Securus Payments Review

Securus Payments, a division of Securus Technologies, is involved in payment processing, offering a variety of solutions designed for different industries, emphasizing on secure and efficient transactions. The company is a component of the larger Securus network, recognized for its offerings in corrections and public safety. Throughout time, Securus Payments has established itself as a major player in the financial services sector by utilizing the robust technological framework of its parent corporation.

Company Background and History

Securus Technologies, which is the main company of Securus Payments, started in 1986 and has become a well-known provider of technology solutions for the prison industry. Based in Dallas, Texas, Securus Technologies has grown and now has several smaller companies under it, including Securus Payments, which specializes in handling payment services.

Initially established to serve the needs of the corrections industry, Securus Technologies recognized the broader potential of its technological infrastructure and began diversifying its offerings. This led to the creation of Securus Payments, which aims to provide secure, reliable, and scalable payment processing solutions to a wider array of industries.

Securus Payments’ mission closely mirrors that of its parent company, Securus Technologies, focusing on improving security and efficiency through innovative technological solutions. Securus Payments is dedicated to offering advanced payment processing services that go above and beyond their clients’ expectations. The company prioritizes integrity, security, and customer satisfaction, aiming to provide services that are dependable and honest.

Throughout its history, Securus Payments has achieved several key milestones that have solidified its reputation in the payment processing industry. These milestones include the successful integration of advanced security features into its payment platforms, expansion of its services to various sectors, and the continuous development of innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of its clients.

Securus Payments has excelled in utilizing the technological progress made by Securus Technologies, specifically in the fields of security and compliance. Securus Payments’ ability to provide dependable and strong service has made it a top option for businesses needing secure payment processing solutions.

Services and Solutions Offered

Securus Payments offers a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the needs of businesses across various industries. By leveraging advanced technology and a deep understanding of the payment processing landscape, the company provides solutions that are secure, efficient, and user-friendly. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key services and solutions offered by Securus Payments.

Payment Processing Services

At the core of Securus Payments’ offerings is its payment processing service, which allows businesses to accept and manage payments seamlessly. This service supports various payment methods, including credit and debit cards, ACH transfers, and electronic checks. Securus Payments ensures quick transaction processing times and competitive rates, making it a reliable choice for businesses of all sizes.

POS Systems and Hardware Options

Securus Payments offers a range of POS systems and hardware options designed to meet the unique requirements of retail businesses. These systems are created to seamlessly blend with current business operations, providing functions such as inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), and sales reporting. The hardware choices consist of mobile card readers, countertop terminals, and advanced touchscreen systems, all have up-to-date technology for secure and efficient transactions.

E-commerce Solutions and Integrations

For businesses operating online, Securus Payments offers robust e-commerce solutions that include payment gateways, shopping cart integrations, and customizable checkout pages. These solutions are compatible with major e-commerce platforms, making it easier for businesses to set up and manage their online stores. The payment gateways are designed to handle high transaction volumes while maintaining top-notch security standards.

Mobile Payment Options

In response to the growing demand for mobile payment solutions, Securus Payments provides mobile payment processing options that enable businesses to accept payments via smartphones and tablets. This service is particularly beneficial for businesses that operate in the field or at events, offering flexibility and convenience.

Fraud Prevention and Security Measures

Securus Payments places a strong emphasis on security, implementing various measures to prevent fraud and protect clients. These consist of encryption, tokenization, and adherence to PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard). Moreover, Securus Payments provides resources to oversee and identify dubious actions, guaranteeing the safety of businesses and their clients against possible fraud.

Pricing and Contract Terms

Securus Payments is known for offering a variety of pricing plans that cater to different business needs, making it a flexible choice for many merchants. The company provides a pricing structure that is designed to be competitive, though the exact rates can vary depending on the specific services a business requires and the volume of transactions processed.

