Heartland

Heartland Payment Review

Introduction and Overview of Heartland Payment Systems

Heartland Payment Systems, a leading credit card processor established in 1997, has been serving businesses and schools for nearly three decades. With a robust network processing over 11 million transactions for over 300,000 clients, it stands as one of the largest payment processors in the United States. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Heartland is a powerhouse in the payment processing industry.

Overview of the Company:

• Founded:1997
• Headquarters:Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Number of Transactions Processed:Over 11 million
• Number of Clients:Over 300,000
• Current CEO:Marcus Dean
• Employees:Approximately 4,366

Summary of Key Services and Market Position:

Heartland offers a wide range of payment processing solutions, catering to diverse business needs. These services encompass:

• Card Processing:Processing transactions for major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover).
• Micropayment Processing:Handling small payments for businesses like laundromats, vending machines, and car washes.
• Mobile Payment Acceptance:Enabling businesses to accept payments through mobile platforms.
• E-commerce Payment Acceptance:Facilitating online payments for e-commerce businesses.
• Virtual Terminal Services:Allowing merchants to process transactions online through a secure web interface.
• Gift Cards:Providing businesses with gift card programs to boost customer engagement and sales.
• Payroll Solutions:Offering payroll processing services to streamline employee compensation.
• Business Loans:Providing access to financing options for businesses seeking capital.

Heartland's industry-specific solutions, such as those tailored for the food and beverage industry, demonstrate its commitment to providing tailored services to meet the unique needs of its diverse clientele.

Key Milestones and Growth History of Heartland Payment Systems

Year of Establishment and Founders' Background:

Heartland Payment Systems was founded in 1997 by a group of entrepreneurial visionaries who recognized the growing need for streamlined and secure payment processing solutions. The company's early focus on innovation and customer-centricity laid the foundation for its future success.

Key Milestones:

• 2008 Data Security Breach:Heartland experienced a major data security breach that affected over 130 million credit cards. The company responded swiftly and decisively, implementing robust security measures to prevent future breaches and safeguard customer data. This incident highlighted the importance of strong security practices in the payment processing industry.
• Acquisitions:Heartland's strategic acquisitions have been instrumental in its growth and expansion. In 2015, Global Payments acquired Heartland for $4.3 billion, marking a significant milestone in the company's journey. This acquisition strengthened Heartland's market position and expanded its service offerings. Subsequently, in 2019, Global Payments acquired TSYS, further consolidating its leadership in the payment processing industry.

Regulatory Compliance and Licenses

Regulatory Authorities Overseeing Heartland Payment Systems:

Heartland Payment Systems operates under the scrutiny of various regulatory authorities, ensuring adherence to stringent compliance standards to protect customer data and prevent fraud. These authorities include:

• Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS):Heartland is PCI-DSS compliant, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining the security of credit card transactions and protecting customer data.
• Other Relevant Regulatory Bodies:Heartland is subject to the oversight of other regulatory bodies that govern payment processing and data security, depending on its specific operations and geographic locations.

These regulations and oversight bodies help to ensure the safety and security of sensitive financial information handled by Heartland Payment Systems.

Details on Licenses and Certifications for Security and Compliance:

Heartland Payment Systems holds several licenses and certifications that validate its commitment to security and compliance. These include:

• PCI-DSS Compliance:This certification signifies that Heartland adheres to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, ensuring the protection of credit card data during processing.
• Other Relevant Licenses and Certifications:Heartland may hold additional licenses and certifications depending on its specific services and geographic locations. These certifications demonstrate its commitment to industry best practices and compliance with relevant regulations.

Heartland Payment Systems Services and Products

Payment Processing Solutions

Overview of Payment Processing Services:

Heartland offers a comprehensive suite of payment processing solutions designed to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. These services encompass:

• Support for Major Credit and Debit Cards:Heartland processes transactions for all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover, providing merchants with a wide range of payment acceptance options.
• Micropayment Processing:Heartland caters to businesses that handle small payments, such as laundromats, vending machines, and car washes. Its micropayment processing solutions ensure efficient and secure handling of these smaller transactions.
• Mobile Payment Acceptance:Heartland enables businesses to accept payments through mobile devices, allowing merchants to provide customers with a convenient and secure payment experience.
• E-commerce Payment Acceptance:Heartland's e-commerce payment solutions allow online businesses to accept payments seamlessly, providing a secure and reliable platform for online transactions.
• Virtual Terminal Services:Heartland's virtual terminal services allow businesses to process transactions online using a secure web interface. This feature offers flexibility for businesses that need to process payments remotely.

