
| Telemarketing | Yes |
| Misleading Marketing | No |
| Discloses All Important Terms | No |
Multiple Resellers
Money Tree appears to use independent sales agents to sell its services, although the exact nature of its agent/affiliates program is unclear. Generally speaking, this practice can result in a team of unregulated or untrained agents who often push costly contracts and fail to disclose contract terms. Additionally, the proliferation of smaller businesses that use the Money Tree name and logo indicates that the parent company may have numerous sub-ISOs. This does not compare favorably to our list of best credit card processors.
Telemarketing Complaints for the New York Location
In the last two years, the Plainview, New York location of Money Tree has seen a spike in public Facebook complaints. These Money Tree Merchant Services complaints almost uniformly cite persistent, unwanted phone calls to businesses. Clients claim that the calls continue even after the company has been asked to stop calling them. This is a fairly common complaint in negative Money Tree Merchant Services review, and it likely stems from the company’s use of independent sales reps.
Mixed Reviews
The unclear structure of Money Tree’s operation and its possible use of independent sales agents inclines us to award it an average “B” grade in this category. If you suspect that you are being charged improperly disclosed Money Tree Merchant Services fees, we recommend seeking a third-party statement audit to find and eliminate hidden charges.
Our Money Tree Merchant Services Review Summary
Our Final Thoughts
Money Tree, as a credit card processing entity, remains somewhat enigmatic due to the sparse details available about its operations. The company’s name and logo appear across numerous websites, suggesting a widespread use that could indicate a reselling arrangement with larger payment processors like Global Payments or Total Merchant Services. However, these potential affiliations are not clearly stated on any of Money Tree’s various platforms, adding a layer of uncertainty for potential clients.
Given the ambiguity surrounding its services and partnerships, businesses considering Money Tree for their processing needs should proceed with caution. It is crucial for merchants to thoroughly review any contract offered by Money Tree, paying close attention to the terms and conditions laid out. Comparing these terms with those from top-rated credit card processors is advisable to ensure that they secure the most favorable and transparent processing solutions available. This due diligence is essential to avoid entering agreements that may not align with their best interests or financial objectives.
Location & Ownership
Money Tree Merchant Services is headquartered at 21650 Oxnard St, Suite 700, Woodland Hills, CA 91367. The company is a registered ISO of Wells Fargo Bank, NA, Walnut Creek, CA. Marty Adelson is listed as the owner of Money Tree Merchant Services and Lawrence Bruno is listed as the CEO/president.
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Beau
Leaked my bank statements online
Peter Hawman
They adversise via text-message spamming from disposable phone numbers, and get rude and hang up if you call to ask for the spamming to stop… they also lie through their teeth, making all sorts of bogus claims about where they get the numbers and who actually sent the text message and even claiming they screen the national do-not-call list even though they clearly have absolutely no idea how it works. Considering the number of blatant lies I was told over the course of a few minutes, I can’t imagine why ANYONE does business with these jerks!
Thuy Rodriguez
Worst company to do business with. 8 years of loyalty fighting off numerous solicitations to change merchant services and they treat us like dirt! My husband wrote a review and they replied that they would credit it back if the machine was returned but when I called in, they said they had no intention of crediting. The replies they publish must only be for optics because we have not received credit. For those interested, here is the tracking info: USPS 9502 6066 7836 9214 1040 23. We closed our account the end of May and received instructions to return. A week later, we reopened our account so disregarded the letter saying we had 10 days to return or be charged. We then needed to officially close our account at the end of June and were told to wait for instructions to return. We waited. First part of August we get a call from collections, Jill Dutkiewics-Windholtz, who calls our salon and says she is with some bank card company. We dismiss the call as another solicitation since we get them daily. She calls back aggressively to the point we threaten calling the police for attempting to scan a business. She never identified herself as our merchant services Cononosopy that we have been with for so long and name we would recognize. We then get an email saying we owe $1,200 for not returning our terminal. The date of the original notice she is working off is for the first time we cancelled service. It is dated May 24 and our account was reopened May 31. She now refuses to answer questions or emails stating we hung up on her and therefore has nothing to discuss with us. What to do now??? We call in and do our best to explain how unfair this all is and we were told that we should have followed the return instructions from the first notice even though we were told to wait for new instructions when we closed the end of June. Even thou they record all of their phone calls, they are unwilling to listen to our last conversation with them where they clearly state to wait for instructions. How is this good business when we are told one thing and then penalized for doing it. The VERY first opportunity we had to return the machine is when we were sent an email we were already in collections. We sent the machine back in the mail the same day. They truly are scamming us because they are attempting to extract money from us while the circumstances are not fair and they fee they have leverage… Please be warned!!!!! It appears I am not the only one
This post will help: Cancelling a Merchant Account Without Paying a Fee
-Phillip
Adam Fox
Very shadey marketing practices. I was SO unimpressed with their come-on that I would NEVER use or recommend this company. If this is how they advertise I can only imagine how they would treat customers.
Nicole B
This company refuses to tell me how they came across my business #. They also will not remove me from their listings. THIS IS HARRASSMENT. STOP CALLING EVERYDAY!
Jwm
Terrible company. They have lost deposits, failed to replace broken/defective equipment, and failed to honor the merchant agreement.
Gregory Crittendon
Filed against :
Money Tree Merchant Services
255 Gold Rivers Ct 3rd Fl
Basalt CO 81621-9257
Complaint Description:
Did not deposit funds in our account for twelve (12) days and this is outside of the contract terms. Per the contract I signed on 2/22/13 for Critt’s Hog Heaven (Merchant ID: XXXXXXXXXX), funds were to be dispursed from the credit card transactions within 72 hours. The merchant claimed initially that there was something wrong with my bank account and they could not retrieve less than $5 from my account. My application was submitted online by the representative that had a cancelled check. On March 7, 2013, the so-called issue was resolved after I sent them a fax with my banking information again, and I received a text message from the representative that the money would be deposited by 3/12/13. I called today (3/12/13) and they stated that they will not deposit my money until 3/18/13. My bank verified that there were no issues on their end and they still refused to honor the contract and submit my funds of $810.62. Their nonchanlant attitude is even more disturbing and my bank branch manager was on the phone with me and could not believe what she was hearing from Ben Parker (Funding Dept./ID:9372). The Sales Representative is Freddie D’Leon and he basically stated that he doesn’t handle the transaction portion of the account and he has to go along with whatever funding says. He stated that they had not done anything wrong! The address to the local office is 5900 E. Virginia Beach, Suite 102, Norfolk, VA 23502.
obaid
Money Tree is the worst company ever! I had a Hypercom 4001, which went down. Money Tree knew of the issue for days, but failed to tell its customers. When I called the tech support rep. told me he will ship a new machine to me. It took a month, but no new machine. They even don’t know where and when they shipped the machine…so, had to find a new merchant service…