PaymentCloud is an online service that provides comprehensive payment solutions. It offers an impartial and detailed assessment of the options available so that users can make informed decisions about which payment solution is best for their business. Merchants in the marketplace can find the best payment solutions for their needs and benefit from reliable, secure and cost-effective services.
This PaymentCloud review aims to provide users with an in-depth and comprehensive examination of PaymentCloud to help them determine whether it is the right choice for their business.
PaymentCloud Review Features & Services
PaymentCloud is a cloud-based service that helps businesses automate their payments and accounts receivable processes. Following are some of the features and services that the company provides under its name:
Multiple Partner Banks
PaymentCloud allows businesses to connect with multiple partner banks, which helps them access more competitive rates and services. However, there have been reports of issues when setting up new partner banks and connecting them with the company. Successfully connecting PaymentCloud and a partner bank can take time and effort. Businesses with international operations may also have to consider currency exchange rates and other fees when working with multiple partner banks.
Virtual Terminals
The company also provides virtual terminals that allow businesses to process payments remotely. This feature is easy to use and can be accessed from any device. However, it can sometimes be slow and unresponsive, and the interface is not always intuitive. In addition, the virtual terminal may not be compatible with all payment processors, making it difficult to process payments.
Payment Gateways
The company offers payment gateways that allow businesses to securely process customer payments. It helps reduce the risk of fraud and makes it easier for customers to complete payments. But, there have been reports of slow and unreliable payment gateways. It can be a problem for businesses with high transaction volumes, as it can lead to lengthy delays in processing payments.
Integrations
PaymentCloud provides integrations with popular accounting and customer management software, making it easier for businesses to monitor their finances. However, some of these integrations are not always reliable and can cause issues with data syncing. It can be especially problematic for businesses that rely on accurate and up-to-date financial data. Additionally, the integrations may not be compatible with all software solutions, which can limit the number of options available to businesses.
Options for High-Risk Businesses
PaymentCloud allows businesses with high-risk payment processing needs to accept payments securely and reliably. It includes those considered dangerous by the standard payment processors, such as dating services, gambling sites, global businesses with multiple currencies, and those wishing to accept payments from countries where the standard processors don’t offer service. But, different issues may arise with high-risk merchants, such as higher processing fees and potential account freezes.
E-Check
The company provides e-check processing services, allowing businesses to accept customer payments without a physical check. It is convenient for businesses with customers who prefer this payment method. But, some users have reported issues with e-check processing when using PaymentCloud. For example, there can be problems with the authorization and verification of the customer’s information, leading to delays in processing payments.
Zero Cost
PaymentCloud also claims to offer zero-cost services, which means businesses do not have to pay any fees when processing payments. However, there have been complaints of unexpected fees and other charges when using PaymentCloud. It can be problematic for businesses relying on accurate pricing information when setting up payment processes. Additionally, the customer service team may be unable to provide adequate support for businesses facing unexpected charges.
Shopping Carts
It provides shopping carts for e-commerce businesses, which allows customers to purchase items online. The shopping cart feature is easy and intuitive to use, and it can help businesses increase their sales. But, some users have reported issues when using the shopping cart feature. For example, it can be slow to load, and the checkout process may not always be smooth. Additionally, some users have reported problems with product images not loading correctly, making it difficult for customers to complete their purchases.
Automated Clearing House (ACH)
Regarding ACH processing, PaymentCloud can help businesses securely process customer payments. It provides fast and reliable services, thus helping businesses in processing payments. But, some users have reviewed that some transactions may not go through or take a long time to process. Additionally, some users have reported that customer service may not be able to provide enough assistance when resolving ACH processing issues.
Mail-Order, Telephone-Order (MOTO)
In addition to ACH processing, PaymentCloud also offers MOTO processing solutions. It allows businesses to securely process payments from customers over the phone. However, some users have reported issues with MOTO processing speed and reliability. Businesses must know these potential problems when setting up their payment processes.
POS Systems
PaymentCloud’s POS systems are not very intuitive, making it difficult for inexperienced users to learn how to use them quickly. Additionally, the company does not offer technical support services, making it difficult to troubleshoot any issues that arise. Customizing the POS systems with your branding or promotional materials can also be difficult.
Credit Card Terminals
PaymentCloud’s credit card terminals are bulky and outdated, limiting their functionalities. The company also charges a high transaction fee, making it difficult for businesses to manage their budgets. The terminals also lack the latest security features, leaving customers vulnerable to payment fraud. Hence, businesses should know the risks of using PaymentCloud’s credit card terminals.
Paysley Contactless Payment Service
PaymentCloud’s contactless payment service, Paysley, is unreliable and has a high transaction fee. The service suffers from frequent outages and slow processing times, making it difficult to use in busy retail stores. Additionally, the contactless payment service does not offer strong encryption features or other safety options, making it insecure for customers.
