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What is a High Risk Merchant Account?


Today, every type of business needs a merchant account to keep up with competition. A high risk merchant account is an agreement made to help out a business that faces certain challenges that other businesses may not have to face. Usually, when someone hears that a business is “high risk” they automatically assume it has something to do with the adult industry. However,there are many different reasons why a business needs to seek out a high risk merchant account. Challenges faced may include a business that has their base in another country, a business that has poor credit, and a high risk industry.

An international account is considered high risk because business that operates across international borders are more susceptible to international fraud. In fact, international fraud is very common. Therefore, most credit card processing companies cannot afford the risk associated with international accounts.

Business owners with less than stellar credit sometimes have to pursue high risk merchant accounts because they have struck out looking for a regular one. Many companies will work with someone with poor credit, but at times, the damage is done and too much to ignore. These businesses must deal with the fact that as customers they pose too much of a risk.

There are a number of different businesses that are considered “high risk.” Some of these businesses include pharmacies, telemarketing, travel or cruise, pawn shops, bail bondsmen, and collection agencies. In addition are the businesses that skirt the line of legality including the adult and firearm industry. In fact, many high risk merchant account providers will flat out refuse and adult business.

Unfortunately, if a business falls into one of these categories they face an uphill battle trying to get a viable and reliable merchant account. However there are options, and with a good amount of time and research these businesses can too compete and tap into the growing market of credit card consumers.


  • Our easy application process takes about 5 minutes
  • Accounts are usually approved within 24 hours.
  • Save time & eliminate hours of bookwork each week as QuickBooks does the accounting for you.

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