Let’s talk about the costs. One of the biggest concerns for any high risk merchant is navigating the complex world of processing fees. It’s easy to feel like you’re being penalized, but the right partner will be completely transparent about their pricing. The different fee structure exists to cover the additional monitoring and support required to keep your account secure. In this guide, we’ll demystify the costs associated with high-risk accounts, from setup charges and transaction rates to rolling reserves. We’ll give you the knowledge to ask the right questions, spot hidden fees, and find a processor who values a clear, honest financial relationship.
Key Takeaways
- “High-Risk” is a business classification, not a judgment: This label is based on your industry, business model, and transaction history—not your company’s potential. The key is to find a specialized processor who understands your landscape and can provide tailored, stable payment solutions.
- Proactive risk management is non-negotiable: Don’t wait for problems to arise. Actively use fraud detection tools, provide excellent customer service to prevent disputes, and maintain organized documentation. This approach demonstrates reliability to your processor and protects your revenue.
- Choose your processor like a business partner: Your payment processor is critical to your growth, so look beyond fees. Prioritize providers who offer robust security and chargeback protection, and then build the relationship with clear, consistent communication.
What Makes a Business High-Risk?
Hearing your business is “high-risk” can be unsettling, but it’s not a judgment on your company’s potential. It’s simply a classification used by payment processors to measure the potential for financial loss associated with your account. This label is based on a combination of factors, from the industry you operate in to your transaction history. Understanding what puts you in this category is the first step toward finding a payment solution that truly supports your business.
Key industry factors
Some industries are automatically considered high-risk because of their very nature. This is often due to higher rates of fraud, stricter government regulations, or a greater likelihood of customer disputes and chargebacks. If you operate in sectors like online gaming, travel, subscription services, CBD, or adult entertainment, you’ll likely fall into this category. It’s not that your business is doing anything wrong; it’s just that the financial landscape for these types of businesses comes with more variables that traditional processors prefer to avoid.
Financial red flags
Your business’s financial health and the personal credit history of its owners play a significant role in risk assessment. A low credit score or a history of financial instability can be a major red flag for payment processors. They see this as an indicator that your business might struggle to cover refunds, chargebacks, or other financial obligations. Think of it from their perspective: they are taking on a financial risk by processing your payments, and a shaky financial past suggests that risk is higher than average. Maintaining a solid credit history is one of the best ways to present your business as a reliable partner.
How your business model plays a role
The way you structure your sales and billing can also place you in the high-risk category. For example, businesses that rely on recurring billing or subscription models often see more customer disputes and cancellations, which can lead to chargebacks. Similarly, if you sell high-ticket items or process a large volume of transactions each month, you attract more scrutiny. These business models aren’t inherently bad—in fact, they can be incredibly profitable—but they carry a higher potential for large-scale financial loss if something goes wrong, making processors more cautious.
The impact of your processing history
Your track record with payment processing is one of the most direct indicators of risk. If you’re a new business with no processing history, you’re an unknown quantity. Processors don’t have data to predict your performance, so they may classify you as high-risk until you establish a positive track record. On the other hand, if you have a history of excessive chargebacks, it’s a clear sign of trouble. A high chargeback ratio can get your account frozen or even terminated, so actively managing disputes is crucial for long-term stability.
What Does “High-Risk Merchant” Actually Mean?
Hearing your business is “high-risk” can be unsettling, but it’s not a judgment on your character or your company’s potential. It’s simply a classification that payment processors use to measure their own financial risk when partnering with you. Think of it as a category, not a critique. Understanding what this label means is the first step to finding a payment solution that truly supports your business.
Common myths, busted
Let’s clear the air: being labeled high-risk doesn’t mean your business is doing anything wrong or is on shaky ground. It simply means that from a payment processor’s perspective, your business model carries a greater potential for things like chargebacks or fraud. Many legitimate, successful, and innovative companies fall into this category. The label is about the statistical risk to the financial institution, not a reflection of your business’s integrity or its likelihood of success.
How processors assess risk
So, how do processors decide who gets the high-risk label? Each financial institution has its own underwriting process, but they generally look at a few key factors. They’ll analyze your industry, your processing history, your average transaction amount, and your personal credit score. A high chargeback ratio is a major red flag for them, as are international sales, which can introduce more variables. They’re essentially trying to predict how likely they are to lose money by processing your payments.