Merchants’ Cash Advances
The company does not offer competitive terms and rates regarding merchant cash advances. The company’s minimum requirements are also high, making it difficult for smaller businesses to qualify for the services. Additionally, the company charges a considerable fee when businesses miss their repayments, which can put them further in debt.
Cryptocurrency Processing
PaymentCloud’s cryptocurrency processing services are limited and not very reliable. The company does not offer a wide range of business options, and transactions take a long to process. Furthermore, the fees associated with cryptocurrency processing are too high compared to other services in the market. Hence, PaymentCloud might not be the best choice for businesses that accept cryptocurrencies.
PaymentCloud Review- BBB Rating
The company has a B+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB offers consumers and businesses resources, including business profiles and reviews, dispute resolution mechanisms, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. However, Payment Cloud’s rating from the BBB is not very impressive.
Certain issues with their services or customer service may need to be addressed. There is also the possibility that this rating could change in the future, so it’s important to keep an eye on it. Hence, merchants should consider Payment Cloud’s BBB rating when deciding which payment processor to use.
PaymentCloud Review -Rates
One of the essential things to consider when choosing a payment processor is the associated fees and rates. Pricing information is unavailable on PaymentCloud’s website, so assessing the company’s value is difficult. However, from third-party reviews and customer accounts, PaymentCloud’s rates vary depending on the customer’s business size and type.
Tiered Pricing Model
PaymentCloud utilizes a tiered pricing model, which means that the fees charged to customers depend on the size and type of their business. Typically, the larger the business is and the more transactions it processes, the lower its processing fee will be. Small businesses may be charged higher rates than larger businesses.
However, these discounts are only sometimes proportionate to the volume increase. According to customer reviews, PaymentCloud can charge significantly higher rates and fees than other payment processors and thus has resulted in getting negative reviews.
Interchange-Plus Rates
In addition to its tiered pricing model, PaymentCloud also offers an interchange-plus rate. Businesses pay a flat fee per transaction plus a percentage of the total transaction value. The base fee and percentage rate vary depending on the payment method (e.g., credit card, gift card, etc.).
The actual rates and fees charged by PaymentCloud are not disclosed on its website. Customers must contact the company directly to determine their rate. It makes it difficult to compare PaymentCloud’s pricing to other payment processors and assess its value.
Strict Processing Limit
PaymentCloud also has a strict processing limit, thus setting an upper limit for money customers can process. PaymentCloud determines this limit which can vary from customer to customer. Customers who reach this limit may be subject to additional fees or have their accounts temporarily frozen. It can be particularly problematic for businesses that process large amounts of payments. This limit might be stricter than the limits imposed by other payment processors.
Monthly Processing Charge
When using PaymentCloud, businesses may be subject to a monthly processing charge of around $25. This fee is typically applied to all businesses, regardless of size and type. This charge can add up quickly if a business processes many payments. Additionally, this fee may be non-refundable, even if a customer cancels their account before the end of the month. Hence, businesses should consider the number of payments they process before signing up.
Rolling Reserve Account
Regarding larger businesses, PaymentCloud may require a rolling reserve account. It is an account where the customer deposits money that can be used as collateral in case of a dispute or fraud. The funds in this account can be held for up to six months. This requirement can make PaymentCloud less attractive as a payment processor. Managing a rolling reserve account can be difficult, and it may not be necessary with other payment processors.
Fluctuating Contract Terms
Payment Cloud’s rates are negotiated individually and fluctuate throughout a user’s contract. It means businesses can be subject to rate increases for their contract or even during different months within a single contract period. While this could lead to cost savings in some cases, businesses should be aware that they may find themselves paying more than initially expected.
Equipment Lease Agreement
The company requires businesses to sign a lease agreement to use their services. It means that businesses are locked into a contract and will be charged a monthly fee for using PaymentCloud’s equipment, regardless of whether or not they are using it.
In addition, businesses will be responsible for any repairs or replacements should something happen to the equipment. It is a risk that businesses must weigh when deciding whether or not PaymentCloud is the right payment processing solution for them.
PaymentCloud Review- Lawsuits
The company has been the subject of various lawsuits over the years. In 2020, it was sued by Merchant One for violation of a non-disclosure agreement and misappropriation of trade secrets. Other lawsuits filed against PaymentCloud include breach of contract and fraud claims.
Hence, it is important to read the terms and conditions before signing up with PaymentCloud. Some of their policies may not be in your best interest, and you should know them before signing a contract.
PaymentCloud Review- Complaints
PaymentCloud is one of the most popular payment processing platforms. It allows businesses to process payments quickly and securely. However, there have been some complaints about PaymentCloud that should be considered before signing up for the service. This PaymentCloud review will cover those complaints and provide an overview of what users say about the platform.
