Selecting a processor involves some math - rates + add-on fees + contract terms + payout timelines = true cost of acceptance. Leaders Merchant Services (LMS) markets quick approvals and many features (Clover POS, Authorize.net, QuickBooks via Instant Accept). Below, we outline some real-world pricing trends; explain contract details, highlight pros/cons; and disclose who truly benefits with LMS.
This tool shows best-effort estimates based on industry averages and is not an official quote. Always confirm rates and fees with your chosen provider. Last updated: January 2025
What Leaders Merchant Services Actually Offers
Leaders is a well-known merchant account provider, with same-day approvals in many cases, 24/7 phone support, and a blend of in-person, online, and mobile acceptance. Expect Clover POS hardware options, plus Authorize.net and CartManager for those with e-commerce. They offer optional working-capital programs (MCAs/loans), too.
Pros
- Industry-leading low transaction costs
- 24/7 prompt issue resolution
- In-person and online processing
- Quick merchant approval and processing
- Suitable for various business types
Cons
- Potential Fees
- Long-Term Contracts
- Mixed Reviews
Key Facts
| Dimension |
What you should know |
|
Approval & onboarding |
They advertise same-day approval, have a streamlined onboarding process. |
| Support |
They have 24/7 phone support (presumably phone is their primary channel). |
|
Hardware & tools |
They have Clover POS, standalone terminals (e.g., FD150, A920), SwipeSimple mobile, CartManager, Authorize.net, QuickBooks via Instant Accept. |
| Payouts |
They typically fund in the 1–3 business days range; although members can face holds pending risk event review. |
| Contract |
Term lengths are commonly ~ 3 years, and early termination fees (ETF) can be around $250 to $350. |
|
Pricing theme |
They advertise "low customized rates" but the real pricing varies by agent or upon negotiating. It is also common they will have other line items that charge for things like the payment gateway, PCI compliance. |
Remember, this information is sourced from LMS's own website and independent 2025 reviews. Always treat the headline rate as a marketing price and, when pursuing a merchant account opportunity, insist they provide a written, line-by-line quote.
Pricing & Contract Terms
The advertising is enthusiastic about ultra-low interchange-plus markups (e.g., "starting at ~0.15%") and a low monthly fee. However, when looking at third-party reviews and talking with users, it is clear that there is invariably a three-year term, which has an early termination fee (ETF) between approximately $250-$350, accompanied by an agent-driven pricing component. This means that your ultimate cost will depend heavily upon who disposes of your account and how you negotiate.
Additionally, you will want to account for gateway fees if you use Authorize.net (which are commonly found in the $25/month range through many providers), as well as PCI compliance costs (often listed in the $129/year range, or a per month non-compliance fee till you get certified, or a combination). These pieces are significant as line items in your all-in effective rate.
Typical Leaders Cost Components
|
Cost component |
What to watch |
Typical signal |
|
Processor markup |
Interchange-plus % over Visa/MC schedules |
Marketing suggests roughly 0.15% "from"; however, true results differ by agent. |
|
Monthly account fee |
Base monthly |
"Low monthly fee" stated in marketing materials; verify $ exactly in writing. |
| Gateway |
Authorize.net (if used) |
Approximately $25/month is common. |
| PCI |
Compliance vs. non-compliance |
$129/year is the norm; penalties for not complying on a monthly basis may apply. |
| Contract |
Term & ETF |
ETF is standard of about $250-350 three years is standard. |
| Equipment |
Clover/terminals |
Be cautious on lease terms vs. purchase, "free" is usually conditional on term came with the agreement of the dealership. (Note generally speaking in the industry). |
Always request a one-sheet breakdown along with line items, and compare it to last month’s statement from your current processor before signing.
How Much Will You Actually Pay? (Modeled Scenarios)
Below are illustrative markups representing two different negotiation outcomes leveraging three of their monthly volumes. As an example, we include a fixed bundle, which includes a gateway ($25) + PCI ($10.75/mo equlichent for $129/yr) + $9 base monthly fee for total fixed monthly fees = $44.75, which is included for an apples-and-apples comparison.
|
Monthly volume |
“Best-advertised” markup (~0.15%) |
“Conservative” markup (~1.50%) |
Add fixed bundle |
|
$15,000 |
$22.50 (0.0015×15000) |
$225.00 (0.015×15000) |
+$44.75 |
|
$50,000 |
$75.00 (0.0015×50000) |
$750.00 (0.015×50000) |
+$44.75 |
|
$150,000 |
$225.00 (0.0015×150000) |
$2,250.00 (0.015×150000) |
+$44.75 |
Your effective rate is markup + interchange + per-item + fixed fees / volume. Because Leaders pricing is agent-negotiated, work hard to lock in a basis-points markup and per-item cents, and get all add-ons in writing.
