Best High-Risk Merchant Account Providers of April 2026
Small businesses that are considered high-risk often have a difficult time finding payment processors that are willing to work with them, but there are options.
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High-risk merchant account providers offer merchant accounts and payment processing services to businesses that operate in high-risk industries. Businesses in industries that are age-restricted, like gambling and tobacco, or have high rates of fraud or chargebacks, such as dropshipping, nonprofits and web design, often struggle to find payment processing companies that are willing to work with them.
The best high-risk merchant account providers have competitive pricing and popular integrations and accept a variety of payment methods; some even sell point-of-sale (POS) solutions or easily integrate with POS systems.
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Here are our recommendations for high-risk merchant account providers.
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PaymentCloud
Best for Software integrations
Payment processing fees
3.5% + $0.00
and up on average.
Monthly fee
$5
to $20.
Learn more on PaymentCloud's website
Pros
- Works with high-risk businesses.
- New merchants may qualify for a free terminal.
- 24/7 support.
Cons
- Website isn’t transparent about processing rates.
- May charge PCI compliance fees.
- Some plans require a contract and charge steep termination fees.
Payline
Best for Free trial
Payment processing fees
In-person: 0.35% + $0.10
Online: 0.5% + $0.20
Online: 0.5% + $0.20
Plus interchange
Monthly fee
N/A
Quote-based.
Pros
- No long-term contracts or cancellation fees.
- First month or two (depending on the business) is free.
- Works with high-risk merchants.
- No PCI compliance fees.
- 24/7 support.
- Compatible with multiple POS terminal providers, including Clover.
Cons
- Separate monthly fees for in-person and online processing.
- Must contact Payline for information on hardware costs.
HighRiskPay.com
Best for High approval rates
Payment processing fees
2.95% + $0.25
May vary with credit or transaction type.
Monthly fee
$10
Pros
- Transparent pricing.
- Accepts in-person, online and recurring payments.
- No contract or setup fee.
Cons
- Monthly fee required.
- Limited integrations.
Inovio
Best for High-risk online payment processing
Payment processing fees
N/A
Quote-based.
Monthly fee
N/A
Quote-based.
Pros
- All-in-one processing and POS solution.
- Processes international payments.
Cons
- Lack of pricing transparency.
- No option for processing in-person payments.
- Limited integrations.
Soar Payments
Best for Variety of high-risk industries
Payment processing fees
N/A
Quote-based.
Monthly fee
N/A
Quote-based.
Pros
- Accepts in-person, online and recurring payments.
- Offers several popular integrations.
- No setup fees.
Cons
- Lack of pricing transparency.
- Restrictions on recurring billing approval.
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- Default
- NerdWallet rating (high to low)
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Default PaymentCloud
Best for Software integrations
Payment processing fees
3.5% + $0.00
and up on average.
Monthly fee
$5
to $20.
on PaymentCloud's website
Pros
- Works with high-risk businesses.
- New merchants may qualify for a free terminal.
- 24/7 support.
Cons
- Website isn’t transparent about processing rates.
- May charge PCI compliance fees.
- Some plans require a contract and charge steep termination fees.
PaymentCloud is one of a limited number of payment processors that work with high-risk merchants. It offers a long list of popular software integrations and can accept in-person, online and recurring payments.
Pros
- Works with high-risk businesses.
- New merchants may qualify for a free terminal.
- 24/7 support.
Cons
- Website isn’t transparent about processing rates.
- May charge PCI compliance fees.
- Some plans require a contract and charge steep termination fees.
PaymentCloud is one of a limited number of payment processors that work with high-risk merchants. It offers a long list of popular software integrations and can accept in-person, online and recurring payments.
Pros
- Works with high-risk businesses.
- New merchants may qualify for a free terminal.
- 24/7 support.
Cons
- Website isn’t transparent about processing rates.
- May charge PCI compliance fees.
- Some plans require a contract and charge steep termination fees.