No Facility for Live Chat
The PaymentCloud platform does not provide support through live chat. It makes it difficult for customers to get help with any problems they may have in real-time. As a result, customers may have to wait for their queries to be answered by email or phone. It is inconvenient and can lead to significant delays in resolving any issues. Businesses with urgent queries may find this an issue and could spend more time trying to get help than using the platform itself.
No Visual Assistance
Another complaint about the company is the need for video tutorials and other visual assistance. It makes the platform difficult for those who are not tech-savvy and may cause them to give up before they start using it. Without video tutorials or visual aids, merchants may struggle to fully utilize PaymentCloud’s features and capabilities.
Absence of Knowledge Base
PaymentCloud also needs a comprehensive knowledge base or help center. It means that customers will have to do their research or contact the PaymentCloud customer service team to get answers to their questions. Hence, businesses with little tech knowledge may struggle to take advantage of PaymentCloud’s features or resolve their issues without significant help from the customer service team.
Holding Funds
Merchants have complained that the platform holds their money for several days before releasing it. It can be a huge concern for businesses that rely on cash flow to stay afloat and can cause significant delays in getting their payments processed. Moreover, it can result in a loss of profits if businesses cannot pay their bills on time due to the delays caused by PaymentCloud.
Problems in Refund
Customers have also reported problems with the refund process. While Payment Cloud does allow customers to get a refund from certain transactions, it can take a long time for the money to be returned. Customers may sometimes not get their money back for weeks or months, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction. Businesses like restaurants and retail stores may find this an issue as they rely on cash flow to stay afloat.
Difficulty in Setting User Permission
Businesses have complained that it is difficult to set up user permissions. It can be a problem for those who need to set up different user roles or assign tasks to certain users. Without the ability to easily configure user permissions, businesses may find it hard to track who has access to what and ensure that the right people have access. Hence, this can be a significant issue for companies managing access levels and user roles.
Trouble in Sending Invoices
Payment Cloud also has a few issues when it comes to sending invoices. Customers have reviewed that the platform sometimes sends out invoices promptly, which can result in payment delays. It can also be difficult for businesses to generate customized invoices for their needs. It can be a problem for those who must quickly create invoices and send them to customers.
Virtual Terminal Charges
Businesses that use PaymentCloud’s virtual terminal have complained about the fees charged. The fees can be quite high, especially for small businesses that do not have a lot of transactions. It can be an issue for those who need to process payments quickly and cost-effectively. Hence, businesses need to be aware of the fees associated with using their virtual terminal before they decide to use it.
Issues Adding Multiple Accounts
Businesses have also reported difficulties when it comes to adding multiple accounts. It can be an issue for those who need to manage multiple accounts and process payments quickly and efficiently. Businesses may need the ability to add multiple accounts easily. Therefore, businesses must be aware of the limitations when adding multiple accounts before using PaymentCloud.
No Formal Notice About Adding the Fee
Merchants had also complained that they still needed to receive a formal notice when PaymentCloud added fees to their accounts. It can be a problem for businesses that must manage their finances carefully and be made aware of the additional charges. Moreover, the lack of notice can lead to confusion and cause businesses to be charged more than expected. It can also be difficult to dispute the fees if businesses cannot prove that they were unaware of the additional charges.
Poor Customer Support
Businesses have also complained about needing more customer support from PaymentCloud. Customers may need help contacting a customer service representative and receiving timely assistance. It can be an issue for those who need help setting up their accounts or dealing with any other issues they may encounter. With a reliable customer support system, businesses can get the needed help quickly.
Problems in Quickbooks Online Integration
PaymentCloud also has issues with the Quickbooks Online integration. Businesses have reported that the integration only sometimes works as expected and has caused payment delays. TiT can be an issue for those who need to keep their finances up-to-date and accurate. Hence, businesses should evaluate their needs and make sure that PaymentCloud’s Quickbooks Online integration will work for them before they sign up.
Delay in Receiving the Equipment
Businesses have also complained about the delay in receiving the equipment for payment processing. It may also cause businesses to miss out on potential sales. As a result, businesses should take note of the delivery times before they decide to use PaymentCloud and ensure they can receive the equipment. Therefore, businesses must ensure they have all the necessary equipment before signing up with PaymentCloud.
Bogus Authorization Attempts
Finally, some merchants have reported that PaymentCloud is prone to bogus authorization attempts. It can be an issue for businesses that must ensure their payments are secure. Without sufficient security measures, businesses may be at risk of fraudulent activity that could lead to losses. Therefore, businesses should evaluate their security needs before signing up with PaymentCloud.
Conclusion
This PaymentCloud Review suggests that while the platform offers different services, some drawbacks should be considered. The user interface is not as intuitive and easy to use as other payment platforms, and the cost of using the platform can be high depending on usage levels. Additionally, the lack of customer service and technical assistance may be a barrier for some users.
For these reasons, consider the pros and cons carefully before deciding. Ultimately, deciding whether to use PaymentCloud should consider individual needs and preferences.
