UniBul Merchant Services provides a comprehensive range of payment processing solutions for both U.S.-based and international businesses. Specializing in high-risk merchant accounts, UniBul offers services tailored to various industries, ensuring secure and efficient transaction handling. Their offerings include credit and debit card processing, multi-currency settlements, and integration with major shopping carts and e-commerce platforms, all backed by PCI-compliant systems.
Company Background
UniBul Merchant Services was officially launched in 2007 in Boston, Massachusetts. The concept for UniBul emerged in 2004 when its founders recognized the transformative impact of the internet on the bank card industry. Over the years, UniBul has developed a robust network of acquiring banks worldwide, which enables them to provide specialized solutions to high-risk businesses and other challenging sectors.
Metodi Slavenov, the founder and CEO, heads the leadership team at UniBul Merchant Services. His vision has been a major part of UniBul emerging as a reliable provider in the landscape of merchant services in high-risk sectors. The management team includes Greg Stanski, an important person who handles sales management and customer relations to provide enhanced client support and service.
UniBul Merchant Services aims to empower businesses by providing them with the necessary tools and support. This helps them accept credit card payments seamlessly and securely. Their mission involves contributing to the growth of businesses with innovative payment solutions that help traditional and high-risk markets. UniBul imagines a future where businesses can use efficient and reliable payment processing services to stand out from the competition.
Services Offered by UniBul Merchant Services
UniBul Merchant Services offers a wide range of payment processing solutions designed to meet the needs of various businesses. With a focus on high-risk merchants, they provide secure and reliable services that help businesses operate smoothly.
Merchant Accounts
UniBul Merchant Services offers different types of merchant accounts, including high-risk, international, retail, and e-commerce accounts. High-risk merchant accounts cater to industries like gaming, travel, adult websites, and pharmaceuticals, providing benefits such as fast approval, no monthly volume limits, and support for merchants on the MATCH/TMF list. International accounts allow businesses to process payments globally, enjoying lower transaction fees and faster funding. Retail and e-commerce accounts ensure secure transactions for in-store and online businesses.
The account setup process is straightforward and involves three main steps: contacting UniBul to discuss your needs, receiving a tailored solution proposal, and starting payment processing within a few days after approval. Required documentation typically includes processing statements, utility bills, bank statements, and corporate documents.
Payment Processing Solutions
UniBul provides comprehensive payment processing solutions, supporting major credit and debit card brands like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and UnionPay. Their services also include e-check processing and multi-currency acceptance and settlement, allowing businesses to handle transactions in over 100 currencies.
UniBul’s payment gateway and virtual terminal features are designed to integrate seamlessly with shopping carts and e-commerce platforms such as Magneto, PrestaShop, and Zen Cart. These features ensure secure and efficient processing of online and MOTO (mail order/telephone order) transactions.
High-Risk Merchant Services
UniBul is well-known for providing robust solutions to cater to the needs of high-risk merchants. The industries they serve include gaming, travel, adult websites, and pharmaceuticals. The quick approval process, no limit on monthly volume, access to global network of bank acquisition, etc., are beneficial for high-risk merchants. The company ensures the smooth and secure processing of transactions.
Security Features
UniBul Merchant Services places a high priority on security, ensuring that businesses and their customers are protected from fraud and data breaches. Here’s an overview of their key security features:
PCI Compliance and Data Security Measures
UniBul’s payment gateway is fully PCI-DSS compliant, which means it adheres to the stringent security standards set by the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. This compliance ensures that sensitive customer data, such as credit card information, is processed securely and protected from unauthorized access. The company employs SSL encryption for data transmission, safeguarding information both during and after transactions.
Fraud Detection and Prevention Tools
UniBul uses a range of advanced fraud detection tools to prevent fraudulent transactions. These include the Address Verification Service (AVS), which verifies the cardholder’s billing address, and card security code checks (CVV2, CVC2, and CID), which confirm that the user possesses the physical card. Additionally, UniBul supports 3-D Secure services like Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode, which add an extra layer of authentication for online transactions. These tools help identify and stop potentially fraudulent activities before they can affect the business.
Chargeback Management and Prevention
Chargebacks can be a significant concern for merchants, but UniBul offers robust solutions to manage and prevent them. They provide merchants with detailed guides and best practices to reduce the likelihood of chargebacks. Tools like Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode also help protect against common chargeback scenarios. In cases where chargebacks do occur, UniBul’s system ensures that only valid chargebacks reach the merchant, often resolving disputes before they escalate. This proactive approach helps maintain healthy financial operations and reduces the administrative burden on businesses.
UniBul Merchant Services provides secure and reliable payment processing solutions for all business sizes, including PCI compliance, fraud prevention measures, and chargeback management. These features collectively enhance the security and trustworthiness of transactions, benefiting both merchants and their customers.
