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7 Best CBD Merchant Accounts: A Full Comparison

Laptop displaying financial data for comparing the best CBD merchant account providers.

There’s a persistent myth in the CBD industry that getting a reliable, long-term payment processor is nearly impossible. Many entrepreneurs are told to expect account shutdowns and frozen funds as just part of the business. That’s simply not true. While mainstream providers will turn you away, a dedicated group of specialists has built their services specifically for businesses like yours. The challenge isn’t finding a processor; it’s finding the right one. This guide is here to cut through the noise and show you exactly what to look for. We’ll compare the top contenders and give you a clear roadmap to securing the best cbd merchant account for long-term success.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Payment Processor is a Business Partner, Not Just a Tool: Avoid standard platforms like Stripe or PayPal that prohibit CBD sales. Instead, select a high-risk specialist who understands your industry’s challenges and provides the stable infrastructure you need to operate without fear of sudden account freezes.
  • Prioritize Security Features Over the Lowest Fees: While transaction rates are important, robust fraud prevention and chargeback mitigation tools are non-negotiable. These features protect your revenue and your merchant account, saving you far more in the long run than a slightly lower processing fee.
  • A Smooth Approval Process Starts with Preparation: Have your essential documents—like business licenses, bank statements, and product Certificates of Analysis (COAs)—organized before you apply. This demonstrates professionalism and helps underwriters approve your high-risk merchant account quickly and efficiently.

What is a CBD Merchant Account?

Think of a CBD merchant account as a specialized bank account that allows your business to accept and process credit card payments. If you’re in the CBD industry, you’ve likely discovered that standard payment processors often won’t work with you. That’s because banks and financial institutions classify CBD businesses as “high-risk.” This label can be due to your industry, a history of customer disputes, or even just the nature of online sales.

A high-risk merchant account is designed specifically for businesses like yours. It provides the payment infrastructure you need to operate smoothly without the constant fear of having your account suddenly shut down. These accounts are offered by processors who understand the nuances of your industry, from regulatory hurdles to the higher potential for chargebacks. They have the systems in place to manage these risks, ensuring your payments keep flowing and your business can grow. Finding a provider who is comfortable with your business model is the first step to building a stable and successful online CBD store.

What Makes a Business High-Risk?

The “high-risk” label for CBD businesses comes from a few key factors. First, the industry is closely tied to cannabis, which exists in a complex and ever-changing legal landscape. This regulatory uncertainty makes many traditional banks nervous. Second, most CBD sales happen online, where the credit card isn’t physically present. These types of transactions naturally carry a higher risk of fraud and customer chargebacks.

Because of this, mainstream payment services like Stripe or PayPal explicitly prohibit CBD sales. If you try to use them, you risk having your account shut down without warning, your funds frozen for months, and potentially being banned from their platform for life. This is why a standard merchant account just won’t cut it.

Why You Need a Specialized Payment Processor

Trying to run a CBD business with a standard payment processor is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole—it just doesn’t work and often ends in frustration. You need a specialized payment processor that not only accepts but also understands the CBD industry. These providers have built their services to handle the specific challenges you face.

They offer stability in an unstable environment. While traditional processors might shut down your account at the first sign of trouble, a high-risk specialist is prepared for it. They provide the tools and support to manage chargebacks and prevent fraud, helping you keep your account in good standing. This partnership is essential for your online success and long-term growth.

Clearing Up Common CBD Payment Myths

One of the biggest myths in the CBD space is that getting a reliable merchant account is impossible. While it’s true that many mainstream companies will turn you away, there are excellent providers who focus specifically on high-risk industries. Companies build payment gateways and merchant accounts designed to help CBD businesses accept credit and debit card payments securely.

Another common misconception is that any processor who approves you will do. The reality is that you need a partner who understands the legal and financial complexities of CBD. A processor without this expertise might approve you initially, only to drop your account later, leaving you scrambling. The key is to find a provider who is transparent, supportive, and committed to your industry.

The Best CBD Payment Processors, Compared

Finding the right payment processor can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially in the CBD industry. The good news is that several providers specialize in supporting high-risk businesses like yours. Each one offers a unique set of features, fee structures, and support systems. To help you sort through the options, I’ve put together a comparison of some of the best CBD payment processors out there. Think of this as your starting point for finding a partner who understands your business and can help you grow without the constant worry of account shutdowns. We’ll look at what makes each one stand out, so you can find the perfect fit for your specific needs.