Overview of Pricing Structure

Securus Payments typically offers both interchange-plus and tiered pricing models. The interchange-plus model involves a fixed markup over the interchange fees set by the credit card networks, offering transparency and predictability in costs. On the other hand, the tiered pricing model categorizes transactions into different tiers, such as qualified, mid-qualified, and non-qualified, each with its own rate. This model can sometimes lead to higher fees depending on the type of transaction, but it may also offer lower rates for businesses with a high volume of qualified transactions.

Explanation of Contract Terms and Length

Securus Payments typically mandates that businesses commit to a contract lasting a few years, typically around three years. This practice is quite common in the payment processing sector, as extended agreements benefit both the processor and the merchant by ensuring better rates. Nevertheless, businesses must meticulously examine the terms, as these agreements frequently contain clauses regarding fees for ending the contract early.

Any Fees Associated with the Services

In addition to the transaction fees, Securus Payments may charge several other fees, including monthly service fees, PCI compliance fees, and fees for additional services like chargeback protection. One significant fee to be aware of is the early termination fee, which applies if a business decides to cancel the contract before its term is up. This fee can vary depending on the specific terms of the agreement.

Comparisons with Industry Standards

When compared to industry standards, Securus Payments’ pricing is generally competitive, though some merchants might find the tiered pricing model less transparent than the interchange-plus model. The early termination fees and other potential hidden charges are also common in the industry, but businesses should weigh these against the services and support offered by Securus Payments. Overall, the company’s pricing and contract terms are in line with what one might expect from a reputable payment processor, though businesses are advised to thoroughly review their contract to ensure it aligns with their financial and operational goals.

User Experience and Interface

Securus Payments has built its platform with the user in mind, focusing on creating an intuitive and straightforward experience for merchants across various industries. The ease of use and accessibility of its interface is a key feature that sets it apart, making it a popular choice for businesses that prioritize efficient and seamless payment processing.

Ease of Use for Merchants

Securus Payments typically mandates that businesses commit to a contract lasting a few years, typically around three years. This practice is quite common in the payment processing sector, as extended agreements benefit both the processor and the merchant by ensuring better rates. Nevertheless, businesses must meticulously examine the terms, as these agreements frequently contain clauses regarding fees for ending the contract early.

Overview of the Dashboard and Management Tools

One of the standout features of Securus Payments is its comprehensive dashboard. The dashboard provides merchants with a centralized view of all their transactions, allowing them to track sales, manage refunds, and generate reports with ease. The management tools are robust yet easy to use, offering detailed insights into transaction data and customer behavior. This level of visibility is crucial for businesses looking to optimize their payment processes and make data-driven decisions.

Customization Options

Securus Payments offers a range of customization options that allow businesses to tailor the platform to their specific needs. Securus Payments offers the flexibility to customize the checkout experience for customers, integrate the payment system with existing business software, and adapt to different business models. This level of customization helps businesses create a consistent brand experience across all customer touchpoints.

Accessibility and Support for Different Business Sizes

Securus Payments is designed to cater to businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises. The platform scales easily, ensuring that as a business grows, the payment processing system can grow with it. Additionally, Securus Payments offers a range of support options to help businesses at every stage, from initial setup to ongoing maintenance. Their customer support is readily available to assist with any issues, ensuring that businesses can continue to operate smoothly without interruptions.

Customer Support and Service

Securus Payments prioritizes offering strong customer support and service, understanding that the success of its payment processing solutions relies heavily on the level of support provided to its customers. The company provides various support options to ensure businesses have access to assistance at all times.

Types of Customer Support Available

Securus Payments provides a variety of customer support options, including phone support, email, and live chat. These channels are designed to cater to different preferences, allowing customers to choose the method that best suits their needs. Phone support is ideal for immediate assistance, while email and live chat offer convenience for less urgent queries or when detailed documentation is required. This multi-channel approach ensures that businesses can resolve issues quickly, minimizing any potential downtime in their operations.

