Electronic Payment Solutions Company

History and Founding

Electronic Payments, Inc. was founded in 2000 by Michael Nardy, who identified that small to midsize businesses were consistently overpaying for merchant services. Nardy built EPI around in-house technology and customer service, avoiding the third-party reseller model common in the industry. The company has remained privately held, which it cites as a key advantage in prioritizing customer success over shareholder returns.

Business Model

EPI generates revenue primarily through transaction fees and processing margins on credit/debit card, EMV, contactless, and mobile payments. Its proprietary dual-pricing methodology allows merchants to offer cash discounts while still accepting cards, a feature that can reduce processing costs. The company also offers a meet-or-beat rate guarantee to attract and retain merchants. Additional revenue streams come from POS hardware and software sales, gateway fees, gift card programs, and business financing.

Products and Platforms

EPI’s flagship product is Exatouch® POS, a fully customizable cloud-based system for retail, restaurant, and service businesses, featuring integrated payment acceptance, inventory management, and analytics. Cygma® is a low-cost processing platform offering same-day funding and significant savings. ProCharge® Desktop serves high-volume environments like ticket counters, while ProCharge® Mobile handles on-the-go transactions. The proprietary Electronic Payments Network ensures fast, secure processing. The company also runs Charity POS, a philanthropic initiative donating a portion of processing fees to charitable causes.

Market Position and Competitors

EPI is ranked as the 23rd largest U.S. acquirer, processing $26.5 billion annually. It competes with other independent merchant acquirers and payment processors such as Fiserv, FIS, and Stripe, but differentiates itself through in-house development, 24/7 U.S.-based support, and a focus on SMBs. The company does not disclose headcount; industry estimates place it between 200 and 500 employees.

Regulatory and Compliance

EPI emphasizes PCI compliance and provides training and continuing education for its partners. As a privately held company, it does not file public financial reports, limiting visibility into its regulatory footprint.

Recent Developments and Direction

EPI continues to invest in its in-house technology stack and expand its merchant base. The company’s dual-pricing strategy and same-day funding are key selling points in an increasingly competitive market. No recent M&A activity or major partnerships have been publicly disclosed.