TABLE OF CONTENTS
Since its inception in 1989, WorldPay merchant services has established itself as a driving force in internet-based payments. Although it has since been acquired by payment processor Vantiv, it remains a considerable player.
Operational across multiple continents and congruent with over 300 payment types, WorldPay remains a force to be reckoned with within the world of payment processing. Their job as a merchant acquirer within the FIS ecosystem involves providing unified services to smaller businesses with lower-than-usual transaction fees.
Though its reach may be international and its integration capabilities impressive, concerns have been expressed about WorldPay over the years. Some of these concerns include a spike in user complaints and what some see as restrictive transparency on pricing. With that in mind, we must perform an immersive, critical exploration of WorldPay. We’ll explore its features, services, and how the platform impacts businesses across the globe. Join us as we dive into the nuances of WorldPay and help you determine whether or not it will be the right payment solutions tool for you and your business.
What Is Worldpay?
WorldPay, now officially part of Fidelity National Information Services (FIS), is a payment processing company with influence in many countries. Established in 1989 and later rebranded as Vantiv, WorldPay has been an integral player in internet-based payments for the past 20 years and counting.
Today, WorldPay operates in over 125 markets and offers hundreds of different payment types. As a merchant acquirer, it offers lower transaction fees. Services include standalone terminals and eCommerce platforms. Additional services include card machines and a WorldPay payment gateway to assist with online payments.
One advantage of WorldPay for small businesses is that it provides unified services bound together by a single merchant ID. WorldPay is also renowned for its electronic fund transfer system, which facilitates global wire transfers and emphasizes B2B transactions.
What Services Do They Offer?
Credit card processing
WorldPay is unique in its field in that it functions as a direct processor and safely processes payments in-house. This equation does not rely on third-party services; WorldPay does it all. Its credit card processing services are all-encompassing, making it an ideal option for small businesses. WorldPay also supports a variety of countertop terminals, thus ensuring compatibility with EMV and NFC-based payment methods.
Payment gateway
WorldPay has its own proprietary integrated payments platform, WorldPay Total, which has since proven to be a cornerstone for expediting effortless transactions both in person and online. Of course, many small businesses will want to partner with a service like Authorize.net. This is because Authorize.net offers a platform for their in-house gateway services. However, Vantiv WorldPay has begun pivoting towards “smart terminals,” i.e., terminals outfitted with advanced features like larger touchscreens and more sophisticated business integration capabilities.
OmniFlex virtual terminal
WorldPay Vantiv’s OmniFlex virtual terminal is secure and dependable. The platform is tailored for small businesses and built to buffer payments across in-store, online, and mobile channels. Its function involves integrating into a merchant’s standing point-of-sale system, though it also serves as its own standalone payment tool.
OmniFlex offers various options for card-not-present transactions. Some of these options include card-on-file, QR code invoicing, text-to-pay, or recurring payments. In-person transactions are made possible via contactless and EMV contact options, which include compatibility with services like Google Pay and Apple Pay.
Of course, OmniFlex does a lot more than streamline customer payments. It also regularly updates customer information, simplifies customer order management, and dispenses with refunds as needed. It is a sturdy, dependable tool enhanced by durable security measures and robust PCI compliance meant to keep your data safe.
OmniFlex provides comforting familiarity and a surprising degree of flexibility in an ecosystem defined by a certain level of instability. It also offers expanded options for payment methods and supports major browsers on Windows (OmniFlex is a PC desktop browser app). We recommend Chrome for the most seamless experience, as OmniFlex is incompatible with Safari on Mac.
Card machines and hardware
WorldPay offers its users access to a range of card machines. All of these tools are designed to cater to different business needs. Models such as the Carbon 8, the Carbon 10, and the Pax A920 are technically “smart terminals.” These terminals technically exist under WorldPay’s “SmartPay” banner. What is particularly interesting from the merchant’s perspective is how these terminals aim to bridge the gap between conventional payment terminals and more evolved POS systems. As such, these terminals showcase more advanced technological capabilities, such as inventory management.
Pros and Cons of WorldPay Merchant Services
Pros:
- Global Reach: WorldPay’s reach is expansive, spanning over 125 countries and supporting a diverse assortment of payment types.
- Integration Capabilities: WorldPay is highly adaptable, offering fluid integration with point-of-sale software and third-party bookkeeping.
- Direct Processor Status: WorldPay is a direct processor, so its services may result in lower transaction fees without intermediaries.
- Security Features: The OmniShield Assure suite offers sturdy and resistant security, including PCI-compliant point-to-point encryption, data breach insurance, and EMV assurance.