Fees, Rates, and Pricing
UniBul Merchant Services’ flexible pricing models cater to various business needs. It includes interchange-plus and tiered pricing models. The interchange-plus pricing model is popular due to its transparency and cost-effectiveness for high-transaction volume businesses. It separates the interchange fees charged by card networks from the processor’s markup. This model is typically more cost-effective for businesses with high transaction volumes. Tiered pricing, on the other hand, groups transactions into different rate categories (qualified, mid-qualified, and non-qualified), which can be less transparent and potentially more expensive, especially for high-risk transactions.
Typical Fees and Charges
UniBul Merchant Services does not list specific fees and rates on their website, reflecting the custom nature of their pricing based on individual business profiles. However, typical fees might include processing fees, which generally range from 0.35% plus a fixed amount per transaction. Additionally, there may be setup fees, monthly service fees, and potentially hidden charges depending on the agreement. It is crucial for businesses to carefully review their contract terms to avoid unexpected costs.
Transparency and Customer Reviews on Pricing
Transparency in pricing is a critical factor for many businesses. While UniBul Merchant Services provides a clear explanation of interchange-plus pricing, some customer reviews suggest that more detailed fee disclosures would be beneficial. Generally, reviews indicate that UniBul’s pricing is competitive, especially for high-risk merchants, who often face higher fees with other providers. Positive customer feedback highlights the cost-effectiveness of their solutions and the absence of significant hidden charges. However, some reviews recommend a thorough examination of contract terms to ensure complete clarity on all potential costs.
UniBul’s pricing approach, tailored solutions to specific business needs, and competitive rates, makes it a viable option for many merchants, especially in high-risk industries.
Contract Terms
UniBul Merchant Services offers flexible contract terms tailored to the needs of different businesses, particularly those in high-risk industries. The specific details about contract length are not widely known to the public. However, UniBul is known to provide both month-to-month and long-term agreements depending on the business profile and requirements.
Early Termination Fees and Conditions
One area of concern for many businesses is the potential for early termination fees (ETFs). UniBul’s policies on ETFs are not explicitly detailed on their website, which suggests that these fees may vary based on the contract. It’s essential for businesses to thoroughly review their contract terms to understand any associated costs if they decide to terminate the agreement early.
Specific Terms for High-Risk and International Merchants
UniBul is well-known for its support of high-risk and international merchants. They offer tailored solutions that include multi-currency settlement options and connections with a global network of acquiring banks. These specialized services often come with specific terms to address the unique challenges and risks associated with these types of accounts. For high-risk merchants, UniBul ensures there are no monthly volume limits, which is a significant advantage for businesses with fluctuating transaction volumes.
Customer Reviews on Contract Terms and Satisfaction
The customer reviews of UniBul Merchant Services on contract terms is positive among high-risk merchants. The tailored approach and flexibility offered by the company has been beneficial for businesses. However, some reviews indicate the need for improved transparency of fees and specific details about the contracts. Businesses are advised to carefully scrutinize their agreements to avoid any unexpected charges.
Customer Support and Service
UniBul Merchant Services is highly regarded for its comprehensive and responsive customer support, crucial for businesses navigating the complexities of payment processing.
Availability and Responsiveness
UniBul offers 24/7 customer support, ensuring that help is available whenever needed. This round-the-clock service is vital for businesses operating across different time zones and those requiring immediate assistance with payment processing issues.
Types of Support Offered
The types of support provided by UniBul include phone support, email assistance, and online resources. This multi-channel approach allows businesses to choose the most convenient method for their needs. Phone support is recommended for urgent issues, while email and online support are useful for less time-sensitive inquiries. Additionally, UniBul provides a robust knowledge base on its website, featuring guides and best practices for managing payment processes and reducing fraud and chargebacks.
Reviews and Experiences from Customers
Customer reviews of UniBul’s support services are generally positive. Many users commend the company’s prompt and helpful responses, with specific praise for the technical support team’s ability to solve issues efficiently. Testimonials on UniBul’s website highlight experiences of reliable support and seamless integration assistance, which have helped businesses maintain smooth operations. For instance, one user noted that UniBul delivered on all promises and provided excellent service, contrasting with their experiences with previous processors.
Overall, UniBul Merchant Services is recognized for its strong customer support framework, providing reliable and accessible assistance through various channels, contributing significantly to customer satisfaction and trust.
Customer Reviews and Reputation
UniBul Merchant Services has built a strong reputation in the payment processing industry, especially among high-risk businesses. This section explores the general customer sentiment, specific feedback, common complaints, and trust indicators related to UniBul.
General Customer Sentiment and Satisfaction Levels
Overall, UniBul Merchant Services has garnered a positive reputation among its users. Customers generally appreciate the reliability and comprehensive solutions offered by the company, particularly for high-risk industries. Many users have highlighted the swift approval process and the seamless integration of UniBul’s services into their existing systems.
