First Data offers a variety of credit card payment services, including an Internet, retail and mobile version. They provide excellent support 24 hours per day and include with their products competitive fraud and security features. They offered all of the features we were looking for and they always answered their emails promptly, which is refreshing to see.

We liked that they do not require high start up costs; however their regular monthly and transaction fees are not the lowest we have seen. If you expect to process a high volume of sales per month, even a few pennies per transaction can make a big difference. Or if you sell high priced items with few transactions you may want to look at the average discount rate which is charged by percent.

Affiliation Clarification

First Data is operated by Card Service International, Inc who offers services via First Data Global Gateway. Card Service International, Inc is affiliated with Wells Fargo Bank, with the exception of its’ interaction with American Express. The website and sales pages are maintained by InstaMerchant, LLC, who also offer the terminal and mobile terminal equipment. In addition, though they offer the First Data Global Gateway they also offer a service that provides a merchant account with Authorize.net online payment gateway.

Standout Features

• No start up cost
• 24x7x365 customer support
• 48-hour account funding
• Fraud protection and SSL transfers included
• Offers check acceptance service, card swipers, and shopping carts
• Provides Internet, retail and mobile services