Payline
Best for Free trial
Payment processing fees
In-person: 0.35% + $0.10
Online: 0.5% + $0.20
Online: 0.5% + $0.20
Plus interchange
Monthly fee
N/A
Quote-based.
Pros
- No long-term contracts or cancellation fees.
- First month or two (depending on the business) is free.
- Works with high-risk merchants.
- No PCI compliance fees.
- 24/7 support.
- Compatible with multiple POS terminal providers, including Clover.
Cons
- Separate monthly fees for in-person and online processing.
- Must contact Payline for information on hardware costs.
Even high-risk businesses may qualify for one month free with Payline, which allows you to try the platform risk-free before deciding if it’s the right fit. After submitting an application and getting approved, Payline creates a custom solution for your business. Keep in mind that processing rates may be higher than the ones it advertises for lower-risk businesses. Supported high-risk industries include cannabis, travel and credit repair.
Pros
- No long-term contracts or cancellation fees.
- First month or two (depending on the business) is free.
- Works with high-risk merchants.
- No PCI compliance fees.
- 24/7 support.
- Compatible with multiple POS terminal providers, including Clover.
Cons
- Separate monthly fees for in-person and online processing.
- Must contact Payline for information on hardware costs.
Even high-risk businesses may qualify for one month free with Payline, which allows you to try the platform risk-free before deciding if it’s the right fit. After submitting an application and getting approved, Payline creates a custom solution for your business. Keep in mind that processing rates may be higher than the ones it advertises for lower-risk businesses. Supported high-risk industries include cannabis, travel and credit repair.
Pros
- No long-term contracts or cancellation fees.
- First month or two (depending on the business) is free.
- Works with high-risk merchants.
- No PCI compliance fees.
- 24/7 support.
- Compatible with multiple POS terminal providers, including Clover.
Cons
- Separate monthly fees for in-person and online processing.
- Must contact Payline for information on hardware costs.
HighRiskPay.com
Best for High approval rates
Payment processing fees
2.95% + $0.25
May vary with credit or transaction type.
Monthly fee
$10
Pros
- Transparent pricing.
- Accepts in-person, online and recurring payments.
- No contract or setup fee.
Cons
- Monthly fee required.
- Limited integrations.
The merchant account services application process can be time consuming, especially for businesses in high-risk industries. HighRiskPay.com advertises a 99% approval rating and 24-hour approval, which could help high-risk businesses start accepting credit card transactions more quickly. The provider also works with businesses that have bad credit, though processing fees may be higher.
Pros
- Transparent pricing.
- Accepts in-person, online and recurring payments.
- No contract or setup fee.
Cons
- Monthly fee required.
- Limited integrations.
The merchant account services application process can be time consuming, especially for businesses in high-risk industries. HighRiskPay.com advertises a 99% approval rating and 24-hour approval, which could help high-risk businesses start accepting credit card transactions more quickly. The provider also works with businesses that have bad credit, though processing fees may be higher.
Pros
- Transparent pricing.
- Accepts in-person, online and recurring payments.
- No contract or setup fee.
Cons
- Monthly fee required.
- Limited integrations.
Inovio
Best for High-risk online payment processing
Payment processing fees
N/A
Quote-based.
Monthly fee
N/A
Quote-based.
Pros
- All-in-one processing and POS solution.
- Processes international payments.
Cons
- Lack of pricing transparency.
- No option for processing in-person payments.
- Limited integrations.
Inovio not only accepts high-risk merchants but also offers a virtual POS in addition to its payment processing solutions, making it an appealing all-in-one solution for high-risk merchants with online businesses that are looking for a single point of contact for their payment needs.
Pros
- All-in-one processing and POS solution.
- Processes international payments.
Cons
- Lack of pricing transparency.
- No option for processing in-person payments.
- Limited integrations.
Inovio not only accepts high-risk merchants but also offers a virtual POS in addition to its payment processing solutions, making it an appealing all-in-one solution for high-risk merchants with online businesses that are looking for a single point of contact for their payment needs.
Pros
- All-in-one processing and POS solution.
