About Us
Local Expertise. Independent Guidance. Proven Results.
For more than 20 years, St. Louis Merchant Services has helped businesses across the Greater St. Louis area navigate the complex world of credit card processing.
We are a locally owned, independent merchant services brokerage providing expertise, strategic analysis, and unbiased consulting to businesses of all sizes. Our mission is simple: help merchants make informed decisions and keep more of what they earn.
A Boutique Approach Built Around You
St. Louis Merchant Services was founded after decades of hands-on experience serving merchants throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area.
After working inside national processing companies and major financial institutions, we saw firsthand how confusing — and often expensive — credit card processing could be for business owners. We built our company to offer something different: personalized guidance, custom-built solutions, and a merchant-first philosophy that puts your business ahead of corporate quotas and call-center service.
We put the merchant first.
Because we are brokers, not tied to a single processor, our loyalty is to our clients — not to one platform or provider. We evaluate multiple processing options to find the best fit for your specific business model, volume, and goals.
Modern Payment Solutions
From traditional credit card processing to dual pricing programs, POS systems, mobile payments, and online gateways, we help you stay competitive in today’s payment environment.
Independent, Unbiased Guidance
We evaluate multiple processing options to recommend what truly benefits your business — not a single provider.
Long-Term Local Support
When you call us, you speak directly with someone who understands the St. Louis business community — not a call center — and who is committed to building a long-term partnership through ongoing support, proactive service, and solutions that grow with your business.
Strategic Cost Analysis
We provide in-depth statement reviews to uncover inefficiencies and implement clear, straightforward pricing models that eliminate hidden fees and unexpected rate increases — helping you reduce overall processing expenses.
best experts on the market
Meet the Owners
St. Louis Merchant Services is proud to be a family-owned and operated business built on trust, integrity, and long-term relationships. What started with Ed and Laura Abilez’s decades of experience in the merchant services industry has grown into a multi-generational commitment to serving businesses throughout the St. Louis community.
Co-Owner
Ed Abilez
Ed brings more than 25 years of merchant services experience to St. Louis Merchant Services. Prior to co-founding the company, he served as a Territory Manager at Heartland Payment Systems and as an Assistant Vice President at Bank of America Merchant Services.
His background inside national processors gives him deep insight into pricing structures, risk management, and strategic account optimization — knowledge he now uses to advocate for local merchants.
Co-Owner
Laura Abilez
Laura has more than 20 years of merchant services experience. Before co-founding St. Louis Merchant Services, she worked as a Relationship Manager at Heartland Payment Systems and as a Regional Account Executive at Vantiv Merchant Services.
Her expertise in relationship management and client consulting ensures that every merchant receives attentive service and tailored payment strategies.
Co-Owner
Eddie Abilez
Eddie plays an active role in the business, bringing a strong background in B2B telecom, enterprise connectivity, and consultative sales. Eddie has generated more than $1.5 million in dedicated fiber and enterprise internet contracts, activated 60+ business-class circuits, and supported 200+ shared fiber and VoIP solutions.
His experience in complex technology environments adds a modern, infrastructure-focused perspective to the company’s payment and connectivity strategies.
Proudly Serving the Greater St. Louis Area
St. Louis Merchant Services supports businesses throughout the Greater St. Louis metropolitan region — on both the Missouri and Illinois sides of the river. As a locally owned company, we understand the unique needs of businesses across the communities we serve.
Missouri
Cities & Communities We Work With
St. Louis, Clayton, Chesterfield, Wildwood, Ballwin, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Creve Coeur, Maryland Heights, Florissant, Hazelwood, St. Charles, O’Fallon, Wentzville, Lake Saint Louis, Cottleville, Arnold, Festus, and surrounding areas.
Illinois
Cities & Communities We Work With
Belleville, O’Fallon (IL), Edwardsville, Collinsville, Alton, Granite City, Fairview Heights, Waterloo, Columbia, and nearby communities.
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