High Risk Merchant Account: What They Are, Best Providers, How They Work

Learn what a high risk merchant account is, why businesses get labeled high risk, and list of best providers. Plus expert insights on reducing risks.

Navigating payment processing when you’re labeled “high risk” can feel daunting. As an industry expert, I’ve guided many businesses through this maze. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll demystify high risk merchant accounts, what they are, why some businesses fall into this category, and how to turn that label from a hurdle into just another business task. You’ll learn which industries are commonly flagged as high risk, how to choose the best providers (with one standout pick: Swipesum), and actionable tips to reduce your risk profile and chargebacks. Let’s dive in and equip you with the knowledge to keep your business thriving, even in the high risk lane.

List of Top High Risk Providers: See the full list, and details on each high risk merchant account provider below.

What is a High Risk Merchant Account?

A high risk merchant account is essentially a special type of merchant account for businesses that traditional banks and processors deem riskier than normal. In simple terms, it’s a bank account that enables higher-risk businesses, often classified as business high risk, to accept credit and debit card payments despite their risk profile​. If your business falls into certain industries or exhibits patterns (like frequent chargebacks or fraud), banks label you as “high risk.” A high risk merchant account is designed to handle this elevated risk.

How is it different from a regular merchant account? For one, approval criteria are stricter. Providers will scrutinize your business model, financial history, and even personal credit more thoroughly. They do this because they need assurance that you won’t suddenly incur big losses that the bank might have to cover. As a trade-off for providing you an account, the bank often sets higher processing fees and other requirements. It’s common for high risk merchants to pay significantly more per transaction, often in the range of about 3.9% to 5% (or even higher) of each sale​, whereas a low-risk business might pay around 2-3%. Over thousands of transactions, that difference adds up. Another hallmark of high risk accounts is the possibility of a rolling reserve. This means the processor holds a percentage of your revenue (say 5-10% of sales) in reserve for a certain period​. For example, if you had a $100 sale and a 10% reserve, $10 would be set aside and released to you after a predefined time (often 3-6 months) if no chargebacks occur on that sale. These reserves act as a safety net for the bank, if you get a bunch of chargebacks or close up shop suddenly, the bank uses that reserve to cover any refunds or fines​. While it’s frustrating to have a portion of your cash flow held, it’s a standard practice with high risk merchant accounts to mitigate potential losses.

In summary, a high risk merchant account functions like any other merchant account, allowing you to process customer card payments, but comes with extra guardrails for the bank’s protection. Those guardrails include higher fees, potential reserves, shorter contract terms or volume caps, and more oversight. It might not sound ideal, but for many businesses it’s the only way to accept credit card payments reliably. The key is understanding why you’re considered high risk, which we’ll cover next, and then finding a provider and strategies that work best for you despite those hurdles.

Why Are Some Businesses Considered High Risk?

The term “high risk” in payments doesn’t mean your business is doing something wrong; often, it’s about how banks view the potential for financial issues. Certain industries or business models are often deemed high risk due to factors like chargeback ratios, financial history, or specific operational practices. Here are some of the most common reasons a business gets tagged as high risk:

Historical or Potential for Chargebacks

Chargebacks are the bane of merchant accounts. If your industry or business model tends to have customers frequently dispute charges, banks take note. A high rate of chargebacks (generally anything approaching or above ~1% of transactions) is a big red flag. Merchants with excessive chargebacks or refunds are prime candidates for high risk categorization​. For example, industries like online gaming or subscription services often see more chargebacks (whether due to fraud or “friendly fraud” where customers dispute legitimate purchases), so even a new business in those spaces is seen as likely to have the same issue.

Fraud Risk

Similar to chargebacks, a high incidence of fraud will scare off regular processors. Certain business types are magnets for fraudulent transactions, either because their products are high-value (e.g., electronics that fraudsters resell) or because they operate online in markets where fraud rates are high. If an industry has high levels of fraud historically, payment providers classify all such merchants as riskier by default​. It’s guilt by association, in a sense. A business doesn’t need to have experienced fraud yet; the potential based on others in its sector can be enough.

