High-Risk vs. Low-Risk Merchant Accounts: How Risk Tiers Actually Differ
A high-risk classification isn't a judgment on your business. But high-risk and low-risk are more than labels. Your risk tier directly affects your processing fees,…
High Risk
A high-risk business is any business that operates within an industry that is considered risky or unsafe. Any business that has a higher than average risk of financial failure may be considered high risk, which depends on factors like location, industry type, local culture, and the age of the business.
Learn everything you need to know about navigating your high-risk business. From understanding how banks deal with high-risk businesses to learning how to stay off the MATCH list, utilize our resources and stay prepared for the road ahead.
Most Recent High Risk Articles
Why Choose a Domestic High Risk Merchant Account Over Offshore Options
If you’re in a high-risk industry, such as vape, selling coaching programs, or offering digital downloads, opening a merchant account with a traditional bank can…
How to Sell Energy Drinks Online (and Avoid Common Payment Pitfalls)
Energy drinks are no longer only found at gas stations or gyms. More brands are now selling directly to customers online. However, selling these drinks…
The Complete Guide to Merchant Underwriting for Business Owners
Obtaining a merchant account is a big move. It means your business is ready to handle card payments and run with more flexibility and professionalism.…
Visa Integrity Risk Program (VIRP): What High-Risk Merchants Need to Know
In September 2025, Visa announced that it had identified more than $1 billion in fraud attempts over the past year.[footnote]Visa Perspective. "Protecting Consumer Payments, One Billion…
High-Risk Merchant Accounts Explained: Who Needs One and Why?
Do you know if your business is high-risk? If it's been refused service by traditional processors, it could be. Many business owners discover their industry…
Is CCBill Safe? What Businesses Should Know About This Payment Processor
If you run a business in adult content, dating, or subscription services, you’ve likely run into the same roadblock: payment processors labeling you a high-risk…
Banned Ingredients that Will Get Your Business Rejected by Payment Processors
Under the Dietary Supplement and Education Act of 1994, firms that manufacture and distribute dietary supplements and ingredients must evaluate their own products to ensure…
High-Risk MCC Codes: A Helpful List
Among the long list of MCC codes used within payment processing to categorize industry types, a high-risk MCC code indicates a business operates in a…
How to Open a High-Risk Merchant Account (Step-by-Step)
Being declined for a merchant account is frustrating, and for most high-risk merchants, it's not due to a bad application. It's the result of applying…