The effect on your day-to-day operations
Once you’re classified as high-risk, you can expect a few differences in how you process payments. You’ll likely see higher transaction fees compared to low-risk businesses. Processors may also require a “rolling reserve,” where they hold a percentage of your revenue for a set period to cover potential chargebacks. Your application process will be more thorough, and your account may be monitored more closely. While it sounds intimidating, it’s standard practice and manageable with the right processing partner.
Why your industry matters
Sometimes, your business is considered high-risk simply because of the industry you’re in. Certain sectors are automatically flagged due to heavy government regulations, higher-than-average fraud rates, or a tendency for more customer disputes. Industries like online gaming, travel agencies, subscription services, CBD and cannabis-related products, and adult entertainment are almost always categorized as high-risk. If your business falls into one of these categories, you’ll need a specialized high-risk merchant account from the start.
What You’ll Need for a High-Risk Merchant Account
Applying for a high-risk merchant account involves a bit more legwork than a standard application, but it’s entirely manageable when you know what to expect. Think of it as the beginning of a partnership. Your payment processor needs to understand your business to support it effectively, and that starts with a thorough review process. Getting your ducks in a row beforehand not only speeds things up but also shows that you’re a serious, well-organized business owner.
To set yourself up for success, you’ll want to focus on a few key areas. This includes gathering the right paperwork, getting familiar with industry-standard financial terms, and understanding the specifics of your contract. By preparing these components ahead of time, you can make the application process much smoother and start accepting payments sooner. Let’s walk through exactly what you’ll need.
The required documentation
Before you begin your application, gather all your essential business documents. Processors need to verify that your business is legitimate and financially sound, so having everything ready makes a great first impression. You’ll typically need to provide your business licenses, recent financial statements or bank records, and a detailed business plan. This paperwork helps demonstrate your business’s legitimacy and gives the processor a clear picture of your operations and revenue model. Being organized here shows that you’re a reliable partner, which is exactly what processors look for in a high-risk merchant.
Understanding cash reserves
One term you’ll encounter is the “cash reserve” or “rolling reserve.” Don’t let it intimidate you. A processor may hold a small percentage of your daily sales (often around 10%) in a non-interest-bearing account for a set period. This acts as a security deposit to cover potential losses from chargebacks. After the agreed-upon time, the funds are released back to you. This is a standard practice in high-risk processing that protects the processor from sudden financial risk. Understanding how a rolling reserve works is key to managing your cash flow effectively.
Key contract terms to watch for
Your merchant agreement is a critical document, so take the time to read it carefully. High-risk processors will conduct a thorough examination of your business and its transactions on an ongoing basis. Your contract will outline the terms under which funds might be held, the duration of those holds, and the conditions for releasing them. Pay close attention to clauses related to transaction monitoring, dispute resolution, and account termination. Knowing these details upfront helps you avoid surprises and ensures you and your processor are on the same page from day one.
Your processing limits
Most high-risk merchant accounts come with processing limits, which cap the total sales volume you can run through your account in a given month. These limits are set based on your processing history, business model, and perceived risk level. It’s vital to understand your monthly limit, as exceeding it could lead to held funds or a temporary suspension of your account. As you establish a positive processing history, you can often request an increase. Be sure to discuss these limits with your processor so you can effectively plan your sales strategies and manage your growth.
Staying compliant
Compliance is non-negotiable in the world of high-risk payment processing. You are responsible for adhering to all local, national, and international laws relevant to your industry, as well as the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standards. Failing to follow these rules can result in hefty fines, legal trouble, and the loss of your merchant account. A good processor will provide guidance, but it’s ultimately up to you to ensure your business operations and website meet all necessary security regulations. Staying compliant protects your business, your customers, and your ability to process payments.
Choose the Right Payment Processing Solution
Finding the right payment processor is less like shopping for a service and more like choosing a business partner. For a high-risk business, this partnership is critical. The right processor won’t just give you a way to accept payments; they’ll provide the infrastructure and support you need to operate safely and scale effectively. A great partner understands the unique challenges your industry faces and offers solutions tailored to them.
When you start comparing options, it’s easy to get lost in fee structures and contract lengths. While those are important, they aren’t the whole story. You need to look deeper at the core features that will protect your business and enable growth. Think about security protocols that shield you from data breaches, chargeback management systems that protect your revenue, and the flexibility to sell to customers anywhere in the world. The goal is to find a solution that fits seamlessly into your existing operations and supports your long-term vision.