Specific Positive Feedback
Customers frequently praise UniBul for its dependable service and tailored solutions. Testimonials on UniBul’s website reflect high satisfaction, with users mentioning the company’s ability to deliver on promises and provide excellent support. For instance, clients from various industries have acknowledged the effectiveness of UniBul’s payment processing and fraud prevention tools, which have helped them manage their businesses more efficiently.
Common Complaints and Issues
Although the overall sentiment is positive, there have been a few complaints and issues. Some customers have reported issues with the customer services and transparency of the company, while others have had difficulties in contacting support for urgent citations. They also demand more detailed information about the fees and contract terms. These concerns indicate the areas where UniBul can make improvements.
UniBul’s BBB Rating and Other Trust Indicators
UniBul Merchant Services holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), indicating a high level of trust and reliability. However, it is not BBB accredited, which is worth noting. Despite this, the company has maintained a low complaint record across various consumer protection websites, further solidifying its reputation as a dependable payment processor.
In summary, UniBul Merchant Services is well-regarded for its robust solutions and strong customer support, particularly for high-risk businesses. While there are some areas for improvement, the company’s overall reputation and trust indicators suggest that it is a reliable choice for businesses seeking comprehensive payment processing services.
Competitor Comparison
It is necessary to consider various factors, such as services, pricing, and customer satisfaction in order to compare UniBul Merchant Services against other merchant service providers.
Comparison with Other Merchant Service Providers
UniBul Merchant Services is known for catering to high-risk merchants, which is commonly an area avoided by many competitors. Popular competitors like Stripe and Square do not cater to high-risk industries as well as UniBul does. The company provides tailored solutions with a wide range of features, like multi-currency settlement, fraud detection tools, etc. The pricing model of UniBul is based on interchange-plus pricing. This model is considered to be more transparent and cost-effective for merchants compared to the traditional tier-pricing model provided by some competitors.
UniBul has received generally positive feedback for reliable and effective support. The strength of the company is the ability to deal with high-risk industries and provide them with stable and secure payment processing solutions.
Unique Selling Points of UniBul Compared to Competitors
UniBul’s unique selling points include its expertise in handling high-risk merchant accounts and its strong relationships with a global network of acquiring banks. This allows them to offer services that are specifically designed for industries such as gaming, travel, adult entertainment, and pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, UniBul’s chargeback management and fraud prevention systems are highly praised by customers, providing peace of mind that their transactions are secure.
Another notable advantage is UniBul’s customer support, which is available 24/7 and is often highlighted in customer reviews for its responsiveness and effectiveness. This level of support is particularly critical for high-risk merchants who may face more frequent issues and require timely assistance.
Legal and Compliance Issues
UniBul Merchant Services has maintained a relatively clean legal record, with no significant lawsuits or legal issues reported publicly. This lack of legal complications contributes to its reputation as a reliable and trustworthy merchant service provider. While some customer reviews have pointed out occasional customer service difficulties, there are no reports of fraudulent activities or major legal disputes involving UniBul.
Compliance with Industry Standards and Regulations
Compliance is a critical aspect of UniBul Merchant Services’ operations. The company ensures that all its payment processing solutions adhere to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS). UniBul’s robust security measures to safeguard transaction data include encryption and tokenization.
Furthermore, UniBul supports advanced fraud detection tools such as Address Verification Service (AVS), Card Verification Value (CVV), MasterCard SecureCode, and Verified by Visa. These tools help prevent unauthorized transactions and reduce the risk of fraud. The company also provides comprehensive chargeback management solutions, helping merchants address and mitigate disputes effectively.
By adhering to these stringent security protocols and compliance standards, UniBul ensures a secure and reliable payment processing environment for its clients. This commitment to security and compliance not only protects merchants but also builds trust with customers, making UniBul a preferred choice for many businesses, especially those in high-risk sectors.
Pros and Cons of UniBul Merchant Services
PROS
- Specializes in High-Risk Merchants: Ideal for industries like gaming, travel, adult websites, and pharmaceuticals.
- No Monthly Volume Limits: Businesses can process unlimited transactions.
- Robust Security Features: Uses AVS, CVV, MasterCard SecureCode, and Verified by Visa.
- PCI-DSS compliant for data protection.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Highly responsive and effective.
- Multi-Currency Settlement: Facilitates transactions in over 100 currencies.
CONS
- Lack of Pricing Transparency: Detailed pricing information not readily available online.
- Inconsistent Customer Service Quality: Reports of variability in support quality.
- Unclear Contract Terms: Better communication needed regarding contract details.
- Limited Appeal for Low-Risk Merchants: Other providers might offer better rates and features for low-risk businesses.
Conclusion
UniBul Merchant Services is renowned for offering reliable and specialized solutions for high-risk industries. The tailored services, security features, and prompt customer service have made it an effective payment processing option for businesses. Understanding the fee structure and contract terms can help potential clients make a well-informed decision. Their services are an ideal choice for businesses operating in high-risk sectors.