Supported Payment Methods and Currencies:

Heartland supports a diverse range of payment methods and currencies to accommodate its global clientele. These include:

• Card Payments:Heartland supports all major credit and debit cards, providing flexibility for businesses to accept various payment options.
• Bank Transfers:Heartland enables merchants to accept payments through bank transfers, offering an alternative payment method for customers.
• Mobile Payments:Heartland accepts payments through various mobile platforms, making it convenient for customers to make purchases using their mobile devices.
• E-commerce Platforms Integration:Heartland integrates with various e-commerce platforms, allowing online businesses to seamlessly process payments through their existing online stores.
• Multiple Currencies:Heartland supports various currencies, allowing businesses to conduct transactions in different currencies, expanding their reach to a global customer base.

Merchant Services

Solutions Tailored for Merchants:

Heartland provides a range of merchant services designed to streamline payment processing for businesses. These services include:

• Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems:Heartland's POS systems are designed to simplify in-store transactions, offering features like inventory management, employee scheduling, and reporting capabilities.
• Online Payment Gateways:Heartland's online payment gateways provide a secure and reliable platform for online businesses to accept payments. These gateways integrate seamlessly with various e-commerce platforms, offering a smooth checkout experience for customers.

Key Benefits for Businesses Using These Services:

Heartland's merchant services offer several key benefits for businesses looking to enhance their payment processing capabilities:

• Ease of Use:Heartland's POS systems and online payment gateways are user-friendly, making it easy for merchants to process transactions and manage their payments.
• Transparency in Fees:Heartland provides clear and detailed statements that break down the costs associated with each transaction, ensuring transparency and clarity for merchants.
• Robust Customer Support:Heartland offers excellent customer support, providing merchants with the assistance they need to navigate their payment processing solutions.
• Customizable POS Systems:Heartland's POS systems are customizable to match any business decor, allowing merchants to create a seamless and integrated point-of-sale experience.
• Seamless Online Transactions:Heartland's online payment gateways ensure smooth and secure online transactions, providing a positive experience for both businesses and customers.

Digital Wallet and Mobile App

Features of the Digital Wallet or Mobile App for Users:

While Heartland does not explicitly offer a digital wallet or mobile app for its users, it provides mobile payment acceptance services, allowing businesses to accept payments through various mobile platforms. This feature enables customers to make payments conveniently using their mobile devices.

Key Features of Heartland Payment Systems

Security and Fraud Protection

Overview of Security Protocols Like Encryption and 2FA:

Heartland Payment Systems prioritizes security and implements robust protocols to protect customer data and prevent fraud. These protocols include:

• Encryption:Heartland uses encryption to safeguard sensitive data, ensuring that transactions are securely transmitted and protected from unauthorized access.
• PCI-DSS Compliance:Heartland is fully compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, demonstrating its commitment to industry best practices for protecting cardholder data.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):Heartland may offer two-factor authentication for certain services, requiring users to provide an additional verification step to access sensitive information.

Anti-Fraud Measures and Compliance with PCI-DSS Standards:

Heartland employs a multifaceted approach to combat fraud and safeguard customer data. These measures include:

• Regular Security Updates:Heartland regularly updates its security systems to stay ahead of evolving threats and vulnerabilities, ensuring that its platform remains secure.
• Fraud Detection Technologies:Heartland uses advanced fraud detection technologies to identify and prevent fraudulent transactions, protecting both merchants and customers.
• Merchant Education:Heartland provides educational resources to merchants on its "Merchant Bill of Rights" website, emphasizing the importance of security and compliance. This initiative helps merchants understand their responsibilities and take proactive steps to prevent fraud.
• Data Breach Response Plan:Heartland has a comprehensive data breach response plan in place to address any potential security incidents. This plan ensures a swift and effective response to minimize the impact of any breach.