Borderfree Payments

At Borderfree Payments, we focus on providing stable, secure, and reliable payment solutions specifically designed for high-risk industries like CBD. We understand the unique challenges you face, from regulatory hurdles to high chargeback rates. That’s why we offer a tailored payment infrastructure that grows with your business. Our advanced fraud prevention tools help protect your revenue, while multi-currency support allows you to sell to customers around the globe seamlessly. Our goal is to remove the barriers that hold you back, offering expert guidance and a partnership you can count on so you can focus on what you do best—running your business.

PaymentCloud

PaymentCloud is a strong contender for CBD businesses, particularly because of its personalized approach. They understand that no two high-risk businesses are the same and are known for customizing fees to fit your specific needs. If you already have a payment gateway you love, they can work with it, which simplifies the transition. One of their standout features is their willingness to assist businesses on the MATCH list, offering a potential lifeline for merchants who have struggled to find a processor elsewhere. Their hands-on service makes them a solid choice for businesses looking for a more tailored experience.

eMerchant Broker

Chargebacks are a major headache for any CBD business, and eMerchant Broker (EMB) tackles this problem head-on. They offer a system designed to alert you about potential chargebacks before they happen, giving you a chance to resolve the issue directly with the customer. According to EMB, their system is effective enough to help prevent one in four chargebacks. This proactive approach can save you significant time, money, and stress, making them a reliable partner for protecting your bottom line. If chargeback mitigation is at the top of your priority list, EMB is definitely worth a look.

Centurion Payment Services

If you’re a new CBD business just getting started, Centurion Payment Services might be the right fit for you. They are known for their quick and straightforward approval process, often getting merchants up and running in as little as three days. This is a huge advantage for new businesses that may not have an extensive processing history to show. By streamlining the onboarding process, Centurion helps you start accepting payments faster, so you can focus on building your brand and customer base without getting bogged down in a lengthy application.

Easy Pay Direct

With experience in the cannabis and CBD space dating back to 2010, Easy Pay Direct brings a deep understanding of the industry to the table. They don’t penalize businesses for being considered high-risk and have built their services around the specific needs of CBD merchants. They make it simple to accept all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. This long-standing expertise provides a level of stability and reliability that can be hard to find, making them a trusted option for established and new CBD businesses alike.

North

North offers a comprehensive suite of payment solutions tailored specifically for the CBD industry. Their focus is on providing the tools you need to operate more efficiently and grow your revenue. One of their biggest strengths is the variety of payment methods they support. Whether your customers want to pay with credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, or even cash and checks for in-person sales, North has you covered. This flexibility can help you create a smoother checkout experience for your customers and ensure you never miss a sale, no matter how they prefer to pay.

Nomupay

For CBD sellers looking for security and a high likelihood of approval, Nomupay is a compelling choice. They specialize in providing payment gateways and merchant accounts for the CBD industry and claim a 100% approval rate for their CBD merchant accounts. This can provide incredible peace of mind if you’ve faced rejections in the past. Beyond approvals, they emphasize robust security measures to protect your business from fraud. Nomupay ensures PCI Level 1 compliance, the highest level of security in the payments industry, helping keep your transactions and customer data safe.

Breaking Down Key Features and Costs

When you’re comparing CBD merchant accounts, the details matter. It’s not just about finding a processor who will work with you; it’s about finding a partner who provides the right tools and a transparent cost structure. The right features can make your operations smoother, protect you from risk, and help you scale. On the flip side, a confusing or expensive fee schedule can eat into your profits. Think of it like this: one provider might offer slightly lower transaction fees but lack robust fraud protection, leaving you vulnerable to costly chargebacks that could jeopardize your entire account. Another might have higher monthly fees but provide seamless integrations and multi-currency support that opens up new markets and revenue streams.

Understanding this trade-off is key. You need to look beyond the surface-level rates and dig into what you’re actually getting for your money. A great high-risk processor acts as a line of defense for your business, offering stability in a volatile market. They should provide clear, predictable pricing and the technology needed to operate efficiently. Let’s walk through the essential features and costs you need to examine before making a decision so you can choose a provider that truly supports your business goals.

Integrate Your Payment Gateway

Your payment gateway is the bridge between your online store and your processor. A smooth checkout experience is non-negotiable, so you need a gateway that connects effortlessly with your ecommerce platform. Look for providers that offer a wide range of integrations. For example, some processors connect with over 250 different shopping cart platforms, which means you won’t have to overhaul your entire website just to accept payments. This flexibility saves you time and technical headaches, letting you focus on running your business instead of troubleshooting your tech stack.

