Argus Merchant Services provides credit and debit card payment processing solutions for businesses nationwide, offering competitive rates and customer support across multiple industries.
Data compiled from public sources · Google rating shown when a stored review count is available
Argus Merchant Services is a merchant processing company that specializes in helping businesses accept credit and debit card payments. The company positions itself as an industry-focused provider with experienced professionals dedicated to simplifying the merchant account and credit card processing experience for business owners of all sizes.
The company offers flexible payment processing platforms designed to support business infrastructure. Their core services include merchant accounts, credit card processing solutions, mobile payment processing through their "Swiffer" mobile device, point-of-sale hardware and credit card machines, eCommerce integration with PCI-compliant payment gateways, and industry-specific solutions. They serve diverse sectors including beauty salons, eCommerce retailers, hospitality businesses, gas stations, and general small to large enterprises. The company claims to provide competitive nationwide rates and emphasizes listed business practices.
Argus differentiates itself through claims of more listed customer service, stating they "go above and beyond" with dedicated support and aim to educate customers rather than exploit knowledge gaps. They advertise commitment to cost-effectiveness and claim EMV and PCI compliance. The company emphasizes understanding customer needs across different industries and providing customized solutions for specific business types.
A significant limitation is that key metrics on their website display as "0+" for satisfied customers, "0%" for compliance rates, and "0%" for average savings—suggesting either incomplete website implementation or placeholder content that hasn't been populated with actual data. This raises questions about the transparency and currency of their marketing materials. Prospective customers should verify current rates, certifications, and references directly rather than relying solely on the website.
This is state-level context for Business Loans consumers in New York, NY. It does not confirm that Argus Merchant Services or this specific location is licensed.
State regulator
New York Department of Financial Services
Consumer protection
Status: Permitted
Rate context: 16% civil usury cap; licensed lenders may negotiate rates for certain loan types
Personal loans from licensed lenders are permitted. Unlicensed lenders are subject to the 16% civil usury cap unless a specific exemption applies. Rates above 16% are civil usury; rates above 25% are criminal usury.
Status: Permitted
Rate context: 16% civil usury cap for unlicensed lenders; licensed lenders may negotiate rates under Banking Law
Installment loans are legal in New York. Licensed lenders have greater flexibility in rate negotiation; unlicensed lenders are subject to the 16% civil usury cap. Consumer Protection Act (Gen. Bus. Law Article 22-A) requires clear disclosure of all terms.
Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.
Argus Merchant Services offers 10 services including Merchant accounts for credit and debit card processing, Mobile payment processing via Swiffer device, Credit card machines and point-of-sale hardware sales, eCommerce payment gateway integration, Beauty salon merchant services, and 5 more.
Argus Merchant Services has profile signals associated with Small to medium-sized beauty salons and spas needing merchant processing, eCommerce and online retailers requiring PCI-compliant payment integration, Mobile-based or field service businesses needing on-the-go payment processing, Gas stations and hospitality businesses with industry-specific processing needs.
Key strengths: Offers mobile payment processing ("Swiffer") for on-the-go credit card transactions; Serves multiple industries with listed solutions (salons, hospitality, gas stations, eCommerce); Claims EMV and PCI compliance for security standards. Areas to consider: Website displays placeholder metrics (0+ customers, 0% compliance, 0% savings) indicating incomplete or outdated information; No specific pricing, rate structures, or fee information provided on website.
In the Business Loans category, comparable providers include AltoCredit, Payment 1 Loans - San Antonio - W. Commerce, Capdeck Business Loans. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.
CreditDoc Profile Note
profile signals for business owners across multiple industries seeking merchant processing services with emphasis on customer support and listed practices. Main caveat: the website contains incomplete data (0% metrics), lacks specific pricing information, and requires direct contact to verify current rates, certifications, and service terms before commitment.
AltoCredit is a credit repair provider based in Bronx, New York. Rated 4.9/5 with 158 Google reviews, reflecting high listed customer satisfaction.
Google rating from 158 reviews
Profile signals: Consumers in Bronx, New York looking for credit repair services, People who prefer working with a local credit repair provider
Payment 1 offers personal installment loans and title loans in San Antonio with flexible payment options and published application timing. They serve customers seeking emergency funding or credit-building opportunities.
Google rating from 560 reviews
Profile signals: Borrowers with stable income seeking $1K-$25K for emergency expenses or home repairs, Vehicle owners with clear title researching short-term cash access against equity
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Read guide →New to credit and lending? Here are the key terms used on this page, explained in plain language with real-number examples.
The total yearly cost of borrowing money, including the interest rate plus any fees the lender charges. Think of it as the 'true price tag' on a loan.
Lenders are required to show APR by law (Truth in Lending Act) because the interest rate alone can hide fees. Comparing APR across lenders is the most reliable way to find the lower-cost loan.
Example
You borrow $10,000 at 6% interest for 3 years, but there's a $300 origination fee. The interest rate is 6%, but the APR is 6.9% because it includes that fee. You'd pay $304/month and $946 total in interest.
The percentage a lender charges you for borrowing their money, calculated on the amount you still owe. It's the lender's profit for taking the risk of lending to you.
Even a 1% difference in interest rate can cost you thousands over a loan's life. Lower rates mean less money out of your pocket.
Example
On a $20,000 car loan for 5 years: at 5% you pay $2,645 in interest. At 8% you pay $4,332. That 3% difference costs you $1,687 extra.
A person who agrees to repay your loan if you can't. They're equally responsible for the debt, and their credit is affected by your payment behavior.
Cosigning helps people with thin credit get approved or get better rates. But it's a huge risk for the cosigner — they're on the hook for the full amount if you default.
Example
A parent cosigns their child's $30,000 student loan. The child stops paying after 6 months. The parent is now legally required to make the payments or face collections, lawsuits, and credit damage.
How long you have to repay the loan, measured in months or years. A shorter term means higher monthly payments but less total interest paid.
Longer terms feel more affordable monthly but cost much more overall. A 30-year mortgage costs almost double in interest compared to a 15-year mortgage on the same amount.
Example
Borrowing $200,000 at 6.5%: A 15-year term costs $1,742/month ($113,561 total interest). A 30-year term costs $1,264/month ($255,088 total interest). You save $141,527 with the shorter term.
A one-time fee the lender charges to process and set up your loan. It covers their costs for underwriting, verifying your information, and preparing paperwork.
Origination fees are usually 1-8% of the loan amount and are often deducted from your loan proceeds — so you receive less than you borrowed.
Example
You're approved for a $10,000 personal loan with a 5% origination fee. The lender deducts $500 upfront, so you receive $9,500 in your bank account but owe $10,000 plus interest.
The original amount of money you borrowed, before any interest or fees are added. It's the 'real' amount of your debt.
Your interest is calculated on the principal. Paying extra toward principal (not just interest) is the one route to reduce your total cost and pay off a loan early.
Example
You borrow $25,000 for a car. That $25,000 is your principal. Your first payment of $450 might split as $150 toward interest and $300 toward principal, bringing your balance to $24,700.
The process where a lender evaluates your finances — income, debts, credit history, assets — to decide whether to approve your loan and at what rate.
Understanding what underwriters look for helps you prepare a stronger application. They check your DTI ratio, employment stability, credit score, and the asset's value.
Example
You apply for a mortgage. The underwriter reviews your pay stubs (income), bank statements (savings), credit report (history), and orders an appraisal (home value). This takes 2-4 weeks.
Want to learn more? Read our Financial Wellness Guides for in-depth explanations and practical advice.
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