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Fiserv (formerly First Data)
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Fiserv (Formerly First Data Merchant Services) Review

Fiserv offers everything a merchant could need for payment processing, but thanks to high fees and and lengthy contracts, it isn't a great fit for small businesses.

    Frank Kehl
  • Last updated onUpdated

  • Chris Motola
  • REVIEWED BY

    Chris Motola

    Senior Staff Writer

Advertiser Disclosure: Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity.

Fiserv (formerly First Data)

Total Rating 2.6
Fees & Rates2.8

Products & Services3.9

Contract1.1

Sales & Advertising Transparency2.6

Customer Service3.8

User Reviews1.9

Fiserv (formerly First Data) At A Glance

  • Large, direct processor with well over 100 resellers
  • Offers full line of Clover terminals & POS systems
  • Standard contract includes four-year term & early termination fee

Frank Kehl

Frank Kehl

Senior Staff Writer at Merchant Maverick
Frank has been writing about payment processing and business services since 2015. He is a retired Air Force officer and a former practicing attorney. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University and a Juris Doctorate degree from the Ventura College of Law, and currently resides in Paso Robles, California.
Frank Kehl
View Frank Kehl's professional experience on LinkedIn.
Frank Kehl

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Credit Card Processor Review Methodology

We evaluate and test each payment processor that we review at Merchant Maverick, placing special emphasis on certain key characteristics in order to generate our granular ratings for merchant accounts and credit card processors.

For payment processing reviews, we use a 24-point rubric to evaluate the provider. First, we look at pricing structure – interchange plus, subscription-based, tiered, or hybrid – giving the most points to providers that provide fair, transparent pricing and docking those that rely on tiered models. Then we examine rates, the presence and transparency of early termination fees, and any additional fees.

We also look at contract length and fairness and test out sales staff and customer service channels ourselves to ensure that the company uses reputable, above-the-board sales techniques. Finally, we take the company’s online reputation into account, reading customer reviews and comments.

Read more about how we rate payment processors.




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