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7 Best International Payment Gateways for High Risk

A payment terminal for the best international high-risk payment gateways.

Choosing a payment processor is like choosing a foundation for your business. A standard, low-risk shop might only need a simple concrete slab. But a high-risk business, especially one selling globally, is building a skyscraper. You need a foundation that can handle complexity, regulatory pressures, and the weight of international transactions. Using a standard processor is like trying to build that skyscraper on a flimsy base—it’s bound to crack. Your success depends on finding the best international payment gateway for high risk industries, one engineered for stability and scale. This article will serve as your blueprint. We’ll examine the essential components of a rock-solid payment infrastructure, from fraud prevention to multi-currency support, so you can build your global empire with confidence.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Business Needs a High-Risk Specialist: Standard processors aren’t built for your industry and can shut down your account without warning. Partnering with a dedicated high-risk provider gives you the stability to operate confidently and avoid sudden disruptions to your cash flow.
  • Look Beyond Basic Transaction Processing: A high-risk gateway must do more than just move money. Prioritize providers that offer robust tools like advanced fraud filters, chargeback alerts, and multi-currency options to actively protect your revenue and support international sales.
  • Combine Gateway Tools with Smart Business Practices: Your payment processor is your partner, not a replacement for good habits. You can significantly reduce chargebacks and fraud by maintaining clear communication with customers, setting up transaction monitoring rules, and keeping your website’s security up to date.

What is High-Risk Payment Processing?

If you’ve ever been turned down by a standard payment processor or had your account suddenly frozen, you’ve likely been labeled “high-risk.” It’s a frustrating experience, but it doesn’t mean your business is on the wrong track. High-risk payment processing is simply a specialized service that allows businesses classified as high-risk by banks to securely accept credit card payments. This classification isn’t a judgment on your company’s integrity; it’s a financial risk assessment.

Banks and payment processors look at certain business models and industries as having a greater potential for chargebacks, fraud, or regulatory issues. Because of this perceived risk, they require a more robust payment infrastructure to handle your transactions. Think of it like this: a standard processor is built for a straightforward retail shop, while a high-risk processor is built for the complexities of a global, online, or highly regulated business. Finding the right high-risk payment gateway means you can stop worrying about account shutdowns and focus on what you do best—running your business. It’s about partnering with a provider who understands your industry’s unique challenges and has the tools to support your growth without interruption.

What Makes a Business “High-Risk”?

So, what exactly lands a business on the high-risk list? It comes down to a few key characteristics that signal potential financial volatility to payment processors. If your business has a high volume of transactions or deals with a significant number of chargebacks, you’re likely considered high-risk. Other common flags include accepting international payments, operating in multiple currencies, or having a subscription-based model where recurring billing is common.

Even being a new business without a long processing history can put you in this category. Processors want to see a track record of stable sales and low dispute rates. Without that history, they see uncertainty. A low personal or business credit score can also be a factor. Essentially, anything that makes your revenue stream seem less predictable can lead to the high-risk label.

Which Industries Are Considered High-Risk?

Beyond your business’s operational habits, your industry alone can place you in the high-risk category. Certain sectors are automatically classified as high-risk due to their products, services, or regulatory environment. If you operate in one of these areas, you’ll almost certainly need a specialized payment processor from the start.

Common high-risk industries include:

  • CBD and cannabis-related products
  • E-cigarettes and vape shops
  • Adult products and services
  • Online gambling and gaming
  • Travel and ticketing agencies
  • Subscription boxes and recurring billing models
  • Nutraceuticals and supplements
  • Credit repair and debt collection services
  • Firearms and tactical gear

These industries often face higher rates of customer disputes, complex legal requirements, or reputational concerns for traditional financial institutions, making a high-risk specialist essential.