Industry Reputation and Trends

Sometimes it’s not your personal track record but your industry’s reputation. Banks and credit card networks maintain data on which industries statistically have more disputes or financial problems. If trends within an industry show more frequent fraud, chargebacks, or regulatory issues, that whole category gets a high risk label​. For instance, travel agencies are considered high risk because if trips get canceled or customers aren’t satisfied, they often issue chargebacks. Similarly, the adult entertainment industry has a reputation (fair or not) for higher disputes and compliance concerns, so virtually all adult businesses are treated as high risk from the get-go.

Legal and Regulatory Scrutiny

Businesses operating in gray areas of law or heavily regulated fields are risky for banks. Think of online casinos, CBD oil sellers, or telemedicine pharmacies. Even if you follow the law, the laws themselves might be evolving or vary by region. The uncertainty means the bank could face legal issues or sudden rule changes. For example, selling CBD (cannabidiol) products is legal federally in the U.S., but rules vary by state and card networks have special requirements for it. Because of this, many processors treat CBD businesses as high risk by default​. Anything related to gambling, tobacco, firearms, supplements, or adult content similarly falls under stricter oversight due to external regulations.

New Businesses or Limited Processing History

If your business is new and hasn’t processed card payments before, a bank has no data to predict your risk. A limited or no credit card processing history can thus land you in a high risk bucket​ initially. It’s like getting a loan with no credit history, lenders are nervous because they can’t gauge if you’ll pay on time. Over time, if you show a clean record (low chargebacks, steady volume), you might shed that high risk label. But at the start, don’t be surprised if processors are cautious. Similarly, if the business owner has a bad personal or business credit history, that can contribute to risk status​. Banks figure if you’ve defaulted or had financial troubles before, there’s a higher chance of something going wrong again.

High Average Transaction Value or Sales Volume

Businesses dealing in very expensive items or very large volumes of sales can be seen as high risk. Why? The exposure is bigger. A $10 chargeback is one thing; a $10,000 chargeback is another. If you sell luxury goods, fine jewelry, or B2B services worth tens of thousands, one dissatisfied customer could mean a huge loss. So even if your percentage of chargebacks is low, the absolute dollars at stake are high. Some providers specialize in “high ticket” merchant accounts but will categorize them as high risk and possibly enforce transaction caps or reserves to mitigate that risk.

Subscription and Recurring Billing Models

Businesses that bill customers on a recurring basis (monthly subscriptions, memberships, “subscribe and save” programs) often see higher chargeback rates. Customers might forget they signed up and dispute the charges, or it might be harder to cancel than they expected, leading them to call the bank. Recurring billing can thus be a trigger for high risk categorization, especially if combined with free trials (which sometimes lead to chargebacks when the trial converts to a paid plan unexpectedly from the customer’s perspective).

Previous Merchant Account Termination (MATCH List)

If you’ve ever had a merchant account shut down by a bank due to high chargebacks or violations, your business (and your name) likely landed on the MATCH list (Member Alert to Control High Risk, also known as Terminated Merchant File). This is essentially a blacklist maintained by card networks of merchants who had issues. Being on that list pretty much guarantees any new provider will view you as high risk​. It doesn’t mean you can’t get an account, but you’ll have to work with providers who specialize in rehabilitating or accepting MATCH-listed merchants, often with even stricter terms.

In essence, businesses are labeled high risk not out of randomness, but due to specific risk factors, industry-wide patterns, your own business’s history, or a combination of both. The label is the financial world’s way of saying “proceed with caution.” Knowing this, you can proactively address some concerns. For example, if you recognize that your business model tends to confuse customers (leading to disputes), you can double down on customer communication and clarity (we’ll cover more on reducing chargebacks later). Or if you’re in a regulated industry, you can seek out banks that are comfortable in that space from the start.

Now that we’ve covered the why, let’s zoom in on those industries that wear the high risk badge and discuss what that means for merchants in each.

Industry-Specific Considerations for High Risk Businesses

Certain industries are infamous in the payments world for being a high risk industry. Banks have learned (sometimes the hard way) that businesses in these sectors need extra scrutiny. Let’s explore some of the major high risk industries and what unique challenges or requirements they face. (If you don’t see your exact industry, don’t worry, the principles will often be similar for related fields.)

