CSG Forte is a reputable company in the payment processing space. It was founded in 1998, originally named ACH Direct, and has gone through many developments in the following decades. It was rebranded as Forte Payment Solutions in 2013 before being acquired by CSG International in 2018. It is now referred to as CSG Forte, the parent company’s frontrunner in providing industry-leading finance technology and payment processing solutions. The company offers its services as part of an overall goal to help businesses grow in their respective industries. It aims to address common problems like high transaction fees, high-volume processing, and complex system integrations. Below is an overview of merchant services offered by CSG Forte.
Interested businesses can apply for CSG’s payment solutions through its website. The company claims to have a 24-hour approval rate for most applicants, as well as easy and user-friendly onboarding processing.
Credit Card Processing : CSG Forte enables merchants to process credit card and debit card payments.
ACH Processing : Apart from card payments, CSG Forte also provides merchants with the capability to process eChecks through the ACH network. This direct bank-to-bank system ensures fast funding as early as the next day. The company also handles check verification, as well as other security measures.
Payment Methods : CSG Forte helps merchants accept credit card and eCheck payments in different settings, whether online, over the phone, or in person. It provides the necessary payment systems, such as a payment gateway, a virtual terminal, or a POS terminal, depending on the merchant’s needs. For online transactions, e-commerce merchants can choose between third-party payment pages or a check-out integration into their existing website. Merchants can also set up a recurring billing payment method. This will assure automated collection of payments from customers.
Payment Platform : CSG Forte has developed its own robust payment platform called Dex. It operates on cloud-based software, which can be integrated into the merchant’s existing systems. It allows merchants to manage and monitor the entire transaction cycle. This includes the following features:
System Integrations and APIs : CSG Forte takes pride in its flexible APIs and integration capabilities. It helps merchants integrate its Dex platform and virtual terminals into the merchant’s existing systems. This includes e-commerce websites. The company provides easy-to-use APIs, which designers can use to customize their customer’s payment experience.
Fraud Prevention : CSG Forte’s payment systems are equipped with security features to ensure safe and protected payments. This includes end-to-end encryption, tokenization, and hosted payment pages. With these options, merchants can prevent cases of fraud and stolen customer data.
High-risk Industries : Compared to other payment processing providers, CSG Forte does not have a dedicated section about high-risk merchants. However, it mentions specializing in four types of business categories, namely:
These sectors are often considered high-risk by banks and other providers due to their complex business models, operational requirements, and transactions. In that regard, we can assume that CSG Forte is equipped to handle their unique merchant services. It claims to offer customizable solutions based on the client’s needs. To confirm the company’s experience with your particular high-risk industry, it is best to contact them directly.
CSG Forte claims to offer flexible pricing structures depending on the merchant’s needs. Its website does not include its fees or rates, as is the case for many similar companies. Therefore, it is best to contact the company directly for a proposal.
CSG Forte has been a BBB-accredited company since 2013. It currently holds an A+ rating. However, it is worth noting that it has a 1.5-star rating based on the five reviews sent to the BBB. The specific complaints in these reviews will be mentioned below.
Is CSG Forte Legitimate? : CSG Forte’s rich history is a major advantage for the company, as it proves itself to be experienced and knowledgeable in the field of payment processing. Its parent company, CSG International, is a global leader that operates in more than 120 countries. It provides cutting-edge software and solutions for business aspects related to payments, revenue management, and customer engagement. Furthermore, CSG Forte is a publicly listed company under NASDAQ, which is proof of its legitimacy. Other notable accomplishments in its track record include over 65,000 merchants served in the USA and over $58 billion worth of payments processed. It has also worked with Fortune 500 enterprises. The company has received several awards and recognitions, which you can find on its website.
Scams and Lawsuits : There is no public information about official reports on scams and lawsuits against CSG Forte.
CSG Forte Customer Reviews : CSG Forte is featured on several review sites. It has a 4.5-star rating based on 73 reviews on the Capterra and Getapp sites. Many testimonials mention the company’s customer service, fast funding, and easy integrations as notable points for praise. Overall, the company seems to have a generally good reputation among customers, with the exception of a few.
CSG Forte Complaints : Based on these review sites, there are a few unfavorable reviews that mention aspects that could use improvement. The testimonials point to common pain points related to unprofessional staff and complex systems, contradicting some of the positive customer reviews mentioned above. The BBB, in particular, has received 16 complaints on its website, resulting in its low rating on that site. Most are related to withheld funds and pending payments. CSG Forte has replied to some with the assurance of refunds or resolutions.
CSG Forte seems to be a professional and progressive company that takes into account unique business needs when developing its payment solutions. Its decades of experience and award-winning software are its biggest leverage. Based on customer reviews, most merchants seem to be satisfied with their partnership. However, there are a few complaints that are worth looking into before deciding to proceed with the company. We recommend exploring our payment processing services at Shark Processing as an alternative option. If you are interested in learning more, contact us, and our agents will discuss our merchant services in detail.