Look for top-notch security
For any high-risk business, security is non-negotiable. You’re not just protecting your customers’ data; you’re protecting your entire operation. A processor that skimps on security puts you at risk for devastating data breaches, financial penalties, and a loss of customer trust that can be impossible to recover from. Look for a provider that offers robust, multi-layered security measures. This includes PCI DSS compliance, which is the industry standard for protecting card data, as well as advanced technologies like tokenization and end-to-end encryption. A processor specializing in high-risk accounts should offer advanced fraud tools designed to identify and block suspicious activity before it ever becomes a problem.
Prioritize chargeback protection
Chargebacks are one of the primary reasons businesses land in the high-risk category. A high chargeback ratio can lead to fines and even account termination. That’s why your payment processor should be an active ally in your fight against them. Simply processing payments isn’t enough. A good partner provides a full suite of tools to help you manage and prevent chargebacks. This includes real-time alerts for disputes, systems to help you gather and submit evidence quickly, and detailed analytics to help you understand why chargebacks are happening. By identifying patterns, you can address the root causes, whether it’s unclear billing descriptors or product issues.
Do you need multi-currency support?
If you have ambitions to sell beyond your borders, multi-currency support is essential. The ability to accept payments from customers in their local currency creates a frictionless checkout experience, which can significantly improve conversion rates. A high-risk processor with experience in international sales will be equipped to handle the complexities of cross-border transactions. They can manage currency conversions, navigate different international banking regulations, and help you expand your reach. This feature opens up new markets and allows your business to handle payments from a global customer base, turning a potential logistical headache into a major growth opportunity.
Essential fraud prevention tools
Beyond general security, look for a processor that offers specific and powerful fraud prevention tools. These are your first line of defense against bad actors trying to exploit your business. Effective tools can dramatically reduce your exposure to financial losses and protect your merchant account’s standing. Look for features like Address Verification Service (AVS), CVV verification, and IP geolocation to confirm a customer’s identity. More advanced solutions may also use AI and machine learning to analyze transaction patterns and flag suspicious behavior in real time. These fraud prevention tools are crucial for safeguarding your revenue and maintaining a healthy processing history.
Ensure smooth integration
The most powerful payment processing solution in the world won’t do you any good if you can’t easily connect it to your website or application. A smooth integration process is key to getting up and running without costly delays or technical headaches. Before committing to a provider, ask about their integration options. Do they offer a simple, well-documented API? Do they have pre-built plugins for popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento? A processor that prioritizes a seamless payment system connection shows they understand the technical needs of modern businesses and are invested in making your life easier.
Breaking Down the Costs and Fees
High-risk payment processing comes with a unique fee structure, and understanding it is the first step to managing your finances effectively. It’s not about paying more for no reason; it’s about a partnership where the processor takes on more risk to support your business. When you know what to expect, you can find a transparent partner and avoid any surprises. Because your business operates in an industry that traditional banks often shy away from, specialized processors step in to bridge the gap. This involves more intensive underwriting, continuous monitoring, and a higher potential for financial loss from chargebacks, which is why the pricing model is different.
A trustworthy processor will be completely transparent about their fee schedule, viewing it as a core part of a healthy, long-term relationship. They understand that your success is their success. This section will walk you through the common fees associated with high-risk accounts, from monthly charges to transaction rates, so you can feel confident in your financial planning. We’ll explain the purpose behind each cost, including concepts like rolling reserves and volume-based pricing. We’ll also cover some red flags to watch for, ensuring you partner with a processor who has your best interests at heart. Think of this as your guide to financial clarity, empowering you to ask the right questions and choose a payment solution that truly supports your growth.
Setup and monthly charges
Let’s be direct: you’ll likely see higher setup and monthly fees with a high-risk account compared to a standard one. This isn’t a penalty; it’s because the payment processor and their partner banks are taking on more liability to support your business. These fees cover the costs of more intensive underwriting and ongoing monitoring required for your account. While some providers might advertise no setup fees, it’s crucial to look at the entire fee schedule. A transparent processor will clearly explain their pricing, helping you understand exactly what you’re paying for. Think of it as an investment in a stable, secure payment infrastructure that allows your business to operate smoothly. Understanding the logic behind these fees is the first step in evaluating different high-risk merchant accounts.
