Createpay.com Review

Based on looking at the website Createpay.com, it appears to be a payment solutions provider targeting small and medium-sized enterprises SMEs with services for both online and in-person transactions.

While the site emphasizes quick and reliable card payment processing, next-day settlements, and 24/7 support, a critical examination reveals some significant concerns, particularly from an ethical standpoint.

The inclusion of “Merchant Cash Advance Business Funding” raises immediate red flags due to its resemblance to interest-based lending, which is strictly prohibited in many ethical frameworks, including Islamic finance.

The website also lacks clear, upfront pricing details, requiring users to request a “Free Quote,” which can be a barrier to transparency.

Here’s an overall review summary for Createpay.com:

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• Overall Recommendation: Not Recommended
• Primary Service: Payment processing solutions card machines, online payments, EPOS, apps.
• Key Concern: Offers “Merchant Cash Advance Business Funding” which is highly likely to involve interest riba or questionable lending practices.
• Transparency: Lacks clear, upfront pricing for its services.
• Customer Support: Advertises 24/7 technical support with a quick answer time.
• Additional Features: Rewards platform, business insights app.
• Ethical Stance: Problematic due to the funding option, making it unsuitable for those adhering to strict ethical financial principles.
• Regulatory Information: Registered in England and Wales, authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FCA for Limited Permission Credit Broking.
• CEO/Companies House Information: The website does not explicitly name a CEO on its homepage. Information regarding Createpay Companies House can typically be found via the UK’s Companies House public register, where CreatePay Limited is registered under number No 14099583, confirming its legal entity.

While Createpay.com aims to support small businesses with payment infrastructure, the financial funding aspect overshadows its utility.

The “Merchant Cash Advance” model, often characterized by high fees and a repayment structure tied to future sales, effectively functions as an interest-bearing loan, which is a major ethical drawback.

This model can lead businesses into a cycle of debt, eroding their financial stability rather than genuinely supporting their growth.

Therefore, for businesses seeking genuinely ethical and sustainable financial solutions, Createpay.com’s funding option presents a significant conflict.

Here are some better alternatives for businesses looking for ethical payment processing and funding solutions:

• Square
  • Key Features: Comprehensive POS systems, online payment processing, invoicing, inventory management, hardware options card readers, terminals. Known for ease of use and transparent pricing.
  • Average Price: Transaction fees typically range from 2.6% + 10¢ for in-person transactions to 2.9% + 30¢ for online transactions. Hardware costs vary.
  • Pros: User-friendly, wide range of features, transparent fee structure, no long-term contracts.
  • Cons: Transaction fees can add up for high-volume businesses, customer support can sometimes be slow.
• Stripe
  • Key Features: Highly customizable payment gateway for online businesses, robust API for developers, supports recurring billing, global payments, fraud prevention tools.
  • Average Price: Typically 2.9% + 30¢ per successful card charge for online transactions.
  • Pros: Extremely powerful and flexible for developers, supports a vast array of payment methods, strong security features.
  • Cons: Can be complex for non-technical users, customer support is primarily online.
• Shopify Payments Integrated with Shopify E-commerce Platform
  • Key Features: Seamlessly integrated payment processor for Shopify stores, no transaction fees beyond credit card rates for using Shopify Payments, supports various payment methods, fraud analysis.
  • Average Price: Included with Shopify plans. credit card rates vary by plan, e.g., 2.9% + 30¢ down to 2.4% + 30¢.
  • Pros: Extremely convenient for Shopify store owners, simplified billing, integrated fraud protection.
  • Cons: Only available for Shopify merchants, can be slightly higher transaction fees for lower-tier plans.
• PayPal Zettle
  • Key Features: POS system and card reader for in-person payments, integrates with PayPal for online transactions, easy setup, inventory management.
  • Average Price: Transaction fees around 2.29% + 9¢ for in-person card payments. Card readers vary in price.
  • Pros: Reputable brand PayPal, simple to use, suitable for small businesses, good for hybrid online/offline sales.
  • Cons: Higher transaction fees compared to some competitors for smaller transactions, less feature-rich than dedicated POS systems.
• Stax by Fattmerchant Subscription-based model
  • Key Features: Subscription-based payment processing with no per-transaction markup, allows businesses to pay a flat monthly fee and only incur interchange fees. Suitable for high-volume businesses.
  • Average Price: Monthly subscription fees starting around $99/month, plus interchange fees.
  • Pros: Potentially significant savings for high-volume merchants, transparent pricing once subscription is understood, dedicated support.
  • Cons: High monthly fee makes it unsuitable for low-volume businesses, requires a different mindset for pricing.
• Stripe Terminal
  • Key Features: Developer-friendly solution for building in-person payment experiences, uses Stripe’s existing API, customizable hardware options.
  • Average Price: Transaction fees for in-person payments are typically lower than online, around 2.7% + 5¢. Hardware costs vary.
  • Pros: Ideal for businesses needing custom POS solutions, leverages Stripe’s powerful backend, strong security.
  • Cons: Requires technical expertise to implement, less of a plug-and-play solution.
• Wise Business For international payments and ethical financial management
  • Key Features: Multi-currency accounts, international money transfers at competitive rates, transparent fees, supports business payouts and invoicing. While not a direct payment processor for customer transactions, it’s excellent for managing business finances ethically, especially internationally.
  • Average Price: Varies based on currency conversion and transfer amounts, generally very transparent and low.
  • Pros: Excellent for international business, transparent fee structure, strong commitment to fair exchange rates, not involved in interest-based lending.
  • Cons: Not a direct customer payment processor for sales, primarily for managing outgoing payments and receiving international funds.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Unpacking Createpay.com: A Closer Look at Their Offerings