Features, Stack & Daily Operations
When it comes to hardware & in-person services, Leaders Merchant Services (LMS) provides Clover POS systems as well as typical countertop and portable terminals (e.g. the FD-series and A920). For mobile card acceptance, LMS has partnered with SwipeSimple which allows card acceptance via mobile phones or tablets.
Another aspect is e-commerce & invoicing. LMS integrates with Authorize.net and CartManager to keep it easy for payments made on-line. Accounting teams can post payments into their QuickBooks package using Instant Accept, which is useful for collections and reconciliation for invoices.
Payouts & risk function as standard on a merchant account. 1–3 business days is normal, but it may be subject to holds at any point as formed by the underwriting guidelines if there is a risk event (chargebacks or atypical volume spikes). When reviewing user complaints, we see some users are bothered when they see unexpected delays, so we suggest you clarify when the batch cutoff and the expected funding timelines as they may be found in your merchant packet.
Security & PCI
Leaders Merchant Services promotes PCI-compliant processing with encryption/tokenization and protects at the device level (e.g., the Clover). PCI validation is still your responsibility; otherwise, plan to incur additional monthly non-compliance fees until passing. Approximately budget $129/year for any PCI validation when you plan.
Support & Reputation (What Merchants Report)
The availability of support is impressive: Leaders has stated that customer support is available 24/7 by phone. Profiles we have independently reviewed confirm the existence of 24/7 support but feedback in general is mixed regarding its online reputation, and all the reviews talk about billing issues, confusion about pricing, cancellation fees and so forth. You will need to weigh an "A+" BBB accreditation against knowing complaints details and it'll be up to your comfort level to know if that's acceptable risk.
Again in context with overall consumer persistence, the two portals show we have a low average due to the always in disputes over billing and fees. That does not make Leaders Merchant Services "bad," however, it will matter a lot to lock in your rates with the quality of your paperwork and working with the specific agent.
Comparison: Leaders vs. Payment Depot vs. Paysafe
| Provider |
Contract & ETF |
Pricing style |
Notable strengths |
Watch-outs |
| Leaders Merchant Services |
Commonly multi-year (~3-year); early termination fee (ETF) often cited around $250–$350 |
Customized/agent-quoted rates; add-ons like gateway & PCI are typical |
Fast onboarding, Clover POS stack, 24/7 phone support; wide mix of in-person/online tools |
Pricing transparency varies by agent; mind auto-renewal clauses, PCI/non-compliance fees, equipment terms |
|
Typically more flexible than long, fixed terms; cancellations are generally easier (confirm any equipment/lease terms) |
Transparent interchange-plus model with predictable markups (published ranges on site materials); straightforward monthly fees |
Predictable total cost, good fit for SMBs wanting clarity and stable volumes; clean web pricing |
Still confirm per-item fees, any annual adjustments, and hardware/lease specifics |
|
| Paysafe |
Contract length varies by vertical/region/offer; ETF and terms depend on package (enterprise vs. SMB) |
Custom-quoted enterprise-grade pricing (omnichannel, global, multi-currency); tailored to risk profile & geography |
Global reach, alternative payment methods, strong risk/fraud tools, marketplace & iGaming capabilities; robust reporting |
Contract complexity; integration scope can add pro-services cost; clarify PCI, gateway, and cross-border fees up front |
How to Minimize Surprises
Pass PCI early (SAQ + scans) to prevent non-compliance fees; confirm Authorize.net pricing and options such as AVS rules or risk filters; document batch cutoff and expected funding times; and set internal alerts for chargebacks to avoid reserves.
Verdict
Leader Merchant Services is best used as a negotiated solution: If you want Clover, same day onboarding, and same provider, it works great - provided you lock line item pricing and know the contract. If you want something public and month to month, Helcim or Payment Depot are cleaner fits. For LMS, the merchant who arrives with statements, a counteroffer, and a checklist usually wins.
