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Leaders Merchant Services

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6.0

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: February 5th, 2021

Leaders Merchant Services was founded in 2000 and is a registered ISO/MSP of Wells Fargo Bank N.A. in Walnut Creek, California. 

The merchant accounts company specializes in providing point-of-sale (POS) equipment and merchant account services such as debit and credit card payments and processing for businesses of all sizes, including retail establishments, home-based businesses, mail-order companies, and Internet accounts. 

Leaders Merchant Services processes traditional card-present (swiped) transactions as well as keyed (card not present) transactions. 

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The Good

  • Simple Application Process with No Start-Up Fees
  • Variety of POS Equipment Options
  • Several Accepted Transaction Types
  • Additional Services
  • Pricing

Simple Application Process with No Start-Up Fees

Leaders Merchant Services provides a simple online application process, making it quick and easy to sign up for a new merchant account. Additionally, the payment processing service does not charge any start-up fees to open an account, which helps customers to save money right off the bat. 

Variety of POS Equipment Options

Leaders Merchant Services offers a wide variety of credit and debit card processing equipment, including pin pad EMV-ready machines, mobile/wireless machines, virtual terminals through Authorize.net, shopping cart solutions, check readers, and check imagers. 

The payment processor also offers a full line of Clover point-of-sale equipment, including the Clover Station, the Clover Mini, the Clover Mobile, the Clover Flex, and the Clover Go. Clover's integrated suite of POS products replaces the cash register, payment terminal, receipt printer, and barcode scanner, making it simple to streamline the workload. 

Leaders Merchant Services handles all of its equipment sales and rentals in-house, so no matter how you want to accept credit and debit card payments (retail, restaurant, mail/telephone order, wireless, e-commerce, etc.), the company can customize a program to meet the needs of your business. 

Several Accepted Transaction Types

Through Leaders Merchant Services, businesses can accept several transaction types, including the following: 

  • EMV (Europay MasterCard and Visa) transactions — EMV is the new global standard for secure card payments; EMV Credit and Debit cards contain a computer chip that is used to authenticate an EMV card transaction.
  • NFC (Near Field Communications) transactions — With the proper equipment, businesses can accept payments from customers who use digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Android Pay.
  • Visa, MasterCard, AMEX and Discover debit and credit card transactions — These transactions can be accepted in many forms, including in person (swiped, EMV, or NFC), through the Internet, and by phone.
  • Signature debit card and PIN-based card transactions — The most widely used forms of payment, these transactions have the lowest risk of chargeback and are particularly convenient for customers.

Additional Services

Leaders Merchant Services offers a robust selection of features that add value to its payment solution including the following: 

  • Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) — Through this program, customers who have been in business for as little as six months can receive funding fast. The funding amount is based on future sales and is repaid with a small percentage of credit card sales.
  • Business Loan — Customers can receive funding based on future sales. Loans provide the lowest possible rates and come with multiple term options.
  • Instant Accept — This feature gives merchants who use QuickBooks immediate access from anywhere with an Internet connection to complete customer and transaction information without actually having to launch the QuickBooks application.
  • Stamp Me Loyalty Card Application — This electronic loyalty card app rewards customers with loyalty solutions such as simple memberships, VIP discount clubs, and mobile stamp loyalty cards.
  • SimplyPaid — This option allows merchants to convert all of their employees to direct deposit-regardless of whether or not they have a bank account. In addition to saving time and money while eliminating administrative costs that come with paper checks, SimplyPaid also helps minimize exposure to paycheck fraud.
  • Open Dining Network — This feature engages customers and allows them to make orders via smartphone. It also allows merchants to collect email addresses through the built-in marketing system.
  • iAccess — This reporting tool allows merchants to view their account activity, including individual transactions, batch totals, recent monthly statements, and deposit history, around the clock. The first month is free.

Pricing

While the starting monthly fee and transaction fee are not displayed on the corporate website, Leaders Merchant Services demonstrates its confidence in its low rates by offering a $500 assurance program that caters to business owners who are already processing credit cards with another provider. 

Through this program, merchants simply send the company their two most recent credit card processing statements. Leaders Merchant Services will then analyze them and provide the merchants with a side-by-side comparison of what the merchants are currently paying vs. what they would be paying with Leaders, including rates and fees. 

If the company cannot show savings, it will pay the merchant $500. 

