Payanywhere review

Payanywhere services

Payanywhere advertises itself as an all-in-one payment platform with multiple processing services to offer:

• Payment processing. Whether you require storefront processing or run an online shop, Payanywhere allows you to accept cards and contactless payments — even without an Internet connection.
• POS software. Includes an app for Android and iOS, and Payanywhere Inside, its online hub. POS software is also available on several terminals, though you may have to pay a monthly software fee.
• POS hardware. There are a number of card readers and terminals available through Payanywhere’s site.
• Merchant account. Included in both service tiers to avoid a third-party provider.

Features

Signing on with this payment processor comes with a number of perks:

• Online application. If you’re planning to apply for Payanywhere’s pay-as-you-go account, you can complete the application process entirely online.
• Offline transactions. If your Internet connection is glitchy, you can accept payments without disruption — once your connection is restored, the payment is processed.
• Contactless payments. In addition to card readers that allow you to process debit and credit card transactions, Payanywhere’s POS hardware also supports NFC contactless payments.
• Service POS software. For those in busy kitchens, cafés and bars, Payanywhere’s POS software is equipped with a number of features specific to the service industry.
• Autopay. Schedule automatic payments for customers with recurring invoices at a rate of 3.49% plus $0.19 per invoice.
• Manage staff. Payanywhere POS software helps you create schedules, track performances and handle payroll.
• Manage inventory. Use Payanywhere’s free inventory tools to receive an alert when you’re low on stock.
• Sales analytics. Track trends and compare transactions by product type, length of time and employee.

What hardware is available?

Payanywhere has a range of card readers and terminals on hand for merchants. Depending on your plan, you could receive some or all of your hardware for free. If you want to purchase additional hardware, you can do so directly through Payanywhere.

	Connectivity	Screen	Accepted payments	Cost
Smart POS	4G + Wi-Fi	8” HD touchscreen + 4.3” customer-facing touchscreen	EMV chip cards Magstripe cards NFC Contactless PIN debit	$949.95 + $99.95 setup fee +$29.95 a month software fee
Smart terminal	4G + Wi-Fi	5” HD touchscreen	EMV chip cards Magstripe cards NFC Contactless PIN debit	$349.95 + $9.95 a month software fee
Smart Flex	4G + Wi-Fi	8” HD touchscreen + 4.3” customer-facing touchscreen	EMV chip cards Magstripe cards NFC Contactless PIN debit	$549.95 + $49.95 setup fee + $19.95 a month software fee
2-in-1 Reader	Pair with smartphone	None	EMV chip cards Magstripe cards	$29.95
3-in-1 Reader	Pair with smartphone	None	EMV chip cards Magstripe cards NFC Contactless	$49.95

• What other hardware is available?

  You can buy additional accessories like receipt printers, cash drawers and barcode scanners through Payanywhere.

Payanywhere pricing and fees

Payanywhere’s account options offer the same range of services at different price points. The account that best fits your business will hinge on how much you process on a monthly basis.

Pay as you go

For businesses that process less than $10,000 monthly, the pay-as-you-go plan offers the following rates and fees:

• Qualified transactions. You’ll pay 2.69% on every swiped, dipped and tapped transaction.
• Nonqualified transactions. Online and keyed transactions cost 3.49% plus $0.19.
• Inactivity fee. If 12 months pass and your business doesn’t process a transaction, you’ll pay a $3.99 each monthly of inactivity.

Custom

If your business processes more than $10,000 monthly, Payanywhere suggests you opt for its custom account tier. This tier offers rates and fees that are customized based on your processing volume and tickets, so you’ll need to tell Payanywhere more about your business to find out what you qualify for.

How do I open an account with Payanywhere?

You can only open Payanywhere’s custom accounts over the phone or in person. But its pay-as-you-go plan can be done entirely online:

1. Go to Payanywhere’s website and click Create account.
2. Enter your email address, full name and phone number. Click Submit.
3. Select the hardware and accessories you’d like to add to your account. Click Continue.
4. Tell Payanywhere more about your business, including your role within the company and your equity ownership.
5. Next, enter the last four digits of your Social Security number, your date of birth, your home address and your ZIP code. Click Continue.
6. Finish your application by entering your payment information.

Once you submit your application, an underwriter reviews your information. You’ll hear back from Payanywhere within two business days to start the account setup process.

Pros and cons

What other products will I need?

Payanywhere offers almost everything you need to accept customer payments. But it lacks a fundamental link in the payment-processing chain:

• Checking account. You’ll need a business checking account before you begin processing customer payments.

What is Payanywhere?

Payanywhere is backed by North American Bancard Holdings and headquartered in Troy, Michigan. It focuses on mobile processing with the help of its in-house payment processor, Electronic Payment Exchange. Its free business management software, Payanywhere Inside, helps businesses manage inventory, schedule employees and review transaction reports and history.

Payanywhere reviews and complaints

As of October 2020, with its BBB page under review and no established presence on Trustpilot, customer feedback on this provider is scarce. That said, its parent company, North American Bancard, boasts BBB accreditation alongside an A+ rating.

Of the handful of online customer reviews available, Payanywhere’s inactivity fee and transaction holds were frequently mentioned. But several reviewers reported standout experiences with courteous customer service reps.

How do I contact Payanywhere support?

Payanywhere customer support is available by:

• Phone. Call 877-387-5640 to reach Payanywhere’s 24/7 technical support.
• Email. Send an email to custservice@payanywhere.com for a reply from customer service within one business day.
• Live chat. Contact Payanywhere on its website from Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., EST.

Compare other payment processors

Bottom line

Payanywhere offers a full suite of payment processing services, including payment gateways, merchant accounts and point of sale hardware. But custom account rates and fees are unclear and there’s little customer feedback to explore.

Before you apply, explore your payment processing options among other providers.

Frequently asked questions

• Does Payanywhere accept American Express?

  Yes, Payanywhere accepts all major credit card providers, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover.

• Do I have to buy processing hardware from Payanywhere?

  Payanywhere’s point of sale hardware can be purchased or rented from its website, but you don’t need to use Payanywhere’s hardware to access its service.

• Is my business eligible to use Payanywhere?

  To be eligible for Payanywhere’s service, your business must be located in the US and doesn’t work with any of the following industries:

  • Age-sensitive explicit products
  • Multilevel marketing
  • Dating services
  • Essay mills

  • Gambling
  • Telecom services
  • Magazine subscriptions
  • Government grants