Processor Directory > Clearent
Clearent Review
Clearent is what we refer to as a ”super ISO,” meaning they’re a large independent sales organization that works with both processors and smaller independent sales organizations (ISO’s.) The company offers this video introduction:
Let’s dig deeper into Clearent to get a feel for services, reviews, and more.
- News
- What services does Clearent offer for businesses?
- What about the services specific to web developers?
- Any information on equipment?
- What about security and PCI compliance?
- How is Clearent’s customer service?
- Clearent Rates and Contracts
- Clearent Reviews and Reputation
News
In March 2017, Clearent purchased processing company Payment Alliance International, one of the NRA-endorsed processors for firearms dealers.
What services does Clearent offer for businesses?
Clearent offers a number of services for businesses, including credit and debit processing, virtual terminals and gateways for ecommerce and mail and phone order, electronic check and ACH processing, gift card processing, wireless options, recurring payments, and more. The company also boasts next day deposits of funds via ACH and offers information on topics such as chargebacks and surcharging.
Card Processing
Clearent allows you to accept major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover, as well as PIN-based debit cards from major networks such as Interlink, Maestro, NYCE, Star, and more. EBT and gift cards are also included in this. If you own a gas station, Clearent also has special pay-at-pump options. Clearent offers American Express OptBlue, a pricing model started in 2015 that is designed to help lower the costs of accepting American Express at your business. Read more about OptBlue.
Virtual Terminal and Payment Gateway
If you are looking to use a computer, laptop, tablet, or mobile device for taking payment, Clearent has a custom virtual terminal that allows payment without the need for a physical POS.
If you are interested in selling online, Clearent has gateway offers from its partners Authorize.Net, eProcessing Network, and TSYS.
Mobile
For those who prefer to use their iPhone, Android, or Blackberry, Clearent offers mobile processing solutions that allow you to accept payments securely on your smartphone. Mobile processing is ideal for people who don’t have a traditional storefront, such as artists, landscapers, and other contractors. Clearent can provide lower (swiped) rates for customers who add a secure card reader to their smartphone transaction processing.
Check Processing and ACH
Clearent offers a “no worry” check acceptance by providing electronic check conversion and guarantee. You are able to turn a paper check into an electronic check transaction using Clearent’s electronic check processing. ACH services are also options.
Recurring Payments
If you need to set up a recurring payment schedule, such as for memberships, Clearent has a variety of options that are industry specific. If you don’t fall into one of those categories though, Clearent says it can work with you to sculpt a service that fits your needs.
DialPay
Using Clearent’s DialPay allows you to turn any touch-touch phone or smartphone into a Point Of Sale device. It works for major credit cards and signature debit cards with English and Spanish messaging options.
Reporting
Clearent offers Compass merchant services software to handle reporting and managing transactions. Compass provides a detailed monthly statement of your activity and fees while also allowing daily access to updated information. Access your account at any time to view information on transactions and processing costs, or use the online transaction search to resolve customer questions.
What about the services specific to web developers?
Clearent has options for shopping carts, eCommerce platform integrations, and hosted payment forms. They also have a profit sharing program that claims to pay you for your work if you refer other clients to them.
Any information on equipment?
With Clearent, you can either use existing point-of-sale equipment, or purchase new equipment. The company offers several popular brands, including VeriFone, Hypercom, and Nurit. Clearent also offers wireless terminal options.
For businesses that process payments by computer, Clearent offers point-of-sale software integration to process credit and debit cards, checks, and gift cards.
What about security and PCI compliance?
Clearent boasts no PCI compliance fees for those who complete a PCI questionnaire, and offers tools to help you with compliance. Once you complete the questionnaire, Clearent provides feedback with tips on how to protect yourself and your business from fraud and other security concerns.
How is Clearent’s customer service?
Clearent offers 24/7/365 call center customer service, both in English and Spanish.
Clearent Rates and Contracts
Clearent does not publish rates or contract information on its website and there is probably a good reason for this. Rates and contracts can be difficult to understand and can fluctuate depending on the client.
Not to worry though, Cardfellow can make sure you get the best quote, transparent contracts, and a promise of no cancellation fees. The service is free to use and allows you to compare companies without the hassle of sales people. Learn more about our service on our website or sign up here.
