Dharma Merchant Services is a card processor that has low fees and clear transparency. They usually cater to mid to large sized businesses and nonprofit organizations. To find out if Dharma Merchant Services could benefit you, continue reading the review below.
Their customer service is said to be outstanding as they offer honest and ethical card processing from a variety of card processing services.
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Dharma Merchant Services Solutions
Dharma uses First Data as a main processor, but they will also accept other processing companies.
Unfortunately, First Data isn’t the best choice if you go through it directly, so it might be better to use an alternative.
Dharma tends to negotiate competitive rates so keep a lookout for them.
However, they do not offer services to high-risk or international merchants.
With MX Merchant, the virtual terminal allows you to accept credit cards, cash or checks. You can also manage payment history or statements.
You can add apps such as invoices, inventory, tracking orders PCI compliance and much more from the MX Merchant Marketplace to build a customized payment platform as well.
MX Merchant includes:
- A virtual terminal
- Customer database
- Online reporting
- Multiple user capabilities
- Mobile processing
Some additional services also include:
- B2B processing app ($20/month)
- Invoicing app ($10/month)
- Merchant insights app ($10/month)
- ACH processing ($25/month)
This is a popular POS system designed by First Data that can help you manage your inventory and other various services.
Clover Go accepts EMV and mobile wallets as well as other forms of payments.
Clover Flex
A service that is best for restaurants and merchants who operate on automobiles such as food trucks of vendors.
Clover Mini
This service is designed for medium sized retail shops that has payment counters.
Clover Station
Best recommended for full-service retailers and restaurants that utilize multiple devices.
| System | Flex | Mini | Station |
| Hardware Fees | $549 | $499 | $1,349 |
| Handheld | Yes | No | No |
| Touchscreen | 5.0? | 7.0? | 14? |
| Customer-facing Printer | No | No | $150 |
| Connection | 4G & WiFi | WiFi or Ethernet | WiFi or Ethernet |
| Cash Drawer | No | $99 (optional) | Included |
| Barcode Scanner | Integrated | $159 (optional) | Integrated |
| Kitchen Printer | No | $399 (optional) | $399 (optional) |
| PIN Debit | Integrated | Integrated | $249 (FD-40) |
| Clover Monthly Fee | $0, $9.95 or $29.95 |
$0, $9.95 or $29.95 |
$49/month per station |
The Poynt Smart Terminal can accept all kinds of payments. They have a mobile app that allows you to manage your business from it.
This terminal includes a touchscreen, product catalog, cameras for barcodes and a thermal printer.
| Product | Pricing |
| Poynt Smart Terminal (WiFi) | $599 |
| Poynt Smart Terminal (WiFi + 3G) | $699 |
| Monthly Fee | $20/device |
Dharma offers countertop terminals such as the Verifone Vx520 and First Data FD-130. Both are EMV-compliant and can also accept Apple Pay.
Verifone Vx520
This is one of the most reliable terminals and has all the major features necessary for your business such as EMV compatibility, IP/dial-up connectivity and an internal PIN pad.
First Data FD-130
This is better for restaurants or any fast-paced businesses.
| Verifone Vx520 | First Data FD-130 |
| Chip (EMV) capable | Chip (EMV) capable |
| No monthly fees | No monthly fees |
| Connects via dial/internet | Connects via dial/internet/WiFi |
| Chip+PIN acceptance | Chip+PIN acceptance |
| EMV tip-adjust | EMV tip-adjust |
| Black/white screen | Color touchscreen |
| Integrated printer | Integrated printer |
| Apple Pay w/Optional PIN pad | Integrated Apple Pay |
| $179 | $269 |
| +PIN pad $329 | +PIN pad $399 |
This is for eCommerce businesses. Dharma gives you choices between MX Merchant, NMI Gateway or Authorize.net.
| Fee Type | MX Merchant | NMI Gateway | Authorize.net |
| Monthly Fee | None | $10 | $10 |
| Per-Transaction Fee | None | $0.05/trans. | $0.05/trans. |
| Recurring Billing | $10/month | Included | Included |
| Level 2 Processing | $20/month | Included | Included |
| Level 3 Processing | Included with Level 2 |
$30/month | Not available |
| Inventory Management | $25/month | Included | Not available |
| Email Invoicing | Included with Recurring Billing | $0.05/invoice | Included |
| Shopping Cart Integration |
Not available | Included | Included |
| QuickBooks Integration | Basic Export | Included | Not available |
| Custom Reporting | Included | Included | Not available |
| ACH Processing | $25/month $0.40/trans. |
$20/month $0.35/trans. |
$10/month 0.75% of volume |
Dharma Merchant Services has partnered with 4aGoodCause to work with nonprofit organizations. The provider processes transactions and implements donations.
Pricing
Dharma Merchant Services offers interchange-plus pricing. Down below are all the costs depending on what retail platform you own.
The pricing becomes more transparent and cheaper overtime.
Dharma categorizes their plans by business categories.
The virtual terminal and mobile processing fees are included for free for all 3 categories, and the monthly fee is also $2o.
There are no PCI Compliance costs, but chargebacks are $20 per instance.
| Fees & Rates | Storefront | eCommerce | Restaurant |
| Visa/MC/Disc per Transaction |
Interchange + 0.15% + $0.07 |
Interchange + 0.20% + $0.10 |
Interchange + 0.15% + $0.07 |
| Amex per Transaction | Interchange + 0.25% + $0.07 |
Interchange + 0.30% + $0.10 |
Interchange + 0.25% + $0.07 |
| High Volume (over $100k/mo) |
Interchange + 0.10% + $0.05 |
Interchange + 0.10% + $0.05 |
Interchange + 0.10% + $0.05 |
Non-profit organizations also benefit from reduced pricing for qualified businesses.
| Nonprofit Pricing | Retail | Virtual |
| Per Transaction Fee | Interchange + 0.15% + $0.07 |
Interchange + 0.20% + $0.10 |
Customer Support & Satisfaction
Dharma prides themselves in exceptional customer service.
Their support team is available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., so they aren’t open 24 hours. However, they will assist you the best they can.
Dharma Merchant Services also has a useful FAQ page. If you have any general questions or concerns, you might be able to find it here.
There is also a live chat option on their website and you can always contact them via their social media.
Contract & Closing
Dharma bills month-to-month with no ETF on all their merchant accounts. You can cancel your account whenever you want as long as you follow their procedures.
There is no ETF, but you will charged a $25 account closure fee. Dharma is required by law to keep your merchant account on file for at least six months after account closing.
The closure fees won’t apply to seasonal merchants if you suspend it during the holidays however.
Bottom Line
Overall, Dharma Merchant Services provides some pretty specific services and encourages those who runs their business on wheels to consider what they have to offer.
Although some of their services can be pricey, Dharma is highly valued with esteemed customer service that can provide you guaranteed satisfaction.
If you tend to have larger transaction volumes, then consider Chase Merchant Services instead, a direct processor that provides more security and is known for its top notch services.
For someone who’s new to the business world and don’t have that high of a transaction volume, then processors like Square can assist you in the journey.
If you are interested in finding out more information about card processors, then check out our Best Credit Card Processing Services to learn about all kinds of different card processors!