Common High Risk Industries: You’ve likely heard the usual suspects: adult entertainment, travel, online gambling, forex and cryptocurrency trading, and multilevel marketing are classic examples of high risk industries​. In recent years, newer sectors like CBD and hemp products, vape and tobacco sales, tech support services, and subscription boxes have also joined the high risk club. Each of these comes with its own blend of higher chargeback rates, fraud concerns, and regulatory headaches, which is why banks handle them cautiously.

Adult Entertainment and Products

Why high risk: The adult industry (whether online adult content, dating sites, or sex toy sales) has a few factors working against it. First, there’s a reputational risk for banks, some simply choose not to work with adult businesses to avoid any association. Second, these businesses often experience higher levels of fraud and chargebacks. For example, a customer might discreetly buy adult content or products and later dispute the charge to avoid embarrassment or due to regret. Additionally, card networks have strict rules about adult content (age verification, legal compliance), so there’s a compliance burden. All these make mainstream payment processors wary.

For businesses in the adult entertainment industry, a high risk payment gateway is essential to securely accept credit card payments online.

Considerations: If you operate an adult business, expect to work with a specialized high risk provider. They may require you to have clear legal disclaimers and age verification on your website. Be prepared for higher fees. Also, billing descriptors (the name that appears on customers’ card statements) are crucial here, using something discreet can reduce chargebacks (customers won’t panic when they see the charge, because it’s not blatantly from “Adult Entertainment Inc.”). However, make sure it’s still recognizable to them to avoid confusion. A balance might be using a neutral business name. Many adult businesses also maintain a reserve fund or have longer payout cycles initially, until trust is built with the processor.

Travel and Hospitality

Why high risk: Selling travel might seem innocuous, people buy flights, vacation packages, hotel stays all the time, but from a payments perspective, travel is tricky. The main issue is future delivery of service. You’re selling something now that will be delivered later. If anything goes wrong before that service is delivered (airline goes bankrupt, global pandemic cancels trips, customer changes mind), refunds and chargebacks spike. Travel also has relatively high ticket prices (airline tickets, resort bookings), so each chargeback can be a big hit. Historically, travel agencies and tour operators have had volatile chargeback rates, especially during events like sudden airline cancellations or natural disasters affecting destinations.

High risk payment processors play a crucial role in facilitating merchant accounts for travel businesses, ensuring they can handle the elevated risk associated with future delivery of services.

Considerations: Travel businesses often have to abide by certain rules set by processors. For instance, they might require you to notify customers of cancellation policies very clearly (to fight “I didn’t get my trip” chargebacks). They may also impose a rolling reserve more frequently here, e.g., hold 10% of each transaction until the travel date has passed plus some buffer, to ensure if the customer files a chargeback, the money is there to cover it. As a travel merchant, it’s wise to invest in travel insurance offerings and encourage customers to use them, which can offload some risk. Also, providing stellar customer service (helping customers rebook or refund proactively when issues arise) will reduce the chances of disputes. Processors in this space often integrate with booking systems and may want to see a track record of honoring refunds when due.

Online Gambling and Gaming

Why high risk: Online casinos, sports betting sites, fantasy sports, and even skill-based gaming platforms all fall under this banner. The obvious reason they’re high risk is legal status, laws vary widely around the world (and within countries) about online gambling. That’s a huge compliance risk for payment processors. Beyond legality, these platforms see a lot of fraudulent transactions (stolen cards used to load accounts) and chargebacks (“I didn’t authorize that $500 of chips purchase,” says a spouse who finds out, or a user who loses money might dispute charges claiming fraud). The combination of high-value transactions and the digital nature of the product (nothing physical changes hands) makes fraud easier and more common.

Payment processing companies scrutinize the financial patterns and transaction history of online gambling businesses, often leading to the denial of services for certain high risk industries.