Transaction rates
Beyond monthly fees, you’ll also notice a higher per-transaction rate. While a low-risk business might pay a small percentage over the base interchange fee, high-risk businesses can expect to pay more. For example, a standard account might have a rate of interchange + 0.3%, whereas a high-risk account could be closer to interchange + 1.5%. This higher percentage acts as a buffer for the processor against the increased likelihood of chargebacks and fraud in your industry. A reliable processor uses this to provide robust security and support, ensuring your payments are processed safely. When comparing providers, ask for a full breakdown of requirements and rates so you can accurately forecast your expenses and protect your profit margins.
What is a rolling reserve?
The term “rolling reserve” can sound intimidating, but it’s a standard tool for managing risk. A rolling reserve is a portion of your revenue that your processor holds temporarily to cover potential losses from chargebacks. For instance, a processor might hold 10% of each transaction for a rolling period of six months before releasing it to you. This acts as a safety net for both you and the processor. It’s essential to have a clear conversation about this upfront. Make sure you understand the reserve percentage and the holding period, as this will affect your cash flow. A good partner will be transparent about their reserve policy and may even adjust it over time as you build a positive processing history.
Pricing based on volume
Your sales volume and average transaction value—often called your “average ticket”—also play a big role in your pricing. Businesses with a high average ticket are often considered riskier because a single chargeback results in a much larger financial loss. For example, a disputed $2,000 transaction carries more weight than a disputed $20 one. Because of this, your rates may be adjusted based on the factors that increase risk associated with your sales patterns. On the flip side, demonstrating consistent sales volume with a low chargeback ratio over time can give you leverage to negotiate better terms. It shows the processor that while your industry is high-risk, your specific business is a reliable partner.
Watch out for hidden costs
While most processors are upfront, some may try to take advantage of high-risk businesses with confusing contracts and hidden fees. Be on the lookout for red flags like exorbitant early termination fees, vague “compliance” or “regulatory” charges, or undisclosed fees for chargeback disputes. A trustworthy partner will provide a clear, easy-to-understand contract and will take the time to walk you through every line item. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If a provider is evasive about their fee structure or pressures you into signing a long-term contract without full transparency, it’s best to walk away. Your payment processor should be a partner dedicated to your growth, not a source of financial surprises.
Smart Strategies to Manage Risk
Being labeled “high-risk” doesn’t mean you have to operate in a constant state of uncertainty. It just means you need to be more intentional about how you manage your business and your payments. The right strategies can protect your revenue, build trust with your payment processor, and create a stable foundation for growth. It’s about being proactive, not reactive. By putting smart systems in place, you can address potential issues before they become major problems. This approach shows processors that you’re a responsible and reliable partner, which can lead to better terms and a stronger long-term relationship. Let’s walk through some of the most effective ways to manage risk and keep your business secure.
Prevent chargebacks before they happen
Chargebacks can be a huge headache for any business, but they’re especially damaging for high-risk merchants. A high chargeback ratio can put your merchant account in jeopardy. The best defense is a good offense. Use tools that help you prevent disputes before they even start, like address verification services (AVS) and CVV checks. When a dispute does occur, respond as quickly and thoroughly as possible. It’s also crucial to analyze why chargebacks are happening. Are your product descriptions unclear? Is your customer service slow to respond? Pinpointing the root cause helps you fix the underlying issue for good.
Use effective fraud detection
In today’s world, fraudsters are getting more sophisticated, so your defense needs to be, too. Relying on basic security measures isn’t enough. You need to implement effective fraud detection systems that can spot suspicious activity in real time. Many modern payment processors use smart tools, including artificial intelligence, to analyze transaction patterns and flag potentially fraudulent payments before they’re approved. This proactive screening can stop bad actors in their tracks, saving you from the financial loss and administrative hassle of dealing with fraudulent charges and the resulting chargebacks.
Verify your customers
Knowing who you’re doing business with is a fundamental part of risk management. Implementing strong customer verification processes helps you filter out potentially fraudulent transactions from the start. This can be as simple as requiring detailed billing information or as advanced as using geolocation data. A robust system allows you to block payments from specific IP addresses, countries known for high fraud rates, or devices that have been linked to suspicious activity in the past. This isn’t about turning away good customers; it’s about creating a secure environment where legitimate transactions can flow smoothly.