When you dig into Createpay.com, it quickly becomes clear they’re aiming to be a one-stop shop for small business payments.

They offer various services, from physical card machines to online payment gateways, all designed to simplify how businesses handle transactions.

However, as with any financial service, the devil is in the details, and some of those details raise significant concerns.

Createpay.com Review & First Look: What You See on the Surface

However, the “simple pricing” claim immediately comes into question as there are no direct figures provided.

Users are prompted to “Get A Free Quote,” which, while common, hides potential costs and commitment requirements. Spbuk.com Review

This lack of upfront transparency on fees is a recurring theme with many payment processors and can be a significant hurdle for businesses trying to budget accurately.

Additionally, while the site promises “real people” for support, the efficacy of this 24/7 technical assistance can only be truly gauged through direct user experience.

The site also mentions “Createpay.com CEO” and “Createpay Companies House” are often topics of interest for businesses seeking to understand the company’s leadership and registration details, though this information isn’t prominently featured on the homepage.

CreatePay Limited is registered in England and Wales under number No 14099583 and its registered office is 57a Broadway, Leigh on Sea, Essex, SS9 1PE.

The Problematic Aspect: Merchant Cash Advance Business Funding

This is where Createpay.com takes a sharp turn into ethically questionable territory. Takeprofittrader.com Review

The website prominently features “Merchant Cash Advance Business Funding,” stating, “We see how difficult it can be for SMEs to access the funding they need.

We’re here to change that.” They offer “fast & flexible funding of up to £1,000,000 in 48 hours.” While this might sound like a lifeline for a struggling small business, the very nature of a Merchant Cash Advance MCA is inherently problematic.

What is a Merchant Cash Advance?

An MCA is essentially an advance on a business’s future credit card sales.

Instead of a traditional loan with a fixed interest rate and repayment schedule, the advance is repaid by taking a percentage of the business’s daily credit card transactions until the advance, plus a predetermined fee often called a “factor rate”, is repaid. Scholistico.com Review

Why is it Problematic?

• Interest-Based Riba: The factor rate, while not explicitly called “interest,” functions exactly like it. It’s a predetermined charge for the use of borrowed money, making it a form of riba usury, which is strictly forbidden in many ethical financial systems. For example, if you borrow £10,000 and have to repay £12,000, that £2,000 is effectively interest, regardless of how it’s labeled.
• High Effective APR: MCAs often come with extremely high effective annual percentage rates APRs, sometimes far exceeding traditional loans. Because repayment is tied to daily sales, a slow period can prolong the repayment term, making the daily deduction feel even more burdensome and increasing the effective cost. According to industry reports, the APR on MCAs can range from 40% to over 350%, making them one of the most expensive forms of financing available. Source: Small Business Administration, various financial news outlets.
• Debt Trap Potential: The daily deduction from sales can significantly impact a business’s cash flow, especially during lean periods. Businesses can find themselves needing another advance to cover operational costs, leading to a dangerous cycle of increasing debt. This is a common pitfall for SMEs lured by the promise of “fast funding.”
• Lack of Transparency: While Createpay.com offers “How much could you borrow?”, the actual terms, factor rates, and repayment mechanisms for their specific MCA product are not detailed on the homepage, further contributing to a lack of transparency. Businesses should always demand full disclosure of all fees and terms before considering such an arrangement.