Considerations: This industry often has to seek out specialized acquiring banks, sometimes offshore, that explicitly allow gambling transactions. These accounts usually come with hefty fees and reserves, it’s not uncommon to see processing rates well above 5% and rolling reserves 10-15%. Merchants may also need to implement extra fraud checks. For instance, using 3D Secure (Verified by Visa, etc.) can help prove the cardholder authorized the transaction, which is useful in disputes. Processors might require strong KYC (Know Your Customer) practices: verifying user identities, age, and location before letting them gamble. Payout times might be slower too; a processor may hold your funds longer to cover any potential big wins that might be voided or refunded. If you’re in this space, working with a merchant services provider who has experience in iGaming is crucial, they’ll navigate the card network codes and legal registrations needed (like in some jurisdictions, gambling merchants need to register with Visa/Mastercard separately).

CBD, Supplements, and Regulated Products

Why high risk: The health and wellness boom has led to many businesses selling CBD oils, nutraceutical supplements, vitamins, vape products, and similar items. Despite their popularity, mainstream banks still view many of these as dicey. The reasons vary: CBD (derived from hemp) is legal federally in the US, but because it’s related to cannabis, many banks won’t touch it, and card networks treat it specially (it’s often on the “restricted products” list). Businesses in these sectors often face additional hurdles when trying to set up a business bank account, requiring specialized banking solutions to accommodate their needs. Dietary supplements and vitamins often come with bold claims and sometimes customer dissatisfaction, if a supplement doesn’t have the desired effect, some customers issue chargebacks claiming it was “not as described” or even unsafe. Also, these industries have had scams or dubious operators historically (think weight-loss pill free trials that auto-bill customers), which makes banks skeptical of even legitimate players. For vape/tobacco, it’s partly a reputational and legal age issue, plus changing regulations.

Considerations: If you sell CBD or supplements, expect to provide extensive documentation when applying for a merchant account. Processors may ask for product information, ingredient lists, evidence of compliance with laws, and even lab reports for CBD products to verify THC levels. The card networks might require your business to register in a special high risk category (and pay a fee for it) to accept those transactions. Fees for processing can be higher than normal retail, CBD merchants, for instance, often pay a premium because there are only a limited number of banks willing to do it. A piece of good news: as these products become more mainstream, more processors are slowly opening up to them (especially with proper vetting). Still, you’ll want a provider that explicitly lists CBD or supplements as ones they handle. Chargeback mitigation is key here too: clearly advertise your return/refund policy and make it easy for unsatisfied customers to get a refund directly from you, rather than calling the bank. This pre-empts the chargeback.

Subscription-Based and Continuity Businesses

Why high risk: Any business that bills on a recurring schedule, be it monthly boxes of goodies, streaming subscriptions, membership sites, or ongoing services, faces a unique challenge. Customer retention and clarity are crucial. If a customer forgets they subscribed or finds it hard to cancel, their next step is often to dispute the charge. We’ve all heard complaints about “I kept getting billed after I tried to cancel.” Those scenarios lead to chargebacks, and if an industry is known for that (like subscription snack boxes or online clubs), it gets a high risk stamp. Additionally, some subscription models use introductory offers (“$1 trial then $49.99/month thereafter”) which can lead to higher refund/chargeback rates if customers feel tricked. This category also includes things like dating sites or any membership program.

Considerations: The best move for subscription businesses is to be transparent and customer-friendly. From a payments perspective, show your processor that you have low churn or that you communicate clearly. Some providers may ask about your cancellation processes or even want to see your terms of service to ensure you’re not locking people in unfairly. It’s also wise to send billing reminders (e.g., an email: “Your free trial is about to end, you will be charged $X tomorrow”), yes, you might lose a few subscriptions that way, but it vastly reduces “I forgot and got charged” disputes. Processors might impose a cap on how much you can bill a single card without re-authorization, or they might require a notification on the billing descriptor for the first charge (like “TrialExampleCo” then normal “ExampleCo” for subsequent charges) to jog memory. If you keep chargebacks in check for a while, you may be able to renegotiate better rates or terms since you’ve proven your model is solid.

