Top 10 High-Risk Merchant Account Payment Providers for 2025

High-risk businesses often face challenges when seeking reliable payment processors due to their elevated risk of chargebacks or regulatory complexities. Here’s a list of the 10 top high-risk merchant payment account providers tailored to specific business needs, based on the sources provided.

1. Best Overall: PaymentCloud

Why We Recommend It: PaymentCloud is widely recommended for high-risk businesses across various industries. They offer competitive rates, excellent customer support, and a smooth onboarding process for high-risk clients.

• Industries Served: eCommerce, supplements, adult entertainment, CBD, vape, and more

• Pros: Transparent pricing, multiple integrations, strong customer support

• Cons: Pricing varies based on risk level and industry

• Features: Chargeback management, multiple gateway options, ACH processing

2. Best for Online Casinos: eMerchantBroker (EMB)

Why We Recommend It: EMB is one of the few providers that supports online gambling and gaming businesses, offering tools to help manage chargebacks and fraud. They are known for their expertise in high-risk sectors like online casinos.

• Industries Served: Online casinos, gaming, gambling, adult entertainment, cryptocurrency

• Pros: Fast approvals, robust fraud prevention, customizable solutions for gaming

• Cons: Higher fees for some high-risk sectors

• Features: Chargeback management tools, 24/7 customer support, international payments

3. Best for Vape Shops: SMB Global

Why We Recommend It: SMB Global specializes in high-risk eCommerce, particularly for vape, CBD, and e-cigarette businesses. Their international payment capabilities make them ideal for businesses with a global reach.

• Industries Served: Vape, e-cigarettes, CBD, nutraceuticals

• Pros: International payment options, tailored high-risk solutions

• Cons: Higher fees for certain high-risk industries

• Features: Multi-currency processing, fraud prevention, compatibility with major eCommerce platforms

4. Best for CBD Businesses: Inovio

Why We Recommend It: Inovio is a strong option for CBD businesses. They understand the complexities of the CBD industry and offer solutions tailored for high-risk CBD merchants .

• Industries Served: CBD, hemp, nutraceuticals, wellness products

• Pros: International payment processing, industry expertise

• Cons: Higher-than-average fees

• Features: Chargeback management, multi-currency support, ACH processing

 5. Best for Travel Agencies: Soar Payments

Why We Recommend It: Soar Payments is a well-regarded choice for travel agencies and ticketing services, which often face challenges related to high transaction values and cancellation risks.

• Industries Served: Travel agencies, tourism, ticket sales

• Pros: Strong fraud prevention, competitive rates, tailored support

• Cons: Higher fees in some high-risk categories

• Features: Chargeback mitigation, 3D Secure integration, robust reporting tools

6. Best for Subscription Services: National Processing

Why We Recommend It: National Processing offers robust recurring billing solutions, making it an excellent choice for high-risk businesses with subscription-based models.

• Industries Served: Subscription services, digital products, SaaS

• Pros: Subscription billing support, high approval rates, low fees for qualified merchants

• Cons: Limited international payment features

• Features: Recurring billing, customizable payment plans, PCI compliance

7. Best for Adult Entertainment: CCBill
   

Why We Recommend It: CCBill has extensive experience with the adult entertainment industry and is known for its discreet billing and strong security features, making it a preferred option for this niche.

• Industries Served: Adult entertainment, online content, dating services

• Pros: Discreet billing, excellent security, high transaction approval rates

• Cons: Higher processing fees

• Features: Fraud prevention, PCI compliance, 24/7 customer support

8. Best for Nutraceuticals: Host Merchant Services

   
   

Why We Recommend It: Host Merchant Services offers tailored solutions for nutraceutical businesses. They’re known for transparent pricing and customer-focused support.

• Industries Served: Nutraceuticals, health supplements

• Pros: Transparent pricing, no hidden fees, excellent customer service

• Cons: Primarily available to U.S.-based businesses

• Features: ACH payments, chargeback management, gateway integrations

9. Best for E-Commerce Businesses: PayKings
   

Why We Recommend It: PayKings has a wide range of high-risk services and works well with eCommerce businesses, including those in the health, firearms, and digital products sectors.