- Analytical Tools: WorldPay’s iQ reporting portal provides merchants with thorough access to analytics. This includes access to more comprehensive reporting via added third-party service logins.
- Customization Options: WorldPay credit card processing includes various value-added services, including gift cards and loyalty programs. Better yet, their API integrations allow businesses to customize their payment solutions.
Cons:
- An Increase In Complaints: While WorldPay has a loyal customer base, a recent spike in merchant-issued complaints has raised concerns. Many of these complaints were related to termination fees.
- Limited Information: WorldPay may pose challenges for those seeking complete transparency on their business dealings, as there is a discernible lack of in-depth information on specific countertop terminals on their new site.
- Emphasis on “Smart Terminals”: While “smart terminals” may work for some businesses, WorldPay’s conspicuous emphasis and focus on these specific terminals may or may not align with your professional needs.
- Transparency on Pricing: This relates to what we just talked about regarding limited information: the absence of pricing information on specific models may prevent particular businesses from making an informed decision.
Worldpay Fees, Costs, & Rates
While WorldPay’s pricing information is not readily available online, interested parties can consult consumer quotes and reviews from the United Kingdom, which may hint at potential tiered pricing strategies. Of course, securing the most accurate and competitive rates should be prioritized. To do this, we recommend contacting the sales department directly. Certain businesses stand to benefit from an interchange-plus pricing plan, which has the potential to bring down overall rates and negotiating fees.
Transaction and processing fees
While Vantiv Worldpay’s lack of transparency regarding pricing can make pinpointing exact details a challenge, their current site showcases fees for customers based in the United Kingdom. Rates start at 2.75% for online transactions before going down to 1.5% for in-person sales.
Contracts, terms, and early termination fees
WorldPay’s contract and terms for North American merchants are not publicly accessible. However, the UK site has a pay-as-you-go-plan listed that offers a similar option for merchants in the United States. As with many processors, the contract terms vary based on business profiles. Similarly, specific rates are subject to modification if sales fall outside set, specified parameters. The average duration of a standard merchant contract is three years. This accounts for an early termination fee (up to $295) and automatic renewals. Clients may also incur supplemental fees, such as a yearly $69 fee for IRS/1099 reporting and a monthly PCI compliance fee ranging from $15 to $25.
How do their rates compare to other processors?
WorldPay’s lack of disclosure concerning its rates makes it difficult, if not impossible, to compare them to other processors. For context, here is what some of their competitors offer:
Authorize.net offers two distinct plans: one is a payment gateway-only plan, while the other is an all-in-one processing option. Authorize.net’s dynamic payment gateways allow merchants to accept a diverse array of payment methods, including digital wallets, eChecks, and, of course, debit and credit cards. There is no setup fee for payment gateway-only plans. However, merchants may incur fees up to $25 a month, not including transaction and batch fees to the tune of $0.10 each.
Stripe adopts a competitive flat-rate billing structure and a pay-as-you-go payment processing model. Fees are deducted from the customer’s payment before being deposited into the merchant’s bank account. Stripe’s pricing includes online payments at 2.9% + $0.30 per transaction and ACH transfers at 0.8%. Stripe also applies added fees based on case-specific circumstances. For instance, manually entered cards incur a 0.5% fee, while international cards total a 1.5% fee, plus an extra 1% to account for currency conversions. There is no additional charge for transactions made without currency conversion, either in person or online.
PayPal charges merchants various fees based on service plans, payment types, currency received, and transaction locations. Commercial transaction fees constitute the main charges, taking a percentage (1.90% to 3.49%) plus a fixed fee per transaction ($0.05 to $0.49). The standard plan has no additional account maintenance, customer service, or termination fees. PayPal’s advanced payments program also handles security and PCI compliance. Most fees arise from per-transaction charges, with no extra operating costs.
Square’s free account option accounts for hardware, transaction, and add-on costs. Per-transaction fees are calculated based on transaction type: 2.6% + $0.10 for in-person, 2.6% + $0.30 for online, and 3.5% + $0.15 for card-not-present. The platform also provides additional add-ons for payroll, loyalty programs, and staff management. Each of these add-ons includes respective monthly charges.
Is Worldpay Safe?
WorldPay’s OmniShield Assure suite offers ample security, including point-to-point encryption and data breach insurance for merchants concerned with shielding their processing efforts from potential fraud. The insurance covers up to $100,000 per merchant location and $500,000 per event for multiple locations. A $25,000 hardware and software upgrade is also available to help prevent a second data breach. Whether this is a standard merchant account feature or an optional service that the merchant must pay for has yet to be determined.
