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With OnlyFans ranking among the biggest adult content sites, it’s no surprise that creators are flocking to the platform. As of 2023, the site had over 4.1 million creators and 300 million subscribers.[1] Statista. “OnlyFans -statistics and facts.” Accessed April 16, 2025. Given these high subscription numbers, there is clearly a lot of money to be made.[2] Statista. “Number of OnlyFans registered users worldwide from 2019-2023.” Accessed April 16, 2025. An essential element of turning a profit as an OnlyFans content creator is opening a reliable high-risk merchant account to accept payments from clients.
Being in a high-risk industry, it can be challenging for adult creators to find a payment processor that can work with them and their individual needs. Since the platform processes a high volume of transactions, you may be wondering what payment processor does OnlyFans use? The site uses a combination of several different ones, which are listed below. Adult creators seeking other alternatives can find a reliable merchant services provider, such as PaymentCloud.
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Key Takeaways
- OnlyFans payment processors are a combination of Stripe, Merrick, Harris, and CC Bill.
- Due to OnlyFans’ large volume of transactions, the platform can access services from its payment processors that other adult sites cannot.
- Given the high-risk nature of creating adult content, creators should explore specialized payment solutions to avoid sudden account shutdowns and withheld funds.
How OnlyFans Processes Payments
OnlyFans processes payments for its creators through several providers, including Stripe, CC Bill, Merrick, and Harris. Since the platform handles a large volume of high-risk transactions, OnlyFans has made arrangements with these processors, allowing the platform to bypass some of the stricter limitations usually imposed on high-risk businesses.
As an OnlyFans creator, you earn money when a fan subscribes, tips, or purchases your content. When a subscriber pays through its checkout system, the platform routes the funds through its payment processors, which handle transaction authorization, processing, and compliance.
The OnlyFans payment processors then hold the funds for a waiting period, which is usually seven days, though this can vary depending on the transaction. This timeframe allows for fraud detection, chargeback disputes, and compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) laws.
After the seven-day waiting period, you can withdraw the funds if they pass the checks. To access your earnings, you can request payments manually or via auto-payouts. This seven-day period means there will always be a slight delay between earning and accessing funds. Additionally, OnlyFans charges a 20% commission on your total earnings, which affects your payout. You can manage your cash flow by putting a solid financial plan in place.
Payout Methods and Timelines Explained
You can withdraw earnings through several payment methods:
- Direct Bank Transfers (ACH): OnlyFans deposits your earnings directly into your bank account within one to two business days after processing your payout request. ACH transfers are the most popular method for creators in the US because transfers are often free for most banks. However, you must have a minimum of $20 in your OnlyFans account for the transfer to take place.
- International Wire Transfers: This method works if you’re outside primary banking regions like the US or EU. With international wire transfers, OnlyFans deposits your earnings into a local or international bank account. Payout processing can take three to five days and requires a minimum payout amount of $20. However, some banks may require higher amounts, such as $200.
- E-Wallets: This is the easiest and fastest method, especially for regions with limited access to banking services. The most common e-wallets used on OnlyFans are Skrill and Paxum. Transfers are usually nearly instant, but some can take about two days.
Challenges in Payment Processing for Adult Content
Adult content creation is generally categorized as a high-risk business, making it more vulnerable to fraud, chargebacks, and money laundering. Due to this increased liability, high-risk payment processors often impose high fees, enforce delayed payout schedules, and may terminate accounts if policies are violated. Businesses in this space need high-risk merchant accounts since they can face these challenges.
Most adult clients use credit cards to pay for content. These transactions usually appear in their bank statements, which can sometimes lead to disputes. If a client disputes a transaction due to dissatisfaction or suspects fraud, they may contact their bank, which can result in a chargeback. A high volume of chargebacks poses an elevated risk to a business and leads to account termination and revenue loss.
For instance, in 2024, Visa fees for high-risk merchant accounts increased, including registration, which surged from $500 to $950. PayPal high-risk accounts may also experience higher fees or suspension.
Alternative Payment Solutions
Because of the challenges involved in the adult content industry, your earnings may fluctuate. This is often not ideal, especially if it’s your primary source of income. Alternative payment solutions can be useful to help stabilize your cash flow and access your funds more reliably.
Accepting cryptocurrency as a form of payment from your fans can help you bypass traditional banking hurdles. Unlike credit card charges, crypto transactions don’t appear on your fans’ statements, which is vital for anonymity on their part. It’s worth noting that OnlyFans doesn’t support crypto payments, so you have to use third-party platforms to facilitate these payments.
Another alternative is to use specialized payment processors that support high-risk companies. This can be helpful if you own a personal adult content streaming site or run an adult business. PaymentCloud is a merchant services provider that stands out as a great alternative to OnlyFans’ payment processors.
Managing Payment Processing in the Adult Industry
Unlike traditional payment processors with significant restrictions and high merchant account requirements, PaymentCloud offers simplified solutions for businesses in the adult industry, including online dating, streaming services, adult video games, and adult content creators.
With PaymentCloud, you can accept payments securely for your adult content through various methods:
- Online: We provide your business with payment gateways, such as Authorize.net, so you can accept credit and debit card payments from your customers worldwide.
- Over the phone: Through our high-risk virtual terminals, you can accept credit card payments seamlessly.
- In-Person: If your adult business has a physical outlet, we offer in-person payment tools like card readers and POS software to facilitate payments.
With the right team on your side, you can begin successfully accepting payments for your adult business.
Tired of hearing “no”? We help adult content creators who are normally turned away.