Clearent Reviews and Reputation
Clearent LLC has been accredited with the Better Business Bureau since 2010 and currently holds the highest grade available, an A+. The company has 10 complaints closed with the BBB in the past 3 years, with 5 in the last 12 months. The complaints are evenly split between the “Billing/Collection Issues” and “Problems with Product/Service” categories. Complaints say that Clearent failed to honor contracts by charging higher fees than agreed, difficulty canceling service, charging unwarranted cancellation fees, and unauthorized bank debits.
Clearent has a section for awards and accreditations on its website where it was listed in Inc. 5000’s fastest growing companies for 3 years in a row. There are currently no testimonials.
SATISFACTION
RATES & FEES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
0/5
Unlike general web reviews, verified reviews are posted by businesses that have chosen the processor's quote through CardFellow's marketplace, and CardFellow has confirmed with the processor that the business is using its service. Businesses can update verified reviews at any time to ensure the review accurately reflects the processor's performance over time.
SATISFACTION
RATES & FEES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
1.8/5
Unlike verified reviews which are validated by CardFellow, web reviews can be submitted by anyone viewing this profile. While we validate these reviews as best we can, CardFellow does not verify that a reviewer is using or has used a processor's service.
Do you Know this processor? Write a review about it
Posted by Julie Ciulla on Oct 06, 2023
SATISFACTION
RATES & FEES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
1/5
I am not pleased with the excessive fees, the increase in fees by 20% in one year, and the cancellation fee of $395 once that rate increase was not acceptable to me. I do not recommend this service provider.
Posted by Doug Johansen on Aug 02, 2023
SATISFACTION
RATES & FEES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
4.7/5
I've had with Clearent for 3.5 years. I've had no issues. I see a lot of reviews here complaining about paying an early termination fee. Read your contract. That's no different than any other company
Posted by Rami shalhoub on Nov 30, 2022
SATISFACTION
RATES & FEES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
1/5
They never answer phone calls and you can't deal with person to person.
Posted by Lou D on Sep 22, 2022
SATISFACTION
RATES & FEES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
1/5
Horrible and dishonest company, keeps charging after cancellation and charges a hidden $400 "early cancellation fee."
Posted by Noah James on May 17, 2022
SATISFACTION
RATES & FEES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
4.3/5
Clearent is a great company, it has some poor reviews because they allow outside reps to partner with them. They don't control the pricing you receive from the salesman. They do a solid job of responding and getting your money quickly.
Posted by Andrew Neyman on Aug 27, 2021
SATISFACTION
RATES & FEES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
1/5
Clearent took over PAI so my account transferred. They quickly increased my monthly costs by almost double. Then they doubled them again. I called them. I asked how to cancel the account They said email the cancelation form to accountservices@clearent.com. I did that in June. I never received a response. I sent 4 follow-up emails and still no response. They have since charged me more monthly fees and another expensive annual fee. They will not respond! Rip Off
Posted by Qill Development on Jul 22, 2021
SATISFACTION
RATES & FEES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
1/5
Please take note the early termination fee never goes away. We were a customer for 5 years and when we closed the business the Clearent representative said we would not be charged the fee since it was past the 3 years. Clearent took out of our account an early termination fee. When questioned, Clearent said the representative lied.
Posted by Andrew Neyman on Jun 17, 2021
SATISFACTION
RATES & FEES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
1/5
Horrible company. I signed up with a different processor but somehow Clearent ended up with my merchant account through an acquisition. My fee started increasing very quickly. Now they have more than tripled. They make it very difficult to close the account and the customer service reps are extremely unpleasant. Absolutely unacceptable!!!
Posted by Eagles Nest Hotel on Apr 13, 2021
SATISFACTION
RATES & FEES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
1/5
Our hotel was forced to shut down due to COVID. We had been a Clearent customer for 5 years well beyond the 3 year initial contract period. Clearent charged an early termination fee and continues to charge monthly fees weeks after stealing the early termination fee. They continue to take money out of our checking account even after we've told them not to take any more money.
Posted by Grant Brown on Jun 06, 2020
SATISFACTION
RATES & FEES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
1.7/5
My rep was a great guy, but I'm getting more and more fees every month. Their recording says they don't hide fees, but that is a lie. That is exactly what they do. I received an annual regulatory reporting fee of $79.95 a year. I receive a risk assessment fee that started shortly before Clearent took over my old processor. The risk assessment fee is often $100 month.
