PaymentCloud & KurvPay Review: Our Experience, Concerns, and What Merchants Should Know

PaymentCloud & KurvPay Review: Our Experience, Concerns, and What Merchants Should Know

Summary of our experience

We applied for a merchant account with PaymentCloud. Their marketing says they help high risk and low risk merchants get approved quickly. Our business is not high risk, yet after completing onboarding, sharing sensitive details like SSN or SIN and banking information, PaymentCloud told us they had submitted our file to First Data and Nuvei and that both declined the application. Our primary point of contact at PaymentCloud was representative Frank Riffe. This article is our review to help other merchants evaluate PaymentCloud, KurvPay, and the associated organizations.

Who are PaymentCloud and KurvPay

PaymentCloud is a U.S. based payment services provider that promotes solutions for both high risk and standard merchant categories. In 2024, PaymentCloud was acquired by Electronic Merchant Systems. EMS has since rebranded to Kurv and markets merchant services under KurvPay. You will see all of these names connected, which can be confusing to small businesses researching "PaymentCloud reviews" or "KurvPay reviews."

What we were told happened with our application

According to PaymentCloud, our application was submitted to First Data and Nuvei. We were later informed that both declined the account. We share this to document our experience. We do not have independent visibility into the underwriting decisions those acquirers made, since acquiring banks do not disclose detailed decline rationales to applicants through third parties.

Why merchants may feel frustrated

1. Time cost

The process required significant back and forth, document uploads, and explanations. When an application ends in a decline at the acquirer level, the merchant can feel that time was wasted.

2. Sensitive data exposure

Applications typically require SSN or SIN, date of birth, government ID, void cheque or bank letter, and business financials. It is reasonable to worry about privacy and security when multiple parties are involved.

3. Expectations vs reality

Sites that emphasize "high risk merchant accounts" set an expectation of approvals. The reality is that approvals depend on acquirer risk rules, chargeback exposure, product type, and history. Even non high risk merchants can be declined.

Our concerns and consumer-protection perspective

This section reflects our opinions and worries based on our experience. If you are deciding between processors, evaluate these points:

• Data handling

We worry about how sensitive information is stored and shared during multi party underwriting. Processors do have privacy policies that describe uses such as submitting files to banks, card brands, gateways, and fraud prevention vendors. Read these policies, understand opt out options, and ask how long your data is retained if you are not approved.

• Lead brokerage vs underwriting control

Some payment companies act primarily as distributors or ISOs, not as the bank itself. They help package and submit your file to acquiring banks like Fiserv (First Data) or Nuvei. If that is the model, the processor may not control the final decision. Clarify up front which entities will review your file.

• Mixed public reviews

Public reviews show both praise and complaints. Merchants frequently search "PaymentCloud scam," "PaymentCloud complaint," "PaymentCloud complaints," "KurvPay scam," and similar keywords because they want to see real outcomes. Read multiple sources, not just a single directory or testimonial.

Important note

We are not asserting that PaymentCloud or KurvPay sell personal data or commit identity theft. Our view is that merchants should practice due diligence, verify privacy commitments, and proceed carefully when sharing sensitive information.

What PaymentCloud says about privacy and data use

PaymentCloud's posted privacy policy explains that the company collects nonpublic personal information in order to provide services, and that it may share that information with affiliates and non affiliated companies for everyday business purposes such as processing transactions, fraud monitoring, responding to legal requests, and with payment partners like banks, card brands, ACH operators, and gateways. The policy also provides a contact phone number and email for privacy requests and notes an implementation date of February 2024.

Who are the acquirers mentioned to us

• First Data is now part of Fiserv following a 2019 acquisition. Fiserv is a large global payments and fintech provider and continues to operate merchant acquiring services.

• Nuvei is a Canadian headquartered acquiring and payments technology company that supports local acquiring in Canada and global processing.

We include this context because the names "First Data," "Fiserv," and "Nuvei" appear in many merchant account conversations and can be confusing.

Our recommendation if you are considering PaymentCloud or KurvPay

1. Ask for transparency before you apply

• Which acquiring banks will see your file

• The approval odds based on your industry and chargeback profile

• Specific documents that will be shared downstream

2. Minimize exposure of sensitive data until necessary

Provide only what is required for prequalification, then share full documents once you are comfortable with the bank pipeline and data retention policy.

3. Request the bank decision in writing

If declined, ask whether you can see a reason code or general rationale. You may be able to fix the trigger and reapply elsewhere.

4. Compare with at least two other options

Speak with a direct acquirer or a different ISO for a second opinion. Pricing and underwriting tolerance vary.

5. Protect yourself

If you are worried about misuse of your information, consider placing a fraud alert or credit monitoring on your personal credit file. Keep a record of every document you submitted and to whom.

