In the world of e-commerce, determining whether an online payment processor is legitimate and trustworthy is crucial for both merchants and customers. Paymentpost.com is a relatively new player in the payment processing space, so naturally some people are asking: is Paymentpost legit and safe to use?
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Paymentpost, reviewing their services, fees, and examining key factors to evaluate their legitimacy and reliability for accepting and making online payments.
What is Paymentpost?
Paymentpost is an online payment processor and merchant services provider. Their platform aims to provide simple payment processing solutions for online businesses of all sizes.
Some key facts about Paymentpost:
- Founded in 2018 and based in San Francisco, California
- Provides credit card processing services for U.S-based online businesses
- Offers services for physical retail/POS systems in addition to online transactions
- Touts easy integration using API or pre-built checkout solutions
- Processes payments on Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
Paymentpost markets itself as a simple, transparent, and affordable option for online merchants compared to more complex processors. But is it a safe and legitimate option? Let’s dig deeper.
Is Paymentpost legit?
When evaluating an online payment processor, the top concerns are usually around security, legitimacy, reliability, and business practices. Here are some key factors to consider for Paymentpost:
Licensing and compliance
Paymentpost is a registered ISO/MSP of Synovus Bank, registered in Georgia. They are compliant with major payment card industry standards like PCI DSS Level 1.
Encryption and security
Paymentpost appears to use strong security measures like 256-bit TLS encryption, fraud prevention tools, and tokenization to protect sensitive customer data.
Trust and transparency
The company provides some transparency around fees, rates, and services. User reviews indicate relatively positive experiences with support. They seem upfront compared to some processors.
Merchant services and features
Paymentpost offers the typical merchant services you’d expect from a processor. Features like virtual terminals, online reporting, chargeback management, recurring billing, etc. Help merchants manage transactions.
Rates and fees
Their advertised rates seem competitive for an online processor. However, some users report unexpected account fees. Make sure to read the fine print thoroughly.
Issues and complaints
A few negative Paymentpost reviews mention sudden account freezes or terminations. But this is not a significant pattern compared to major processors.
In summary, Paymentpost appears to exhibit the signs of a legitimate payment processor. However, due diligence is still required, especially reading their terms closely before signing up.
Paymentpost features
Let’s take a look at some of the key features and services offered by Paymentpost for online merchants:
Payment processing
Paymentpost offers standard credit card processing capabilities for VISA, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover, JCB, Diner’s Club, and China UnionPay cards. They also process debit cards, checks by phone, and bank transfers (ACH).
Online payments
For ecommerce sites, Paymentpost offers integrations for platforms like WooCommerce, Shopify, and Magento. They have hosted payment pages and can also process payments via API or virtual terminals.
In-person payments
For retail merchants, Paymentpost provides countertop and wireless payment terminals compatible with EMV chip cards. Virtual terminals can also be used for phone/mail order businesses.
Billing and invoicing
Paymentpost allows merchants to send custom invoices and accept one-off or recurring payments from customers via email or online billing.
Reporting and analytics
Merchants have access to transaction data, chargeback management, and accounting reports through Paymentpost’s online dashboard and reporting.
Fraud prevention
Paymentpost uses tools like Address Verification Service, CVV checks, 3D Secure, and other fraud prevention measures. But merchants can still be liable for chargebacks.
Developer tools
Paymentpost offers API integration options and developer sandboxes. This allows programmers to build custom payments into their own apps and platforms.
Their features cater well to online, retail, and hybrid business models. Smaller merchants may find Paymentpost’s offerings sufficient for their needs compared to larger processors.
Paymentpost pricing and fees
Paymentpost uses an interchange-plus pricing model for their merchant services. This means you pay a flat markup above the base card processing interchange rates.
Their published rates are as follows:
| Transaction Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Retail swiped | 0.20% + $0.10 |
| Retail keyed | 0.50% + $0.10 |
| Online/eCommerce | 0.30% + $0.10 |
| ACH payments | 0.80% per transaction |
| Chargeback fee | $15.00 |
There are also some additional fixed monthly fees for a merchant account and payment gateway. Overall, these rates are pretty competitive for online transactions.
However, some users report getting hit with unexpected account fees or early termination fees higher than advertised. It’s important to scrutinize the account terms and small print before signing up.
Paymentpost reviews
Paymentpost currently has limited online reviews compared to payment giants like Stripe or PayPal. But here’s a summary of some reviews from merchants:
Positive Paymentpost reviews
- Simple setup and integration praised
- Good customer service responsiveness
- Lower rates than some processors
- Easy to use payment dashboard
Negative Paymentpost reviews
- Unexpected account fees or early termination fees
- Quickly frozen or terminated accounts for some
- Chargebacks can be problematic
- Lack of reviews makes transparency unclear
While some merchants are happy with Paymentpost, others report some concerning business practices around fees and account terminations. Detailed contract review is recommended before signing up.
Paymentpost alternatives
Here are a few competing services merchants may want to also consider for accepting payments:
Stripe
Stripe is one of the most popular payment processors for online businesses. Widely used by startups and platforms like Shopify. Offers strong security and fraud prevention.
Square
Square is great for retail, ecommerce, and hybrid seller models. Provides powerful integrated POS hardware and software solutions.
PayPal
Well-known processor and money transfer service. Offers extensive fraud protection. Double reserves held early on.
Flagship Merchant Services
Flagship has a good reputation with customized pricing options for larger midmarket merchants.
Helcim
A friendly Canadian company focused on customer service for small to midsize merchants.
There are many excellent and established payment processing options to evaluate beyond newer platforms like Paymentpost.
Is Paymentpost right for your business?
Here are a few key factors merchants should consider when determining if Paymentpost is a good fit:
Business model
Paymentpost is ideal for online, ecommerce merchants selling directly to consumers. Retail and hybrid sellers can also benefit. But it may not be ideal for business-to-business transactions.
Transaction volume
Mid to high transaction volumes (over $10K/month) have better rates elsewhere. Paymentpost best serves merchants processing under $10K per month.
Contract terms
Review Paymentpost’s contract thoroughly before signing up. Be wary of early termination fees or account holds.
Existing relationships
If you have a good existing processor, it may not make sense to switch. But for high fees or poor service, Paymentpost could be an alternative.
Reviews and complaints
Some concerning complaints exist about frozen accounts and fee issues. Due diligence on Paymentpost’s reputation is required.
Make sure Paymentpost aligns with your business needs and risk tolerance before committing.
Conclusion
Paymentpost offers online merchants and retailers a streamlined payment processing option. Their rates and services appear competitive on the surface.
However, it’s wise to be cautious of “too good to be true” claims from newer processors like Paymentpost. Thoroughly vet their reputation and contract terms for any red flags before signing up.
An established processor may cost a bit more but provide greater security, fraud protection, and peace of mind. Weigh Paymentpost’s pros and cons carefully against competitors before choosing.