Question 1

What is high risk payment processing?

Accepted Answer

High risk payment processing is card and alternative payment acceptance for businesses that banks consider more likely to have chargebacks, fraud, regulatory issues or reputational risk. These merchants need acquiring banks that specifically underwrite and support their industry.

Question 2

What makes a business high risk?

Accepted Answer

Common reasons include the industry you are in, high average transaction values, recurring or subscription billing, high chargeback ratios, international sales, a short or poor processing history, and regulated or age-restricted products.

Question 3

What is a high risk merchant account?

Accepted Answer

A high risk merchant account is a merchant account from an acquiring bank that is willing to process payments for high-risk industries. It usually comes with stricter underwriting, and sometimes a rolling reserve, in exchange for stable long-term processing.

Question 4

How long does approval take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the industry, the bank and how complete your documents are. A complete application with clear policies and processing history is always reviewed faster.

Question 5

Do you work with businesses outside the US?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with merchants worldwide, including the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia-Pacific, and with banks in multiple regions.

Question 6

What is a rolling reserve?

Accepted Answer

A rolling reserve is a percentage of each day's sales that the bank holds for a set period before releasing it. It protects the bank against future chargebacks and refunds, and is common for high-risk merchants.

Question 7

I was shut down by another processor. Can I still apply?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many of the merchants we help were closed by mainstream payment companies. Tell us what happened in your application so we can find a bank suited to your situation.

Question 8

Does applying cost anything?

Accepted Answer

No. Sending us an application is free and doesn't commit you to anything.

Question 9

Why is CBD considered high risk for payment processing?

Accepted Answer

CBD sits in a shifting regulatory space, and some banks treat any cannabis-adjacent product as a legal or reputational risk. That makes underwriting stricter and leaves fewer acquiring banks willing to approve it.

Question 10

Can I get a CBD merchant account if I was shut down before?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. A previous closure is reviewed case by case. Share what happened and your processing history in your application so we can match you with suitable banks.

Question 11

Can I run free trials with a nutraceutical merchant account?

Accepted Answer

Trials are possible, but banks expect clear disclosure, easy cancellation and explicit consent before rebilling. Transparent terms are the single biggest factor in keeping chargebacks low.

Question 12

Do you support multiple supplement brands?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Merchants with several brands or websites can apply for multiple accounts so volume can be spread across them.

Question 13

Do I need a gaming licence to get iGaming payment processing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Acquiring banks require a valid licence for the markets you serve. The licence jurisdiction strongly affects which banks and payment methods are available.

Question 14

Can you help with payouts to players?

Accepted Answer

We work with partners that support withdrawals and payouts. Availability depends on your licence and target countries.

Question 15

What does an adult merchant account need to stay compliant?

Accepted Answer

Expect to show robust age verification, content moderation and consent processes, plus clear billing terms. Card networks review these closely for adult merchants.

Question 16

Can the charge on a customer's statement be discreet?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Discreet billing descriptors are standard in this industry and also help reduce chargebacks from customers who don't recognise a charge.

Question 17

Why do travel merchant accounts often have reserves?

Accepted Answer

Because travel is paid for in advance, banks hold a reserve to cover refunds if trips are cancelled. Reserve levels vary by bank, history and booking window.

Question 18

Can I accept payments in multiple currencies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Multi-currency processing lets customers pay in their own currency, which typically improves conversion for international bookings.

Question 19

What chargeback ratio do banks expect for subscription businesses?

Accepted Answer

Card networks generally start monitoring merchants once disputes approach around 1% of transactions. Staying well below that keeps your account healthy.

Question 20

Can I offer free trials?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with clear disclosure, reminder emails before billing and an easy way to cancel. Card networks have explicit rules for trial offers.

Question 21

Do I need a licence for crypto payment processing?

Accepted Answer

In most jurisdictions you need some form of registration or licence to offer crypto services. Banks will ask for it, along with your AML and KYC policies.

Question 22

Can I accept crypto as payment for my store?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Alongside card processing, we can point you to options that let customers pay in cryptocurrency with settlement in crypto or fiat.

Question 23

Can prop trading firms get a merchant account?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Prop firms are reviewed based on their business model, refund terms and how challenges are marketed. Clear terms help approval.

Question 24

Do you support forex brokers without a licence?

Accepted Answer

Banks generally require regulated status for brokers. Trading education and software businesses may have more options — share your model in your application.

High risk payment processing questions, answered

General

CBD

Nutraceuticals

iGaming

Adult

Travel

Subscriptions

Crypto

Forex

Ready to get approved?