Why underwriters look closely at CBD & hemp
Regulatory change
Federal and state rules on hemp-derived products keep moving, and acquirers price that uncertainty in.
Product claims
Health claims on product pages or in ads are a common reason for declines and terminations.
Subscriptions
Auto-ship offers raise the risk of disputes when cancellation is hard to find.
A payment setup that fits
How we usually set up CBD and hemp brands. Your consultant tailors it to how you actually sell.
- 1
Separate online and in-store
Card-present sales in your shop and online orders often fit best on separate accounts, each with an acquirer suited to it.
- 2
Age checks where required
Age verification at checkout for products your customers’ states restrict.
- 3
Subscription controls
Auto-ship with a reminder before each shipment and one-click cancellation.
What you’ll need to apply
Have these ready and your application moves faster. Your consultant confirms the exact list for the processor you’re matched with.
- Government ID for every owner with 25% or more
- Voided business check or bank letter
- Recent business bank statements
- Recent processing statements, if you have taken cards before
- Articles of incorporation and EIN letter
- A website with clear pricing, refund, cancellation and contact details
- Certificates of analysis (COAs) for each product
- Product labels showing cannabinoid content
- Website with ingredient lists, refund policy and no medical claims
Why applications get declined, and how to avoid it
- Medical or disease claims on the website
- Missing or outdated lab results
- Products containing ingredients the acquirer excludes
- Hidden or unclear subscription terms
We review your website, policies and statements against these before anything is submitted.
Keeping the account healthy after approval
Getting approved is half the job. These habits keep your account in good standing, and our platform tracks the numbers behind them for you.
- Link every product to its current lab results
- Remove any claim that a product treats a condition
- Keep subscription terms on the product page, not just at checkout
CBD & hemp: common questions
Can CBD still be processed?
Yes, with acquirers that accept it. Federal hemp rules are changing and state rules vary, and intoxicating products like delta-8 face the tightest limits. We match your product list to an acquirer that accepts it.
Why do payment platforms keep shutting CBD brands down?
Their CBD policies are narrow and change often. A dedicated merchant account with an acquirer that knowingly accepts CBD is the stable option.
Why do health claims matter so much?
Claims that CBD treats, cures or prevents a condition draw FDA and FTC attention, and acquirers decline or close accounts over them. Describe your products. Don’t prescribe them.
What happens after I’m approved?
We keep working with you. Our platform gives you one view of every account, and we review your chargebacks, approval rate, fraud tools and fees with you so the account stays healthy and gets cheaper over time.