Financial Services, Forex, and Crypto

Why high risk: We’re lumping a few things here, currency exchange (Forex trading platforms), cryptocurrency businesses (like crypto exchanges or brokers), and certain financial services like credit repair or debt consolidation companies. These are high risk for a mix of reasons. Forex and crypto involve a lot of speculative activity; customers can lose money and sometimes blame the platform (even if it’s not really the platform’s fault) and dispute charges. They’re also targets for fraud and money laundering, so banks are extremely careful (KYC and anti-money-laundering compliance are a must). Regulatory landscapes for crypto are still developing, so a processor might fear sudden crackdowns. Credit repair and similar services have a history of not always delivering results, leading to dissatisfied customers and chargebacks, plus there are regulations (like the Credit Repair Organizations Act in the US) adding complexity.

Considerations: If you’re in these sectors, you’ll likely need a provider that has experience with high risk financial services. They may require you to have certain licenses or registrations in place (for example, some states require money transmitter licenses for certain crypto activities, a processor might ask for proof of that). Expect higher reserve requirements here; a processor might hold a chunk of each transaction for a longer period because the financial liabilities can surface later. For crypto especially, many businesses use third-party crypto payment processors that convert crypto to fiat, but if you need a merchant account to accept credit cards for crypto purchases, that’s niche and definitely high risk territory. Transparency is important: clearly outline your fees and services to customers to avoid disputes. And absolutely ensure robust identity verification to mitigate fraud. Processors will be much more willing to work with you if they see you have strong anti-fraud systems (for instance, requiring ID documents for large transactions in crypto, or proof of identity for someone signing up for a financial service).

Best High Risk Merchant Account Providers

Choosing a high risk merchant account provider is a bit like picking a specialized insurer, you need a company that gets your business’s challenges and has solutions tailored for them. There are a number of players in the high risk processing space, from dedicated high risk specialists to broader payment companies with high risk divisions. In this section, we’ll compare some leading providers. I’ll be upfront: Swipesum is our top recommendation (and I’ll explain why in a moment), but we’ll also look at Maverick, PaymentCloud, Durango, and a few other notable names. Each has its strengths, and the best fit can depend on your specific business needs.

Before the list, keep in mind what to look for in a provider: experience with your industry, transparent fee structures (no hidden crazy fees), support in managing chargebacks, and flexibility in terms (like not locking you into something unreasonable). Also, consider whether you need additional services like a payment gateway or fraud tools bundled in. With that, let’s dive into the top providers:

1. Swipesum: Your High Risk Payments Advisor and Advocate

Overview: Swipesum isn’t a traditional merchant account bank; it’s a payment consulting firm and platform that connects merchants to the right processors. Think of Swipesum as matchmakers for payment processing. They work with a network of processors (including those that handle high risk) to find you the best deal. This consultative, broker-like model is a big win for high risk merchants because if one bank says no or offers tough terms, Swipesum can leverage another on your behalf. In fact, Swipesum provides a back-end-agnostic platform giving merchants access to multiple payment processors​, which means they can compare options and route you to the processor that suits your industry and volume.

Why #1: Swipesum has been widely recognized for its service, Entrepreneur Magazine ranked Swipesum the #1 merchant services provider of 2024, even above some big-name payment companies​. That’s a strong endorsement. From an expert perspective, I place Swipesum at #1 because of their deep industry knowledge and transparency. For a high risk business, having an advocate who can negotiate on the back end is invaluable. Swipesum’s team will essentially do the heavy lifting: you share your business details and processing needs, and they analyze which high risk acquiring bank is likely to approve you (and on good terms). This saves you from potentially applying blind to multiple providers (which can be frustrating and even harmful if you accumulate too many credit inquiries or denials).

Key Benefits:

  • Consultation and Comparison: Instead of giving you one offer, they shop around behind the scenes. You get the benefit of competition, better rates or lower reserves, without having to do it all yourself.
  • Industry Expertise: Swipesum’s consultants have experience across all kinds of industries. They can tell you “Processor A has a lot of gambling clients, Processor B handles a ton of CBD merchants,” etc. That insight means you’re more likely to land with a provider that actually understands your business type.
  • Transparent Pricing: One thing I appreciate is they demystify the costs. High risk accounts can be laden with fees, but Swipesum will break down exactly what you’ll pay and work to keep those fees fair. And since they’re paid by the processors (similar to an insurance broker model), their service to merchants is often low-cost or even free.
  • Ongoing Support: Even after setup, they can assist if you have issues or want to re-negotiate later. This is great because the payments landscape can change (for example, after a year of good processing history, maybe you deserve lower rates, Swipesum can help make that case to the bank).