Availability of Support

The availability of customer support at Securus Payments is one of its strong points. The company offers 24/7 support, which is crucial for businesses that operate outside of regular business hours or in different time zones. This round-the-clock availability ensures that help is always on hand, whether it’s during a busy sales period or in the middle of the night. For less critical issues, there are also options to access support during standard business hours, allowing for flexibility based on the urgency of the situation.

Quality of Service Based on Customer Feedback

Customer feedback on Securus Payments’ support services is generally positive. Many users highlight the responsiveness and professionalism of the support team, noting that issues are typically resolved quickly and efficiently. The support staff is often praised for their knowledge and ability to provide clear, actionable solutions. However, like any service provider, there are occasional reports of longer wait times or issues taking longer to resolve, but these seem to be exceptions rather than the norm.

Educational Resources and Training Offered to Clients

Securus Payments provides not only direct assistance but also various educational materials and training opportunities to assist clients in maximizing their payment processing systems. The resources consist of comprehensive user manuals, online seminars, and training classes aimed at enabling businesses to utilize the platform proficiently. Securus Payments aids businesses in decreasing their need for customer support by offering tools that allow them to address common problems on their own and make the most out of the system.

Security and Compliance

Security and compliance are foundational elements of Securus Payments’ operations, ensuring that both merchants and their customers are protected from potential threats in the digital payment landscape. The company employs a range of advanced security measures designed to safeguard sensitive data and adhere to industry regulations.

Overview of Security Measures in Place

Securus Payments utilizes a multi-layered security approach to protect transaction data. This includes encryption technologies that secure data both in transit and at rest, ensuring that any information exchanged between the merchant, customer, and payment processor remains confidential. Encryption is a critical component of protecting cardholder data and preventing unauthorized access.

Besides using encryption, Securus Payments follows the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). This is a group of security rules made to keep card details safe during and after a money exchange. Being PCI compliant is required for any company that deals with credit card data. Securus Payments makes sure its systems and methods meet or go beyond these strict rules.

How Securus Payments Ensures Data Protection

To further enhance data protection, Securus Payments employs tokenization, a process that replaces sensitive card information with a unique identifier or “token.” This token can be used for transactions without exposing the actual card details, significantly reducing the risk of data breaches. Additionally, the company continuously monitors its systems for any signs of suspicious activity, allowing for swift detection and response to potential threats.

Securus Payments also emphasizes regular security audits and vulnerability assessments, which help identify and mitigate any potential weaknesses in their systems. By staying proactive in their security efforts, the company ensures that both merchants and customers can trust the safety of their transactions.

Steps Taken to Comply with Industry Regulations and Standards

Ensuring adherence to industry regulations is a key focus for Securus Payments. In addition to PCI DSS compliance, the company also follows other applicable regulations and standards, including the GDPR for businesses in the EU. These rules dictate the collection, processing, and storage of personal data to uphold customer privacy.

Securus Payments also keeps abreast of changes in the regulatory landscape, updating its practices and technologies as needed to remain compliant. This commitment to compliance not only protects the company from potential legal repercussions but also provides peace of mind to its clients, knowing that their payment processing partner is operating within the bounds of the law.

Pros and Cons

When considering Securus Payments for your payment processing needs, it’s essential to weigh both the advantages and potential drawbacks of the service. Here’s a breakdown of the key pros and cons:

Advantages of Using Securus Payments:

Strong Security Measures: Securus Payments stands out in ensuring secure transactions by utilizing encryption, tokenization, and adhering to PCI compliance. These characteristics guarantee the protection of sensitive data, lowering the chances of fraud and data breaches.

Comprehensive Service Offering: The platform supports a wide range of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, ACH transfers, and mobile payments. This versatility makes it suitable for businesses of various sizes and types, whether they operate online, in-store, or both.

User-Friendly Interface: The system is created to be user-friendly and effortless, featuring a neatly arranged dashboard that enables companies to handle transactions, monitor sales, and produce reports with little difficulty.

