eVance Processing Review

eVance Processing, a merchant service provider, was founded in 2015 under the umbrella of Excel Corporation. The company was established after Excel acquired Calpian Commerce and combined assets from several previous providers. In 2018, The OLB Group acquired eVance, solidifying its position as a key player in the payment processing sector. The corporate office of the company is located in Alpharetta, Georgia, and is under the direction of Ronny Yakov. Let’s delve deeper into the eVance Processing Review.

eVance Processing provides a variety of services that meet different business requirements. Included in its offerings are payment gateway solutions, mobile payment choices, point-of-sale systems, recurring billing, and secure payment processing using its own system, SecurePay. SecurePay is versatile for various business models with features like mobile payments, eCommerce integration, and fraud protection.

The company primarily targets small and medium-sized businesses, especially those in sectors like retail, e-commerce, and mobile services. eVance also supports high-volume merchants and industries such as clothing, electronics, gas stations, and personal services. Its solutions are designed to help businesses manage their payment processing needs seamlessly, whether operating in physical locations or online.

Key Features and Offerings | eVance Processing Review

eVance Processing offers a variety of essential payment solutions designed to meet the needs of businesses across different sectors. Here are the key features and services:

Payment Gateway Solutions

eVance Processing’s SecurePay platform serves as a thorough payment gateway, offering businesses the capability to securely and effectively process online transactions. This gateway, accessible through a web browser, can be easily used by online merchants thanks to its compatibility with many shopping carts. It offers functions like secure transactions, prevention of fraud, and adaptable batch processing for more efficient operations.

Mobile Payment Options

eVance Processing enables businesses to accept mobile payments using EMV, Apple Pay, and other mobile wallets, making it easy to process transactions on the go. This flexibility ensures that businesses can handle sales from anywhere, whether in-store or at events, without missing opportunities. The system also allows for seamless mobile integration, ensuring secure and fast transactions.

Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems

eVance offers advanced point-of-sale (POS) solutions that cater to both physical stores and mobile environments. Their POS systems are designed to handle credit and debit card payments, as well as contactless NFC transactions. The systems come with user-friendly interfaces, making it easier for businesses to manage sales, track inventory, and monitor customer data in real-time.

Recurring Billing Services

eVance offers a simple solution for businesses looking to establish automated payments with their recurring billing service. This functionality enables businesses to bill clients periodically, making it especially beneficial for services that operate on a subscription model. Businesses have the option to streamline billing by automating payments through credit card or ACH transactions.

eCheck and ACH Payment Solutions

eVance Processing also offers secure eCheck and ACH payment processing, enabling businesses to accept bank payments directly. These methods provide an alternative to traditional card payments and often come with lower processing fees, making them a cost-effective option. The service is particularly beneficial for high-volume or subscription-based businesses, allowing for seamless recurring payments and larger transactions

Pricing and Fee Structure

eVance Processing operates under a fairly traditional pricing model, but specific details about their fees are not always fully transparent. Like many payment processors, eVance typically employs an interchange-plus pricing structure, where merchants are charged a percentage of each transaction plus a flat fee. This structure can vary based on the type of transaction, whether swiped, keyed-in, or through mobile payment.

Overview of Pricing Model

The company provides competitive pricing for regular credit card transactions, however, specific rates like transaction and monthly fees are typically not transparently shared. Payment processors typically utilize a tiered pricing structure, with varying rates for different transaction types like card-present and card-not-present. Additionally, eVance provides equipment leasing for their point-of-sale systems, which may result in added expenses throughout the lease term.

Transparent vs. Hidden Fees

While some basic fees are stated clearly, merchants have reported encountering hidden fees, such as batch fees, PCI compliance charges, and early termination fees. For example, eVance charges a PCI compliance fee, which may not be explicitly discussed upfront. Additionally, some merchants have reported encountering unexpected fees tied to their contracts, raising concerns about transparency in the fee structure.

Transaction, Monthly, and Equipment Fees

Transaction fees can range from 1.00% to 4.99%, depending on the type of payment. The company’s equipment lease fees, which can be locked into lengthy contracts, add to the overall cost for merchants. eVance’s monthly fees and other charges, such as statement fees, are generally undisclosed, making it difficult for businesses to get a clear picture of the total cost.

Comparison to Competitors

In comparison to rival companies, eVance’s pricing system might seem more opaque, potentially posing a drawback for merchants looking for affordable options. Alternative providers might have more transparent pricing structures, less hidden fees, which could be a preferable option for businesses focused on budget transparency.

Integration and Compatibility

eVance Processing stands out for its broad compatibility with a variety of platforms, making it an appealing choice for businesses with diverse operational needs. Whether it’s e-commerce platforms, physical point-of-sale (POS) systems, or software solutions, eVance offers versatile payment processing capabilities. Its SecurePay gateway integrates with numerous shopping carts and e-commerce platforms, allowing businesses to accept payments online without significant technical challenges. This flexibility ensures that eVance can be seamlessly incorporated into most major online storefronts, making it suitable for both small businesses and larger enterprises.

