Founded in 2001, Flagship Merchant Services is a leading provider of credit card processing and payment acceptance solutions for e-commerce based businesses, every type of retail business, and other businesses that require processing services. Flagship Merchant Services has the payment solutions businesses need to accept any type of payment (credit card, debit card, EMV, NFC/contactless) securely and safely, and at a competitive rate.

Continue reading our expert Flagship Merchant Services review or jump straight to Flagship Merchant Services reviews from customers.

Flagship provides 24/7/365 customer service, quality credit card processor equipment, and technical support for all merchant account customers. Each customer also has access to a suite of business management analytics, customer service resources, and self-help for any big or small business through its proprietary customer engagement portal. The company prides itself on maintaining strict PCI compliance and quality customer service to provide merchants with every necessary solution for saving money.

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The Good

Free Statement Analysis
Products and Solutions
No Up-Front Costs

Free Statement Analysis

Flagship Merchant Services welcomes the opportunity to analyze a customer's existing statements and salary figures to uncover any opportunity for potential credit card processing savings. Flagship representatives are also well-versed in all the latest payment processing technologies in and around payments. Its employees will work with each merchant account client to align them with the products and services that help them accomplish their big or small business goals.

From traditional payment processor techniques to a point-of-sale solution to omnichannel, Flagship Merchant Services provides you with a product and customer service focused on ethical practices, PCI compliance, and amplifying the savings opportunities with a merchant account.

Products and Solutions

For traditional payment processing, Flagship offers two different processing structures: Interchange Plus, and a tiered pricing structure with three different rates for debit and credit cards.

The company also has a variety of products and solutions, such as wireless payment processing(allowing you to accept all major credit card and debit card payments whether in-store or out), e-commerce and internet business solutions (allowing you to accept online transactions), and phone/mail order services.

Products and Hardware

Merchant accounts through Flagship gives you a variety of payment acceptance products and hardware to ensure business owners/merchants find the best system for their business:

Credit card processor terminals
Mobile merchant account services
E-commerce
MOTO
Point of sale (Clover Station, Mini, Mobile, and Flex)
Over 200 free and subscription-based apps

Value Added Solutions

Some business management solutions that also add value to what merchants will receive through Flagship include, but are not limited to the following:

Merchant cash advance
Check acceptance
Gift
Loyalty
Reputation management
Advanced business analytics

No Upfront Costs

Flagship understands that upfront costs can be a challenge for a new or existing business looking to accept credit cards, debit cards (whether it's a prepaid debit card or a reloadable debit card), alternative payments, and/or implementing a new point-of-sale business management solution, which is why the company does not have start-up fees. In addition to not having any start-up fees or charges, Flagship also has a variety of equipment offerings that do not require an upfront investment including a free loaner program on terminals and Clover leasing and financing options.

Flagship Merchant Services has one of the largest credit card fraud, chargeback, and loss prevention departments within the credit card processing industry (which gives you, the merchant, the ability to promise your customers with a secure payment gateway). It also offers a thorough and complete enhanced security package, which is designed to help businesses achieve and retain PCI compliance, and also ensure that their customer data is secure.

A business that is PCI compliant will more easily win the trust of its customers. A key element of that service is also $100,000 in breach protection. All of the best merchant service providers devote an incredible amount of time, money, and effort to security services. A quick look at any given company's merchant services reviews will tell potential clients everything they'll need to know.

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The Bad

Excluded Businesses
Limited Information

Excluded Businesses

Flagship 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

Limited Information

Flagship Merchant Services is not entirely transparent on its website. Although the company has posted some of its terms online, it has not published actual numbers regarding the following fees:

Overall pricing model, including annual fee or monthly fee for service
Card transaction fees
POS transaction fees
Processing fee
Credit card terminal costs

While you can reference the sample numbers on our company details sidebar of this page, be aware that rates may vary. The company states that each business owner receives a personalized solution, therefore pricing cannot be determined prior to a consultation. For more information, customers must take the time to contact Flagship Merchant Services.

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The Bottom Line

Flagship Merchant Services has been a merchant service provider and has specialized in credit card payments processing for over a decade and continues to offer stable, professional, and cyber-protected services for both large and small business needs. Whether a merchant chooses a mobile credit card processor, terminal, Clover POS, and/or virtual checkout via the Internet, the ultra-encrypted process is safe and reliable. Many of the company's merchant services reviews attest to its fantastic customer service.

