Leaders
Written by
Andrew Omalley
About the brand
Leaders Merchant Services is a California-based company that specializes in credit card processing for small businesses, offering comprehensive payment solutions for businesses of all sizes across all 50 states. As one of the fastest-growing providers of merchant services, they helps businesses efficiently process both traditional in-person transactions using credit card readers and credit card scanners, as well as card-not-present transactions for online or remote payments. ...Whether you operate a retail store, an online business, or a home-based enterprise, Leaders provides the tools and support to ensure smooth payment processing for every scenario. Offering competitive rates and a wide selection of payment solutions, including mobile payments, payment gateways, and extensive online merchant services, Leaders adjusts its services to fit the individual needs of each business. Security is also a top priority, with one of the largest Chargeback and Fraud Prevention Departments in the industry, helping to protect your merchant account and ensure every transaction is secure. Leaders provides 24/7 customer support, ensuring that your business has the assistance it needs around the clock, whether you’re handling a credit card processing issue or managing complex payments. Overall, this merchant service provider is a great choice and worth considering. Read more
8.0
Price
9.0
Ease of use
8.0
Features
9.0
Service
8.5
Overall
Our Verdict
Leaders is definitely a strong option when it comes to choosing a merchant service provider. If you’re looking for a flexible and reliable credit card processing solution, it may even be one of the best. Whether you need a credit card reader for in-store transactions or an online payment gateway, they offer a wide range of payment options for small businesses that can be tailored specifically to your needs.
Their POS systems and terminals make accepting payments easy while providing the security and reliability you need to manage transactions. With 24/7 support and various equipment options, Leaders helps simplify merchant services for small businesses.
Pros
- 98% approval rate for all merchants
- Industry low rates, only $0.15 batch fee
- Several Clover POS systems are available
- Serves a variety of industries
- 24/7 technical support
Cons
- There are limited types of customer service
- Unclear pricing and rates
- Many online complaints
Plans & Pricing
Leaders offers flexible, customizable pricing, but exact rates aren’t openly listed. While they don’t provide full pricing transparency on their website, your specific rates will depend on the types of transactions your business processes, such as in-person, online, or phone orders (MOTO). To determine the best plan for your business, Leaders encourages you to speak directly with a rep who can walk you through the available rate programs and find a fit that aligns with your transaction volume and business model.
This merchant service offers a compelling “meet or beat” guarantee, which allows you to provide your two most recent processing statements for a detailed analysis of your current rates. If they can’t offer you a better deal than your current provider, they’ll give you a $200 gift card. This offer applies to businesses that process at least $2,000 in Visa, MasterCard, and Discover transactions each month. The comparison is based on the total monthly costs, including rates, fees, and other charges, giving you a comprehensive view of potential savings.
For those looking for free equipment, this option is available with a contract commitment. You’ll need to consult with a sales representative to get details on equipment availability and the length of the commitment. If you already own a credit card terminal, they can often reprogram it to work with their system, provided it’s PCI compliant and not locked by a previous processor.
Leaders’ rates start as low as 0.15%, but since pricing may vary based on individual agents and business profiles, it’s important to have a personalized discussion to ensure you get the best rates and options for your business.
In-depth review
Features and Functionality
There is a full suite of payment processing tools is tailored to meet small businesses’ needs.
From versatile POS systems to security features, they ensure you can handle transactions efficiently, securely, and with flexibility. Here’s a closer look at what Leaders offers:
Payment Processing
Leaders supports a wide range of payment processing options. You can accept credit and debit cards, EMV chip cards, and contactless payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, making it easy for customers to pay in-store or online. Their systems are built to handle both traditional and digital payments, providing the versatility modern businesses need.
Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems
There is an array of Clover POS systems available that are designed for different business environments:
- Clover Station: An all-in-one POS solution with a 14” HD touchscreen, receipt printer, and barcode scanner.
- Clover Mini: A compact system ideal for countertops with a user-friendly interface.
- Clover Flex: A portable device that allows you to process payments anywhere, with a built-in receipt printer and barcode scanner.
These systems come pre-configured and ready to use, making setup easy. Whether you’re running a retail store, E-commerce site, or mobile business, these solutions are ideal for payment processing.
Virtual Terminal and Mobile Payments
If your small business handles remote transactions, Leaders provides a virtual terminal via the iAccess portal, allowing you to manually enter payment details for MOTO (mail order/telephone order) transactions. For mobile businesses, devices like Clover Flex and Clover Go offer the flexibility to accept payments on the go, ensuring that you can process EMV chip cards and contactless payments wherever your business takes you.
Reporting and Analytics
Real-time insights are available through their iAccess portal. You can:
- Track sales and transaction history
- View detailed reports on deposits and payments
- Reconcile payments and manage batches effortlessly
This helps you monitor performance and ensure accurate accounting.
Fraud and Chargeback Protection
They offer PCI-compliant solutions and EMV-ready terminals to protect your business and customers from fraud. Their dedicated chargeback and fraud prevention department helps manage disputes and offers guidance to minimize risks.