Ease of Integration with Existing Systems

One of the key strengths of eVance Processing is the ease of integration with existing business systems. The platform offers a straightforward setup for both online and in-person payment processing, reducing downtime during implementation. Businesses can integrate eVance into their operations without extensive technical support or infrastructure changes. Additionally, eVance provides step-by-step guidance to assist merchants in connecting the payment system to their existing hardware and software, ensuring smooth operation across multiple channels, including mobile payments and POS systems.

API Offerings for Developers

eVance provides developers with a comprehensive API that enables a variety of customization possibilities. This allows businesses to customize their payment processing solutions to meet particular requirements easily. The API permits connection to different platforms and facilitates the streamlining of actions like payment processing, billing, and reporting. eVance’s API offers the essential tools for businesses to either develop unique payment experiences or incorporate advanced features such as recurring billing. This degree of flexibility is especially advantageous for companies aiming to simplify their operations while retaining authority over their payment systems.

Security and Compliance

Security is a critical aspect of any payment processing service, and eVance Processing offers robust measures to ensure the safety of transactions and customer data. As a provider, eVance is PCI-compliant, adhering to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), which is a set of security standards designed to protect cardholder information during and after transactions. PCI compliance helps businesses avoid hefty fines while ensuring that sensitive payment data is handled securely.

PCI Compliance and Data Security Measures

eVance ensures that businesses using its services meet the stringent requirements of PCI DSS. These measures include securing the transmission of cardholder data, maintaining a secure network, and implementing strong access control measures to limit who can view sensitive information. By offering PCI compliance as part of their service, eVance helps businesses maintain trust with their customers, reducing the risk of data breaches or financial penalties due to non-compliance.

Fraud Prevention Tools and Chargeback Management

eVance provides additional security measures through fraud prevention tools that aid businesses in identifying and addressing fraudulent behavior in order to prevent potential financial losses. These tools involve watching out for suspicious transactions and highlighting unusual buying behaviors. eVance offers merchants strong chargeback management systems to efficiently manage disputed transactions, alongside fraud detection. eVance helps companies navigate chargeback complexities to reduce lost sales and avoid unnecessary fees.

SSL Encryption and Tokenization Features

eVance also employs SSL encryption, which is critical for securing data transmission between the merchant, customer, and payment gateway. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) encryption ensures that sensitive data, like credit card details, are protected from unauthorized access. Furthermore, eVance uses tokenization to enhance data security. Tokenization replaces sensitive payment information with a randomly generated token, which is useless to hackers even if intercepted.

Customer Support and Service

eVance Processing provides various customer support options to ensure that businesses can resolve their payment processing issues promptly. The company offers support via multiple channels, including phone, email, and live chat, aiming to provide real-time assistance for merchants who need help with their accounts or payment systems. One of the standout features of eVance Processing’s support system is its availability; customer support is accessible 24/7, which is crucial for businesses operating across different time zones or during late hours.

Availability of Customer Support

eVance Processing makes sure that their customers can receive help 24/7. Businesses have the option to contact the support team via a specific phone number, email support, or a live chat on the website, offering flexibility in choosing the preferred communication method. This level of accessibility is advantageous for merchants who might face problems beyond normal business hours, enabling them to promptly deal with any issues that come up.

Quality of Service and Responsiveness

The responsiveness and quality of eVance’s customer service have received mixed reviews. While some users report prompt and effective support, others mention occasional delays in getting issues resolved, particularly during high-demand periods. However, the company’s commitment to first-call resolution—solving problems on the initial contact—helps streamline the support process for many customers. Despite some challenges, eVance strives to maintain a high level of service, focusing on minimizing downtime for businesses and ensuring smooth payment operations.

Online Resources

In addition to direct support, eVance Processing offers a range of online resources to help users navigate their services independently. These include FAQs, user guides, and troubleshooting articles available on their website. These resources allow businesses to find quick answers to common questions or resolve minor issues without having to contact customer support, making it easier for merchants to manage their accounts efficiently.

User Experience and Interface

eVance Processing has designed its user interface to cater to both small and large businesses, offering an intuitive dashboard that simplifies the management of payment transactions. The user dashboard is easy to navigate, providing merchants with clear access to key features like transaction history, invoicing, and payment settings. The clean layout allows users to quickly locate the tools they need without unnecessary complexity, making it accessible for users of all technical skill levels.

Review of the User Dashboard and Admin Interface

The dashboard provides a centralized location where businesses can view real-time transaction data, manage invoices, and track customer payments. For those handling large volumes of transactions, the ability to search through past payments and quickly access important details is a major advantage. The administrative interface is user-friendly, reducing the learning curve for new users. This means businesses can start processing payments and managing their accounts with minimal setup or need for extensive training.

Customization Options for Businesses

eVance Processing offers some degree of customization, allowing businesses to tailor the system according to their operational needs. Merchants can adjust payment settings, manage recurring billing, and set specific preferences for transaction notifications. This flexibility is important for businesses with unique payment processing requirements, as it allows them to create a system that works seamlessly with their workflows. However, while the platform offers solid customization features, it may not be as robust as some competitors when it comes to deep, technical customization.

