Dharma Merchant Services is a California-based payment processor known for its commitment to transparency, fair pricing, and socially responsible business practices. Dharma specializes in credit card processing for small to mid-sized businesses, nonprofits, and conscious entrepreneurs. The company offers a full suite of services including in-store, mobile, and eCommerce payment solutions, virtual terminals, and detailed reporting tools.
Unlike many traditional processors, Dharma does not lock merchants into long-term contracts and avoids hidden fees. Its pricing is interchange-plus, meaning businesses pay the actual interchange rate plus a transparent markup. This model often results in substantial savings, especially for businesses that value predictability and ethical business relationships. Dharma’s monthly fees are low, and there are no early termination fees or excessive surcharges.
Dharma Merchant Services has built a reputation for ethical practices, environmental stewardship, and excellent customer support. Their platform integrates with popular gateways like Authorize.Net and includes tools for recurring billing, invoicing, and ACH payments. Dharma is also a certified B Corporation, emphasizing its dedication to people, planet, and profit.
As a First Data (now Fiserv) and TSYS reseller, Dharma provides dependable backend infrastructure, while adding value through exceptional service and a principled business model. It is particularly popular with values-driven organizations and merchants seeking a straightforward, no-gimmicks payment processing partner.
Dharma Merchant Services was founded in 2007 by Jeff Marcous and Alexia Marcous, a father-daughter team driven by the vision of creating an ethical and socially conscious payment processor. Jeff, a longtime veteran in the credit card processing industry, envisioned a business model that prioritized people, planet, and profit—laying the foundation for Dharma’s mission-first operations. Alexia joined to help bring that vision to life, leading Dharma’s efforts in technology, sustainability, and conscious leadership.
Since its inception, Dharma has operated out of San Francisco and has steadily grown its client base across a variety of sectors, including nonprofits, socially responsible businesses, and service-based industries. While Dharma hasn’t participated in venture capital rounds or aggressive scaling like some of its competitors, the company has built its reputation on steady, organic growth rooted in trust and ethical values.
As one of the few Certified B Corporations in the payment processing space, Dharma stands apart for its commitment to transparency, fair pricing, and corporate responsibility. Over the years, the company has formed strong partnerships with back-end processors like First Data (now Fiserv) and TSYS, giving it the stability of big-bank infrastructure while maintaining small-business service values.
Dharma’s ethical approach has earned it widespread respect among mission-driven merchants. Instead of chasing unicorn status, Dharma has stayed focused on serving its clients with integrity—making it a standout in the merchant services industry for those who value social impact just as much as bottom-line results.
Dharma Merchant Services is best known for its ethical pricing and transparency, offering interchange-plus pricing with no hidden fees or long-term contracts. This honest approach appeals strongly to nonprofits, service-based businesses, and socially responsible companies.
The company also specializes in serving conscious entrepreneurs and mission-driven organizations, providing tailored solutions that include virtual terminals, POS systems, and eCommerce integrations. Dharma focuses on making payment processing straightforward and accessible for small to mid-sized businesses.
Beyond its features, Dharma stands out for its commitment to values-based business practices. As a certified B Corporation, the company emphasizes sustainability, social impact, and customer care—making it a trusted partner for merchants who prioritize both profit and purpose.
Dharma Merchant Services offers a variety of solutions tailored to the needs of small to mid-sized businesses, nonprofits, and socially responsible organizations. These services include payment processing for in-store, mobile, and online sales, as well as virtual terminals and POS systems designed for ease of use and transparency.
In addition to core payment features, Dharma provides integrations with eCommerce platforms and accounting tools, along with support for invoicing, recurring billing, and ACH payments.
Dharma Merchant Services supports secure card-less transactions through its virtual terminal and online payment gateway. Merchants can accept payments by keying in card details, sending invoices, or using ACH transfers—ideal for phone orders, remote billing, or service-based businesses. The platform ensures PCI-compliant processing, helping businesses manage payments without needing physical cards, all while maintaining transparency and reliability.