Recurring Billing and Customer Management
Leaders supports recurring billing, making it easy to set up automated payments for customers with subscription-based services. Additionally, customer payment data can be securely stored, allowing for quick, repeat transactions and better customer relationship management through the iAccess portal.
Security Features
This merchant service provider ensures that all transactions are handled securely:
- PCI compliance for secure data handling
- 256-bit SSL encryption for online transactions
- EMV chip card support to prevent fraudulent transactions
24/7 Customer Support
They provide 24/7 customer and technical support, ensuring help is available whenever you need it. Whether you’re setting up your system or troubleshooting a payment issue, Leaders offers ongoing support through their dedicated lines for installation and service.
Equipment Leasing Options
They also offer flexible leasing or hardware purchasing options. This includes:
- Clover POS systems like the Station, Mini, and Flex
- First Data FD150 Terminal for in-store payment processing
- MagTek Mini-MICR for check reading
Gift Card and Loyalty Programs
According to the FAQ on their website, gift cards and loyalty programs are available.
Hardware Requirements
There is a range of Clover systems that are designed to make credit card processing for small businesses simple and efficient. Whether you need a mobile solution or a full-featured countertop system, you can accept credit card payments quickly and securely, including EMV chip cards, NFC contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as traditional debit and credit cards.
Clover
Here’s how Clover can work for you:
Clover Station
The Clover Station is an all-in-one POS system that replaces your cash register, credit card reader, and barcode scanner. With its 14″ HD touchscreen display and encrypted swiper, you can easily handle transactions and manage your business with one device. Optional accessories, like a customer-facing display and receipt printer, give you even more flexibility.
Clover Mini
Looking for a more compact solution? The Clover Mini offers a great POS experience in a smaller package. It accepts a wide variety of payment types, including EMV, NFC, and gift cards. With its intuitive touchscreen, you can easily manage payments, track tips, and capture signatures. You can also connect peripherals like barcode scanners to speed up the checkout process, making it a great option for businesses focused on optimizing credit card processing.
Clover Flex
If you need mobility, the Clover Flex gives you the freedom to take payments anywhere. Whether you’re in the aisle, at a customer’s table, or on the road, this portable device lets you swipe, dip, or tap cards with ease. It comes with a built-in receipt printer and barcode scanner, and it works seamlessly with other Clover devices. Plus, you can track your merchant account data in real-time and access detailed reports, keeping your business running smoothly from anywhere.
All Clover devices are cloud-based, meaning you can access your online merchant services anytime, anywhere. With the Clover App Marketplace, you can further customize your system with apps that help streamline your business and grow your credit card processing capabilities.
First Data FD150
There are also reliable credit card processing solutions available, such as the First Data FD150 Terminal and the First Data FD150 Terminal & RP10 Pin Pad. These terminals are designed for small businesses that need fast, secure, and easy-to-use payment processing.
First Data FD150 Terminal
The First Data FD150 is a compact and feature-rich terminal that combines performance with ease of use. You can process credit card, debit, electronic benefits transfer (EBT), and check payments efficiently. The terminal supports EMV chip transactions for enhanced security and offers multiple connectivity options, including IP, Wi-Fi, and dial-up. With its touchscreen display, durable keys, and fast 18-lines-per-second printer, handling payments becomes straightforward.
Key features:
- Supports EMV chip and contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Multiple connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and dial-up backup
- 18 lines-per-second thermal printer
- Simplified installation and use
- PCI-PED Version 5.x approved for security
First Data FD150 Terminal & RP10 Pin Pad
If you need to handle PIN-based debit transactions, the First Data FD150 Terminal paired with the RP10 Pin Pad could be a good choice. This setup combines the reliability of the FD150 terminal with the convenience of the RP10 Pin Pad, allowing customers to securely enter their PIN. You’ll still benefit from EMV chip support, contactless payments, and fast, reliable performance. With its Wi-Fi connectivity and fast printer, this terminal makes it easy to handle high volumes of transactions securely.
Key features:
- RP10 Pin Pad for secure PIN-based debit transactions
- Wi-Fi and dial-up backup for flexible connectivity
- Supports contactless and EMV chip payments
- Compact design with easy setup
These terminals help you manage payment processing efficiently, whether you’re accepting credit cards, EBT, or checks, giving your business the flexibility and security it needs to handle transactions smoothly.
Shopping Cart
Authorize.Net provides multiple methods for connecting websites and point-of-sale (POS) systems to their payment gateway for seamless transaction processing. As a web merchant, you can choose the method that best suits your business’s customization needs. For retail and mobile merchants, Authorize.Net integrates through certified third-party hardware and software solutions, ensuring compliance with their security and performance standards. This flexibility allows businesses to process payments securely and efficiently, no matter the platform.
They also offer the CartManager Shopping Cart, which is a user-friendly, customizable, and secure E-commerce solution that simplifies your online sales process. It presents an easy setup with no programming required. Fully customizable checkout pages let you add your logo, colors, and more, while its 256-bit SSL encryption ensures secure transactions. It works with any hosting platform and integrates seamlessly with tools like Dreamweaver, Front Page, and eBay. You can manage unlimited products and orders, calculate real-time shipping, and handle multiple payment methods. The system also provides advanced order management, customer insights, and support for features like affiliate programs and QuickBooks integration.