Offer Multi-Currency Support

If you have ambitions to sell beyond your borders, multi-currency support is a must-have feature. The ability to accept payments in local currencies makes international customers feel more comfortable and can significantly improve your conversion rates. Top-tier processors can handle transactions in over 100 currencies, allowing you to tap into a global market. This isn’t just a convenience; it’s a strategic tool for growth. When you’re vetting providers, ask about their international payment capabilities and any associated fees for currency conversion to ensure it aligns with your expansion plans.

Protect Against Chargebacks

Chargebacks are a major headache for any business, but they’re especially threatening in high-risk industries like CBD. A high chargeback ratio can get your merchant account terminated. That’s why you need a processor with powerful chargeback prevention tools. Some systems are designed to stop fraudulent transactions before they happen, with some providers claiming they can prevent one in four chargebacks. These tools often include alert systems that let you resolve a customer dispute before it escalates into a formal chargeback, helping you protect your revenue and maintain a healthy processing history.

Use Fraud Prevention Tools

Beyond chargebacks, general payment fraud is a constant threat. A good high-risk processor will offer a suite of fraud prevention tools to safeguard your business. These can include things like address verification systems (AVS), CVV verification, and more advanced AI-powered monitoring. Some processors also provide services to help you recover lost sales from payments that were initially declined. By actively filtering out suspicious transactions, you not only protect your bottom line but also build a more stable and secure payment environment for your customers.

Understand Setup and Monthly Fees

Getting your account up and running often comes with initial setup fees, followed by recurring monthly charges for account maintenance. For high-risk accounts, these fees can vary widely. The best providers are transparent about these costs from the beginning. Look for a processor that offers personalized service and is willing to walk you through their fee structure. A company that takes the time to customize fees to fit your business is more likely to be a good long-term partner. Always ask for a complete schedule of fees in writing before you sign any contracts.

Calculate Transaction Fees

Transaction fees are how payment processors make most of their money, and they’re a critical part of your cost analysis. These are typically a combination of a percentage of the sale and a small, flat fee per transaction (e.g., 2.9% + $0.30). In the high-risk space, these rates are generally higher to offset the processor’s risk. Many providers use custom or interchange-plus pricing, so the exact rates you’ll pay depend on your business’s specific risk profile and sales volume. Make sure you understand exactly how these transaction fees are calculated and what your effective rate will be.

Consider Volume-Based Pricing

As your business grows, your payment processing costs shouldn’t hold you back. Many high-risk processors offer tiered or volume-based pricing, where your transaction rates decrease as your sales volume increases. This model incentivizes growth and rewards you for scaling your business. When discussing pricing, ask potential processors if they offer lower rates for higher volumes. A provider that can promise a high approval rate for merchant accounts can also help you achieve the transaction volumes needed to qualify for better pricing, creating a positive feedback loop for your business.

Watch Out for Hidden Fees

Transparency is everything when it comes to fees. Unfortunately, some processors bury extra charges in the fine print. These can include unexpected costs for things like PCI compliance, batch processing, or early termination. This is why it’s crucial to work with a processor that specializes in high-risk industries and is upfront about their pricing. Mainstream services like PayPal or Stripe often shut down CBD accounts without warning, leaving you with frozen funds and a massive headache. A dedicated high-risk provider understands your needs and should provide a clear, comprehensive fee schedule with no surprises.

Overcoming Common CBD Payment Hurdles

Selling CBD products comes with a unique set of challenges that you won’t find in most other industries. From working through a maze of regulations to the constant threat of a frozen account, these hurdles can feel overwhelming. But they aren’t roadblocks—they’re just obstacles you can clear with the right strategy and the right partner. Let’s walk through the most common payment issues CBD merchants face and the practical steps you can take to solve them.

Meeting Regulatory Requirements

The CBD industry is tied to a complex and constantly shifting legal landscape. Because the rules can vary and change, many payment companies label CBD businesses as “high-risk” to avoid any compliance headaches. This isn’t about your business practices; it’s about their low tolerance for industries with unclear regulations. A specialized processor, however, is built for this environment. They stay current on the FDA’s regulatory stance and ensure your payment processing stays compliant, so you can focus on your products and customers without worrying about legal shifts pulling the rug out from under you.

