Merchant accounts are essential for businesses that want to accept credit and debit card payments from their customers. They allow you to process transactions securely and efficiently, thus growing your business. However, not all businesses are treated equally when it comes to getting merchant accounts. For companies with high risk merchant account or industries, getting a merchant account can be challenging. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at high-risk merchant accounts, what it means to be classified as high risk, and how you can secure a high-risk merchant account.

What is a high-risk merchant account?

A high-risk merchant account refers to an account given to businesses categorized with high risk due to their nature of operation, industry, or financial risks. These businesses are considered by the acquiring banks as having a higher likelihood of encountering chargebacks, late payments, legal or regulatory issues, and other challenges that can affect the acquiring bank’s financial stability or reputation. Such businesses are often labeled as ‘high risk’ and have to pay additional fees and comply with more stringent requirements than low-risk businesses. Examples of high-risk businesses include e-commerce, adult entertainment, travel, nutraceuticals, firearms, and others.

Why are high-risk merchant accounts necessary?

Businesses with high-risk models, such as online gambling or travel, are often viewed as a greater risk by credit card processors because it is more challenging to have predicted revenue, and there is a higher likelihood of chargeback. In addition, some industries are restricted or regulated, making it more challenging for companies to get merchant accounts. However, it is necessary for these businesses to have access to merchant accounts to accept credit and debit cards from customers. Without the ability to process card payments, businesses may struggle to source new customers and earn more desirable margins.

How to Secure a High-Risk Merchant Account

Securing a high-risk merchant account can be challenging, especially with some credit card processors declining to work with high-risk businesses altogether. However, working with a payment processor specializing in high-risk businesses can make the process smoother. These payment processors have experience working with high-risk businesses, making them aware of the risks that come with such operations. Specialized payments processors will offer additional fraud prevention and management tools that can help prevent fraud and reduce risks while working within the legal requirements of a highly regulated industry.

Factors that Affect High-Risk Merchant Accounts

Some of the factors that affect high-risk merchant accounts include chargeback ratios, credit scores, and business history, among others. Merchants operating within high-risk industries are vulnerable to this type of exploitation, because it can quickly derail their operations with chargeback and fraud. High-risk merchant account providers examine these factors while assessing their risk levels to determine risk thresholds. Businesses with a history of chargebacks are at a greater disadvantage than those with a clean sheet. This makes it necessary for businesses to keep chargebacks low by providing services of high-quality, complying with regulations, and offering excellent customer service.

In conclusion, high-risk merchants can still acquire the advantages of payment processing services by embracing payment processors specializing in high-risk businesses. By partnering with a payment processor designed to handle high-risk businesses, a merchant is offered the benefit of using top-quality, intentional protection methods as well as constant assistance to better understand the risks and requirements. Whether you’re currently using a merchant account or are looking to get one, it’s essential to know how the high-risk process works and what steps you can take to secure one. Armed with the right information, high-risk businesses can achieve the benefits of payment processing services and increase their profitability in the long run.