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The Bad

  • Early Cancellation Fee
  • Excluded Businesses

Early Cancellation Fee

Leaders Merchant Services offers a standard industry contract of three years for its payment processing services, but it automatically renews at its expiration unless the customer has provided proper notification of cancellation. 

Merchants who choose to terminate the contract early will be subject to a termination fee of $250 to $350, depending on how far into the contract they are. 

However, the company has stated that this fee can typically be negotiated before the contract is signed, so individuals who are concerned about early cancellation should contact the company for more information. 

Excluded Businesses

Leaders Merchant Services does not offer service for the following business types: 

  • Non-retail gun sales
  • Marijuana-related goods and services
  • Pornography-related goods and services
  • Travel
  • Third-party billing services
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The Bottom Line

Leaders Merchant Services has been around for over two decades and offers a wide range of processing services and POS equipment, a simple online application process, and some of the lowest rates in the credit card processing industry. 

Leaders Merchant Services is a great option for merchants who want to spend less time worrying about finding affordable, quality merchant account services and more time focusing on their business, regardless of if their business is small, high risk, or even requires an internet merchant account. 

Another good sign is the volume of positive Leaders Merchant Services reviews indicating a high-quality product and customer service. The company's customer service department is available in tandem with technical support 24/7. And many merchants will be approved for a merchant account the same day they apply. Leaders seems to be on the ball with its communication with clients. 

But as you should with any merchant service provider, be sure to rate shop and read the fine print before deciding on a company to work with. 

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Star Rating

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3.7

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92 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

61%

4 grade

7%

3 grade

2%

2 grade

0%

1 grade

30%

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Jason Jacobs West Palm Beach, FL

First off i spoke to a sales rep by the name of David G 6/12/2019 who fed me miss leading information, I have another merchant service so I knew what questions to ask for. I gave David my information asked him about PCI fees, Regulatory fees, monthly fee and Early termination Fee. on the phone David told me the only fee there would be is a monthly $5 fee to try and meet my other service provider and processing fee for each card thats it. I received and email saying my account was active 6/18/2019 I called them right away to ask how comes my account was active without me seeing the contract details, a paysafe rep sent me the contract to my surprise there were almost $100 a month worth of fees even if you make no transactions David G was dishonest with and held from me after I asked him what were the fees. I've been trying to close my account they started since 6/18/2019, less than 1 hour of them activating the account I've been trying to close it and they want to charge me $350 early termination a fee I was told wouldn't be charged by the sales rep David G. warning Very dishonest sales reps make sure all emails are in writing.

6 years ago

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Shelly Las Vegas, NV

Was given deceiving information about their fees. Was told there was only $9.95 fee a month which does not kick in for 90 days Just to find out I was charged $660!!!!!!!!! On the first two months, that’s without charging not one single transaction ( had a delay with my business website). When I called them it was impossible to get someone on the phone. Called so many times, it said no one is available to take your call, left my info, no one called back, when I finally got someone in the line he promised to refund $101 but never did. Instead, he charged me another $350 for early termination fee since I requested to close the account. Took forever to get someone on the line again and asked about the $350 , was told “it is on the contract”. Of course I did not read the million pages on the contract , I trusted the sales representative that what she said was true. I’m still waiting to speak to a supervisor (for 3weeks now). Was told he’d call back within 24-48 hours. Stay away from this company please!!! They found a way to rob us without guns and without going to jail for robbing us just cause “we signed a document” we didn’t read. This company is 100% misleading and 100% fraud.

6 years ago

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Joy Glen Burnie, MD

The original sales person made the entire transaction of switching between companies sound as easy as can be. Lie!! They said my current processing software could be used LIE! Could not get anyone who knew what they were doing after the first initial phone call. For a week I tried to setup their processing software and nobody knew what I was talking about. Cancelled after a week. My account was charged a 350.00 early termination fee. In the original conversation with Kenny he said "you can cancel anytime" never mentioned the fee to me EVER. Needless to say from October to March I called numerous times and finally received back my 350.00. Horrible company!! Horrible customer Service!! It's all a big LIE!!

