Bankcard USA Review
Merchant Maverick's Rating: (2 out of 5)
Last Updated: February 3rd, 2010.
Overview:
I was excited to do a review of Bankcard USA because, for those of you that don't know, they're a subsidiary of Maverick Bankcard Incorporated, and I figured any company with "Maverick" in their name would be awesome...I was wrong. 
Bankcard USA has quite the online profile of negative reviews and complaints. It's hard to ignore all of the ROR posts, complaints on the BBB and generally unfavorable reviews around the net (see "Negative Reviews" below). They seem to be right up there with Charge.com in that regard. It goes without saying that Bankcard USA seems to have some serious customer service issues that need to be addressed soon. Most of the complaints revolve around this exact problem.
It would be unwise of me to recommend any of my visitors do any business with Bankcard USA given all of the bad intel that I've been able to dig up, but that doesn't mean I won't give them the opportunity to bump their score up. I'll continue to follow them, and give them their due credit, should I see any major improvements. Until then, they're going to get a 2 out of 5.
If you want to compare my reviews on other credit card processing companies, go to my comparison chart.
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Date Established:
1996.
Parent/Partner Company:
Bankcard USA is a subsidiary of Maverick Bankcard Inc., which I must make clear, has no relation to Merchant Maverick whatsoever.
Type:
Registered ISO/MSP of Harris Trust & Savings.
Trust Symbols:
Take a look at the Bankcard USA BBB profile. They have a "B" rating as of this review, with a total of 99 complaints in the last 36 months. They're also part of the BBB Trustlink program, so be sure to visit it as well. Unfortunately for them, they also have quite a few bad reviews there too.
Security/Privacy:
No on-site security features (i.e. Verisign, TrustE, McAfee etc…).
Customer Service:
Besides the standard questions about contract terms and seasonal downtime that I've contacted them for, I personally haven't dealt with the Bankcard USA customer service. Judging by the negative reviews I've seen, I'm assuming that it's less than stellar.
Contract Duration:
The sales rep told me that they don't have any contract terms, only a month-to-month agreement, but something tells me that I should double-check...just in case.
Cancellation Fee:
No cancellation fee either (be sure to read your contract).
Interchange-Plus Pricing:
Interchange-Plus is offered, but will depend on your business profile.
Seasonal Downtime:
Apparently they do offer seasonal downtime, but again, read your contract.
Negative Reviews:
Do a search for Bankcard USA on RipOffReport, Complaints.com, ComplaintsBoard.com, Paypal Sucks, and Trustlink and I promise you you'll have plenty to sort through. There's at least an hour's worth of reading material there, so get busy.
I do have to say though, that reps from Bankcard USA are trying to clean up the mess on RipOffReport (see rebuttals), but it looks like a losing battle. You be the judge.
Common Complaints:
- Bad post-approval customer service.
- Overpriced terminals.
- Deceptive terminal contracts (48-months).
Verifiable Testimonials/References:
No testimonials listed on the Bankcard USA site.
Locality:
Westlake Village, California.
Product Offering:
Retail, Internet, Wireless/Mobile, Loyalty & Gift Cards, Cash Advance.
Specialty:
Retail.
Don't forget to leave your review and rating in the comment section. 
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October 27th, 2009 - 16:50
I can confirm your review, you can even take it down to a one! When the rep had me on the phone it was all milk and honey. All was well until I starting make money, I had a week were we did 35K in sales in my furniture store. ( just a note furniture stores are now on the high risk list for many merchant account providers) Bankcard USA held all of the funds! I thought it was an error, nope the sales were under review. They even called my customers and harassed a old lady ( she did not know about the dining room set it was a suppose to be a surprise.) she freaked! I had to make a personal visit to ease her mind.
Then their other evil side came out, the woman in risk management even yell at me! ” Well you know with volume like that we need to check you out!” Hello, didn’t you do that before you approved the account? It got so bad she hung up on me and would not answer the phone!
After beating my head against the wall, I did a quick search and was appalled at my error in merchant accounts! I knew I had to do something quick or sue them. I ran one of my cards through the account and waited a day. The I did a refund, it work so a plan was born!
I called up each customer and explained what happened. I told them I would refund their money and recharge to another system. I did that waited a week for the refunds to be credited and charged the cards again. I was lucky no on walked. Thank GOD I did not close my other merchant account. I lost money, the money I could have made running my business versus dealing with those idiots! This was over 3 years ago and it still pisses me off!
Their customer service is no existent!
October 27th, 2009 - 17:40
Glendon,
Thanks for posting, and very sorry to hear about your experience with Bankcard USA. Although it’s unfortunate that you had a rough time with them, your comment will definitely help prevent another business owner from going down the same path that you did.
My reviews are always being updated, so I will definitely lower their score if I continue seeing negative comments like yours.
April 6th, 2010 - 19:57
This company just upped my monthly fee in Ca. from 11.53 to 43.17. No notice nothing. I have complained to Attorney generals office. This can’t be legal without notice.
April 10th, 2010 - 14:14
BankCard USA just (as of 4/1/2010) raised my standard monthly fees from $5/month to $40 and also added a $99 annual fee that is to be charged on the anniversary date.
These changes came with no advanced notice: they were printed in my statement dated 3/31/2010 to go into effect on 4/1, with the note that “Continued processing will be deemed acceptance of the new changes…”
At the end of last month, I had an email conversation with my service representative (about a different matter), and he did not mention at all that these changes were coming.
I have to say, up until now, I haven’t had any problems with them (since June of last year), but this increase is rather large and not one that I am set to absorb. (I found this site in the process of searching for a new provider.)
May 23rd, 2010 - 19:17
Stay far away from this company. They are liars. They will lie and grab your money for as long as they can. That is all they do. They will be in jail someday. stay away.
June 2nd, 2010 - 11:55
John,
I’d encourage you to elaborate on why you don’t think others should work with Bankcard USA because, as of now, your comments don’t speak for that. I may instate a policy in the near future where I require my readers to leave specifics, which will probably render this comment in violation, but I don’t have a policy in place just yet. I’ll let you know when it’s live.
Take care!
May 23rd, 2010 - 19:22
I forgot one thing. [name removed] the rep. is the biggest liar of all. He puts up false testamonials to his credit. What a skunk. All you suckers get a class a action going. Any good atty. out there. Get these guys together and sue big time.