First Data Global Gateway First Data Credit Card Processing Signed up thru Wells Fargo first, cancelled contract within 24 hours. Took 3 months of fighting to clear that mess. Later signed up thru Sam's Club for an "NO CONTRACT - CANCELL ANYTIME FOR $8.00/MONT Melville, New York

I own a small home based, consulting business. Clients asked me to accept credit card payments so I contacted my bank, Wells Fargo and they quickly signed me up for an expensive, four year contract.  After some research, I cancelled within 16 hours. I fought First Data and Wells Fargo for over two  months, after being told that their contracts cannot be cancelled. Since I live in California, we have three days to cancell any contract, except vehicle purchases.

I later signed up with Sam's Club, for a "no contract, cancell anytime, eight dollars per month flat fee, with a minimum percentage fee for each transaction".  The initial cost was approximatelly  $200.00 for set-up. Neither Sam's Club nor First Data ever said that I needed a secured on-line, independent device in order to be approved for payment processing outside of my home.

Well, in three and one half months, I processed a total of $2,000.00 dollars, in increments of 1,000, 500 and 500; with an average  cost of $300.00 from First Data.  In addition to the secured internet charges from my mobile phone company. When I called to express my disatisfaction, Sam's Club and First Data said I had agreed to an "early termination fee", since I kept the service past the three month trial period. I tried to reason with both companies but it was useless. I made the decision to close the bank account in order to avoid additional withdrawals and now I anticipate that my credit rating will suffer.  The actions of First Data, are unethical to say the least. I now believe that banks and Sam's Club Merchant Services must receive a percentage and commission from each transaction.