The Payment Challenges High-Risk Businesses Face

Operating a high-risk business without the right payment partner can feel like walking on eggshells. Mainstream processors like Stripe or PayPal are often not equipped to handle the nuances of high-risk industries. As a result, many businesses face sudden account terminations, holds on their funds, or outright rejection during the application process. Imagine waking up to find that your ability to accept payments has been shut down without warning—it can bring your operations to a grinding halt.

This is because standard processors have a very low tolerance for the chargeback ratios and transaction patterns common in high-risk sectors. When they terminate existing accounts or freeze funds, it’s a defensive move to protect themselves from financial loss. This forces merchants to find specialized high-risk merchant accounts designed to manage these challenges, offering more stability and industry-specific support.

The Best International Payment Gateways for High-Risk Businesses

Finding the right international payment gateway can feel like a huge challenge when you’re in a high-risk industry. Many standard providers are wary of the increased chargebacks and regulatory scrutiny that come with the territory. But don’t worry, you have options. Some gateways are built from the ground up to serve businesses like yours, while others can work if you understand their limitations. Let’s walk through some of the top contenders so you can find the perfect fit for your global operations.

Borderfree Payments

As a processor specializing in high-risk industries, we designed our solutions to address the specific hurdles you face. Borderfree Payments provides a stable, secure, and scalable infrastructure that grows with you. We offer comprehensive fraud prevention tools, multi-currency support, and dedicated chargeback management to protect your revenue. Unlike one-size-fits-all gateways, we provide a dedicated merchant account, giving you more control and stability. Our team understands the complexities of global compliance, ensuring your payments flow smoothly across borders without the constant threat of account freezes or closures. We partner with you to create a payment strategy that supports your long-term growth.

PayPal

PayPal is a household name, and that brand recognition can build immediate trust with your customers. It’s incredibly easy to set up and operates in over 200 countries, supporting 25 currencies, which makes it a tempting choice for international sales. However, high-risk businesses should proceed with caution. PayPal is known for its strict user agreement and can be quick to freeze accounts or hold funds if it detects activity it deems risky. While it’s a viable option for some, you need to be aware that its risk tolerance is generally lower than that of a specialized high-risk processor.

Stripe

Stripe is a developer-favorite for a reason. Its powerful and flexible tools allow for deep customization of your checkout experience, and it accepts over 135 currencies and numerous local payment methods. This makes it a strong contender for businesses with a global customer base. The main challenge for high-risk merchants is that Stripe, like PayPal, maintains a list of restricted businesses. If your industry is on that list, you may not be approved, or your account could be shut down later. For businesses that fall into a gray area, Stripe can be a great solution, but it’s crucial to be transparent about your business model from the start.

Worldpay

Worldpay is a massive, all-in-one payment processor that offers the stability and resources of a large corporation. It supports over 120 currencies and provides robust credit card processing capabilities, making it a reliable choice for established international businesses. The primary drawback for high-risk merchants can be the contract terms. Worldpay often requires long-term contracts with significant fees for early termination. This lack of flexibility can be a concern if your business model needs to adapt quickly. Be sure to read the fine print and fully understand your commitment before signing up.

Square

Square is incredibly popular for its simple setup and transparent pricing, which is why many new businesses start there. The problem is that Square is a payment aggregator, meaning you don’t get your own merchant account. Instead, you’re using a shared account with thousands of other businesses. This model allows for quick onboarding, but it also means Square has a very low tolerance for risk. As a result, high-risk businesses often experience sudden account holds or terminations with little warning. While it’s great for low-risk retail, it’s generally not a sustainable solution for a high-risk international business.

2Checkout

Now known as Verifone, 2Checkout is a strong option for businesses with a significant customer base in Europe and beyond. It supports payments from over 200 markets, giving you extensive global reach. One of its most attractive features is a pricing model that often forgoes monthly fees, which can be a major advantage when you’re managing tight margins. This makes it a more affordable and accessible choice for many high-risk businesses looking to expand internationally. Its focus on global commerce means it’s well-equipped to handle a variety of currencies and payment methods.