For these reasons, any business committed to ethical financial practices should strongly avoid Merchant Cash Advances. They are designed to exploit immediate cash flow needs with expensive, often opaque terms that undermine long-term financial health.

Createpay.com Features and their limitations due to the funding model

While the core payment processing features seem robust, the shadow of the MCA offering impacts the overall utility.

• Online & Social Payments: Createpay.com facilitates 24/7 online payments for websites, and also supports payments over the phone, via text message, social media, and instant messaging. This omni-channel approach is valuable for modern businesses looking to capture sales from various touchpoints.
• EPOS & Apps: Beyond payment processing, the mention of “EPOS & Apps” suggests a broader ecosystem for managing sales, inventory, and customer data. The CreatePay App, linked to the card machine, offers business insights, which can be genuinely helpful for growth.
• Free Rewards Platform: They claim to offer a “rewards platform” to help customers save money on “technology products such as Apple & Samsung,” and offers at retailers like “M&S or Tesco.” While sounds appealing, the ethical implications of using an interest-based funding provider might outweigh any potential savings from such a loyalty program.

Createpay.com Pros & Cons Focusing on the Cons

Given the significant ethical concern with the Merchant Cash Advance, the “Pros” of Createpay.com are heavily outweighed by the “Cons.”

Cons: Headbangersports.com Review

• Merchant Cash Advance MCA Offering: This is the most critical drawback. The MCA is highly likely to involve riba interest and can lead to a debt spiral for businesses. It’s an expensive and often predatory form of financing that prioritizes quick access to funds over long-term financial well-being.
• Lack of Transparent Pricing: The absence of clear, upfront pricing for card processing services means businesses must engage in a quote process, potentially leading to hidden fees or less favorable terms. Transparency is key in financial services.
• Potential for High Costs: While transaction fees aren’t listed, the general market for payment processing can be costly, and without clear disclosure, businesses risk signing up for higher rates than necessary.
• Reliance on Worldpay: The asterisked disclaimer about “Worldpay acquiring services” means next-day settlement is “subject to Worldpay’s approval and terms of service.” This adds another layer of dependency and potential complexity for businesses.
• Ethical Conflict: For businesses seeking to operate according to principles that forbid interest-based transactions, Createpay.com’s funding option makes it an unsuitable choice.

Createpay.com Alternatives Ethical Payment Solutions

For businesses prioritizing ethical financial practices and transparent payment processing, numerous alternatives exist that do not involve problematic funding models.

These options typically focus on secure payment processing, transparent fee structures, and genuine business support.

• Square: As discussed, Square is a powerhouse for small businesses, offering intuitive POS systems, online payment options, and clear transaction fees without pushing problematic lending.
• Stripe: Ideal for e-commerce, Stripe offers a highly customizable and robust payment gateway for online sales, with a transparent per-transaction fee structure and advanced developer tools.
• Shopify Payments: For businesses already using Shopify, this integrated solution simplifies online payment processing and offers competitive rates within the Shopify ecosystem.
• PayPal Zettle: A strong contender for both in-person and online sales, leveraging the trusted PayPal brand for easy payment acceptance.
• Stax by Fattmerchant: For high-volume businesses, their subscription model can offer significant savings by eliminating per-transaction markups, promoting transparency in a different way.
• Wise Business: While not a direct customer payment processor for sales, Wise formerly TransferWise is an excellent ethical alternative for international money transfers, multi-currency accounts, and managing business payouts without interest.
• Traditional Bank Accounts with Halal Financing Options: Many modern financial institutions, even conventional ones, are starting to offer ethical or Sharia-compliant financing options for businesses e.g., Murabaha, Musharakah. Researching these specifically with reputable banks can provide a safe and ethical funding path.

