Merchant services provider offering credit card processing, POS systems, and business funding solutions for small to mid-size businesses nationwide.
Data compiled from public sources · Rating from CreditDoc methodology
The Credit Card Guy is a merchant services company based in El Segundo, CA, serving the South Bay and Los Angeles areas with expanded national reach. Founded to address high payment processing fees, the company positions itself as a transparent alternative to traditional processors with an emphasis on cost savings and business growth support.
The company's core offerings include credit card and debit card processing, mobile payment solutions, point-of-sale systems with inventory management, e-commerce payment gateways, contactless payment acceptance (Apple Pay, Google Pay), and modern payment terminals (Dejavoo and ValorPay). Beyond payment processing, they offer business funding solutions including SBA 7(a) loans, term loans, personal loans, real estate loans, and lines of credit. Additional services include dual pricing/surcharge solutions, merchant cash advances, crypto payment processing, and digital marketing services including website development and reputation management.
Key differentiators claimed on their website include transparent pricing with no hidden fees, next-day funding capability, free terminal placement, dedicated account managers, PCI compliance, 24/7 customer support, and month-to-month contracts without long-term commitments. They report serving 1,000+ businesses nationwide with an average rating of 4.9/5.0 from 200+ reviews. Marketing claims state merchants save 20-90% on processing fees, though specific rates are not disclosed on the website.
While the website presents comprehensive services and strong testimonials, typical merchant services concerns apply: actual savings depend on individual negotiation and business volume, funding timelines may vary from "next day" claims, and the breadth of services (from payments to crypto to business loans) suggests some offerings may be white-labeled partnerships rather than proprietary solutions. The company requires approval of terms before transparent pricing is provided.
Yes. THE CREDIT CARD GUY merchant services is a registered company, headquartered in El Segundo, CA.
Results vary by individual situation. Contact the provider to discuss expected timelines for your specific needs.
CreditDoc Diagnosis
The Credit Card Guy is best suited for established small-to-mid-size businesses looking to reduce merchant processing fees through flexible month-to-month agreements and seeking a dedicated account manager. Main caveat: actual savings require obtaining and comparing personalized quotes, and the breadth of services (particularly business loans and crypto payments) suggests reliance on partnerships—verify whether these represent competitive offerings before committing.
Georgia-licensed law firm specializing in credit report disputes and FCRA violations under contingency fee model. Led by Joseph P. McClelland, Esq. with 20 years experience.
Best for: Consumers with provably false credit report entries (wrong balances, missed payments they made, identity theft accounts), Bankruptcy filers whose credit reports show incorrect balances or payments post-discharge
Five Lakes Law Group is a Michigan-based law firm specializing in debt settlement, founded in 2021. BBB A+ accredited since 2025. 4.8 Trustpilot, 6,000+ Google reviews. Fee rate reportedly 27% — higher than industry average.
Best for: Consumers with $10,000+ in unsecured debt who want legal representation backing their debt settlement negotiations, Those who prefer the additional consumer protection of working with a law firm rather than a non-attorney debt settlement company
West Miami Jewelry & Pawn specializes in collateral-based loans from $1,500–$50,000 secured by jewelry, gold, watches, and coins. They also buy, sell, and repair jewelry with competitive rates.
Best for: Individuals with valuable jewelry, watches, or precious metals needing $1,500+ loans quickly, Luxury watch or jewelry owners (Rolex, Cartier brands) seeking fair valuations locally
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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 must 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 cheapest 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 fastest way 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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