Ideal for: Virtually any high risk business, especially if you feel out of your depth in comparing providers. If you’ve been declined elsewhere or hit confusing roadblocks, Swipesum is a top pick to cut through the noise and find a solution. It’s like having a knowledgeable friend on the inside of the payments industry.

2. Maverick Payments: Full-Service High Risk Processing

Overview: Maverick is a more traditional merchant account provider, but one that has made high risk industries a core part of its business. They brand themselves as a full-service payment processor with multiple sponsor banks in-house​, meaning Maverick can underwrite and manage your account directly rather than outsourcing to another bank. This control often leads to faster service and more tailored solutions. They’ve been around for a while (Maverick BankCard was founded over a decade ago), and they have experience with everything from retail to high risk e-commerce.

Strengths:

  • In-House Underwriting: Because Maverick handles underwriting internally and works with several sponsor banks, they can be flexible. If one bank they work with isn’t comfortable with your business type, another might be, and Maverick can shuffle things internally without you having to reapply elsewhere. This internal network often means streamlined operations and quicker approvals​ for high risk accounts.
  • Technology: Maverick offers its own payment gateway and reporting portal. They invest in tech to help merchants manage transactions, spot fraud patterns, etc. This is useful if you want an all-in-one solution (account + gateway) and a modern dashboard to monitor your processing.
  • Chargeback Prevention: They provide tools or integrations for chargeback alerts and management, understanding that high risk merchants need to stay on top of disputes. They can sometimes help set rules (like velocity filters, limiting how many times a card can attempt transactions, to reduce fraud).
  • Customer Service: From industry chatter and reviews, Maverick is generally praised for responsive support. That’s crucial if, say, you have a question about a suspicious transaction or need help understanding a reserve change.

Ideal for: Businesses that want a direct relationship with a processor that really knows high risk. If you prefer not to go through a middleman or consultant, Maverick is a strong contender. They’ve worked with industries like nutraceuticals, subscription boxes, credit repair, etc. and have a reputation for taking on accounts that other mainstream processors won’t.

3. PaymentCloud: High Risk Specialists with Hands-On Support

Overview: PaymentCloud is often featured in “best of” lists for high risk merchant services, and for good reason. They focus on getting merchants approved who have been turned down elsewhere. PaymentCloud acts a bit like a broker (similar to Swipesum’s model) but also manages the account setup and customer service for you. They have a network of banking partners that accept high risk deals. Many small business owners laud PaymentCloud for guiding them through the application and underwriting process in a very hands-on way.

Strengths:

  • Industry Coverage: PaymentCloud is known to accept a wide array of high risk industries, from adult products to firearms accessories to online coaching and more. They are not easily scared off by unusual business models.
  • Smooth Application Process: They tend to assign you a dedicated account representative who will help gather your documents (they’ll tell you exactly what underwriters want to see) and package your application in the best light. This is great if you’ve never applied for a high risk account and feel intimidated.
  • Integration Options: PaymentCloud can set you up with whatever you need to take payments: a virtual terminal, a payment gateway (they support popular ones like Authorize.Net), even point-of-sale hardware if you have a physical aspect to your business. They try to make it turnkey.
  • Competitive (for high risk) Rates: While high risk fees are always higher than normal, PaymentCloud often comes in on the lower end of the high risk pricing spectrum. They also advertise having no setup fees and no early termination fees, which is a big plus given many high risk providers lock you into long contracts.
  • Chargeback & Fraud Tools: They offer solutions or advice for fraud prevention. For instance, they can integrate with fraud filters or help you set up 3D Secure on your checkout if needed. They know keeping your chargebacks low is mutually beneficial.

Ideal for: Merchants who want a guided, friendly approach to getting a high risk account. If you’ve been frustrated by automated online applications or rejections, PaymentCloud’s rep will basically hand-hold you through approval. They’re especially popular with e-commerce businesses and those selling products that Stripe/PayPal won’t touch. Many entrepreneurs who couldn’t get Stripe to work with them (due to industry type) have successfully gotten an account via PaymentCloud.