Dharma Merchant Services is known for its responsive, U.S.-based customer support, with a strong focus on ethical service and transparency. Merchants can access help via phone, email, and an online support center during business hours. Dharma’s team is praised for offering honest guidance without upselling, ensuring that clients receive the support they need from professionals who prioritize long-term relationships over quick fixes.
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Dharma Merchant Services provides a robust set of features tailored for small businesses and nonprofits. Core offerings include virtual terminals, in-store POS support, mobile payments, ACH processing, and invoicing tools. The platform supports recurring billing, integrates with popular eCommerce gateways like Authorize.Net, and includes detailed reporting and analytics. All features are built around Dharma’s mission of offering simple, transparent, and ethical payment solutions.
Dharma Merchant Services offers next-day funding for eligible merchants, helping businesses maintain steady cash flow and meet daily financial needs. With most credit card transactions settled within 24 hours, Dharma ensures timely access to funds without unnecessary delays. This quick turnaround, combined with transparent pricing, makes it a dependable choice for businesses that value both speed and trust.
While Dharma Merchant Services focuses on ethical and transparent payment solutions, it does not actively promote merchant cash advances or traditional advance funding. Instead, the company encourages sustainable financial practices and recommends funding options that align with a merchant’s long-term health. For businesses in need of working capital, Dharma may offer referrals to trusted third-party lenders, ensuring support without compromising its core values.
Dharma Merchant Services integrates seamlessly with trusted gateways like Authorize.Net, enabling businesses to accept online payments securely and efficiently. This built-in gateway supports credit card, debit card, and ACH transactions, along with tools for invoicing, recurring billing, and fraud prevention. Ideal for eCommerce and service-based merchants, Dharma’s gateway solution ensures PCI-compliant, real-time processing with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
Dharma Merchant Services offers ethical, transparent payment solutions tailored to small businesses and nonprofits. Its platform supports in-person, online, and mobile payments with ease. Merchants benefit from flexible features like invoicing, recurring billing, and ACH options—all backed by reliable U.S.-based support. With no hidden fees or long-term contracts, Dharma combines service and integrity to help businesses thrive financially.
Dharma Merchant Services supports a range of hardware and software solutions tailored to different business types. Merchants can choose from EMV/NFC-enabled terminals, countertop POS systems, and mobile card readers—all pre-configured for ease of use. On the software side, Dharma offers virtual terminals, invoicing tools, and eCommerce integrations via Authorize.Net. Combined, these tools provide a complete, secure, and user-friendly payment solution.
Dharma Merchant Services provides EMV and NFC-enabled countertop terminals designed for fast, secure in-person payments. These terminals support chip cards, contactless options like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and magstripe swipes. Devices are pre-programmed and plug-and-play ready, making setup easy for merchants. Ideal for retail and service-based businesses, Dharma’s countertop terminals combine reliability, PCI compliance, and transparent pricing.
Dharma Merchant Services offers smart terminals with advanced features like touchscreen interfaces, built-in printers, and wireless connectivity. These all-in-one devices support EMV, NFC, and mobile wallet payments, providing flexibility at the point of sale. Smart terminals are ideal for growing businesses needing speed, simplicity, and functionality in one device. Dharma’s smart hardware solutions come pre-configured and backed by transparent, no-contract pricing.
Dharma Merchant Services offers mobile card readers that connect via Bluetooth to smartphones and tablets, allowing merchants to accept payments anywhere. These devices support EMV chip, magstripe, and contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Ideal for service providers, event vendors, and mobile businesses, Dharma’s mobile hardware delivers secure, real-time transactions with the same transparency and reliability as its countertop solutions.
Dharma Merchant Services is an excellent choice for small businesses, nonprofits, and values-driven organizations seeking ethical, transparent payment processing. With interchange-plus pricing, no long-term contracts, and a strong focus on customer service, Dharma stands out in a crowded market. It’s ideal for merchants who prioritize both cost-efficiency and integrity, backed by reliable technology and socially responsible practices.