7 years ago

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Tom Los Alamitos, CA

I would give them a zero if that were an option. This company's sales person is possibly the most dishonest individual I have ever spoken to in retaining services of any kind. Their salesperson told me over the telephone how their fees are low by industry standards, and that they have no long-term contract, so I could leave at any time without charge. After the sales pitch, they send you a very short agreement over the Internet for your online signature. In the small print, they reference a "Guide" that you will be receiving once you've signed up. AFTER you have engaged them, you receive a 64 page "Guide" chock full of fees which were never discussed by their salesperson, including a $350 fee if you discontinue their services. So far, their "low" fees have averaged approximately 6% of my total receipts. I wouldn't wish this company on anyone.

7 years ago

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Kevin Andrews Folsom, CA

Run! In my opinion, this company is highly unethical, and would be better named MISleaders Merchant Services. I closed my account with them two months ago, and closed out the associated gateway, so they can't possibly even process a charge for me, and yet, they took $164 from my bank account today for various junk fees and an annual "account fee." They claim they never received my account closure form. When I asked them how to make SURE that they get it this time, all I got was a bunch of mumbling about 7 business days and "will be submitted for review". Do a Google search for reviews on this company. There are few places where they have 5 stars (hmmmm, no WAY!!) but if you'll look further, you'll find that most places that offer unbiased reviews rank them very badly and are filled with angry words from people who feel victimized and misled by this outfit You have been warned!!!!

7 years ago

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Cynthia Ronsani Andrews, NC

I am a business owner and reached out to Leaders so I can accept credit cards. The entire experience has not been a good one. I find they are very slow in communicating with me, and I am still not set up. If you decide to use them, be prepared to speak with many different people who will all tell you something different along the way. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THEM.

4 years ago

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Mike Cruz Middletown, DE

SCAM/STAY AWAY from this company they are crooks!! They have taken over $800 out of my account in 3 months for fees they Never explained to me! Customer service is the worst it’s outsourced to Jamaica which is hard to understand them on the phone after they leave you on hold for 55 mins!! When they finally pick up they tell you they will look into your complaints and call you back in 24hrs but they never do! I’m sure the lawsuits are coming.. Worst company ever

5 years ago

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Unhappy customer Rogersville, MO

Worthless scammers... They said will be good for small business they lie... Horrid customer service and hours for wait times... No managers... Fees for whatever they feel at the time in the end my business went negative using this service... Well over $1000 in fees in less than 3 months..."maybe you will learn next time" " take this as a learning experience" is how they reply

5 years ago

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Ryan

I was told over the phone by the sales representative when I signed up that there would no contract for my account. After seeing the high charges for my monthly statements I wanted to cancel and go with someone else. They told me they did not say there was no contract, and charged me 350.00 for early termination fee. Very dishonest, I had a hard time getting anyone to get back in touch with me about this issue. Of course, it goes into the next month and I get charged another monthly fee. I paid all the fees just to get them out of my life.

6 years ago

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John Finley Kaysville, UT

This is the worst company I have ever had the displeasure of dealing with. Starting with the nagging salespeople, I eventually signed up for a plan. Little did I know they had roped me into a 3 year contract, Large Early Termination Fees, Phones that go straight to voicemail, un-returned calls. If I could go back in history, the first time I was contacted by a leaders merchant services sales rep, I would have immediately disconnected the call.

6 years ago

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Angela Powell Taylors, SC

This is the biggest scam I've ever seen. All the information told to me when I signed up was a lie. The % of each sale was quadruple what they said it would be. No hidden fees they said, I've had more fees in 4 months that I've ever seen. In 2 months I've spent more in fees than I did with my previous credit card company in a whole year!! So I cancelled it, now they charge me $350! Funny they said try it and if you don't like it cancel at any time. What a SCAM!!!

7 years ago

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ALLEN EDWARDS St. Marys, GA

this is the most AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL company you can deal with.wells fargo should be ashame they own them.I have never been done so wrong by a 'company'ever ,,was the worst experince ever since we opened business..they robbed our account blind ,ALL BUSINESSES AND BUSINESS OWNERS BEWARE BEWARE BEWARE,DO NOT GET CAUGHT IN SAME TRAP!read all the terrible YELP reviews on them in CARMILLO CALIFORNIA I sure wish i had before getting trapped by them ,,again AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL COMPANY TO DO BUSINESS WITH

7 years ago

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Tim he Troy, OH

Hustler Robber!!! I closed my account two years ago,They automatically take $80 each month form my bank account, I called them several times ,Or can't change them and they always transfer money from bank account automatically, I ask my bank branch To reopen a new bank account, I thought this would be over, but after two months, I received a letter from a debt collection company,I wrote this review after I paid the debt collection company’s money.I hope everyone will not be deceived