24/7 Customer Support: The availability of round-the-clock customer support ensures that businesses can get help whenever they need it, which is especially crucial for those operating outside of standard business hours.

Potential Drawbacks or Areas for Improvement:

Contractual Commitments: One of the main drawbacks of Securus Payments is the requirement for long-term contracts, typically around three years. This can be a significant commitment for small businesses, particularly if they are uncertain about their future needs.

Early Termination Fees: Early termination fees can discourage businesses in need of flexibility. Terminating the service prior to the contract’s conclusion may lead to substantial fines.

Potential Hidden Fees: While the pricing structure is generally competitive, some users have reported encountering additional fees that were not clearly communicated upfront. These can include PCI compliance fees and other service-related charges, which can add up over time.

Comparison with Competitors:

Security: Compared to many competitors, Securus Payments is on par with the best in terms of security features. Its commitment to PCI compliance and advanced security measures makes it a strong contender in the payment processing industry.

Pricing Flexibility: Although Securus Payments has competitive rates, other rivals may offer more flexible pricing options, especially for businesses that do not want to commit to long-term contracts.

Customer Support: The 24/7 customer support offered by Securus Payments is a significant advantage over some competitors that only offer support during business hours or charge extra for extended support options.

To sum up, Securus Payments provides a secure and complete payment processing solution with an easy-to-use interface and excellent customer assistance. Nevertheless, individuals interested in using the service should thoroughly think about the extended contract obligations and take note of potential undisclosed charges prior to making a commitment.

Customer Reviews and Reputation

When evaluating Securus Payments, it is important to consider the feedback and experiences of customers who have used their services. Customer reviews offer valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the company, providing a well-rounded perspective on its reputation in the industry.

Summary of Customer Feedback from Various Sources

The feedback from customers regarding Securus Payments is diverse, as experiences differ based on individual user needs and expectations. Certain clients value the extensive array of services and the safety measures offered by Securus Payments. They frequently point out the ease of use of the interface and the range of payment choices as key benefits.

Common Praise and Complaints

One of the most common points of praise for Securus Payments is its robust security measures. Many customers feel confident in the safety of their transactions due to the company’s use of encryption, tokenization, and PCI compliance. Additionally, the 24/7 customer support is frequently mentioned as a positive aspect, especially for businesses that require round-the-clock assistance.

However, there are also some recurring complaints among users. A significant number of customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the contractual terms, particularly the long-term commitment required and the associated early termination fees. Some users have additionally experienced unanticipated charges that were not clearly disclosed when they signed up. These problems have caused frustration for companies that prioritize flexibility and transparency.

Overall Reputation in the Industry

Securus Payments is known for being a trustworthy and secure payment processor, especially favored by businesses focused on data security and following regulations. However, its standing is slightly influenced by the issues surrounding its pricing clarity and contract conditions. Compared to rivals, Securus Payments is known for its strong security measures and customer assistance, though it might not be the top pick for companies in need of adaptable and clear pricing options.

Final Verdict

Securus Payments is a dependable option for businesses looking for safe and trustworthy payment processing along with strong customer assistance. It is especially ideal for individuals who value security and are okay with committing to lengthy contracts. Nevertheless, it is important for businesses to thoroughly examine the terms of the contract and associated fees prior to making a commitment.

FAQs

What types of businesses benefit most from using Securus Payments?

Securus Payments is ideal for businesses that prioritize security and require a reliable payment processing solution, such as retail stores, e-commerce platforms, and service providers. It’s particularly suited for those needing a robust system with comprehensive customer support.

How does Securus Payments handle disputes or chargebacks?

Securus Payments has an organized process for resolving disputes that involves communicating clearly with the merchant, investigating the transaction, and assisting with providing the required documentation to resolve the problem quickly.

Are there any hidden fees with Securus Payments?

While Securus Payments is generally transparent, some users have reported encountering fees that were not initially apparent, such as PCI compliance fees and early termination fees. It’s important to carefully review the contract to understand all potential costs.