High-risk merchant accounts, placed with the right acquirer
If your industry, history or business model gets you declined, you need an acquirer that knowingly accepts your business. We know which ones do, and we prepare your application the way their underwriters need to see it.
Who this is for
- Industries restricted by Stripe, PayPal or Square
- Businesses with past chargebacks or a terminated account
- High tickets, recurring billing or future delivery
- Fast-growing stores without much processing history
Why the match matters
Every acquirer has its own risk appetite. The same application can be declined by one and approved by another. Submitting to the wrong one wastes time and leaves a decline on your record.
What we prepare with you
Before anything is submitted, we review your website, policies and statements against that acquirer’s requirements and fix what would get you declined.
- Refund, cancellation and shipping terms
- Billing descriptor and customer-service contact
- Processing history and chargeback explanation
- Documents the underwriter will ask for
Terms, explained before you sign
Pricing, limits and funding timing can vary a lot between offers. We walk you through every term before you sign and negotiate the best your history supports.
After approval
Your account joins our platform. We watch your ratios, fees and dispute alerts with you, and go back for better terms as your history improves.
High-risk merchant accounts: common questions
What makes a business high risk?
Mostly the industry. Others are high average tickets, recurring billing, delivery long after payment, a short processing history, or past chargebacks. Many high-risk businesses are perfectly well run.
Are high-risk fees always higher?
Usually somewhat, because the acquirer carries more risk. The gap narrows as your history builds, and we push for that reduction on your behalf.
Can I keep my current gateway or shopping cart?
Usually, yes. Most acquirers we work with support the major gateways. We’ll confirm compatibility before you apply.
Also from PaymentHelp
Talk to a payments consultant
Tell us about your business. We’ll tell you which processor fits, what it should cost, and how we’ll keep it optimized after you’re approved.