4. Durango Merchant Services: Experienced and Personalized Service

Overview: Durango Merchant Services is one of the oldest names in high risk merchant accounts. Based (as the name hints) in Durango, Colorado, they’ve been helping high risk merchants for decades. Durango is known for a very personal touch and the ability to place even difficult cases with banks that can handle them. They often come up as a top choice for things like international e-commerce, travel businesses, and other harder-to-place verticals.

Strengths:

  • Difficult Approvals: Durango has a reputation for succeeding in getting merchants approved where others failed. They have relationships with domestic banks and offshore banks, giving more options. If your business was declined by five other providers, Durango might still find a solution.
  • Fair Contracts: They typically don’t enforce long-term contracts or early termination fees, which is somewhat rare in high risk processing. This means if you outgrow them or find a better deal later, you’re not trapped (though many stick with Durango because of the service).
  • One-on-One Support: As a smaller outfit, Durango provides dedicated account managers who really learn about your business. You’re not just a number to them. Need to adjust your monthly volume cap? You can talk to a person who can make that case to the bank. Having that relationship can be reassuring in the high risk world.
  • Gateway Flexibility: Durango offers its own gateway but also works with others. They are pretty flexible in helping integrate with whatever shopping cart or software you use.
  • Community Reputation: In many online business communities, you’ll find people recommending Durango, especially for very high risk categories or international accounts. That word-of-mouth is often a good indicator that they deliver on promises.

Ideal for: Businesses that value experience and a white-glove approach. If your business type is on the fringe or you’ve had an unusual history, Durango’s team can often navigate the quirks. They’re a great choice for high risk e-commerce merchants who do a lot of volume and want stable processing without surprises.

5. Other Notable Providers (PaymentKings, Soar Payments, eMerchantBroker, etc.)

Aside from the top four above, there are several other reputable high risk merchant service providers worth mentioning:

  • Soar Payments: A Texas-based provider that handles many high risk industries (from credit repair to firearms to coaching services). They pride themselves on quick approvals and have transparent rate structures. Soar often comes up as a good option for startups that need a high risk account with modest volumes. In fact, sources often list Soar among the go-to providers for niche sectors like credit repair​.
  • eMerchantBroker (EMB): A well-known high risk specialist, EMB offers merchant accounts for everything from CBD to gambling. They have a fast online application and are known for accepting very challenging industries (even things like payday lending, which few others will touch). Their fees can be on the higher side, but they fill an important gap for ultra high risk merchants. EMB is frequently mentioned alongside Durango and PaymentCloud as a top high risk option​.
  • PayKings: Another player that focuses on high risk. PayKings markets solutions for industries like supplements, adult, travel, etc. They often help with things like high-volume accounts and have partnerships with multiple banks. If you’re processing large sums and need a custom solution (including load balancing across multiple acquiring banks), PayKings can assist. They also publish helpful resources on navigating high risk accounts.
  • Instabill: Based originally out of the U.S. and with connections to international banks, Instabill is known for offshore high risk merchant accounts. If you have trouble getting approved by U.S. banks (perhaps due to being on MATCH list or the nature of your business), Instabill can sometimes set you up with a bank in Europe or Asia that will work with you. This is useful for certain gambling or forex businesses.

While low risk merchant accounts are more straightforward to obtain, they are vulnerable to high chargeback rates and potential account termination if those rates exceed acceptable limits.

When comparing providers, it’s wise to get multiple quotes/offers if you can. What you’ll find is that some prioritize lower transaction fees but may impose a higher reserve, whereas others might give you no reserve but charge a bit more per transaction. Also, customer service matters, you want a provider who will pick up the phone when you have an urgent issue (like a sudden account hold or a fraud attack). The providers mentioned above have generally positive reputations in that regard.