Keep your documentation organized
When you’re applying for a high-risk merchant account or undergoing a review, your payment processor will want to see that you run a legitimate, well-managed business. Having all your essential paperwork ready is a simple but powerful way to build trust. Keep your business licenses, recent financial statements, supplier agreements, and a clear business plan organized and accessible. This level of preparedness shows that you’re serious and transparent. It makes the underwriting process smoother and demonstrates that you’re a low-risk partner within a high-risk industry.
Maintain your compliance
Operating in a high-risk industry often means you have a complex web of rules and regulations to follow. Staying on top of compliance isn’t just a good idea—it’s a requirement. Always follow all applicable laws and security standards for your specific industry, like the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Failing to do so can result in hefty fines, legal trouble, and the potential loss of your merchant account. Regularly review your processes to ensure you’re meeting all requirements. This commitment to compliance protects your business, your customers, and your reputation.
Build a Strong Relationship With Your Processor
Think of your payment processor as a long-term business partner, not just a service provider. For a high-risk business, this relationship is one of your most important assets. A processor that understands your industry and trusts your business practices is more likely to support you through challenges and growth. Building that trust requires a proactive approach centered on transparency, responsibility, and clear communication. It’s a two-way street where both you and your processor work together to keep transactions flowing smoothly and securely.
Communicate clearly and often
Honesty is the best policy, especially during your application. Be completely transparent about your business model, products, and processing history. Hiding details can lead to a denial or, worse, an account termination down the road. Once you’re approved, keep the lines of communication open. Let your processor know about upcoming marketing campaigns that might spike sales, new products you’re launching, or any changes to your business. This proactive approach helps them anticipate shifts in your transaction patterns and prevents your account from being flagged for suspicious activity. A simple heads-up can build significant trust and prevent unnecessary friction.
Monitor your performance
While your processor has sophisticated monitoring systems, you should also keep a close eye on your own performance. Regularly review your transaction data for anything out of the ordinary, like a sudden increase in declined payments or a cluster of orders from an unusual location. By actively monitoring your sales, you can spot potential fraud or customer issues before they escalate into bigger problems like chargebacks. Taking ownership of your data shows your processor that you are a diligent and responsible partner who is actively invested in maintaining a healthy account. This shared responsibility is key to a successful, long-term partnership.
Show how you’re reducing risk
Don’t just say you’re managing risk—show it. Make full use of the fraud prevention and chargeback management tools your processor provides. Be diligent about responding to customer disputes quickly and professionally. It’s also a great practice to analyze why chargebacks happen and adjust your processes to prevent them in the future. When your processor sees you actively working to minimize risk, they view you as a much more stable and reliable client. This proactive stance not only protects your business but also strengthens your processor’s confidence in you, which can lead to better terms and more support as you grow.
Plan for growth together
Your payment processor should be a key player in your growth strategy. Share your business goals with them, whether you’re planning to expand into international markets or launch a new product line that could double your volume. A good partner will work with you to ensure your payment infrastructure can handle the changes. They can adjust your processing limits, recommend new fraud prevention tools tailored to different regions, and provide the support you need to scale smoothly. Choosing a provider who understands your industry is crucial, as they can offer insights and solutions that will help you grow without hitting payment-related roadblocks.
Set yourself up for long-term success
A strong partnership is built on a solid foundation. Internally, create and follow a clear plan for handling customer disputes to keep your chargeback ratio low. Externally, stay committed to following all industry regulations and security protocols. Maintaining PCI DSS compliance is non-negotiable, as it protects your customers’ data and demonstrates your commitment to secure operations. By embedding these best practices into your daily operations, you prove to your processor that you’re a serious, low-risk business built for the long haul. This not only secures your merchant account but also builds a resilient company.
Optimize Your High-Risk Payment Processing
Getting approved for a high-risk merchant account is a huge step, but the work doesn’t stop there. To build a stable, long-term processing relationship, you need to actively manage your account and show your processor that you’re a reliable partner. Optimizing your payment processing isn’t about a single fix; it’s about creating smart, sustainable habits. By focusing on strengthening your security, monitoring transactions, and providing excellent service, you can reduce chargebacks, improve efficiency, and set your business up for scalable growth. Think of these practices as the foundation for a healthier, more profitable business.