Reporting Tools and Analytics Available

In terms of reporting, eVance provides a comprehensive suite of analytics tools that help businesses monitor their performance. Users can generate detailed reports on transaction volumes, sales trends, and customer behavior, which can be valuable for making informed business decisions. The reporting tools are designed to provide clear, actionable insights, helping businesses identify areas for growth or optimization. This feature is especially useful for businesses that rely on data-driven decisions to improve their payment processes and overall operations.

Pros and Cons of eVance Processing

eVance Processing provides various features and benefits that can be advantageous for businesses, but there are also some limitations that users should consider. Below is a breakdown of the key pros and cons.

Pros

Wide Range of Payment Solutions: eVance offers a broad suite of payment services, including credit card processing, mobile payments, eCheck, and ACH solutions. This versatility makes it suitable for businesses across different industries, from retail to e-commerce.

SecurePay Platform: The SecurePay gateway provides robust security measures like tokenization and encryption, making it a dependable option for safeguarding valuable customer information. It further connects with a range of shopping carts, increasing its flexibility for e-commerce companies.

24/7 Customer Support: With round-the-clock customer support available via phone, email, and live chat, businesses can quickly resolve issues, which is especially helpful for companies operating outside of regular hours.

Easy Integration: eVance’s platform is designed for ease of integration with existing business systems, providing flexibility for businesses to set up payment processing without significant technical barriers. The API also allows developers to customize and scale the system according to their needs.

Cons

Lack of Pricing Transparency: One of the main drawbacks is the lack of clear pricing information. Merchants have reported unexpected fees such as PCI compliance and early termination fees, which are not always disclosed upfront. This can make it difficult for businesses to accurately predict their costs.

Long-Term Contracts and Equipment Leases: eVance’s contract terms, especially for equipment leases, are often lengthy and restrictive. Businesses may find themselves locked into 48-month equipment leases, which may not be ideal for all merchants.

Mixed Customer Service Reviews: While 24/7 support is a significant advantage, some users have reported delays in resolving issues and concerns about the quality of service during high-demand periods.

Comparison with Alternatives

eVance Processing may not offer the same cost efficiency as its competitors because of its hidden fees and longer contract terms. Square or PayPal, for example, provide pricing models that are more transparent and have fewer long-term obligations, which makes them attractive to businesses who value knowing their budget in advance. Nonetheless, eVance is distinguished by its extensive selection of payment methods and robust security features, making it a reliable choice for businesses requiring advanced payment processing solutions.

Industries Served

eVance Processing caters to a wide range of industries by providing flexible payment solutions that meet the unique needs of various business types. From retail to healthcare and e-commerce, eVance’s payment processing services are designed to handle the different payment requirements and challenges of each sector. This broad adaptability makes eVance a versatile solution for businesses of all sizes.

Retail

For the retail industry, eVance offers point-of-sale (POS) systems that support in-store transactions, credit and debit card payments, and contactless payments such as NFC. Retail businesses benefit from eVance’s ability to integrate seamlessly with existing POS systems, allowing for smooth and fast transactions. This ensures retailers can offer a quick checkout experience, which is vital in reducing wait times and improving customer satisfaction.

Healthcare

In the healthcare sector, security is a top priority, especially with sensitive patient and payment data. eVance Processing offers HIPAA-compliant payment solutions that integrate with healthcare management systems. This enables healthcare providers to securely handle payments for services, such as doctor visits and medical treatments. By offering encrypted transactions and robust fraud prevention tools, eVance helps healthcare providers maintain compliance while ensuring data security.

E-commerce

eVance is a preferred option for e-commerce companies because of its SecurePay gateway, which is compatible with a variety of shopping cart platforms. This enables e-commerce businesses to receive payments from a global customer base with the added advantages of fraud prevention and safe data management. Having the capacity to manage ongoing billing is especially advantageous for subscription-based services, as customers are automatically charged regularly.

Hospitality

For the hospitality industry, eVance offers solutions that enable hotels and restaurants to accept payments both online and in-person. From booking payments to pay-at-the-table options, eVance helps hospitality businesses offer convenient and secure payment experiences for their guests. Additionally, their mobile payment options allow businesses to handle transactions anywhere on the premises, adding flexibility to the guest experience.

Conclusion

To sum up, eVance Processing provides a variety of payment options designed for different sectors like retail, healthcare, and online shopping. Despite its strengths such as SecurePay and flexible integrations, potential users should be cautious of undisclosed fees. In general, eVance is a reliable option for companies looking for safe and flexible payment processing solutions.

FAQs

What are the contract terms with eVance Processing?

eVance typically offers two- to three-year contracts, with an early termination fee (ETF) that can exceed $350. The cost depends on the remaining months in the contract and any legal fees incurred for cancellation.

Does eVance Processing support international transactions?

Yes, eVance supports international transactions, but merchants may incur additional fees for currency conversion and cross-border payments. It’s ideal for businesses with global customers.

What level of customer support does eVance provide for small businesses?

eVance offers 24/7 support via phone, email, and live chat, ensuring assistance is available whenever small businesses need it.