Overview

Leaders Merchant Services provides a range of payment processing solutions tailored to businesses of all sizes. Their offerings include merchant accounts, point-of-sale (POS) systems, online credit card processing, and merchant cash advances.

Based in California, Leaders Merchant Services functions as a reseller, meaning the hardware, software, and equipment they offer come from third-party providers. Specifically, they partner with Clover and its parent company, First Data, which is now part of Fiserv—one of the world’s leading financial technology and payment processing firms.

Features and Services

In the past, both merchants and reviewers have expressed concerns about the company’s pricing and transparency. However, LMS has recently taken steps to improve its services. Today, it stands out as a strong credit card processing provider, offering reliable solutions for both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce businesses. Additionally, LMS supports business growth by providing competitive interchange-plus pricing and funding options.

Along with merchant accounts, Leaders Merchant Services (LMS) provides both physical and virtual payment terminals, as well as online ordering platforms. Their services include:

Point-of-Sale Payments

LMS offers a variety of POS solutions, from standalone terminals to contactless card readers that support popular digital wallets. For e-commerce businesses, they also provide fully virtual terminals. As a reseller for First Data, LMS primarily supplies Clover and First Data POS equipment.

E-commerce Solutions

LMS provides two key solutions for processing card-not-present transactions: the widely used Authorize.Net payment gateway and its own shopping cart integration for online stores. With this payment gateway, businesses can accept online payments and utilize Authorize.Net’s virtual terminal to process phone transactions. Since Authorize.Net is a third-party service, it includes its own dedicated customer support and security features.

LMS’s shopping cart integration streamlines e-commerce by allowing you to add “Add to Cart” buttons to your website or online store. It also automates tax and shipping cost calculations while providing customer analytics to help identify strengths and areas for improvement in your business.

Mobile Payments

Leaders Merchant Services offers mobile card readers and applications to facilitate payment processing in various environments. These tools enable businesses to accept transactions beyond traditional brick-and-mortar locations, providing flexibility for mobile operations.

Pricing

Leaders Merchant Services does not disclose its pricing model, rates, or service fees on its website. However, it mentions that costs depend on the volume and type of transactions processed. Additionally, independent agents representing the company have the flexibility to determine their own rates and fees. Numerous customer reviews highlight concerns about misleading pricing and sales practices. It is essential to review your contract thoroughly and ask for a clear breakdown of all fees and rates before committing to their services.

Terms and Limitations

Small-business owners entering an agreement with Leaders Merchant Services are required to commit to a three-year contract. Businesses are charged an annual PCI compliance fee of $129, a monthly service fee of $7.95, and a $40 monthly penalty for failing to meet compliance requirements. This extended obligation may be a concern, particularly considering the company’s unclear pricing and mixed customer feedback. While cancellations within the first 30 days are free, terminating the contract afterward incurs a fee ranging from $250 to $350.

Ease of Use

Setting up and managing an account with LMS is simple and hassle-free. The onboarding process is quick, and its POS and e-commerce tools are user-friendly and easy to navigate. However, the outdated and sometimes confusing website can make accessing basic information more challenging than necessary.

Getting started with LMS is simple. Visit the website and click the prominent red Apply Now button. This will take you to an application page where you’ll need to provide details such as your name, business name, average monthly revenue, email, and phone number.

Alternatively, you can apply by calling the phone number listed at the top of the website to speak with a sales representative. They will request details such as your business address, Social Security number, date of birth, and checking account number. Once you provide the necessary information, the representative will guide you through the rest of the onboarding process.

Customer services

One drawback of LMS’s customer support is the limited number of contact options. Aside from the toll-free number listed on its homepage, the only other way to reach support is by submitting a ticket through the “contact” section of the website, which simply schedules a future call. As a result, the 24/7 phone line is essentially the primary means of communication. On the plus side, the phone support is highly effective.

Bottom Line

Although Leaders Merchant Services has faced criticism in the past, it has made significant strides in enhancing its service quality. As of 2025, it stands out as a strong option for growing businesses, offering a smooth onboarding process and reliable support—making it particularly appealing to startups seeking a hassle-free way to start accepting payments.

However, there is still room for improvement. Greater transparency and a more modern pricing structure would further strengthen its reputation. Nevertheless, for those in need of a straightforward and dependable credit card processor, LMS remains a solid choice.