High Risk Merchant Accounts
Declined, shut down, or stuck on reserve? That's a fit problem.
Most high risk businesses get turned down because they applied to the wrong processor, not because of anything they did. We know which processors actually want your file. Send us a statement or tell us what happened and we'll map the right home for it.
What to send
A recent processing statement, a decline or closure letter, or a few lines about what happened. Any one of those is enough to start.
Short answer
Can you help with a high risk merchant account?
High risk accounts are underwritten case by case by the processor. Terms and reserves vary, and we cannot promise approval. Tell us about your business and any previous account closure. We review your situation and current statement, explain the requirements, and check which options may fit your file.
High risk merchant account categories
Who we place
These are the categories we see most. If yours is not listed, send it anyway.
CBD and hemp
Many mainstream processors still turn down hemp derived products, online and in stores. We look for processors that accept CBD and know which lab reports and labels they will ask to see.
Vape and tobacco
Age restricted products come with extra rules for online sales and shipping. We match shops and online sellers with processors that take vape and tobacco files.
Nutraceuticals and supplements
Supplement sellers get flagged for refund rates and product claims. We help you lay out your offer, refund policy and marketing so an underwriter can read it clearly.
Firearms and ammunition
Plenty of processors will not take firearms, even from licensed dealers. We look for processors that work with FFL holders, ranges and ammunition sellers.
Adult
Adult content and products carry some of the strictest card network rules. We look for processors set up for the monitoring and age checks those rules require.
Online gaming and fantasy sports
What a processor will accept depends on your licenses and the states you serve. We start with your licensing, then look for processors that accept that setup.
Travel
Travel is often paid for long before the trip happens, and processors worry about that gap. We help agencies, tour operators and booking sites find processors that understand it.
Debt collection
Collection agencies take payments by phone and online while staying inside collection laws. We look for processors that accept agencies and support those payment channels.
Subscription and free trial offers
Recurring billing and trials draw chargebacks when customers forget they signed up. We help you tighten billing terms and find processors that accept recurring models.
Telemedicine and pharmacy
Online care and prescription sales need the right licenses before a processor will review them. We match licensed telehealth providers and pharmacies with processors that work in healthcare.
Crypto on ramps
Buying crypto with a card raises fraud and compliance questions for most processors. We look for processors that accept crypto businesses with the right registrations in place.
Bail bonds
Bail payments are urgent, often made by a family member, and sometimes disputed later. We look for processors that take bail bond agents and support phone and online payments.
High risk merchant accounts by business type
What each business needs from processing, what to check on the statement, and honest answers on approval.
How it works
How high risk placement works
Step 1: Review your statement or your decline
Send a recent statement, a decline or closure letter, or a short note about what happened. We read it and work out what actually caused the problem.
Step 2: Match the file to the right processors
We compare your business, category and history with processors built for that category, so you apply where your file is wanted.
Step 3: Prepare a clean application
We help you gather documents and present your website, policies and history so the application does not trip underwriting on something avoidable.
Step 4: Stay on the account after you go live
We stay your contact after approval. If a reserve, a hold or a new fee shows up, you have a person to reach who knows your file.
Pricing
What to expect on pricing
High risk accounts are priced on two things: you and your category. Your processing history, chargebacks, time in business and how you sell all play a part, along with how the card networks view your type of business.
Reserves and rolling holds are common. A processor may hold part of your sales for a period of time as protection against chargebacks and refunds. The terms are often negotiable, and a clean history gives you room to ask for better ones.
We never quote a rate before we see the file. A rate given before anyone has looked at your statements and history is a guess.
High risk merchant account questions
Still not sure? Ask us directly.
Can I get approved after a shutdown?
It depends on why the account closed. Chargebacks, an unsupported category and a fraud finding are different issues. A MATCH listing can limit options. We review what happened and look for processors that consider files like yours. Approval is always the processor's decision, so we cannot promise it.
What is a rolling reserve?
A rolling reserve is a share of card sales held by the processor, then released after an agreed period. It protects against chargebacks and refunds. Your agreement sets the percentage and hold period. Terms vary. Some processors may negotiate them or review them after a clean account history.
Do I need an offshore account?
Not always. Many high risk categories can be processed with US based processors that specialize in them. Offshore accounts are an option for some files, and they come with trade offs such as currency conversion and slower funding. We tell you which applies once we see your file.
How long does approval take?
It depends on the processor, your category and how complete the application is. High risk underwriting usually takes longer than a standard account because the processor reviews more documents. A complete, clean application is the best way to avoid back and forth. We give you a realistic picture once we know which processors fit.
Will my current terminal or POS still work?
Sometimes. It depends on whether the new processor supports your equipment. Some terminals can be set up for a new processor, and some POS systems only work with their own processing. We check what you have before we suggest any move.
Send one statement. We read every line, free.
Tell us what happened.
Send a statement, a decline letter or a short note. A person reads it and tells you where your file fits. Free, no obligation.