How to Get Credit Card Processing for High-Risk Businesses 

Getting approved for credit card processing can be challenging if your company operates in a high-risk industry. Many traditional merchant account providers decline high-risk businesses due to chargeback concerns, regulatory requirements, or the nature of the products and services sold.
Still, with the right preparation and the right payment partner, you can secure reliable, compliant, and affordable credit card processing.

This guide explains exactly how to get approved, what to expect, and how to choose the best high-risk merchant account provider for your business.

What Is a High-Risk Business?

A high-risk business is any company that payment processors believe poses a higher financial or compliance risk. This doesn’t mean the business is illegitimate — it simply means it has characteristics that historically show a higher chance of chargebacks, fraud, or regulatory scrutiny.

Common factors include:

• Operating in industries like travel, subscription services, CBD, adult content, coaching, firearms, or telemarketing
  
  

• Selling high-ticket products or offering recurring billing
  
  

• Accepting international payments
  
  

• Having high chargeback ratios or inconsistent processing history
  
  

• Working in sectors with strict compliance rules
  
  

Because of these risks, traditional processors may decline these merchants or freeze funds without warning — which is why high-risk credit card processing providers exist.

Why High-Risk Businesses Need Specialized Credit Card Processing

High-risk merchant accounts are designed to handle the challenges standard processors avoid. They offer:

• Higher approval rates
  
  

• Fraud-prevention tools
  
  

• Chargeback management
  
  

• Support for complex billing models
  
  

• Multi-currency and global payment acceptance
  
  

• More flexible underwriting
  
  

These processors evaluate your business more thoroughly, but they also provide stability and long-term reliability — something high-risk companies can’t always get from mainstream providers.

How to Get Credit Card Processing for a High-Risk Business

1. Know Why Your Business Is Considered High Risk

Before applying, understand the category you fall into. This helps you choose the right processor and prepare the correct documentation. Most high-risk payment providers specialize in specific industries, so matching your business to the right partner significantly improves your approval chances.

2. Choose a Payment Processor That Accepts High-Risk Merchants

Not every payment processor can support high-risk industries. Look for a provider that:

• Explicitly works with high-risk merchants
  
  

• Offers transparent pricing
  
  

• Provides chargeback alerts and fraud prevention tools
  
  

• Supports global and recurring billing
  
  

• Has experience underwriting businesses in your industry
  
  

A specialized provider will understand your operating model and will not shut down your account unexpectedly.

3. Prepare the Required Documentation

High-risk accounts require more thorough underwriting. Be prepared to provide:

• A legal business name and corporate documents
  
  

• A functional, compliant website
  
  

• Bank statements (3–6 months)
  
  

• Processing history if available
  
  

• A clear refund, privacy, and terms-of-service policy
  
  

• Copy of customer contracts if you use subscriptions
  
  

• Government-issued ID
  
  

Submitting complete and accurate information speeds up approval and builds trust with the processor.

4. Understand the Fees Associated With High-Risk Processing

High-risk merchants often pay slightly higher fees due to increased risk. Fees may include:

• Transaction rates
  
  

• Monthly account fees
  
  

• Chargeback fees
  
  

• Gateway fees
  
  

• Rolling reserves (a small percentage of funds held temporarily)
  
  

A reputable processor will be transparent and explain these terms in advance.

5. Strengthen Your Compliance and Fraud-Prevention Measures

To improve your chances of approval — and reduce long-term processing costs — make sure you have:

• A secure, user-friendly checkout system
  
  

• PCI-compliant payments
  
  

• Clear product descriptions and policies
  
  

• Strong identity verification processes
  
  

• A plan to prevent chargebacks
  
  

The cleaner and more compliant your operations appear, the easier it is to get approved.

6. Submit Your Application and Undergo Underwriting

Once ready, submit your application. Underwriting may take anywhere from a few hours to several business days depending on your industry and documentation. After approval, you gain access to your merchant account and payment gateway.

Your processor may monitor your account for chargebacks, refunds, or suspicious activity — this is normal for high-risk industries.

Tips to Increase Your Approval Chances

• Keep chargebacks below 1%
  
  

• Make sure your website includes contact details, terms, and clear product descriptions
  
  

• Avoid hidden fees or misleading claims on your website
  
  

• Work with a processor experienced in your specific industry
  
  

• Maintain strong cash flow and responsible billing practices
  
  

The lower your risk appears, the easier approval becomes.

Final Thoughts

Getting credit card processing for a high-risk business can seem complicated, but it’s fully achievable with the right preparation and payment partner. By choosing a specialized high-risk merchant account provider, keeping your documentation ready, and maintaining transparent business practices, you can accept payments smoothly and securely — while protecting your business from unnecessary interruptions.