Businesses that choose to obtain a merchant account through Flagship Merchant Services will find that its customers will have virtually unlimited payment options (whether they pay with debit cards online, mobile in-store, or with your average credit card out of store).

One of the company's best features is its month-to-month agreements coupled with no cancellation fees, which is uncommon among merchant service providers, allowing retail, restaurant, and e-commerce businesses the benefit of trying out Flagship's services without the fear of steep fees.

Keep in mind that while sample numbers are provided at the top of this page, your monthly fee and other fees may vary depending on your needs. An application can be filled out directly through the company's website. An online form can also be filled out if you would like a representative to get back to you.

*Certain terms and conditions may apply.

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Call our recommended rep over at Flagship Merchant Services below.

1-(855) 977-3255

Or you can visit Flagship Merchant Services' website.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

3.0

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715 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

30%

4 grade

16%

3 grade

10%

2 grade

1 grade

36%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Verified Customer

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Kandis Romans Troutman, NC

I may have rated the items below higher but I have no idea what I'm paying in fees. The app does not total the sales of the day. It also doesn't show the portion of a sale that went to fees or a way to see the total fees for a day. If this information is available in the app, I don't know where to find it because the reporting functions of the app don't seem very easy to use. All transactions appear to be going through as credit rather than debit and I don't see how to run a card as a debit. Also, question 3 below is confusing. Which subjects 'reply' (to your review?) I believe 'reply' should be changed to 'apply.'

8 years ago

Reply from Flagship Merchant Services

Kandis, thank you for your review. I'd ask that you please contact our technical support team as they will walk you through the mobile app. Email or call (800) 324-9825 x 2.

Aug. 13th, 2018

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Verified Customer

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John Demos Pylesville, MD

The service was recommended by a friend. We're a new business and customer, I mean, we literally started using it 2 days ago. They have been very proactive and helped us get through a lot of the initial headaches of setting things up though. The software is good though there are a couple of things that I haven't been able to do. Our biggest problem might be that we can't select whether we want to print the receipts or not and going back in the transaction history menu and printing receipts from there. I end up wasting a lot of the paper just to print receipts that we don't need when we email it to the customer. We also can't see any of the credit card numbers when we look at the transaction history.

8 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Marvin

They set unrealistic guidelines once you sign up to use their services. If your transactions run above their maximum credit rating which by the way is an arbitrary number you are forced to live with it unless you let them review your bank records and financials. They don't base their demands on client historical bona tides but on their own guidelines.

8 years ago

Reply from Flagship Merchant Services

Marvin, we're sorry that you feel that the guidelines set are not meeting your needs. Payments and merchant accounts is a highly regulated and process-driven business and we do not set our own limits. We are provided with guidelines and parameters we must follow according to our sponsor bank. Should you require any additional assistance please email or call us at (800) 324-9825 x 1.

May. 4th, 2018

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Joan Mallick Cleveland, OH

I needed a service and they seemed reasonable. So far I've only used it once. It was ok, but not terrific. I do think they need to improve on their customer service. They have not been prompt when getting back to me whenever I need something. I'm actually going to cancel my service because of that, I got something that's significantly cheaper elsewhere.

8 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Jennifer / Jimmy Chow Fairfield, CA

I was not happy with the company I was with, so I searched around and found Flagship. After talking to the guy there I decided to go with it. They need to have better communication across the board. I thought that my transition from one service to the other would be smooth but it hasn't been quite that seamless. When the machine came it wasn't ready to use and set up as I thought it would be. Because of that we're still using the previous company's equipment since we haven't canceled with them yet.

8 years ago

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Verified Customer

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MC Houston, TX

Wasnt informed what it would take to set up the service on my site. I only did a few transactions and I had to create a separate form. It required Html coding which I would have to hire out. Then when I called for assistance I realize there were 3 party companies involved. When all was said and done I spent way more time on the phone with people I never signed a contract with trying to figure out the system. I didnt like that at all.

8 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Viveen Murray Palm Bay, FL

I was looking for a credit card service, and someone told me about Flagship, so I decided to call. I never can get ahold of someone. I'm never able to understand until I go through three people before I can get someone I can talk to. They're not all bad, but it's just too much of a hassle to get to one person that will want to help me. The system breaks down all the time, and I can't get ahold of anyone to help me. They should have access for their vendors to get ahold of someone, and people who are willing to help when they call for the help.