Dealing with Account Instability

There’s nothing more stressful than waking up to find your payment account has been shut down and your funds are frozen. Unfortunately, this is a common story for CBD businesses that use standard processors like Stripe or PayPal. These platforms have strict policies that prohibit transactions for CBD and other high-risk products. Using them, even unintentionally, puts your revenue at risk. The solution is to partner with a high-risk merchant account provider from the start. These providers welcome CBD businesses and offer stable, long-term processing solutions designed to prevent sudden holds or closures, giving you peace of mind.

Expanding Your Payment Options

If you can’t accept major credit and debit cards, you’re leaving money on the table. Customers expect a smooth and familiar checkout process, and not offering their preferred payment method can lead to abandoned carts. Many standard processors won’t provide these services to CBD merchants, leaving you with limited, less-than-ideal options. A dedicated CBD payment processor gives you access to a full-featured merchant account and payment gateway. This allows you to accept all major card types, building trust with your customers and ensuring you never miss out on a sale because of a payment restriction.

Reducing High Chargeback Risks

Chargebacks—when a customer disputes a charge with their bank—are a reality for any online business, but they can be more frequent in the CBD space. A high chargeback ratio can jeopardize your merchant account and lead to hefty fines. Because most CBD sales happen online, you need a strong defense. A good high-risk payment processor provides advanced tools to help you prevent chargebacks before they happen. These features often include fraud detection suites, transaction monitoring, and support for clear billing descriptors, all of which protect your business and your bottom line.

Managing Banking Relationships

Your payment processor is more than just a tool; they are a critical business partner. For a CBD company, this relationship is everything. You need a partner who understands the industry’s unique challenges and is committed to your growth. A generic processor sees you as a liability, but a specialist sees you as a valued client. Look for a provider that offers transparent communication, dedicated support, and a proven track record in the CBD industry. Building a strong, trusting relationship with your payment processor is the key to creating long-term stability and success for your business.

How to Get Approved for Your CBD Merchant Account

Getting approved for a CBD merchant account can feel like a huge hurdle, but it’s completely manageable when you know what processors are looking for. Because the CBD industry is considered high-risk, providers need to see that you run a legitimate, stable, and compliant business. They aren’t trying to make your life difficult; they’re just doing their due diligence to protect themselves from the financial and regulatory risks associated with the industry.

Think of the application process as your opportunity to tell the story of your business. You want to present a clear, professional, and trustworthy picture. By preparing your documentation and being transparent, you can move through the underwriting process smoothly. The key is to have everything organized and ready to go before you even start filling out applications. Let’s walk through the exact steps you need to take to get your account approved without the headache.

Gather Your Required Documents

First things first, let’s get your paperwork in order. Payment processors need to verify that your business is legitimate, so they’ll ask for a standard set of documents. Having these ready will speed up the process significantly. You’ll typically need a government-issued ID (like a driver’s license), a voided check or bank letter for the account where you’ll receive deposits, and your business formation documents, such as your Articles of Incorporation or LLC operating agreement. This initial step builds a foundation of trust and shows the processor that you’re organized and serious about your business operations.

Prepare Your Business Plan

A clear and concise business plan demonstrates that you have a solid strategy for growth and stability. Processors want to partner with businesses that are built to last. Your plan doesn’t need to be a hundred pages long, but it should outline your company’s mission, describe your products in detail, and explain your marketing and sales strategy. Most importantly, include realistic financial projections. This shows underwriters that you understand your market and have a viable plan for generating revenue, which helps them feel more confident in approving your merchant account.

Meet the Financial Requirements

Processors will want to see your financial history to assess your business’s stability. Be prepared to provide several months of recent business bank statements—typically three to six. They’re looking for consistent cash flow, a healthy average daily balance, and no excessive non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees or negative balance days. This financial snapshot proves you can manage your money responsibly. It’s also why you must avoid processors like Stripe or PayPal, which don’t support CBD sales and can freeze your funds without warning, creating a messy financial history that high-risk specialists will question.

Review Your Credit History

Your personal and business credit history plays a role in the approval process. Underwriters use it to gauge your financial responsibility. While you don’t need a perfect score, a history of unpaid debts or collections can be a major red flag. Before applying, it’s a good idea to check your business credit score and address any inaccuracies. If you have some blemishes on your record, be prepared to explain them. Honesty and transparency go a long way in building a strong relationship with your payment processor from the very beginning.