- Processes international payments.
Cons
- Lack of pricing transparency.
- No option for processing in-person payments.
- Limited integrations.
Soar Payments
Best for Variety of high-risk industries
Payment processing fees
N/A
Quote-based.
Monthly fee
N/A
Quote-based.
Pros
- Accepts in-person, online and recurring payments.
- Offers several popular integrations.
- No setup fees.
Cons
- Lack of pricing transparency.
- Restrictions on recurring billing approval.
Soar Payments is unique among payment processors for its list of more than 50 industries it serves. From low- to high-risk and everything in between, Soar Payments is likely to have a solution for your business.
Pros
- Accepts in-person, online and recurring payments.
- Offers several popular integrations.
- No setup fees.
Cons
- Lack of pricing transparency.
- Restrictions on recurring billing approval.
Soar Payments is unique among payment processors for its list of more than 50 industries it serves. From low- to high-risk and everything in between, Soar Payments is likely to have a solution for your business.
Pros
- Accepts in-person, online and recurring payments.
- Offers several popular integrations.
- No setup fees.
Cons
- Lack of pricing transparency.
- Restrictions on recurring billing approval.
Jump to
Our picks for best high-risk merchant account providers
What is a high-risk merchant account provider?
What businesses are considered high-risk?
How to choose a high-risk merchant account provider
Update: We previously recommended National Processing for its dedicated account managers, but its website is no longer active. It now redirects readers to a new product called pmtbox.
Our picks for best high-risk merchant account providers
Payline: Best for free trial
Why we like it: Payline Data offers competitive pricing of interchange plus a low per-transaction rate. Depending on the types of credit cards you accept, such as Visa or American Express, its rates could save you money compared with competitors’ rates. Read our full Payline Data review.
Quote-based.
Offers mobile card readers, countertop terminals and full POS systems. Cost varies by provider and is quote-based.
- Interchange plus 0.35% and 10 cents for in-person transactions.
- Interchange plus 0.5% and 20 cents for online transactions.
Software integrations: QuickBooks and major e-commerce platforms including Shopify, WooCommerce and BigCommerce.
Type of transactions accepted: In-person, online and recurring payments.
POS compatibility: Integrates with third-party POS hardware from providers like Clover, Ingenico and ID Tech.
PaymentCloud: Best for software integrations
Why we like it: PaymentCloud stands out from the competition with a large set of software integrations, a free terminal for qualifying merchants and tools dedicated to preventing fraud and managing chargebacks (although chargebacks come with a $45 fee). PaymentCloud claims to have a 98% approval rate for high-risk merchants. Read our full PaymentCloud review.
$0 to $50.
Offers handheld POS terminals, mobile card readers, full POS systems and payment accessories. Cost varies depending on the third-party hardware provider.
Quote-based, but rates for high-risk businesses typically start at 3.5% per transaction.
Software integrations: Customer relationship management platforms including Zendesk and SalesForce, e-commerce platforms including Shopify and WooCommerce, online marketplaces including Etsy and eBay, and accounting software like QuickBooks and FreshBooks.
Type of transactions accepted: In-person, online and recurring payments.
POS compatibility: Third-party options available from companies like Clover.
HighRiskPay.com: Best for high approval rates
Why we like it: HighRiskPay.com clearly outlines its rates for all types of businesses, including those with bad credit. It also shows the rate for high-risk businesses as well as those offering adult-themed products. Although that industry has a higher rate, it’s only 25 cents more per transaction and gets the same percentage charged as other high-risk businesses.
$9.95.
HighRiskPay.com does not sell its own hardware.
2.95% plus 25 cents for high-risk merchants, but may vary with credit or type of transaction.
Software integrations: E-commerce platforms including Shopify, Wix, Shift4Shop (formerly 3dcart) and Opencart.
Type of transactions accepted: In-person, online and recurring payments.
POS compatibility: None.