Integration and Compatibility

Compatibility with E-commerce Platforms and Third-party Services:

Heartland demonstrates its commitment to integration and compatibility by supporting a wide range of e-commerce platforms and third-party services. This ensures that businesses can seamlessly integrate Heartland's payment processing solutions into their existing systems. Some key aspects of Heartland's integration strategy include:

• Integration with Over 550 Platforms:Heartland integrates with over 550 popular platforms, including various e-commerce platforms, accounting software, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems. This extensive integration ensures that businesses can easily connect Heartland's services with their preferred tools.
• Support for 80% of Popular Shopping Carts:Heartland supports over 80% of popular shopping carts, allowing online businesses to easily integrate its payment processing capabilities into their online stores. This wide compatibility ensures that merchants can choose from a variety of e-commerce solutions without compromising on payment processing integration.
• Third-Party Service Compatibility:Heartland is compatible with a wide range of third-party services, including marketing platforms, email marketing tools, and other business solutions. This compatibility allows businesses to leverage a wide range of services without encountering integration issues.

Speed and Reliability

Infrastructure Supporting Seamless Operations:

Heartland's robust infrastructure is designed to support seamless operations, ensuring that transactions are processed quickly and efficiently. Key elements contributing to Heartland's speed and reliability include:

• Cloud-Based POS Systems:Heartland's cloud-based POS systems provide access to real-time data, allowing for quick and efficient processing of transactions. The cloud-based architecture also ensures high availability and minimizes downtime.
• Mobile Ordering Capabilities:Heartland's mobile ordering capabilities allow customers to place orders and make payments directly through their mobile devices, streamlining the ordering process and reducing wait times.
• Optimized Network Infrastructure:Heartland has invested in a robust network infrastructure to ensure fast and reliable transaction processing. This infrastructure handles a high volume of transactions with minimal latency, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.

Heartland Payment Systems Pricing Structure and Fees

Transaction Fees

Breakdown of Transaction Fees and Processing Charges:

Heartland uses an interchange-plus pricing model, meaning that it charges a service fee on top of the credit card provider's interchange cost. The interchange cost is the fee that credit card companies charge merchants for processing transactions. Heartland's service fee is typically a percentage of the transaction amount, which can vary depending on the type of transaction and the card used.

Key Components of Transaction Fees:

• Interchange Fee:This fee is set by the credit card companies and varies based on factors like the card brand (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) and the type of transaction (in-store, online, etc.).
• Heartland Service Fee:This fee is charged by Heartland on top of the interchange fee and is typically a percentage of the transaction amount. This fee can vary depending on the merchant's processing volume and the type of services used.
• Other Fees:Heartland may charge additional fees for specific services, such as setup fees, monthly fees, or withdrawal fees. These fees are typically disclosed in the merchant agreement and may vary based on the chosen plan.

It is important to note that Heartland's pricing is not publicly available on its website. The exact transaction fees and processing charges will be detailed in the merchant statements provided to merchants. This transparency allows merchants to understand the costs associated with each transaction.

Other Charges

Additional Fees Such as Setup Costs, Monthly Subscriptions, or Withdrawal Fees:

In addition to transaction fees, Heartland may charge additional fees, depending on the chosen plan and services. These fees can include:

• Monthly Service Fee:Heartland charges a monthly service fee of $25, which is relatively competitive in the industry.
• Variable Batch Fee:A fee charged for processing transactions in batches. This fee is typically dependent on the number and size of transactions processed.
• Volume-Based Fees:Heartland may charge volume-based fees, which are based on the merchant's total processing volume. This fee structure can incentivize higher processing volumes with discounted rates.
• Setup Costs:Heartland may charge a setup fee for initial hardware and software installation, depending on the chosen plan and services.
• Withdrawal Fees:Heartland may charge fees for withdrawing funds from their system, which can vary based on the chosen withdrawal method.

It is crucial for merchants to understand all the fees associated with Heartland's services before signing up. Transparency in pricing is essential for merchants to make informed decisions and avoid surprises. While Heartland offers transparent statements detailing their fees, merchants should carefully review the terms of service and ask clarifying questions to ensure they fully understand the pricing structure.

Heartland Payment Systems Customer Support

Contact Methods

Available Support Channels (e.g., Phone, Email, Live Chat):

Heartland offers multiple support channels to provide merchants with timely assistance:

• Phone Support:Merchants can reach Heartland's customer support team via phone for immediate assistance. This channel is ideal for urgent issues or when detailed explanations are required.
• Email Support:Heartland offers email support, providing merchants with a written record of their communication. This channel is suitable for non-urgent inquiries or for submitting detailed requests.
• Live Chat:Heartland may offer live chat support on its website, providing a quick and convenient way for merchants to get answers to general questions or to resolve minor issues. This channel is particularly useful for quick inquiries and for resolving simple problems.