• Industries Served: E-commerce, health supplements, digital products, firearms

• Pros: Diverse industry expertise, no setup fees, flexible solutions

• Cons: Pricing may vary based on industry risk level

• Features: Multi-currency support, fraud detection, chargeback mitigation

10. Best for International Payments: Durango Merchant Services

Why We Recommend It: Durango Merchant Services is a strong choice for high-risk businesses with international clients. They offer cross-border payment options and support a variety of high-risk industries.

• Industries Served: International eCommerce, CBD, online dating, nutraceuticals

• Pros: International support, customizable solutions, high-risk expertise

• Cons: Setup fees may apply for certain accounts

• Features: Multi-currency processing, fraud prevention tools, flexible contracts

Conclusion

Finding the right high-risk merchant account provider can be crucial to your business’s success. This list covers providers that specialize in industries ranging from online casinos to CBD and nutraceuticals. Whether your business is looking for international payment options, chargeback management, or support for recurring billing, these providers offer tailored solutions to meet the needs of high-risk merchants.

Did we forget one? Email us at team@laxir.co to let us know!

FAQ: Top High-Risk Merchant payment Providers

1. What is a high-risk merchant account?

A high-risk merchant account is a type of payment processing account designed for businesses that operate in industries with a higher risk of chargebacks, fraud, or regulatory scrutiny. High-risk businesses often face stricter underwriting criteria, higher transaction fees, and specific requirements from payment processors.

2. Which industries are considered high-risk?

High-risk industries include businesses with high chargeback rates, legal restrictions, or specific compliance needs. Some examples are:

• Online casinos and gambling

• CBD and hemp products

• Vape and e-cigarette sales

• Adult entertainment

• Nutraceuticals and supplements

• Travel and ticketing services

• Subscription-based services
  

3. Why do high-risk businesses face higher fees?

High-risk businesses face higher fees because they are more likely to experience chargebacks, fraud, or regulatory issues. Payment processors compensate for this increased risk by charging higher transaction fees, monthly fees, or reserve requirements to protect themselves from potential losses.

4. How do I know if my business needs a high-risk merchant account?

If your business operates in an industry with high chargeback rates, frequent refunds, or specific legal restrictions (e.g., CBD or gambling), it likely falls into the high-risk category. Some common indicators include being denied by traditional payment processors or facing excessive fees from standard merchant accounts.

5. What are chargebacks, and why are they important for high-risk businesses?

A chargeback occurs when a customer disputes a transaction and requests a refund through their credit card issuer. High chargeback rates can lead to higher fees, account termination, or added scrutiny from payment processors. High-risk merchant accounts often include chargeback prevention and management tools to help reduce these risks.

6. Can a high-risk merchant account provider help prevent fraud?

Yes, most high-risk merchant account providers offer advanced fraud detection and prevention tools. These tools may include 3D Secure integration, real-time fraud monitoring, and customizable fraud filters to help identify and prevent suspicious transactions.

7. Are there any setup fees or monthly fees for high-risk merchant accounts?

Fees vary depending on the provider and the industry. Many high-risk merchant account providers charge setup fees, monthly maintenance fees, and higher transaction rates. Some providers may also require a reserve (a percentage of sales held in escrow) to cover potential chargebacks or refunds.

8. Can high-risk merchant account providers handle international payments?

Yes, some high-risk providers, such as SMB Global and Durango Merchant Services, specialize in international payment processing and offer multi-currency support. International payment capabilities can be crucial for high-risk businesses with a global customer base.

9. Is it possible to switch from a high-risk account to a standard merchant account later?

Yes, if your business’s risk profile changes (e.g., if you significantly lower your chargeback rate), you may qualify for a standard merchant account with lower fees. This transition can depend on your relationship with your payment processor, industry changes, and your business’s performance over time.

10. How can I apply for a high-risk merchant account?

To apply for a high-risk merchant account, you typically need to provide documentation such as business licenses, bank statements, financial records, and information on your business model. The application process is generally more thorough than for standard merchant accounts due to the elevated risk.