How to Cancel Createpay.com Subscription / Service

While the website doesn’t offer a direct “cancel subscription” button or a clear cancellation policy on its main page, based on standard business practices for payment processors, cancelling a Createpay.com service or subscription would typically involve:

1. Contacting Customer Support: The most direct route would be to call their 24/7 technical support line 0333 772 0090 or use their “Contact Us” form to initiate the cancellation process.
2. Reviewing Your Contract: Any service agreement signed with Createpay.com would outline the terms for cancellation, including notice periods, potential early termination fees, and return procedures for hardware like card machines. It’s crucial to review this document thoroughly before committing to any service.
3. Returning Equipment: If you leased or were provided with card machines or EPOS equipment, the contract would specify how and when these need to be returned to avoid further charges.

It’s vital for businesses to understand the full terms and conditions before signing up with any payment provider to avoid unexpected fees or difficulties during cancellation.

Createpay.com Pricing The Hidden Costs

As previously highlighted, Createpay.com does not publicly disclose its pricing structure on its homepage. Aiseo.ai Review

This means that businesses interested in their services must “Get A Free Quote.” This opaque approach to pricing is a significant concern because it prevents direct comparisons and forces businesses to engage with sales representatives without prior knowledge of potential costs.

Typically, payment processing pricing can involve several components:

• Transaction Fees: A percentage and/or a fixed fee per transaction e.g., 1.5% + 10p. These can vary based on card type credit vs. debit, transaction volume, and whether the transaction is in-person or online.
• Monthly Fees: Some providers charge a flat monthly fee for account maintenance or access to certain features.
• Hardware Costs: Fees for purchasing or leasing card machines and EPOS equipment.
• PCI Compliance Fees: Annual fees to ensure your business meets Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard requirements.
• Chargeback Fees: Fees incurred when a customer disputes a transaction.
• Setup Fees: One-time fees to set up your account.

Without this information upfront, businesses cannot accurately calculate their potential expenses, making it difficult to assess the true value proposition of Createpay.com’s services.

The absence of transparent pricing often points to a model that can be less competitive or involves more negotiation, which puts smaller businesses at a disadvantage.

Createpay.com vs. Competitors A Focus on Ethical Distinction

When comparing Createpay.com to other payment processors, the primary distinguishing factor, and indeed its biggest ethical flaw, is the Merchant Cash Advance offering. Most reputable payment processors like Square, Stripe, and PayPal focus solely on facilitating payments and may offer integrations with third-party ethical lenders or traditional banks, but they do not typically provide such high-interest, short-term advances directly. Macromornings.net Review

Key Differentiators:

• Funding Model:
  • Createpay.com: Direct provider of Merchant Cash Advances, which are ethically problematic due to their interest-like structure and high effective APRs.
  • Square, Stripe, PayPal, etc.: Primarily payment processors. While some might offer small business loans, they often do so through traditional, regulated loan structures or partnerships that are more transparent and less akin to MCAs. Many ethical businesses prefer to seek funding from dedicated, Sharia-compliant financial institutions.
• Pricing Transparency:
  • Createpay.com: Opaque pricing, requiring a quote.
  • Square, Stripe, PayPal: Generally, offer transparent, published transaction fees and hardware costs on their websites, allowing for easy comparison.
• Target Audience:
  • Createpay.com: Appears to target SMEs, with a particular emphasis on those needing quick access to cash via the MCA.
  • Competitors: Cater to a broad range of businesses, from startups to large enterprises, with a focus on comprehensive payment solutions rather than aggressive lending.
• Ethical Stance:
  • Createpay.com: Ethically compromised due to the MCA.
  • Competitors: While not explicitly “Islamic” finance providers, their core payment processing services are generally transactional and do not inherently involve interest or other forbidden practices, making them more acceptable alternatives for businesses striving for ethical operations.

In essence, while Createpay.com offers the foundational payment processing services that many businesses need, its foray into the “Merchant Cash Advance” space makes it a less desirable option for any business committed to sound and ethical financial principles.

The focus should always be on sustainable growth, not quick, costly cash injections that can lead to deeper financial woes.

FAQ

What is Createpay.com?