Inovio: Best for high-risk online payment processing
Why we like it: Inovio stands out with its excellent online payment processing options. It offers secure checkout pages, customizable payment gateway APIs and the ability to manage multiple locations. And because the company will handle your gateway and processing along with the POS, you only have to contact one company for support.
Quote-based.
N/A; online-only.
Quote-based.
Software integrations: Includes Infusionsoft for marketing and sales, Nats for advertising and CartConnect.
Type of transactions accepted: Online and recurring payments.
POS: compatibility Inovio virtual POS solution available.
Soar Payments: Best for variety of high-risk industries
Why we like it: Compared with competitors, Soar Payments' website includes the most extensive list of industries served, with over 50 industries listed. For businesses that are nontraditional or are having trouble finding a processor that serves their industries, it's a strong option.
Quote-based.
Can provide to you or help you reprogram existing; pricing is quote-based.
Quote-based.
Software integrations: Accounting systems including QuickBooks and Zoho; e-commerce platforms including Shopify, BigCommerce and WooCommerce; and marketing systems including Click Funnels and Infusionsoft.
Type of transactions accepted: In-person, online and recurring payments.
POS compatibility: Integrates with third-party POS systems.
What is a high-risk merchant account provider?
A high-risk merchant account provider sets up a dedicated merchant account that holds a high-risk business’s credit card funds until they’re transferred to the business’s bank account. In many cases, they also double as the business’s payment processor to facilitate electronic payments, like credit and debit cards. They may offer additional merchant services, like POS hardware and software, too.
Some high-risk merchant account providers work exclusively with high-risk businesses, while others also work with low- and medium-risk businesses.
Learn more about high-risk merchant accounts
Dig into why your high-risk business needs a merchant account on top of payment processing services, as well as tips on finding the right one for your business.
What businesses are considered high-risk?
The “high-risk” category encompasses a wide variety of business types and industries, and some of them may come as a surprise. Perhaps more obvious high-risk businesses include those that deal in firearms and ammunition, cannabis and CBD, pawn shops and tobacco and vaping products. However, the high-risk label can also apply to subscription-service businesses, nonprofits, advertising agencies, software as a service (SaaS) companies and others.
A primary factor that contributes to being considered “high-risk” is whether the business model lends itself to higher rates of chargebacks. For example, subscription-service businesses where users are billed on a recurring basis are more likely to receive dispute charges when a user signs up for the service not realizing it will auto-renew and charge their card each month. Other factors can include transaction type (online and over-the-phone, card-not-present transactions are more susceptible to credit card fraud), international sales and high sales volumes.
How to choose a high-risk merchant account provider
Here are several factors to consider while searching for the best high-risk merchant account provider for your business.
- Payment processing costs: Per-transaction fees for high-risk businesses are typically more expensive than they are for low-risk ones. That being said, high-risk merchant account providers should still offer fair rates, which ideally fall under 4% for in-person transactions. If you go with an interchange-plus provider as opposed to a flat-rate option, don’t hesitate to try negotiating lower markups based on your specific industry and transaction history.
- Chargeback fees: What does the merchant account provider charge for each disputed transaction that results in a refund to a customer? Typically chargebacks cost $15 to $25 each, but some providers charge more or don’t charge for them at all.
- Accepted transaction types: Consider the types of transactions your business processes and whether the high-risk payment processor will accept those. Some may accept only online transactions (such as Inovio), whereas others will accept credit card payments both in person and online.
- Integrations: Most high-risk payment processors provide at least a few integrations with third-party applications and business software. It’s helpful to choose a solution that integrates directly with tax and accounting software, and if you sell online, you likely want a processor that integrates with popular e-commerce platforms and marketplaces.
Methodology
NerdWallet’s ratings of payment processing providers reward companies whose products and services are priced well and work in a variety of payment scenarios, among other criteria. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including overall cost, hardware and software options, system capabilities, customer service, contract requirements and integrations. Learn more about how we rate payment processing providers.
These ratings are a guide, but fees, hardware, software and contract requirements can vary widely from business to business and provider to provider. We encourage you to shop around and compare several providers.
NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines.