Check Reader
The MagTek Mini-MICR is a highly reliable check reading solution used by businesses of all sizes, from major retailers to small businesses. Built with durability in mind, it ensures accurate check reading even under heavy daily use. With over 1 million check readers installed globally, the Mini-MICR processes billions of checks annually with industry-leading accuracy. It offers a range of interface options, making it easy to integrate with POS terminals, PCs, and cash registers.
SwipeSimple Provider
There are also a variety of affordable payment solutions with SwipeSimple, making credit card processing convenient and secure wherever your business goes.
- SwipeSimple Mobile Reader: Accept credit card payments on the go by pairing this compact reader with your smartphone or tablet, ensuring safe transactions anywhere.
- SwipeSimple Gateway: Process payments easily using your own device—no extra hardware required, making it a cost-effective payment gateway solution.
- SwipeSimple A920: A complete payment solution in one device, letting you take payments and print receipts on the spot, ideal for businesses needing a portable all-in-one terminal.
These options provide flexible, secure ways to accept payments while keeping costs low.
Integrations & Add-ons
With Leaders, you can integrate smoothly with several systems to streamline your operations:
- Clover POS Systems: Leaders works seamlessly with the Clover POS ecosystem, including Clover Station, Clover Mini, and Clover Flex. You can also expand your system through the Clover App Marketplace, giving you tools for managing inventory, customer loyalty programs, employee tracking, and more.
- Payment Gateways: If you’re running an online business, Leaders supports Authorize.Net and other payment gateways to securely process transactions. Choose between the Advanced Integration Method (AIM) for full control or the Simple Integration Method (SIM) for an easy, straightforward setup.
- E-commerce and Shopping Carts: Integrate with certified shopping carts like CartManager to securely handle online payments. This setup also supports multiple payment methods, real-time shipping calculations, and tax management, making checkout seamless.
- Accounting Software: Leaders integrates with QuickBooks, so you can automatically export your transaction data, making bookkeeping and financial reporting effortless.Recurring Billing: Set up automated payments for subscriptions or ongoing services, giving you a hassle-free way to manage repeat customers.
- Real-Time Shipping Calculations: For E-commerce businesses, offer your customers accurate real-time shipping quotes from carriers like FedEx, UPS, and U.S. Postal Service at checkout.
- Sales Tax Management: Set up custom tax rates for multiple locations, or exempt certain products. You can handle city, county, and state tax rates all within your system.
- Coupon and Discount Management: Create and manage coupon codes or special discounts for individual products or order quantities, giving you more control over your promotions and pricing strategies.
Leaders lets you fully customize your setup, especially through Clover POS systems. With the Clover App Marketplace, you can download apps that fit your business, whether it’s inventory management, employee scheduling, or customer loyalty programs. You can even integrate with web design platforms like Dreamweaver and FrontPage, making it easy to add payment buttons or functionality to your website.
Ease of Use
From intuitive Clover Point-of-Sale (POS) systems or reliable credit card terminals, setting up and using the hardware is pretty straightforward. Devices like the Clover Station, Clover Mini, and Clover Flex are pre-programmed and tested before shipping, so you can start accepting payments right out of the box with minimal training required.
If you’re running an online business, the virtual terminal and shopping cart integration options make it easy to process payments remotely or through E-commerce platforms. Have more than one business? You can use a multi-merchant terminal to handle transactions for both companies from a single device, streamlining your operations.
You can also manage your merchant account with the iAccess portal. Log in anytime to view your electronic statements, monitor transactions, and track deposits. Plus, if you use accounting software like QuickBooks, you can easily export your payment data for bookkeeping.
Whenever you need help, 24/7 technical support is available, and you’ll receive personalized training to ensure you’re comfortable using your terminal or software from day one.
Customer Service
Leaders Merchant Services provides 24/7 support, ensuring small business owners have access to assistance at any time. You can reach them through phone support at their toll-free number (866-429-2815) for general inquiries or contact their technical support line, available 24/7, at (800) 554-4777.
For installation or training needs, a dedicated line is available at (888) 605-0693. Additionally, you can manage your account online through the iAccess platform, giving you control over your merchant services whenever needed.
While live chat, video tutorials, and a blog are not available, they make it easy to get in touch by filling out the contact form on their website. This allows you to send them an email, and they’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Their FAQ section also provides helpful answers to common questions, giving you another resource for managing your merchant account and credit card processing needs.
Phone Support
Technical support hotline available 24/7: (800) 554-4777
You can fill out a form on their site and they will get back to you.
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We make the best effort to present up-to-date information; however, the terms of each offer can be revised according to the service provider’s discretion. The above shall not be considered as an expert or professional advice for any matter.
8.0
Price
9.0
Ease of use
8.0
Features
9.0
Service
8.5
Overall
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