Company names, addresses, phone numbers, and contact details

PaymentCloud

• Legal or trade name: PaymentCloud, LLC

• Main address: 16501 Ventura Blvd, Suite 300, Encino, CA 91436

• Main phone: (800) 988 2215

• General site: paymentcloudinc.com

• General email addresses seen publicly: salessupport@paymentcloudinc.com, support@paymentcloudinc.com

• Stated business focus: high risk and standard merchant processing, embedded payments, integrations, industry specific solutions

Electronic Merchant Systems and Kurv/KurvPay

• Parent organization and brand owner: Electronic Merchant Systems, LLC, now rebranding as Kurv with KurvPay as a payment product brand

• Headquarters address: 250 W. Huron Rd., Suite 400, Cleveland, OH 44113

• Main operator line: (800) 726 2117

• Customer support: (800) 615 1330

• Sales (HQ listing): (216) 674 5708

• Websites: emscorporate.com, kurvpay.com

• Notes: EMS lists multiple regional offices across the United States. Public materials and news indicate the corporate rebrand from Electronic Merchant Systems to Kurv in 2025.

Other names you may see when researching

• First Data, now part of Fiserv

• Nuvei

These firms are acquiring banks and payments companies that underwrite and board merchant accounts. Applications submitted by an ISO or payment facilitator may be approved or declined by these acquirers.

SEO section: common keywords people search

To help other merchants find this review, here are common search phrases that align with how users search for information:

• PaymentCloud review, PaymentCloud reviews, PaymentCloud complaints, PaymentCloud complaint, PaymentCloud scam

• KurvPay review, KurvPay reviews, KurvPay complaints, KurvPay complaint, KurvPay scam

• Electronic Merchant Systems review, EMS reviews, EMS complaints

• PaymentCloud high risk merchant account, high risk credit card processing review

• PaymentCloud Encino address, PaymentCloud phone number, KurvPay phone number

• First Data decline, Fiserv decline, Nuvei decline, merchant account declined what next

Our verdict

Based on our experience, we do not recommend PaymentCloud for businesses that want a straightforward, bank direct approval with minimal data sharing. We advise caution, careful reading of privacy policies, and getting clarity on which acquirers will see your file. If you proceed, document every step, ask for decline reasons, and compare with at least two other providers. If you share sensitive data and later choose not to proceed, submit a formal request to limit marketing communications and ask how long your data will be retained.

Durango Merchant Services Review and Complaint: A Closer Look at Their Policy Toward New Businesses

Durango Merchant Services Review and Complaint: A Closer Look at Their Policy Toward New Businesses

By An Entrepreneur's Experience

Introduction

This is a detailed review of Durango Merchant Services, based on a first-hand experience that raises serious concerns about how the company handles applications from new businesses. The purpose of this review is to inform other entrepreneurs who may be considering Durango Merchant Services and to provide a fair but critical look at their approval policies.

Many business owners read reviews before selecting a payment processor, and this one offers direct insight into what can happen when a startup applies for a merchant account through Durango. This review also functions as a public complaint, highlighting how rigid policies can make it nearly impossible for new companies to begin processing credit card transactions.

Initial Interaction

The initial contact with Durango Merchant Services seemed promising. Their representative, Brad Jess, replied promptly and professionally. He explained that before providing a quote, they needed more information about the business.

Brad asked several questions, including the type of service offered, the expected volume of credit card transactions, average transaction size, location of customers, and whether there was any previous credit card processing history. These are standard questions in the merchant services industry, so I provided full and accurate responses.

Response From Durango Merchant Services

After submitting all the requested details, I received a response from Durango Merchant Services stating that they were unable to move forward because the business did not have prior processing history.

In simpler terms, the message from Brad Jess made it clear that without an existing record of credit card transactions, Durango would not approve the application.

This review centers on that decision. The complaint is not about communication style or professionalism but about a restrictive policy that effectively excludes new businesses from consideration. It is important to point out that the response offered no alternative solutions, no referral options, and no possibility to start on a trial or reserve basis.

The Core Issue

This experience with Durango Merchant Services illustrates a larger problem that many new entrepreneurs face. The company's policy requires prior processing history, but for a new business, that is impossible. This creates a cycle where approval depends on something that cannot exist until approval is granted.

This review and complaint highlight a fundamental flaw in the system. If every payment processor adopted the same rule, then no new business would ever be able to start accepting payments. It is the equivalent of employers saying, "You need experience to get the job, but you cannot get experience without the job."

That contradiction is what makes this Durango Merchant Services review important to share publicly. Without awareness, new entrepreneurs could spend valuable time applying, only to encounter the same rejection.