Strengthen your security
Because high-risk industries can attract more fraudulent activity, having ironclad security is non-negotiable. Your payment processor should be your partner in this, offering a suite of advanced tools to spot and stop fraud before it results in a chargeback. These systems go beyond basic checks, using sophisticated algorithms to analyze transaction patterns and flag suspicious behavior. Implementing strong security measures not only protects your revenue but also gives you the confidence to accept payments from customers in more countries. This helps you expand your business globally while keeping your operations secure and minimizing risk.
Monitor your transactions
Don’t just set your payment gateway and forget it. Make it a habit to keep a close eye on your sales and watch for anything that seems unusual, like a sudden spike in orders from a new location or multiple failed payment attempts from one user. Many modern payment processors offer dashboards that make this easy. Even better, they often use smart technology, like AI, to help you automatically spot and stop suspicious payments in real time. Staying vigilant allows you to catch potential fraud early, protecting your business from chargebacks and financial losses down the line.
Provide excellent customer service
One of the most effective ways to reduce chargebacks is surprisingly simple: provide amazing customer service. When customers can easily reach you to resolve an issue—whether it’s about a product, a shipment, or a billing error—they’re far less likely to file a dispute with their bank. Be proactive with communication, have a clear return policy, and make your contact information easy to find. At the same time, expect great support from your payment processor. When you have a question or a problem, you need to know you can get help when you need it. A supportive processor is a true partner in your success.
Improve your processing efficiency
A smooth checkout experience is crucial for any business, and high-risk merchants are no exception. To maximize conversions, you need to make it as easy as possible for customers to pay you. A great high-risk processor will offer various ways to accept payments, including online storefronts, mobile payments for on-the-go sales, and virtual terminals for taking orders over the phone. By providing multiple payment options, you cater to different customer preferences and reduce friction in the buying process. This not only improves the customer experience but also helps streamline your operations and capture more sales.
Adopt sustainable practices
Managing risk is a marathon, not a sprint. Instead of just reacting to problems like chargebacks, build a system to manage them proactively. This means using tools to prevent them from happening in the first place and having a clear process to respond quickly to disputes when they do occur. More importantly, take the time to analyze why chargebacks are happening. Are your product descriptions unclear? Is your shipping delayed? Identifying the root cause allows you to make meaningful changes to your business, reducing your overall risk profile and building a more resilient operation for the future.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does being labeled ‘high-risk’ mean my business is going to fail? Not at all. This label isn’t a judgment on your business’s potential or your skills as an owner. It’s a category that financial institutions use to measure their own potential for loss. Many successful, innovative, and profitable companies are considered high-risk simply because of their industry or business model. Think of it as a classification that helps you find a specialized payment partner who understands your specific needs, rather than a sign of trouble.
Why are the fees for high-risk accounts higher than standard ones? The higher fees reflect the increased work and liability the payment processor takes on to support your business. Processors for high-risk accounts invest more in intensive underwriting, continuous account monitoring, and advanced fraud prevention tools. This infrastructure is necessary to protect both you and them from the greater potential for chargebacks and fraud common in certain industries. You’re paying for a more robust, specialized service that keeps your payments secure and stable.
What is a ‘rolling reserve’ and how does it work? A rolling reserve is a type of security deposit that protects the processor from potential losses. They will hold a small percentage of your daily revenue for a set period of time, and then release the funds back to you on a rolling basis. For example, they might hold 10% of your sales for 180 days. This ensures there are funds available to cover any sudden chargebacks. It’s a standard practice in high-risk processing, and a transparent processor will clearly explain the percentage and holding period in your contract.
Besides my industry, what’s the biggest factor that could get my account shut down? Your chargeback ratio is the single most critical metric to watch. A consistently high number of chargebacks signals to your processor that there may be issues with your products, customer service, or fraud screening. Processors have thresholds they must adhere to, and exceeding them puts your account in jeopardy. Actively working to prevent disputes and managing them effectively when they do occur is the best way to maintain a healthy, long-term processing relationship.
How can I build a good relationship with my payment processor? The best approach is to treat them like a partner. Be completely transparent about your business from the very beginning, and keep them informed about any significant changes, like a big marketing push or a new product launch. Use the fraud and chargeback tools they provide to show you’re actively managing your own risk. When your processor sees you as a responsible and communicative client, they are much more likely to support your growth and work with you to solve any challenges that arise.
