High-risk merchant accounts, approved properly.
A high-risk merchant account is a card processing account for businesses banks see as more likely to have chargebacks or compliance issues, such as subscriptions or supplements, with stricter underwriting and different fees.
What you get
Subscriptions and continuity
Recurring billing and trial offers.
Nutraceuticals and supplements
Categories mainstream processors often decline.
High-ticket goods
Large average orders and higher limits.
Shut-down recovery
Merchants terminated or frozen by another processor.
Restricted and research-use products
Storefront guidance so research-only and restricted products meet processor rules.
Previously declined merchants
Reviewed case by case, with an honest answer on what is possible.
Backup accounts
More than one merchant account so one decision can’t shut down your checkout.
Introductions to specialist processors
Partners that underwrite high-risk categories every day.
Four steps, no guesswork
- STEP 1
Pre-qualify
We review your category, volume and history.
- STEP 2
Prepare
We fix site and policy issues before you apply.
- STEP 3
Apply
You submit the processor’s application and documents.
- STEP 4
Approve
Underwriting decides, sometimes with a reserve.
Incorporated outside the US?
We work with merchants incorporated in many countries. Pre-qualify and we send the application with the right registration, tax and banking fields for yours.
High-Risk Merchant Accounts questions
What makes a business high-risk?
The product category, chargeback history, a new business expecting high volume, international sales or a past termination.
Why do processors hold a reserve?
To cover possible chargebacks and refunds. It is common for new and high-risk merchants and is usually released over time.
Is there a high-risk merchant account for Shopify?
Shopify Payments restricts some categories, but many high-risk processors connect to Shopify through supported gateways.
What if my last processor shut me down?
Gather your statements, apply with a processor that accepts your category, and disclose the termination honestly.
What do processors require from research-use-only stores?
Clear research-only messaging and disclaimers, an age gate, accurate labelling, and no dosing or health claims. Some product names and add-ons may be restricted.
Can I run more than one high-risk merchant account?
Yes. Running a backup account through our gateway is one of the best ways to protect a high-risk checkout.
More answers in the industry FAQ.
Works best with
Card Processing
Multiple processors, a branded gateway, fraud tools and an inline checkout.
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