8 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Bob Mccormick Palatine, IL

It seems like anytime I called I got a good answer, a correct answer, but I found the website that everything tied to, doing business, was convoluted. You are trying to cover quite a few bases, and that's what makes it convoluted, I guess. If they can make it simpler, that would be good, but it might not be possible. I signed up with them in the first place because I thought the discount rates were appealing.

8 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Mike Rightsell Terre Haute, IN

Flagship was heavily advertised and their rates were good. I've got mixed emotions about their customer support. They have a really poor statement process. They will actually do the fees and everything in the end of the month and then I get the statement like two days later. I'd like to have the statement prior to the end of the month. I know it's petty; but I I never know where I'm at with them at the end of the month.

8 years ago

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Brenda Hernandez Astoria, NY

I was looking for a merchant online and they were like the number 1 company, so I called them. When I was trying to get the service, it was impossible to get a hold of them though. They didn't call to follow up with us and customer service was not very good'They should work on the service for new customers. Still, the equipment is good. The regular machine works just fine and is easy to use.

8 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Fmusick

Some confusion at the beginning. I didn't know what I needed and felt like there was no direction from her. I got one thing and it is basically obsolete (mag tech reader) but she never said anything so I ended up getting something else (verifone 520) and it is good. In the process I had several accounts open with different things being charged. It took a bit but the support system was great in helping me delete one account and get the charges correct.

8 years ago

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Jeanna Central Point, OR

When I first got started, there was a lot of confusion. But, other than that, I haven't had any problems with my machine or anything. It would be nice if somebody followed up with you until you got everything up and running. I had to call back myself to get it going and it was kind of frustrating.

8 years ago

Reply from Flagship Merchant Services

We apologize that we did not meet your service expectations. Should you require any additional assistance please email or (800) 324-9825 x 2.

Aug. 6th, 2018

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Felix Gonzalez Los Angeles, CA

The software is good and offers up to date with the latest technology. I needed to process payment so I chose this Merchant. They cancelled my account without really doing the proper steps to stop it and I couldn't do anything to improve the situation.

8 years ago

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David Hutchison Solon, OH

It was the first of several merchant service accounts I found but I have not continued to use flagship. I found another one that I'd much prefer. I found flagship more expensive than some of your competitors for merchant services.

8 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Charles Beckwith Eau Claire, WI

Their customer service could have more transparency about extra fees and costs otherwise it works for the one company that I use it for. I got this so I could get paid within 5 days and not the forty days it used to take me to get paid. I don't use the iPad, I just just the website for the path to do it.

8 years ago

Reply from Flagship Merchant Services

Charles, thank you for the feedback. Should you require any additional assistance, please contact customer support at or (800) 324-9825 x 1.

Jun. 15th, 2018

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Ron Smith Aptos, CA

I find it difficult to use the system because there are so many subsystems I have to access. There are so many moving pieces which makes it difficult to use. The customer service and product aren't fantastic, but the system works so I can't really ask for much more.

8 years ago

Reply from Flagship Merchant Services

Ron, thank you for your business. Not knowing which product(s) you have makes it difficult to assist, but if you have any outstanding challenges, I would ask that you please reach out to our customer support team at or (800) 324-9825 x 1 . We want to ensure that you have the access and support you need to grow your business.

May. 16th, 2018

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Verified Customer

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Lori Johnson San Jose, CA

I was not happy with my previous provider so I switched to Flagship. I'm still very new to it, but I'm not very happy with the fact that instead of a monthly fee, they charge a fee per transaction. I may change service providers because of that.

8 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Jimmy Ellis

I needed to be able to accept card payments, that's why I got it. The equipment is fairly easy to use, but it doesn't really allow for detailed invoicing. It has also taken over a week just to get one credit card to be processed.. There have been various holds on that and they didn't respond to my calls when I was trying to figure out why.

8 years ago

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Erin Erickson Franklin, NC

I Googled them regarding their reviews. Customer support is pretty honest; I've never had an issue with them, nor with my terminals. They're little vague when you first set up with them, and they tell you these are the fees, and then of course they tack on others.