Authorize.net

Authorize.net is one of the oldest and most respected names in payment processing. It’s known for being highly reliable and customizable, offering advanced fraud detection tools that are essential for high-risk merchants. However, its services are geographically limited. Authorize.net only works for businesses based in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Europe. If your business operates within these regions, it’s an excellent and secure option. But if your expansion plans include markets in Asia, Latin America, or Africa, you’ll need to find a gateway with a broader global footprint.

Key Features Your High-Risk Payment Gateway Needs

Choosing a payment gateway for a high-risk business isn’t like picking one off the shelf. You need a partner that understands the unique hurdles you face, from higher chargeback rates to complex international regulations. The right gateway does more than just process transactions; it acts as a shield for your business, equipped with specialized tools to protect your revenue and support your growth. As you compare options, focus on these essential features that are non-negotiable for any high-risk merchant.

Accept Payments in Multiple Currencies

If you’re selling online, your market is global. But many high-risk businesses miss out on international sales simply because their payment system can’t handle foreign currencies smoothly. Forcing a customer in Japan to pay in US dollars adds friction to the checkout process and can lead to abandoned carts. A top-tier international payment gateway removes this barrier by allowing customers to pay in their local currency. This not only improves the customer experience but also builds trust, showing that your business is equipped to serve a global audience. Look for a provider that makes multi-currency transactions seamless for both you and your buyers.

Protect Your Business from Fraud

High-risk industries are often a magnet for fraudulent activity, making robust security a critical feature. Your payment gateway should be your first line of defense. Go beyond standard SSL encryption and look for advanced fraud detection suites that use machine learning to identify suspicious patterns in real time. The best systems allow you to set custom rules and filters based on your specific business needs. For example, you might want to flag transactions from certain locations or orders that exceed a specific value. Proactive fraud prevention tools help you stop bad actors before they can cause damage, saving you from lost revenue and chargeback headaches.

Minimize Chargebacks

Chargebacks are one of the biggest threats to a high-risk business’s stability and profitability. A single dispute is costly, but too many can put your entire merchant account at risk. Your payment gateway should offer powerful tools to help you manage and reduce chargebacks. This includes real-time alerts that notify you of a potential dispute, giving you the chance to issue a refund before it escalates into a formal chargeback. Some processors also provide chargeback representment services, helping you fight illegitimate claims by gathering and submitting the necessary evidence on your behalf. These features are essential for keeping your chargeback ratio within acceptable limits.

Offer Diverse Payment Methods

Today’s customers expect flexibility at checkout. Limiting them to just one or two payment options can be a major conversion killer. A versatile payment gateway allows you to accept a wide range of payment methods beyond traditional credit and debit cards. This includes popular digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, bank transfers, and even region-specific payment options that are popular in international markets. By catering to different customer preferences, you create a more inclusive and convenient shopping experience. This simple step can significantly improve your conversion rates and help you reach a broader audience across different demographics and locations.

Stay Compliant with Built-in Tools

Navigating the web of regulations in high-risk industries can feel like a full-time job. A great payment gateway simplifies this by offering built-in compliance tools. At a minimum, your provider should be fully PCI DSS compliant to ensure all cardholder data is handled securely. But for high-risk businesses, compliance often goes further, involving adherence to industry-specific rules for products like CBD, supplements, or subscription services. Your payment partner should have expertise in your specific vertical and provide clear guidance to help you meet all regulatory requirements. This support is invaluable for avoiding fines and maintaining a good standing with payment card networks.

Monitor Transactions in Real Time

In a high-risk environment, you can’t afford to wait for yesterday’s data. Real-time transaction monitoring is essential for staying ahead of potential issues. Your payment gateway should provide a comprehensive dashboard where you can see approvals, declines, and suspicious activity as it happens. This immediate insight allows you to quickly identify and respond to fraud attempts, track sales performance, and manage your cash flow more effectively. Look for a gateway that offers detailed reporting and analytics. Having access to real-time data empowers you to make smarter, faster decisions to protect and grow your business.

