I am writing this review as a formal warning to any South African business considering using Payfast as their payment gateway. Our experience has been nothing short of a nightmare, highlighting extreme business risk.Without any prior warning, notification, or opportunity to rectify any alleged issue, Payfast's Compliance Team terminated our merchant account with immediate effect. The termination email cited a vague "notification from ABSA" regarding our product categories (legitimate supplements) but provided zero specifics or evidence.Crucially, they have blocked all access to the account, which still contains our business's revenue. This means they are unlawfully withholding our funds.The complete lack of due process is bad enough, but their customer service has been appalling:1) Zero proactive communication: Termination came without notice.2) Ignored formal dispute: A detailed email disputing their claims and demanding fund release has gone unanswered for days.3) Dismissive and unhelpful support: When calling the number they provided, reception promised a callback that never came. A subsequent call to customer service Hannah resulted in being told to "sit and wait" and that no questions could be answered. We were effectively told to "bugger off."They have left our online store without a payment gateway and are holding our money hostage without explanation or timeline. This is not just poor service; it is a fundamental breach of trust and a demonstration of how poorly they treat merchants once they have your funds.Do not use Payfast if you value your business's financial stability and operational continuity. Their actions show they can—and will—act as judge, jury, and executioner without dialogue, leaving you without access to your income and no recourse. Consider this a serious risk warning.
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