Businesses require merchantA business that accepts credit cards for goods or services. accounts to process credit and debit card transactions. There are several types of merchantA business that accepts credit cards for goods or services. accounts—some are considered low-risk while others are high-risk. For example, a bank or credit card processing service provider might consider a business high-risk due to increased regulations or potential monetary loss.
Contrary to how it sounds, “high-risk” isn’t necessarily bad. Usually, it simply refers to the type of goods and services a merchantA business that accepts credit cards for goods or services. is selling or the industry they do business in. Additionally, “high riskA merchant that is considered a high risk based upon the credit, product, method, ticket size or volume. Examples of high risk merchants are telemarketing, adult and travel related industries.” is a category generally reserved for credit card processing where card-not-present transactions are the norm, like eCommerce websites. High-risk businesses typically face higher credit card processing costs because, often, what they sell is considered riskier than other goods and services in the eyes of banks.
Learn more about the type of merchantA business that accepts credit cards for goods or services. account your business needs and how different credit card processing options work below.
What is a high-risk merchantA business that accepts credit cards for goods or services. account?
High-risk merchantA business that accepts credit cards for goods or services. accounts are types of businesses that banks consider to be high-risk for credit card payment processing. When business owners apply for a merchantA business that accepts credit cards for goods or services. account, it is evaluated to determine the chances it could become a financial liability for payment processors. If your business seems safe, i.e., it isn’t likely to cause increased scrutiny or financial loss for the bank or processorA large data center that processes credit card transactions and settles funds to merchants. A processor connects to the merchant on behalf of an acquirer via a gateway or POS system to process payments electronically. Processors edit and format messages and switch to bankcard networks. They provide files for clearing and settlement and other value-added services...., you are considered a low-risk merchantA business that accepts credit cards for goods or services..
Merchants are considered high-risk for credit card processing based on various factors, including their credit, pricing of the products and services they sell, the method/methods of sales, volume of sales, and more. In addition, accounts that are prone to chargebacks or sell restricted products are also considered high-risk.
Credit card processing services, banks, and brands don’t have a universal definition of what it means to be a high-risk business. Instead, they each have their own set of criteria, which can vary greatly. However, common factors among all high-risk companies include being more likely to be presented with chargebacks or refund requests, out of compliance or at risk of being out of compliance with their country or state’s security regulations or doing business in an industry with a high employee turnover rate.
What other factors contribute to potential risk?
There is no universal definition of high-risk for merchantA business that accepts credit cards for goods or services. accounts. The system used to classify it is subject to change based on the credit card processing services, the banks, and more. Usually, there are multiple factors influencing whether a bank considers you high-risk. Most high-risk merchantA business that accepts credit cards for goods or services. account providers consider the following characteristics or offerings:
- New business
- Poor credit score
- Annual or long-term contracts
- Recurring sales or subscription sales
- Free trials or introductory offers
- Sales in high-risk countries
- History of bankruptcy or fraud
- Card-not-present transactions
- Processing history of high returns, chargebackThe act of reversing a sale made by the merchant. This can happen for many reasons including procedural and fraud. The process usually begins with a dispute from the cardholder. fees, etc.
- Products that might be illegal in certain areas or countries
- Low-quality customer support
Some common examples of high-risk businesses include:
- Digital currency exchange
- Tobacco, vape and e-cigarettes
- Accounting and taxes
- Adult merchandise and services
- Antiques / Pawn Shops
- Multilevel marketing businesses (MLM)
- High volume sales
- Low sales volume
- Startups
- Virtual terminals
- Coupons or Rewards-Points Programs
- Debt Collection
- Ebooks
- Gambling and casinos
- Furniture stores
- Gyms and Fitness
- Health and Beauty
- CBD supplements
- Nutraceuticals
- Lotteries
- Medical Supplies
- Transportation Companies
- Modeling and talent agencies
- Non-profits
- Pharmaceuticals
- Pet products
- Real estate
- Fantasy sports
- Telemarketers
- Travel services and agencies
- Web design
It may sound like the odds are stacked against you if a bank or credit card processorA large data center that processes credit card transactions and settles funds to merchants. A processor connects to the merchant on behalf of an acquirer via a gateway or POS system to process payments electronically. Processors edit and format messages and switch to bankcard networks. They provide files for clearing and settlement and other value-added services.... determines that you are a high-risk merchantA business that accepts credit cards for goods or services. account. But, it’s important to remember that being deemed higher risk doesn’t disqualify you from working with a payment gatewayA payment gateway is a combination of hardware and software that provides merchants with the ability to perform real-time credit card authorizations from a website over the Internet. It’s the link between a merchant website and the processor. or reflect poorly on you or your small business. There are thousands of high-risk merchants with excellent credit scores, spotless reputations, steady revenue, and secure savings.
What to Expect as a High-Risk MerchantA business that accepts credit cards for goods or services.
Knowing what that means for your business is essential if you have gone through the application process and been deemed a high-risk merchantA business that accepts credit cards for goods or services. account. Credit card processing companies consider you high riskA merchant that is considered a high risk based upon the credit, product, method, ticket size or volume. Examples of high risk merchants are telemarketing, adult and travel related industries. because you have poor credit (business or personal credit), an increased risk of fraud, or some other reason, and typically charge higher-than-normal fees to compensate for the risk. This helps the payment processorA large data center that processes credit card transactions and settles funds to merchants. A processor connects to the merchant on behalf of an acquirer via a gateway or POS system to process payments electronically. Processors edit and format messages and switch to bankcard networks. They provide files for clearing and settlement and other value-added services.... cover the possibility of any financial losses, higher regulatory oversight, and more.
High-risk merchantA business that accepts credit cards for goods or services. accounts will often be subject to higher:
- Processing fees
- Annual fees
- Monthly fees
- ChargebackThe act of reversing a sale made by the merchant. This can happen for many reasons including procedural and fraud. The process usually begins with a dispute from the cardholder. fees
- Risk monitoring fees
- Early termination fees
If you have been told you are (or will need) a high-risk merchantA business that accepts credit cards for goods or services. account, you can improve your application beforehand to increase your chances of being accepted.
The Solution
Whether you operate a high-risk business or have credit issues, National Merchants Association’s high-risk merchantA business that accepts credit cards for goods or services. account experts are dedicated to your business—after all, We Work For You® to get your merchantA business that accepts credit cards for goods or services. account approved today! In addition, our specialized account maintenance helps ensure longevity.
National Merchants Association is one of the best high-risk merchantA business that accepts credit cards for goods or services. account solutions for various business types. Our credit card processing solutions can save your business a lot of money while helping you process and receive deposited funds quicker than other processors. Through strategic partnerships, we can provide your business with the best merchantA business that accepts credit cards for goods or services. account options available. This helps increase your bottom line and aids in chargebackThe act of reversing a sale made by the merchant. This can happen for many reasons including procedural and fraud. The process usually begins with a dispute from the cardholder. prevention, credit repair, and more. National Merchants Association Works for You™ and your business to continuously produce efficiency and increase profitability.
ABOUT NATIONAL MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION
National Merchants Association is a merchantA business that accepts credit cards for goods or services. advocacy group dedicated to reducing the unnecessary fees associated with accepting credit card payments. Since 2004, they have delivered tailored payment processing solutions and best-in-class merchantA business that accepts credit cards for goods or services. service and support for all levels of risk. Whether it’s high-risk or low-risk, brick-and-mortar or e-commerce, National Merchants Association will create the best processing experience for your business. For more information, visit legacy.nationalmerchants.com or call (866) 509-7199.