Organize Your Compliance Paperwork

For a CBD business, compliance is everything. This is where you directly address the “high-risk” label by proving you operate legally and safely. You’ll need to provide copies of all relevant business licenses and permits. Crucially, have your product lab results, or Certificates of Analysis (COAs), ready to share. These documents confirm your products meet legal standards, such as containing less than 0.3% THC. Having this paperwork organized and easily accessible shows processors that you are committed to upholding industry regulations and are a low-risk partner.

Smart Ways to Manage Risk

Once you’re approved for a CBD merchant account, the work isn’t over. Because the CBD industry is considered high-risk, you need to be proactive about managing that risk to protect your business and keep your account in good standing. This isn’t just about avoiding chargebacks; it’s about building a resilient business that can handle the unique challenges of the industry. A solid risk management plan ensures your payment processing remains stable, so you can focus on growth instead of constantly putting out fires.

The right payment partner will be a huge asset here, providing the tools and support you need to stay secure and compliant. Think of them as part of your team, helping you identify potential issues before they become major problems. From setting up fraud filters to handling complex regulations, a proactive approach is your best defense. Let’s walk through the key strategies that will help you protect your revenue, build customer trust, and create long-term stability for your CBD business.

Set Up Your Fraud Prevention Strategy

If you’ve ever tried using a standard payment service like Stripe or PayPal for a CBD business, you know the risk. They can freeze your funds or shut down your account overnight without warning. That’s why your first line of defense is a robust fraud prevention strategy built specifically for high-risk industries. A specialized CBD payment processor won’t just accept your business; it will provide advanced tools to screen for fraudulent transactions. These tools can help you block suspicious orders, verify customer identities, and ultimately reduce the chargebacks that put your merchant account at risk. This isn’t an optional add-on—it’s a foundational piece of your business’s security.

Monitor Your Transactions

A great fraud prevention strategy isn’t something you just set and forget. You need to actively monitor your transactions to spot unusual patterns. Many high-risk merchant accounts provide a dashboard where you can track sales, refunds, and chargeback ratios in real time. Pay attention to red flags like multiple orders from different credit cards shipping to the same address or a sudden spike in high-ticket purchases. Some processors even offer dedicated account managers who can help you understand your transaction data and identify potential threats. Staying engaged with your daily sales activity is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your business.

Secure Your Account

Protecting your customers’ data is non-negotiable. A single data breach can destroy your brand’s reputation and lead to massive fines. That’s why working with a processor that meets the highest security standards is so important. Look for a provider that is PCI Level 1 compliant, which is the most stringent level of compliance for handling credit card information. This ensures that your payment gateway and processing systems are secure, protecting sensitive data through encryption and other security measures. It’s a critical step in building trust with your customers and safeguarding your business from the financial and reputational damage of a breach.

Stay on Top of Compliance

The rules and regulations governing the CBD industry are constantly changing. What’s compliant one day might not be the next, and keeping up can feel like a full-time job. This is where a processor that specializes in the CBD space becomes an invaluable partner. They stay on top of the shifting legal landscape and ensure their systems and your account remain compliant with all relevant federal, state, and banking regulations. This expertise helps you avoid the missteps that could get your account terminated. An expert partner can provide the guidance you need to operate confidently and legally.

Build Long-Term Processing Stability

Ultimately, the goal of managing risk is to create a stable and reliable payment solution for your business. The last thing you want is to constantly worry that your processor will drop you for being “too risky.” By choosing a high-risk merchant account provider that is committed to the CBD industry, you’re investing in long-term stability. These processors understand the nuances of your business and won’t penalize you for operating in a high-risk space. This partnership gives you the peace of mind to focus on what you do best: growing your brand, developing new products, and serving your customers.

Finding the Right Tools and Support

Getting your CBD merchant account approved is a huge step, but the journey doesn’t end there. To build a sustainable business, you need a support system that helps you manage risk and grow with confidence. The right payment partner will do more than just process transactions; they’ll provide the tools, resources, and expertise you need to thrive in a complex industry. Think of them as an extension of your team, one that’s just as invested in your long-term success as you are. This partnership is about creating a stable foundation for your operations, so you can focus on what you do best—running your business.

This means looking beyond transaction fees and focusing on the total value a provider brings to the table. Do they understand the specific nuances of the CBD market? Can they help you stay compliant with ever-changing regulations? Do they have your back when you need help with a chargeback or a technical issue? Finding a partner who checks these boxes is essential for building a resilient business that can weather the unique challenges of this industry. Let’s break down the key areas of support to look for so you can make an informed choice.

