Merchant One Payment Processing Review, Features & Pricing [2019]
Last update at April 14, 2020
Key Features
- Credit and Debit Card Processing through Mail, Telephone, and Internet
- eCommerce Options
- Capable of providing POS functions across a variety of mediums, including mobile, desktop, and tablet platforms.
- Accessibility to Online Gateways for Payment
- Integrates with QuickBooks
- Wireless and Virtual Integration
Pricing
Merchant One’s pricing structures are far from fixed in stone, and vary from merchant to merchant based upon several factors, including the focus of the business, the volume of their processing needs, and the agent involved in establishing the account.
For their standard merchant contract, terms can include a 3 to 5 year duration accompanied by a $25 early termination fee for each of the months left over on the contract. These fees for residual months are known as Liquidated Damages, and either they or a $295 charge will be assessed in the event of a premature departure from the contract, depending on which is larger.
Online reports have cited a $750 charge for early terminations as a source of frustration with the company, making it seem possible that the cost of leaving the company has recently risen. Additionally, some merchants have attacked the company for not disclosing their cancellation costs nor the length of the contract terms within the framework of the application.
As a result, we recommend that you carefully read through the terms of the company’s ETF before finalizing a partnership with Merchant One.
Moreover, it’s important to note that Merchant One seems to charge a yearly PCI compliance charge that costs an additional $100.
Things To Note
One of the areas most glaringly in need of improvement at Merchant One is their dispute resolution protocol. This is evidenced by the wave of negative reviews across a host of consumer experience boards and customer protection forums. Compared to other similarly-sized providers, their volume of consumer complaints is fairly sizable, and the majority of them tend to reflect that customer felt deceived by the company’s marketing. Other major grievances include an overwhelming echo of discontent with Merchant One’s sales processes and the prevalence of hidden fees and penalties.
Customers also raised an eyebrow at the high cancellation fees, and the lack of clarity surrounding them. Though the company does give its clients a support line for them to call and offers live assistance for navigating through the sometimes-hazy terms of their contract, it’s not well-defined whether or not the support is provided by First Data or if it’s attended to by Merchant One.
In A Nutshell
Merchant One offers credit-processing and POS systems that allow companies to set up shop anywhere. Using their services, you can seamlessly connect the online and brick-and-mortar components of your company using their integration of wireless and virtual elements.
In the same vein as many of their competitors, they offer next day funding, reducing the amount of time that merchants have to wait to receive their payments.
Their online account management also enables users to conveniently tackle the tasks associated with their accounts from anywhere at any time. Should users have any questions on how to best resolve issues arising with their accounts, Merchant One’s 24/7 customer service line can be reliably depended upon to assist them in navigating whatever needs resolution.
However, the one aspect in which it seems that the company could use some overhauling is the manner in which they present the terms of their contract and cancellation penalties to prospective customers. Merchants have rigorously complained about the lack of clarity with which the organization outlines its penalty and fee structure, and many customer review boards are teeming with accounts of how the company charged them more than they had been told they would be when they were setting up their account.
Going More In-depth
While Merchant One offers wide-ranging and comprehensive services, neither their webpage nor First Data’s offers a detailed description of what these services comprise.
However, per the company’s communications, they can be relied upon for the following options:
- POS Software
- Accounts for Merchants
- Mobile/In-Store Terminals – Merchant One’s terminals support every available credit or debit card. However, it’s important to note that the company doesn’t disclose whether terminals are rented or bought.
- Options for eCommerce
- Processing of Checks
- Gift and Reward Cards Programs
Unfortunately, the company does not post its costs on its website, which does not assist it in debunking the scores of claims that state that it is unclear and intentionally deceitful with its pricing strategies. Moreover, a high volume of merchants has expressed outrage at the fact that the company charges PCI compliance fees.
It is important to note that in the past year, the number of complaints filed against Merchant One with the Better Business Bureau has fallen dramatically, indicating that they might be listening to customer complaints and taking their suggestions to heart.
Things to Love About Merchant One
Merchant One’s 24/7 support is there whenever clients need it, and their mobile, tablet, desktop, and in-store POS options give merchants a lot of flexibility in how they choose to accept payments. In addition, the company states it’s options are competitive and state-of-the-art.
Finally, the company’s next-day funding cuts down on how much merchants have to wait for their money. With falling complaints and soaring customer numbers, Merchant One is a POS provider worth exploring.