WorldPay prioritizes robust security practices such as Server Name Indication (SNI), firewall and IP address management, domain names, and DNS considerations. Users are cautioned to utilize case-specific FQDNs and refrain from IP messaging. Regarding security, users can access SNI, firewalls, and a web application firewall. Users should refrain from ‘pinning’ SSL certificates.
Customer Service and Support
Vantiv WorldPay offers its customers 24/7 technical customer support via email or phone. This support extends to payment gateways, security measures, and more. The company does not explicitly mention pairing customers with account managers, though this option could be available to enterprise-level clients.
WorldPay offers phone support year-round, with specific phone numbers linked to certain types of support. However, user feedback indicates varying levels of customer satisfaction. Certain users have complained about unresponsive account representatives and less-than-helpful customer support.
WorldPay’s online support selection offers documentation that addresses commonly experienced user issues. WorldPay TV on YouTube also provides practical how-to videos that address numerous topics for merchants and users alike.
Worldpay Reviews – What Customers Have to Say
As far as merchant services are concerned, WorldPay has received overwhelmingly positive customer reviews. Positive notices highlight the platform’s commitment to excellent service and constructive communication.[1]TrustPilot. “Read Customer Service Reviews of worldpay.com.” Accessed on October 11, 2024.
Customers have noted a harmonious transition when switching to WorldPay from other platforms. Much of the success of this transition is due to WorldPay’s hard-working and diligent account managers. In addition, security features like point-to-point encryption and PCI compliance offer layers of protection against fraud and data breaches.
Is Worldpay Legit? Final Verdict
WorldPay has cemented a solid reputation since the company’s foundation in 1989. As a merchant acquirer, it provides users with reliable services and affordable transaction fees.
WorldPay credit card processing is a direct processing service meant for use with a variety of terminals. Its proprietary platform, WorldPay Total, makes in-person and online transactions possible. Their virtual terminals convert computers into working credit card terminals and offer no-fuss integration with third-party software. There is also OmniShield Assure security, which we have discussed at length. Access to analytics is available through the iQ reporting portal; API integrations are also available for business owners looking to customize their solutions.
However, recent complaints about termination fees and unresponsive customer service have raised some red flags. There is also the issue of minimal transparency regarding terminal models, as well as limited pricing information for the North American market.
However, there are undeniable advantages to using WorldPay. They offer 24/7 customer support through various channels, as well as auxiliary resources like WorldPay TV and online support documentation. WorldPay is a reputable and legitimate merchant services company with a considerable global brand and market presence. While some users have issued complaints, this is par for the course with any major company or brand. Overall, customer feedback indicates that WorldPay is still reliable for businesses seeking tried-and-true payment processing solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How trustworthy is Worldpay?
Compared to its competitors, WorldPay is considered a trustworthy option in payment processing. While some customers have complained about pricing and transparency, many have expressed satisfaction with WorldPay’s easy-to-use services, smooth transitions, and state-of-the-art terminals.
Who is WorldPay owned by?
The Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) technically owns WorldPay. FIS acquired WorldPay in 2019, consolidating its global position in the financial technology and payment processing sectors.
When did Vantiv become WorldPay?
Vantiv is a North American credit card processing company that acquired the WorldPay group in 2017. A year after the initial acquisition, Vantiv WorldPay unified its brands under a single global payments technology banner.
Is Stripe better than Worldpay?
The answer to this question will depend on your specific business needs. The truth is that both come with entirely different features and pricing structures. Stripe is well-regarded for its accessible and user-friendly platform, as well as its straightforward pricing. These factors have made Stripe popular among startups and businesses with a robust online presence. On the other hand, WorldPay offers many similar services, top-tier security, and a business scope that extends across the globe. When deliberating between WorldPay and Stripe, business owners should consider variables such as security, features, fees, and transaction volume, among other details.
Why do people use Worldpay?
People use WorldPay for many reasons, including:
- Global Reach: WorldPay is operational in over 125 countries, making it an excellent fit for businesses with international influence.
- Security Features: WorldPay’s security features are commendable, including EMV assurance, PCI-compliant services, and point-to-point encryption.
- Integration Capabilities: WorldPay can seamlessly integrate third-party bookkeeping and POS software.
- Direct Processor Status: When used as a direct processor, WorldPay has the potential to offer users lower-than-usual transaction fees without the need for intermediaries.
- Customization Options: Businesses can customize payment solutions through API integrations and offer customers incentives such as gift cards and loyalty programs.