Availability of 24/7 Customer Support and Multilingual Assistance:

While Heartland does not explicitly state 24/7 availability, it is known for its responsive customer service. Merchants can expect prompt assistance, even outside of traditional business hours. Additionally, Heartland offers multilingual support, catering to a diverse customer base. This multilingual assistance ensures that merchants can communicate effectively with support representatives, regardless of their native language.

Pros and Cons of Heartland Payment Systems

Pros

Key Benefits and Strengths of Using Heartland Payment Systems:

Heartland Payment Systems offers a compelling blend of features and benefits that make it a popular choice for businesses seeking reliable and secure payment processing solutions. These key benefits include:

• Ease of Use:Heartland's services are designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for merchants to process transactions and manage their payments. Their POS systems and online payment gateways are intuitive and straightforward, allowing merchants to focus on their core business operations.
• Transparency in Fees:Heartland provides clear and detailed statements that break down the costs associated with each transaction. This transparency allows merchants to understand their fees and make informed decisions about their payment processing costs.
• Robust Security Measures:Heartland implements robust security protocols to protect customer data and prevent fraud. Their compliance with PCI-DSS standards and their commitment to ongoing security updates ensure that sensitive information is handled responsibly.
• Integration with E-commerce Platforms:Heartland integrates with a wide range of e-commerce platforms, making it easy for online businesses to accept payments seamlessly. This integration ensures a smooth checkout experience for customers and minimizes the need for complex configuration.
• Excellent Customer Support:Heartland is known for its friendly and helpful customer support team. They are available through various channels to assist merchants with any issues or inquiries they may have, ensuring a positive customer experience.
• Industry-Specific Solutions:Heartland offers industry-specific solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses in various sectors. This specialized approach ensures that merchants receive tailored solutions that optimize their payment processing efficiency.

Cons

Limitations or Potential Drawbacks to Be Aware Of:

While Heartland Payment Systems offers a comprehensive set of features and benefits, it is essential to be aware of potential drawbacks before making a decision. Some of these limitations include:

• Steep Early Termination Fee:Heartland charges a significant early termination fee of $295 per location. This fee can be a barrier for merchants who need to switch payment processors prematurely, as it can result in substantial financial penalties.
• Automatic Contract Renewal:Heartland's contracts automatically renew, requiring merchants to provide a 60-day notice to elect non-renewal. This automatic renewal policy can make it challenging for merchants to switch providers or to negotiate new terms.
• Complex Pricing Structure:Some merchants have reported difficulty understanding Heartland's pricing structure, finding it convoluted and confusing. This lack of clarity can lead to unexpected fees and make it difficult for merchants to accurately budget for their payment processing costs.
• Limited Digital Wallet and Mobile App Functionality:While Heartland offers mobile payment acceptance, it does not explicitly offer a dedicated digital wallet or mobile app for its users. This lack of mobile app functionality can be a drawback for merchants and customers seeking a more integrated mobile payment experience.

Conclusion

Recap of the Main Points Discussed in the Review

Heartland Payment Systems is a leading payment processor that offers a wide range of services tailored to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. The company's robust security measures, ease of use, and excellent customer support make it a competitive player in the payment processing industry. However, it is essential to be aware of potential drawbacks such as the steep early termination fee and the complex pricing structure.

Recommendations for Businesses or Individuals Best Suited for This Payment Provider

Heartland Payment Systems is a suitable option for small to mid-sized businesses, particularly those in the food and beverage industry. The company's industry-specific solutions and customizable POS systems make it an attractive choice for businesses seeking to streamline their payment processes. However, it is crucial for merchants to carefully review the contract terms and fees to avoid any surprises and to ensure that Heartland's services align with their specific needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions about Heartland Payment Systems

Answers to Common Questions About Services, Fees, and How to Get Started

While Heartland Payment Systems does not provide a dedicated FAQ section on its website, merchants can contact the company's customer support team for detailed information about services, fees, and how to get started. The company's transparency in fees and detailed statements can help merchants understand their costs, but it is always recommended to ask specific questions to clarify any doubts and ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of the services and pricing structure.

Common Questions:

• What payment methods does Heartland accept?
• What are the transaction fees associated with Heartland's services?
• How do I sign up for Heartland's services?
• What are the contract terms and conditions?
• How do I access customer support?

By contacting Heartland's customer support team, merchants can obtain personalized answers to their specific questions and gain a comprehensive understanding of the services and pricing structure offered by the company.