Based in Pennsylvania, CardConnect is a merchant services provider that started as Financial Transaction Services in 2006. After changing their name, the company was assimilated into First Data’s independent sales network. This payment processor helps over 67,000 merchants, including General Electric, The New York Times and Adobe.

Through Ignite Payments (another First Data company), CardConnect offers everything you need when it comes to running an ecommerce or retail business.
 

Features: Products & Services

 
Integrated Processing Platform: CardPointe is CardConnect’s primary product offering. CardPointe is a cloud-based reporting and processing system that combines the functionality of a virtual terminal and payment gateway.

CardPointe gives you the flexibility to accept ACH, debit and credit card payments. It allows for integration with mobile processing systems and countertop terminals.

Other CardPointe features include:

• Real-time reporting
• 24/7 access to your account
• Detailed transaction information
• PCI compliance
• Customer database
• Product catalogs
• Recurring billing

 
Credit Card Terminals: EMV compliant countertop terminals are available. Examples include the iCT250 (priced at $250) and the iCT220 (priced at $170).

Mobile Payments: These are offered through the CardPointe mobile app. This is available for both Android and iOS.

Point Of Sale (POS): Although CardConnect won’t sell point of sale hardware to you directly, it is offered through the First Data Clover product line, which includes the Instore tablet-based point of sale process.

Virtual Terminal: Your business can use a desktop or laptop to run credit card transactions. For card-present transactions, a card reader is needed. Options include:

• IDTech SecuRED magstripe card reader ($115)
• IDTech SREDKey reader ($160)
• Ingenico iPP 320, which allows you to accept EMV cards ($310)
• Ingenico iPP 350, which adds color display ($360)
• Ingenico iSC Touch 250 ($500)

 
ACH Processing is also available for your business.

Hosted Payment Pages: CardPointe provides a free hosted page that is secured for online donations or payments.

Third Party Integrations: The CardPointe service has the ability to integrate with many of 3rd-party services. These include point of sale systems, shopping carts and even accounting software.
 

Fees

 
CardConnect has a variable fee schedule. There normally isn’t a setup fee to start the account or an annual fee. Other fees will vary based on your business and overall needs. Here are a few common fees to expect:

• $8.25/mo PCI compliance fee
• $19.95/mo PCI non-compliance fee
• $9.95/mo account fee
• $10/mo gateway fee
• $10/mo wireless data fee
• $20 monthly minimum
• $5/mo statement fee
• $25 chargeback fee (per occurrence)

Technical Support and Customer Service

 
As a CardConnect customer, you’ll have access to 24/7 phone support. Email support is also available. The 24/7 support is important so that you know you’re always one telephone call away from help when experiencing any difficulty.

If you need a quick technical issue solved, the company offers an online tech knowledge base through its CardConnect Support Center. This provides instant help when you need assistance with setting your software services or equipment.
 

Contract Length

 
CardConnect’s contract terms range from 2 to 5 year time periods. There are also month-to-month options available without any penalty when you decide to close the account.

Free processing equipment is available when you enter into a longer term contract with the company. There is an early termination fee that goes into effect on the 2 to 5 year contracts. This fee can be as high as $750.

CardConnect is a payment processor to consider when you want a provider that offers solutions for both in-store retail payments and online processing. Contact one of their sales representatives in order to learn which solution works best for your specific business.

If you are looking for a credit card processing company, check out our list of recommended payment processors.