Breaking Down the Costs and Requirements

Getting approved for a high-risk merchant account involves a bit more scrutiny than a standard one, but it’s entirely manageable when you know what to expect. Processors need to verify that your business is legitimate and stable, so they’ll ask for more documentation and details upfront. Think of it as building a foundation for a strong, long-term partnership. Being prepared not only speeds up the application process but also helps you find a provider that’s the right fit for your business needs. Let’s walk through the key costs and requirements you’ll encounter.

Understand the Fee Structures

Because high-risk processors take on more liability, their fee structures are different from standard providers. Expect to see slightly higher transaction rates, which is the industry standard for managing the increased risk. Generally, you’ll encounter a monthly fee, which can range from $5 to $45, and transaction fees that typically fall between 1.95% and 2.4% of each sale. It’s also wise to ask about other potential costs, such as setup fees, chargeback fees, or early termination fees. A transparent provider will lay all of this out for you, so you can find a high-risk merchant account with clear, predictable pricing.

Know the Volume Requirements

When you’re just starting, some payment processors may place a cap on your monthly processing volume. This isn’t meant to hold you back; it’s a way for them to manage risk while they get to know your business and transaction patterns. Be upfront about your current sales and your growth projections during the application process. Ask potential providers what their initial volume limits are and what the process looks like for increasing that cap over time. A good partner will want to support your growth and will have a clear path for raising your processing limits as you build a consistent history of successful transactions.

Prepare the Necessary Documents

To make your application process as smooth as possible, it’s a great idea to gather your business documents ahead of time. Underwriters need to see that you’re running a legitimate and financially sound operation. You’ll almost certainly need standard items like your business license, articles of incorporation, and a voided check for the business bank account. It’s also common practice to provide at least six months of recent bank statements and your most recent tax returns. Having these documents organized and ready to go shows that you’re a serious and prepared business owner, which can help expedite your approval.

Review Your Integration Options

Your payment gateway is a core part of your business operations, so it needs to work seamlessly with the other tools you rely on. Before committing to a provider, confirm that their gateway integrates with your existing software, especially your e-commerce platform, CRM, and accounting tools. The best international payment gateways offer pre-built plugins for popular platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, or provide a flexible API for custom integrations. A smooth integration saves you time, prevents manual data entry errors, and creates a much better experience for both you and your customers.

Evaluate Their Customer Support

For a high-risk business, excellent customer support is non-negotiable. If you run into an issue with a transaction or have a question about a potential chargeback, you need to know you can get a fast and helpful response. When vetting providers, ask about their support channels—do they offer phone, email, and live chat? What are their hours of operation? Some providers even offer a dedicated account manager who can serve as your direct point of contact. This level of personalized support for high-risk accounts can be invaluable for resolving issues quickly and keeping your revenue flowing.

How to Manage Risk and Prevent Fraud

Operating in a high-risk industry means that managing risk isn’t just a good idea—it’s essential for survival. While your payment gateway does a lot of the heavy lifting, a proactive approach to fraud prevention will protect your revenue, reduce chargebacks, and build a more stable business. It’s about creating layers of security and clear processes that stop problems before they start.

Think of it as a partnership between you and your payment processor. They provide the advanced tools and infrastructure, while you implement smart business practices. By focusing on a few key areas, you can create a robust defense against fraud and minimize financial losses. This involves choosing the right tools, understanding your customers’ behavior, keeping a close eye on transactions, staying on top of compliance, and following fundamental security protocols. Let’s walk through how you can put these strategies into action.

Use the Right Fraud Detection Tools

Your first line of defense is the technology built into your payment gateway. Don’t just settle for the basics; look for a processor that offers a comprehensive suite of fraud detection tools. This includes essentials like Address Verification System (AVS) and CVV checks, but also more advanced features like IP geolocation and device fingerprinting. The best partners offer tools that watch for chargebacks in real-time and help you handle disputes efficiently. Some can even send you an alert about a potential chargeback, giving you a chance to issue a refund before it officially hits your record. When vetting a gateway, ask for a full demo of their fraud prevention capabilities.