7 years ago

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Magali McvGreevy Mokelumne Hill, CA

Worst company ever. Hidden monthly fees going above $100. BEWARE OF THE CLOSING FEE... after almost one year of paying hideous monthly fees, the worst being $186.94 in January, I decided to dump this dishonest company. The punishment, $350 canceling fee. I was sent to 4 different folks before I was able to ask for cancelation... none of those folks advised me about this fee. It would have been courteous to remind me about the cancelation fee. I have been with Leader Merchant for 7 month and I payed a total of $847.05 in fees... wouldn't it be fair if there was a prorated deduction after all the money they got? VERY DISHONEST COMPANY. DON'T EVER USE THEM IF YOU ARE A SMALL BUSINESS. I give one star because there is no option for negative star.

7 years ago Edited September 14, 2021

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Heather Port Isabel, TX

Nothing but Lies and Hidden Fees. Within 3 months of working with them they received over $1,000 in hidden fees and charges from our small business. Don't sign the contract!! It will put you into a 3-year contract which will cost you $350. to get out of. There is also a yearly fee of $120 that they don't disclose to you. Not to mention the monthly hidden fees which ranged from $130-$460. A SCAM!!!!! In fact after paying the $350 and cancelling our services they are still trying to charge us $75.

7 years ago

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Leo W Flushing, NY

I don't know how you ranked leaders number. Customer Service and sales are terrible. They work with National Bank Service whose rates and costs are much higher than leaders' advertising. Sales and customer services have little of knowledge of E-commerce, simply regarded you as "high risk", and transferred / directed your calls to NationalBankServices without notifying you.

7 years ago

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Antonio G Tampa, FL

My worse experience ever, this company practically took over $500.00 from me, for a few transactions total $390.00, don't use the company, I was looking for something different, I regret my decision, please, please don't use Leaders Merchant Services, you will be sorry!

5 years ago

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Mitchel Green Hallandale, FL

One of the worst merchant companies in US. False advertising, scam. Hidden fees. Once you open an account with them - you let the thieves get an access to your money. Close an account - termination fee at least $250.00. We have been with them 2 years. BEWARE. SCAM. The fees can be up to 40% of the processed amount.

5 years ago

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Claudis Martin Conroe, TX

The terms they state do not match what they do. Before even setting up this little telephone plug in device, and without making a single charge, they took $268.48 from my account. They offered to reduce the fees if I would agree to an extended contract. LIARS!!!!

5 years ago

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John Hayesville, NC

Bait and Switch tactics use to sell us on service then snuck in a $15/month fee for the "free" reader. They charged us for 4 months before we caught them. We cancelled the service and are returning the device. Don't do business with them and don't trust anything they say.

6 years ago

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Gheno B Rocklin, CA

Deceptive advertising, deceptive sales tactics, untransparent tiered pricing. Too many promises that they cannot hold on too and in addition they will not notify you about anything at all, especially about upcoming payments, or any charges about to happen. The customer services is one of the worse I've ever had.

6 years ago

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Grass Gods llc Charleston, SC

They lie, steal and cheat. Do not go with this company. Do not give them any of your bank info. They are scammers with lots of hidden fees and will never give you an contract and will straight lie about there practices in business

6 years ago

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Deb Alpharetta, GA

Please DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY or Their services for your business. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY. THEY ARE SCAMMING PEOPLE BIG TIME!!! What your sales rep tells you is all the fake. It was my biggest mistake I ever made in my life while choosing Leaders Merchant Services company.

6 years ago

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Anonymous Denver, CO

Told me I was approved, then told me I could only run $1000 charges or less. Our average ticket is $5000!

7 years ago

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Jeremy Buckey Kremmling, CO

The most horrible credit card processing company I have ever delt with! Hidden fees, deceitful staff, and the SLOWEST processing time, 4 to 5 days Dont waste your time and money! Save your sanity!

5 years ago

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Boban Torma Houston, TX

Terrible customer services, misleading information, name it and all frustrations are there. I do not recommend this company to anybody. Disaster!!!!!!

6 years ago

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larry love Slidell, LA

make sure get a contract before you agree to anything. jerry told me no cancellation fees as long as you return the reader

7 years ago

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Dave DeLullo St Marys, PA

Seemed like a trusting reputable company and it had good reviews

7 years ago