Choose Industry-Specific Solutions

Many standard payment services, like Stripe or PayPal, don’t permit CBD sales due to their high-risk classification. This is why partnering with a processor that specializes in the CBD industry is non-negotiable. These providers have built their infrastructure to handle the specific challenges of your business, from underwriting to risk management. They understand the regulatory landscape and have established the necessary banking relationships to ensure your payment processing remains stable. Choosing an industry specialist means you’re working with a team that gets your business and is equipped to support it, reducing the risk of sudden account holds or terminations that can cripple your operations.

Find Helpful Educational Resources

The CBD market is still new to many consumers, and education is key to building trust and encouraging sales. The same principle applies to your business operations. A great payment partner will offer helpful educational resources to keep you informed. This could include blog posts, guides, or webinars on topics like fraud prevention, chargeback mitigation, and marketing best practices for high-risk industries. When a provider invests in educating their merchants, it shows they are committed to your growth. Look for a partner who empowers you with the knowledge you need to run your business more effectively and securely.

Use Compliance Guides

The CBD industry is tied to the heavily regulated cannabis market, which means rules and laws are constantly evolving. Staying compliant isn’t just good practice—it’s essential for keeping your business running and your merchant account in good standing. A top-tier payment processor will provide clear compliance guides and updates to help you follow state and federal laws. This support is invaluable, as it helps you avoid the costly mistakes that can lead to fines or account closure. Your provider should act as a resource, helping you understand the FDA’s regulations and other rules that govern your business.

Connect with Support Networks

When you have a question or an urgent issue, the last thing you want is to be stuck with a chatbot or an endless phone tree. Look for a payment processor that offers dedicated, human support. Having a direct line to a knowledgeable representative who understands your account and your industry can make all the difference. This support network also includes robust security measures. A provider that prioritizes data protection with strong encryption and industry-standard security protocols is actively supporting your business by safeguarding you and your customers from potential threats, building the trust needed for long-term success.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I just use a popular service like Stripe or PayPal for my CBD business? While it might seem easier, using mainstream services like Stripe or PayPal is one of the biggest mistakes a CBD business can make. Their terms of service explicitly prohibit the sale of CBD products. If they discover what you’re selling, they will likely shut down your account without warning, freeze your funds for months, and may even place you on a list that makes it harder to get a legitimate merchant account in the future. It’s a risk that simply isn’t worth taking for your business’s financial health.

Are the fees for a CBD merchant account much higher than a standard one? Yes, you can expect to pay higher fees for a high-risk merchant account, but it’s important to understand why. These fees cover the additional risk the processor takes on, as well as the specialized support, advanced fraud prevention, and compliance monitoring they provide. Think of it as an investment in stability. Paying slightly more for a secure, reliable partner who understands your industry is far better than the massive financial loss and stress that comes from a frozen account with a standard processor.

What’s the single most important thing to look for when choosing a CBD payment processor? Beyond features and fees, the most critical factor is finding a true partner who is genuinely committed to the CBD industry. You want a provider who understands the regulatory landscape and has a proven track record of supporting businesses like yours for the long haul. A processor who just sees you as another high-risk account might drop you at the first sign of trouble. A real partner will work with you to manage risk and provide the stable foundation you need to grow.

How can I improve my chances of getting approved for an account quickly? The best way to speed up your approval is to be over-prepared. Before you even start an application, gather all of your essential documents. This includes your business formation papers, bank statements, and most importantly, your compliance paperwork. Having your product lab results, or Certificates of Analysis (COAs), ready to go shows underwriters that you run a professional, transparent, and legally compliant operation, which makes their decision to approve you much easier.

Once I have an account, what’s the best way to keep it in good standing? Keeping your account healthy comes down to being proactive about risk. Make full use of the fraud prevention tools your processor provides to screen for suspicious transactions. It’s also vital to maintain excellent customer service and clear communication to prevent disputes from turning into chargebacks. By actively managing your account and working closely with your payment partner, you demonstrate that you’re a responsible merchant, which is the key to long-term processing stability.

About Ryan Litwin

View all posts by Ryan Litwin

Ryan is a dynamic Senior Sales Leader with a proven track record of driving business growth and exceeding revenue targets in the technology and payments sectors. Known for developing and executing innovative sales strategies that generate high-value deals and long-term client relationships.

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