Implement Strategies to Reduce Chargebacks

Chargebacks are a major headache for high-risk merchants, but many are preventable. The key is to understand why customers are disputing charges in the first place and fix the root cause. Often, it comes down to communication. Ensure your billing descriptor—the name that appears on your customer’s credit card statement—is easily recognizable. Provide top-notch customer service with clear contact information so shoppers can reach you with issues. A straightforward and fair refund policy can also encourage customers to come to you for a resolution instead of initiating a chargeback with their bank. Proactively addressing customer concerns is one of the most effective chargeback reduction strategies you can adopt.

Set Up a Transaction Monitoring System

You can’t watch every single transaction yourself, which is why an automated monitoring system is a must-have. Your payment gateway should provide real-time transaction monitoring that automatically flags suspicious activity based on a set of predefined rules. This system can catch red flags like multiple failed payment attempts, orders with mismatched billing and shipping addresses, or an unusually high number of transactions from a single IP address in a short period. This allows you to review potentially fraudulent orders before they’re processed and shipped, saving you from an almost certain chargeback down the line. Look for a provider that offers customizable rules so you can tailor the monitoring to your specific business needs.

Simplify Your Compliance Management

Navigating the world of payment compliance can feel overwhelming, but your payment gateway should act as your guide. A crucial part of this is maintaining PCI DSS compliance, which is the global standard for protecting cardholder data. A good high-risk processor will simplify this by providing secure, compliant payment forms and tokenizing sensitive data, which means you never have to store it on your own servers. To get started on the right foot, be completely transparent with your processor during the application process. Providing accurate information about your business model and sales volume helps them set up your account correctly and ensure you have the right compliance tools in place from day one.

Follow Security Best Practices

While your payment gateway secures the transaction, you are responsible for securing your website and business operations. Start by ensuring your entire website is protected with an SSL certificate, which encrypts data shared between your customers and your site. Use a payment gateway that relies on tokenization, which replaces sensitive card details with a unique, non-sensitive token. This drastically reduces your risk in the event of a data breach. Finally, always keep your e-commerce platform, plugins, and any other software up to date. These updates often contain critical security patches that protect you from newly discovered vulnerabilities, keeping every transaction safe.

How to Set Up Your Payment Gateway

Getting your payment gateway up and running is a major step toward accepting payments smoothly and securely. While it might seem complex, breaking it down into clear steps makes the process straightforward. Think of this as building the financial foundation for your business—it’s worth taking the time to get it right. A reliable gateway does more than just process transactions; it protects your revenue, builds customer trust, and gives you the flexibility to grow. From gathering your documents to planning for global expansion, each step sets you up for long-term success. Let’s walk through what you can expect as you get started.

Step 1: Complete the Application

The first step is applying with your chosen high-risk payment processor. This process typically takes a few weeks, as the provider needs to perform thorough due diligence. You’ll be asked to provide detailed business documents, such as your business license, recent processing statements, and company financials. While it requires some paperwork, this verification is what allows a specialized provider to support your business. It ensures they fully understand your model and can offer a stable, long-term payment solution tailored to your industry, minimizing the risk of sudden account freezes or closures down the road.

Step 2: Integrate with Your Systems

Once your application is approved, it’s time to connect the payment gateway to your website and other business tools. A smooth integration is key to efficient operations. Your payment gateway should work seamlessly with your e-commerce platform, accounting software, and any point-of-sale (POS) systems you use. Many providers offer plugins or APIs to make this connection simple. This ensures that sales data, customer information, and financial reporting all sync up automatically, saving you from manual data entry and potential errors down the line.