Comparison to Other Providers

When compared to competitors, Durango Merchant Services appears less flexible in dealing with startups. Many modern platforms such as Stripe, Square, and Shopify Payments allow new businesses to begin processing payments under limited conditions. They mitigate risk through transaction limits, temporary reserves, or rolling caps rather than denying accounts entirely.

The complaint in this review is that Durango has chosen not to follow that approach. For a company that promotes itself as serving a wide range of clients, including high-risk businesses, this policy seems overly strict.

Durango Merchant Services also mentioned that they work with Nuvei and Moneris in Canada. Both are reputable financial partners, which makes the rejection even more surprising. It raises questions about how these partnerships function if new merchants are systematically excluded from the start.

Impact on New Entrepreneurs

The decision by Durango Merchant Services not to accept applications without prior processing history has real consequences. It prevents new businesses from gaining access to essential payment tools. The complaint expressed in this review is not isolated. Many business owners encounter the same obstacle when trying to establish their first merchant account.

Without the ability to process payments, a business cannot operate efficiently, compete effectively, or build credibility with customers. The long-term effect of this kind of policy is discouragement among entrepreneurs who are trying to enter the market honestly.

A responsible financial service provider should offer pathways for startups, such as reduced limits, additional verification, or deposit-based risk management. Denying them entirely removes opportunity and contradicts the spirit of entrepreneurship.

Transparency Concerns

Another issue noted in this Durango Merchant Services review is transparency. At no point before submitting all information did the company disclose that prior processing history was a strict requirement. That detail only became clear after all the questions were answered.

Many other business owners have expressed similar complaints in their reviews, saying that they only discovered such limitations late in the process. This lack of upfront clarity can cause frustration, wasted time, and a poor overall experience.

If Durango Merchant Services were more transparent about this policy from the start, new applicants would at least be able to make informed decisions about whether to proceed.

Evaluating Risk and Fairness

From a business standpoint, Durango Merchant Services may justify its policy as a form of risk control. Payment processors do face legitimate challenges such as chargebacks and fraud. However, a blanket rejection of all new businesses is not a balanced solution.

Many reviews from other merchants suggest that processors can manage risk in more nuanced ways, including rolling reserves or tiered approval systems. This review argues that Durango's policy leans too heavily toward protectionism at the expense of fairness.

The broader complaint is that such policies create an uneven playing field where only established companies can access financial tools that should be available to all legitimate entrepreneurs.

Reputation and Public Perception

Durango Merchant Services has been in operation for years and has received mixed reviews online. While some customers describe positive experiences, there are also multiple complaints from startups and small business owners who were denied approval for the same reason discussed in this review.

It is worth noting that no evidence suggests Durango Merchant Services is involved in any scam or fraudulent behavior. However, this review does raise questions about whether their business practices are equitable. The repeated pattern of rejecting applicants without history can feel like a barrier designed to protect the processor rather than support the merchant community.

The Importance of Balanced Policies

Every complaint shared by entrepreneurs reflects the same concern: the need for balance between security and accessibility. The best payment processors recognize that new businesses are the foundation of economic growth.

Durango Merchant Services could improve its reputation by introducing starter programs for new merchants. This would address many of the complaints appearing in reviews and help the company be seen as supportive rather than exclusive.

Such adjustments would not only resolve many negative reviews but also demonstrate goodwill and adaptability in an industry that often feels closed off to newcomers.

What Consumers Should Know

If you are reading this review while considering Durango Merchant Services, take time to ask questions before applying. Request written clarification about their requirements for prior processing history. Ask whether they have any startup or provisional programs.

By doing so, you can avoid misunderstandings and reduce the risk of disappointment. Many people who posted complaints online might have had better experiences if full transparency had been provided from the beginning.

Lessons Learned

The lesson from this Durango Merchant Services complaint is straightforward. If your business has no prior credit card processing history, Durango may not be a suitable option. Their policy seems designed for companies that already have established transaction data.

That does not make Durango Merchant Services a scam, but it does make them a poor choice for startups or new ventures. Other providers are far more accommodating to those without history. Entrepreneurs should explore alternatives that offer flexible onboarding for first-time merchants.

Final Thoughts

This Durango Merchant Services review is based on direct experience and careful observation. The main complaint is about the company's unwillingness to approve accounts for new businesses without prior processing history.

The situation raises fair questions about how innovation and entrepreneurship can flourish under such restrictive conditions. Every successful business once started with zero history. Policies that prevent new entrants from participating in the marketplace discourage growth and creativity.

Durango Merchant Services has an opportunity to address these complaints, listen to feedback, and develop new programs that help startups succeed. Until then, potential applicants should proceed with caution, read multiple reviews, and ensure they understand all requirements before applying.