8 years ago

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Miguel Rodriguez Deerfield Beach, FL

I'm with Flagship because I receive very effective rate. The system is pretty much the same as the the competition. It does delay a couple of days to to make deposits in your account. I'd like them to have more contact with their customers if they raise the rates, and also to explain or try to improve the the deposits.

8 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Karla Amato Bedford, PA

Message to rep - David - not returned. I had some questions, some maybe he could answer or have referred me to tech support, but he ignored me. Also, it's taking several days for the deposits to arrive in my checking account. Batch done on Feb 7 not deposited into account until Feb. 12. Slows up our business..

8 years ago

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nyckhusan

Opening account was easiest step, but to get money earned was hardest step, company has no obligation to notify Customers when money will be released from merchant account to the Bank account, it can take weeks without explanation

8 years ago

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Patrick Carey New York, NY

I wanted to try another company, so I switched to them. Things are confusing I don't even know who to call if I need help and I don't know how the equipment works. They should make it all more simple to figure out how to access and work with the software.

8 years ago

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Luis De Melo

I needed to take cards in my business, so I signed up with them. When I first called they were very good about everything. They answered every question that I had. When I really had an issue though it was really hard to get them to do that. They don't really answer the questions that I ask. The equipment has never failed though.

8 years ago

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Galo Macias Darien, IL

I liked the percentage that they kept from transactions, especially compared to other companies. Unfortunately, there have been quite a few problems that have not gone right. They definitely need to improve their customer service. Still, the equipment is pretty good and I can use it easily.

8 years ago

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Hart Redondo Beach, CA

I had charges on my bill that I didnt understand and all they did was tell me to call the bank. The bank was of no help either. They said they couldn't release any info to me!

8 years ago

Reply from Flagship Merchant Services

We apologize that we did not meet your service expectations. Should you require any additional assistance, please contact customer support at or (800) 324-9825 x 1.

Jun. 4th, 2018

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Debbie Suwanee, GA

There are so many avenues that you have to go through to talk to certain people that actually do anything. However, I do like that I don't have equipment because everything can be done online.

8 years ago

Reply from Flagship Merchant Services

Debbie, if you have any outstanding challenges, I would ask that you please reach out to our customer support team at or (800) 324-9825 x 1 . We want to ensure that you have the access and support you need to grow your business.

May. 16th, 2018

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Verified Customer

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Salon Owner

They were great upon set up, but later when issues arrive we find it hard to ever reach our original rep. We were also promised no annual fees and once a year we get hit with a big annual fee.

8 years ago

Reply from Flagship Merchant Services

I am so sorry that you haven't been able to reach your original sales representative. He/she may no longer be with the Company, but should you have any outstanding questions, I would invite you to contact our customer service team at (800) 324-9825 x 1. And the annual fee is actually a standard in the industry as it's an annual security/PCI fee, which was disclosed on the Agreement.

Apr. 4th, 2018

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Verified Customer

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Patrick Bollinger Meadow Vista, CA

I signed up with them because it looked like the easiest option. The machine gets the job done and customer service is ok. There's nothing really that great about it, but it's not horrible either.

8 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Van Truong Brooklyn, NY

I guess it's one of the best services out there at the moment, but whenever I made a request they took some time to get me a response. I had previously needed to use the service, but I actually don't need them anymore.

8 years ago

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Kenneth Fowlkes Severn, MD

I signed up at first because they had said there was a 24 hour turnaround for the payments, though I haven't seen that happening. They shouldn't say things that are not true. Still, the equipment is easy to use.

8 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Larry Johnson Chesapeake, VA

Getting them was a great idea. Customer service has been pretty good whenever I needed them. The program and everything is pretty good too, it's not really difficult to operate. I think they're pretty trustworthy.

8 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Jeremy Franks Bremen, AL

I picked them because they have the cheapest rates. It took me weeks to get my products though. In fact, I haven't received them yet. They should communicate better about when those thing are sent out.

8 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Rohan Mckoy Dunedin, FL

I got it since we were trying to make it easier to process payments. There were some hiccups with the information, the person that was helping me wasn't really that great at actually helping me out.

8 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Larry Burnett Memphis, TN

We got it just because of the ease of use. I haven't had any problems with customer support and their software is just fine. It's just that the hardware, their card reader, doesn't work right now.

