Flow Payments Review
Flow Payments
Flow Payments is a specialist in high risk merchant accounts. The owners and operators of Flow have over 40 years experience in payment processing and their expertise in all things high risk is the reason we believe they are the top option in the marketplace. For example, they have partnerships with multiple technology providers, banks and processors, which allows them to place most high risk businesses with an account, even those companies that have previously been unable to secure processing. This translates into industry leading approval rates for high risk merchants.
Their numerous relationships also enable them to avoid placing their merchants into offshore accounts, which should be a big relief to any high risk merchant. Another benefit of Flow Payment’s vast network is that they have partnered with specific technology companies that provide alternative payment acceptance solutions. A big reason why many high risk merchants incur high rates and fees is due to the fact they do not have the right processing mechanism.
With the various Federal and State regulations, high risk processing can be very challenging, especially when it comes to finding the right product to process your customers’ electronic payments. However, in addition to credit and debit card processing, Flow Payments seems to have figured out how to provide their clients with the ability to maximize sales opportunities through the use of E-Check, ACH Processing, and other alternative transaction methods.
Lowest Pricing Plans
One of the major problems facing high risk merchants today is that they are subjected to excessive and sometimes outrageous rates and fees. This systemic pattern of overcharging for services, that can be obtained at much lower costs, is definitely an obstacle facing many high risk merchants. As well, it is commonplace for these unreasonable types of fee structures to be very hard to read and understand, by even the most educated business owner. Flow Payments is trying to change this state of affairs with their commitment to providing merchants access to very low rates and fees. As mentioned above, their high number of relationships with different domestic banks and processors allows them to set up their clients with extremely competitive programs that have previously been unattainable in high risk processing. Additionally, Flow seems to be leading the charge in offering Interchange Plus pricing to certain merchants, who qualify for this type of cost saving option. And as also discussed above, Flow’s partnerships with different technology providers enable them to provide processing solutions that significantly reduce the charges sustained by high risk merchants.
Customer Service
It is very common in high risk servicing for business owners to feel mistreated, ignored and deserted. The better providers make it a point to offer continued and sustained customer support to their merchants. However, this strategy appears to be the exception rather than the standard, even though it is regularly promised. Does Flow Payments succeed where most others fail? To start, Flow Payments calls their approach to servicing their merchants as consultative. Their website states that their dedicated support teams provide white glove and VIP support from the moment they begin their interaction with a prospective client until and through the entire life of the merchant account. What we do know is that their payment specialists are very knowledgeable and they seem committed to making sure their clients experience sustained support throughout the application process and beyond. A common complaint in high risk is that merchants will have questions or issues that are not resolved, let alone addressed, in any acceptable time frame. Flow seems to respond to their merchants’ questions the same day, which is very refreshing.
Businesses Served
Flow Payments appears to have figured out how to place the vast majority of high risk business owners with a merchant account. Whether the business sells their products in a retail / face to face environment or they are offering goods and services through the internet or over the phone, Flow is able to provide the appropriate type of merchant account. This is probably due to their network of various processors and banks, but either way, they seem to be able to set up merchants that have been constantly declined by other providers. CBD is one of the verticals that Flow is successfully servicing, which is a big deal in light of the fact that many of these merchants have had a difficult time with payment processing in the past. Other industries, that Flow is doing a nice job of supporting, include payday loans, credit repair, debt collection, adult merchandise, nutraceuticals, travel, gaming, insurance, and many other types of merchants that are unable to procure a standard, low risk merchant account.
Setup Times
Long set up times and a grueling application process are fairly typical with high risk processing. Many providers are at the mercy of the particular bank they work with, due to the fact that the banks control the application process. Flow Payments seems to have expedited set up times by their ability to place merchants with processors and banks that actually desire their specific business type. It is not uncommon in high risk for providers to try to force a merchant upon a particular bank or processor because the provider does not have a large number of options in the placement of their prospective merchants. This type of scenario is avoided with Flow Payments because of their strategic partnerships with multiple processors and banks, which thereby cuts down on the typical time frames associated with the approval and activation of standard high risk merchant accounts. As well, their sales representatives seem to do nice job of keeping in constant contact with their prospective clients throughout the whole application process.
Bottom Line
Flow Payments is definitely not your typical high risk merchant account provider. They do not overcharge their clients and instead provide low rate structures and programs. Further, the fact that Flow is able to set up a wide array of hard to place merchants with solutions that are hard to come by, is certainly a big advantage. This, coupled with their robust support, is why Flow Payments has earned our highest recommendation in the area of high risk merchant processing.
3 reviews on “Flow Payments”
Leave a Reply
About Our Service*
PaymentProcessing.com helps merchants research and compare various credit card processing providers. In order to keep this information free, we receive advertising revenue from the providers featured on our website. Read More
Top Credit Card Processors
Our Mission
Our mission at PaymentProcessing.com is to provide you with helpful and detailed information about various credit card processing providers. Not all payment processing companies are the same and understanding your rates and processing agreement are some of the most important elements in making a sound decision.
Recommended Processors
If you are a low risk merchant looking for a credit card processor, we recommend checking out ProMerchant. If you operate a high risk business or have been told by processors that your business is hard to place, we recommend checking out Flow Payments.
what to look for?
-
Waived Setup Fees
-
Month-to-Month Agreements
-
No Early Termination Fees
-
Transparent Pricing Structures
-
No Hidden Fees
RECENT ARTICLES
-
What Is a Cashless ATM and How Does It Work?
A cashless ATM, also called a point-of-banking&nb..
-
What Is a Chargeback, and How Does the Process Work?
Credit cards came into the light in the early 197..
-
What You Need To Know About PCI Compliance Fees
When companies are using credit card processing s..
We had very turbulent relations with other high risk processors. Flow Payments has been excellent to work with in all regards.
Pleasantly surprised how well things have gone so far. Their reps are friendly and professional, rates are great for high risk and the processing solutions have been better than expected. Great experience with Flow Payments.
Excellent high risk merchant account provider. They made it easy to get going.