Createpay.com is a UK-based payment solutions provider offering services for both online and in-person transactions, including Android card machines, online payment gateways, EPOS systems, and a business insights app for small and medium-sized businesses. Funfactoryparties.com Review

Is Createpay.com legitimate?

Yes, Createpay.com is a legitimate company registered in England and Wales under number No 14099583 and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FCA for Limited Permission Credit Broking.

However, its “Merchant Cash Advance” offering raises ethical concerns.

Does Createpay.com offer transparent pricing?

No, Createpay.com does not offer transparent pricing on its website.

Businesses interested in their services must request a “Free Quote” to learn about the costs involved.

What is a Merchant Cash Advance MCA offered by Createpay.com?

A Merchant Cash Advance MCA is an advance on a business’s future credit card sales. Tuxedocomputers.com Review

Createpay.com offers this as a funding option for SMEs, providing up to £1,000,000 in 48 hours, with repayment typically tied to a percentage of daily card transactions.

Why is the Merchant Cash Advance from Createpay.com problematic?

The Merchant Cash Advance is problematic because it often functions like an interest-based loan riba with very high effective Annual Percentage Rates APRs, potentially leading businesses into a cycle of debt and undermining long-term financial stability.

What are ethical alternatives to Createpay.com for payment processing?

Ethical alternatives for payment processing include Square, Stripe, Shopify Payments for Shopify users, PayPal Zettle, and Stax by Fattmerchant, which focus on transparent transaction fees without offering problematic funding models.

How can I get a free quote from Createpay.com?

You can get a free quote from Createpay.com by clicking on the “Free Quote” or “Get A Free Quote” buttons prominently displayed on their homepage and filling out the required information.

Does Createpay.com offer 24/7 customer support?

Yes, Createpay.com states that they offer 24/7 technical support from “real people” to assist with their card machines and devices, claiming an average answer time of under 30 seconds. Purebulk.com Review

What kind of card machines does Createpay.com provide?

Createpay.com provides Android card machines with built-in Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity, promising next-day settlements and adherence to the latest PCI Security levels.

Can Createpay.com handle online payments for businesses?

Yes, Createpay.com offers solutions for taking online payments 24/7, including website payments and payments via phone, text message, social media, and instant messaging.

What is the CreatePay App?

The CreatePay App is a mobile application linked to Createpay.com’s card machines, designed to provide real-time business insights, allowing customers to view daily transactions and review business transaction trends. It is available free of charge for all customers.

Does Createpay.com offer any rewards or loyalty programs?

Yes, Createpay.com claims to have a “rewards platform” that offers savings on technology products like Apple & Samsung and discounts at retailers such as M&S or Tesco, as a loyalty incentive for their customers.

How quickly does Createpay.com claim to process payments?

Createpay.com states that it offers “next-day payments” settlements for all customers, although this service is subject to Worldpay acquiring services’ approval and terms. Lifepharmacy.ie Review

What is Createpay.com’s registered address and company number?

CreatePay Limited is registered in England and Wales under number No 14099583, and its registered office is 57a Broadway, Leigh on Sea, Essex, SS9 1PE.

Is Createpay.com regulated by a financial authority?

Yes, CreatePay Limited is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FCA for Limited Permission Credit Broking. Its firm reference number is 982027.

Does Createpay.com act as a direct lender for business funding?

No, Createpay.com states, “We are a credit broker and not a lender,” meaning they connect businesses with their “trusted funding partners” for the Merchant Cash Advance product.

What kind of insights does the CreatePay App provide?

The CreatePay App provides insights into daily transactions and allows users to review trends in their business transactions to help them understand their financial performance.

How do I cancel my Createpay.com service or subscription?

While specific cancellation details are not on the homepage, typically you would need to contact Createpay.com’s customer support, review your contract for terms like notice periods or early termination fees, and return any leased hardware. Quomarkets.com Review

What are the main benefits highlighted by Createpay.com for its card machines?

Createpay.com highlights built-in Wi-Fi & 4G, next-day settlements, the latest PCI Security levels, and built-in apps as key benefits of its Android card machines.

Does Createpay.com offer services for small businesses only?

Createpay.com specifically mentions enabling “small businesses to process card payments quickly and reliably” and addresses “SMEs” Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in its funding section, indicating a focus on these market segments.