8 years ago

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Linda Brightbill Akron, OH

I was looking for an online service at the time and they seemed to be good for that. I haven't had any problems with using the equipment and it's all very easy. I would like them to improve their customer service though.

8 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Raymond Charles Orlando, FL

The customer is the one that made the decision to get it. I really haven't tried the software myself, but their customer service has a quick response time whenever I call them.

8 years ago

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Bruce Maes Reno, NV

I used this because I needed someone to process I cards from my website. I was able to get a hold of customer service and they answered my questions and pretty easy to find.

8 years ago

Reply from Flagship Merchant Services

Thank you for your business.

Jun. 4th, 2018

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Verified Customer

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Marco Shaffer

Getting it set up was a pain, we've had it for 10 days and we still don't have it so we can take credit cards. There's some issue with how it is linking to our computer.

8 years ago

Reply from Flagship Merchant Services

We apologies for the delay. Should you have any outstanding issues with payment acceptance or the terminal, please call our technical support team at (800) 324-9825 x 2.

May. 16th, 2018

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Braden Jones Greenwood, IN

Once I signed on I was never really given direction on who to contact afterwards, I think they need better transparency and better customer service after signing on

8 years ago

Reply from Flagship Merchant Services

Braden, you should have received a welcome email and welcome call. Our apologies if this did not happen. If you have any outstanding issues, please contact our customer support team at or (800) 324-9825 x 1 .

May. 16th, 2018

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Verified Customer

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Leslie Teusch Kendallville, IN

The software was fine, but I don't think they were honest up front about fees. Even the method of accounting I asked to be done a certain way was done a different way.

8 years ago

Reply from Flagship Merchant Services

Leslie, we work diligently with our sales teams to be as transparent as possible in terms of pricing and fees so we apologize if you do not feel that was the case in your situation. Should you have any outstanding questions or issues, please contact or (800) 324-9825 x 1.

May. 21st, 2018

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Verified Customer

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Dennis

There are a lot of fees, and cust service hasn't been willing to honor some of the marketing you do, and what was promised to us when setting up the account.

8 years ago

Reply from Flagship Merchant Services

Dennis, our sincerest apologies that you are not 100% satisfied with your experience thus far. Our sales representatives are trained to thoroughly review all of the pricing and fees and it is also all detailed in the Agreement you signed. Should you require any additional assistance please email or call us at (800) 324-9825 x 1 . We value your business and want to ensure your overall satisfaction.

May. 4th, 2018

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Southern

Hidden fees and rates. We were quoted a very low rate and never received the low rate. It has always been higher than was quoted. No one explained the yearly charge to us.

8 years ago

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Verified Customer

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Tom Blanchard Orange, CA

I liked how they were able to accept credit cards with customers. The videos were very helpful but were very cumbersome.

8 years ago

Reply from Flagship Merchant Services

Thank you and that is great feedback on the videos as we're always looking to improve.

Jun. 4th, 2018

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Verified Customer

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Ferehiwot Beyene Mount Rainier, MD

The sales team got in contact with me and I decided to try it. It is kind of hard to use but the technical support helped me out.

8 years ago

Reply from Flagship Merchant Services

Thank you for your business. Should you have any additional questions, please do reach out to the technical support team. We want to ensure that you have a seamless experience.

May. 21st, 2018

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Verified Customer

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Roger Burleson, TX

I can only compare with Square (as a previous user) Square has a much easier set up. The inventory items allows for better integration with taxes.

8 years ago

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Hairprofilers

When help is needed, you are on hold for a technicIan very long, esp. after hours. Sometimes ours been 1 or more hours

8 years ago

Reply from Flagship Merchant Services

Our standard hold times are seconds, so the issue you experienced is of great concern. We also have a call back feature that allows you to keep your place in line without staying on hold. Should you have any further technical issues, please email or contact (800) 324-9825 x 2.

May. 4th, 2018

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Kevin Maret Lincoln, NE

I switched to them because the fees were getting out of hand with my other service. So far they have been responsive.

8 years ago

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Patty Miles Stone Mountain, GA

don't like them taken money out of my deposits.. makes it hard for me to figure out which deposit is which

8 years ago

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Verified Customer

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J T M Garage Door Service

The equipment works well! But the fees can get high! ( annual fees that they just take out of your account)

8 years ago