One more thing: be cautious with “easy sign-up” solutions like aggregators (e.g., Square, Stripe, PayPal) if you know you’re high risk. It’s tempting to try them because they let you start taking payments quickly without declaring you’re high risk upfront. However, those platforms monitor accounts and can freeze your funds or terminate you the moment your risk becomes apparent (which it likely will, either through chargeback patterns or an audit)​. Many high risk merchants have horror stories of having money held by PayPal or Stripe unexpectedly. It’s far better to set up with a proper high risk merchant account from the start – it provides stability and continuity for your business. The good news is the providers above exist exactly so you don’t have to run that gamble.

Now that you have an idea of who can provide a high risk account, let’s talk about how to get one. The application process for high risk accounts can be more involved than a normal merchant account, but with the right preparation, you can smooth the way to approval.

Benefits and Drawbacks of High Risk Payment Processing

High risk payment processing can be a double-edged sword for businesses operating in high risk industries. On one hand, it provides an opportunity for these businesses to accept credit and debit card payments, which can be a game-changer for their revenue and growth. On the other hand, it comes with its own set of challenges and drawbacks.

Every Business Deserves a Chance

High risk payment processing is designed to provide businesses with a second chance to accept credit and debit card payments, even if they have been rejected by traditional payment processors. This can be a lifeline for businesses that have been struggling to find a payment processor that can cater to their needs. For many high risk businesses, being able to process card payments is essential for staying competitive and reaching a broader customer base.

However, it’s essential to note that high risk payment processing is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Businesses need to carefully evaluate their options and choose a payment processor that can provide them with the right tools and support to manage their risk and grow their business. This means looking for providers with experience in their specific industry and a track record of helping high risk merchants succeed.

Higher Risk May Mean Higher Fees

One of the significant drawbacks of high risk payment processing is the higher fees associated with it. Payment processors charge higher fees to high risk businesses to compensate for the increased risk of chargebacks and fraud. These fees can eat into a business’s profit margins and make it challenging for them to maintain a healthy cash flow. For example, while a low-risk business might pay around 2-3% per transaction, high risk businesses often face fees in the range of 3.9% to 5% or even higher.

These elevated costs can be a burden, especially for small businesses or startups that are already operating on thin margins. It’s crucial for high risk merchants to factor these fees into their pricing strategies and financial planning to ensure they remain profitable.

Fixed and Fluctuating Fees

High risk payment processing fees can be categorized into two types: fixed and fluctuating fees. Fixed fees include monthly minimum fees, transaction fees, and setup fees, which remain constant regardless of the business’s risk profile. These fees provide a predictable cost structure that businesses can plan for.

Fluctuating fees, on the other hand, include risk-based fees, chargeback fees, and reserve fees, which increase as the business’s risk level increases. For instance, if a business experiences a spike in chargebacks, the processor may increase the reserve percentage or impose additional fees to cover the potential risk. This variability can make financial planning more complex for high risk businesses, as they need to be prepared for potential changes in their fee structure based on their performance and risk profile.

Conclusion: Navigating High Risk Merchant Accounts with Confidence

Securing a high risk merchant account doesn’t have to be an uphill battle. While traditional banks and payment processors may shy away from certain industries, there are experienced providers, like Swipesum, that specialize in working with businesses like yours. By understanding why your business is labeled high risk, implementing chargeback reduction strategies, and choosing the right payment partner, you can mitigate risks and keep your operations running smoothly.

Swipesum stands out as a trusted advocate for high risk merchants, leveraging its deep industry expertise to secure the best processing rates and terms. Whether you’re navigating regulatory challenges, chargeback concerns, or simply seeking a stable, long-term solution, working with a provider that understands your unique needs is crucial.

If you’re ready to find the best high risk merchant account for your business, Swipesum can guide you through the process. Reach out today to take control of your payment processing and ensure that your business continues to thrive, no matter the risk classification.

Michael Seaman

Michael Seaman

Michael Seaman is the co-founder and CEO of Swipesum. A veteran of the payments industry and former employee at one of the largest payments companies, Michael, along with his brother Stephen, has led Swipesum since its inception in 2016. Swipesum is committed to providing innovative payment solutions and exceptional service to its diverse clientele. In his free time, Michael enjoys traveling with his wife Kelsey and their three children, pole vaulting, and engaging in typical Midwestern dad activities.

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