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 Karl F on Feb 01, 2019
SATISFACTION
RATES & FEES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
1/5
the most dishonest company ever! They charged me 1% more than they quoted me, stole my new card reader (took it to reprogram it and never gave it back), and they took $60.95 and $395 out of my account two months after I quit using them!
Posted by Deanna on Sep 19, 2018
SATISFACTION
RATES & FEES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
1/5
I would give this terrible company all negatives if I could. I have dealt with them so many times. They are taking money out of my account when I have not had a business for one and a half years. I have tried multiple times to get his cleared. They were supposed to refund me; however, they took more money out. Terrible company. Stay away from them.
Posted by Tracy Donaldson on Aug 28, 2018
SATISFACTION
RATES & FEES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
5/5
I recommended Clearent to a friend and she said there were bad reviews here so I decided to check it out. Hogwash! I've used Clearent for 2 years and have had a great experience. When I call my rep she shows up. Rates were exactly what they quoted and they have never been raised. I understand someone having a bad experience now and again. Shame on you Cardfellow for allowing a few to tarnish a reputable company.
View CardFellow Response
We're glad you've had a good experience with Clearent!
At CardFellow, we're committed to transparency, and that means we allow users to post their reviews whether their experience is good or bad. We appreciate you taking the time to leave a review.
- CardFellow
Posted by Aundrey M on Aug 24, 2018
SATISFACTION
RATES & FEES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
5/5
Been with Clearent for almost a year. The online reporting as well as the mailed statements are so much clearer to understand than previous processor relationships. Rates & service, so far so good!
Posted by Brian on Jul 24, 2018
SATISFACTION
RATES & FEES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
1/5
Twice in the past 60 days deposits from batches have been late. This is not a banking issue, this is a Clearent issue. When logging into Compass to see batch status, it doesn't even show transactions that were posted. When this happens and you call in, you are always way down in a queue with tons of people holding for service. Clearly it isn't just our funds that are late. This may be the only thing you absolutely cannot do in this type of business. Collect funds from the card companies, then be several days late in making deposits. Funds aren't being "held" there is some malfunction at Clearent that prevents them from being deposited. Always happens around the 20th and always impacts weekend transactions that should be deposited on Tuesday.
Posted by John Grant on Jul 19, 2018
SATISFACTION
RATES & FEES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
1/5
Transition from Payment Alliance occurred without agreement. PCI fee of $24.95 applied immediately even though we were current with PAI. Pricing is terrible - close to 10% with recurring fees. Not sure how they got permission to access bank account without agreement. Absolutely no transparency. Got to have login to access what was yours to begin with. Only way is through sales agent with banking hours.
Posted by Julie Miller on Jun 13, 2018
SATISFACTION
RATES & FEES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
0.5/5
This company has been charging me for an account that was supposed to be terminated in March of 2017. I have called mutiple times, emailed multiple time still they are charging me for an account not being used for over 2 years! They have stolen my money and refuse to give it back Finally had to stop payment at my bank at my cost. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY!! They say you must cancel with the sales rep?? I tried that too; they were nowhere to be found so I spoke to someone else on his behalf and still nothing.
Posted by mitch on Mar 28, 2018
SATISFACTION
RATES & FEES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
0/5
It was fairly expensive during use, but worked well. When I tried to cancel they would not cancel my account and kept charging me for monthly subscriptions. I do not know if I will receive a refund yet. I do not have any outstanding equipment or payments. I am very upset with this company's tactics. I would have used them for my other business's. But after this TERRIBLE experience I will never use again. I would recommend to never use Clearent.
Posted by bobby on Feb 12, 2018
SATISFACTION
RATES & FEES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
1/5
Sales person Tina Wilson came by wanting to set up some time to talk about my credit card processing. She refused to answer direct questions and always diverted the conversation away from my direct questions. "What is the benefit that Clearent hopes to extract from me after we talk?" She wouldn't answer that she wanted to become my payment processor. She used slippery speak and tried to tell me payment processing is a broken system but what? Be specific about what's broken about it. She says her company pays her $100s (yes with an s) an hour to do what she does which is to insult my intelligence after looking at the other reviews of the company she clearly reflects this poor company.
Posted by shannon on Dec 21, 2017
SATISFACTION
RATES & FEES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
1/5
Too pricey! They have a very confusing statement which "hides" fee from you. There are too many merchant service providers out there to consider this one.