Step 3: Test Everything Thoroughly

Before you start processing real transactions, it’s essential to run tests. Most gateways offer a “sandbox” or testing environment that lets you simulate purchases without moving actual money. Run through different scenarios: successful transactions, declined cards, and refunds. During this phase, double-check the fine print in your agreement. High-risk merchant account fees can be complex, so make sure you understand every charge, from transaction rates to chargeback penalties. This diligence helps you avoid any surprises once you go live and ensures your financial forecasting is accurate.

Step 4: Go Live with Confidence

After successful testing, you’re ready to launch. Flipping the switch from “test” to “live” can feel like a big moment, but you can do it with confidence knowing you’ve done your homework. By choosing a provider that specializes in high-risk industries, you’ve already reduced the risk of future account holds or terminations. You have a partner who understands your business and has the infrastructure to support it. Now you can focus on what you do best: serving your customers and growing your business, knowing your payment processing is in capable hands.

Plan for Future Growth

As your business expands, your payment needs will evolve. A great payment gateway should grow with you. Look for features that support scalability, like robust fraud monitoring and tools to keep chargeback rates low. Some providers require high-risk businesses to maintain a cash reserve, so finding one with low or no reserve requirements is a huge plus. A partner who truly understands the high-risk space will provide the flexibility you need to scale without friction, helping you enter new markets or launch new products without payment processing becoming a bottleneck.

Manage Multiple Currencies

If you sell to customers around the world, you need a gateway that can handle payments as if they were local transactions. This is a game-changer for international e-commerce. Processing payments in a customer’s native currency not only improves their experience but can also significantly lower your processing fees and reduce the likelihood of chargebacks. It makes your business feel more accessible to a global audience and simplifies your international accounting, turning a potential operational headache into a competitive advantage.

Prepare for Market Expansion

Looking ahead, think about how you can make it even easier for customers to buy from you. Offering a variety of payment methods is a great way to meet diverse customer preferences and increase conversions. Beyond major credit cards, consider adding popular digital wallets or local payment options relevant to the new markets you plan to enter. Having a payment gateway that supports multiple payment types gives you the agility to adapt and expand your reach, ensuring you never lose a sale because you don’t offer a customer’s preferred way to pay.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I just use a standard processor like Stripe or PayPal for my business? While services like Stripe and PayPal are great for their simplicity, they are built for low-risk businesses and have a very low tolerance for the chargebacks and transaction patterns common in high-risk industries. Using them can lead to sudden account freezes or terminations without warning, which can shut down your revenue stream overnight. A specialized high-risk processor is designed to handle your industry’s specific needs, offering you stability and a true partnership.

I’m just starting out. How can I get approved for a high-risk account with no processing history? Processors look for signs of a legitimate and well-run business. You can build a strong case by presenting a detailed business plan, having a professional and fully compliant website with clear terms of service, and providing solid financial documents. Being transparent about your business model and projections shows that you are a serious partner, which can make all the difference for an underwriter, even without a long sales history.

What’s the difference between a payment gateway and a merchant account? It’s helpful to think of it this way: the merchant account is a special type of bank account where the money from your credit card sales is deposited. The payment gateway is the secure technology that acts as the messenger, safely carrying the transaction information from your website to the payment networks and then back to your merchant account. A high-risk processor provides both of these essential components, ensuring they work together seamlessly.

My application was denied by another processor. What should I do now? First, don’t panic—it happens. Try to get a clear reason for the denial, as it often points to a specific issue you can fix, such as an incomplete website or missing compliance information. Once you’ve addressed the problem, focus your search on processors who explicitly state they work with your specific industry. A provider who understands the nuances of your business is far more likely to approve your application.

Besides higher fees, what are the main differences I should expect when working with a high-risk processor? The biggest difference is the level of support and partnership you receive. Unlike standard processors that often rely on automated systems, high-risk providers typically offer more hands-on support, including dedicated account managers and expert help with chargeback disputes. They also provide more advanced fraud prevention tools tailored to the threats your industry faces, acting as a proactive shield for your revenue.

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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