5 Best High-Risk Merchant Account Providers

So, you are in the market for a High-risk Merchant account provider.

Ideal, because in this article we have our compilation list for our top picks, and we compare the features and pricing for you. 

If you just want the best choice, we’ve added that right at the top of the article as this was what is most requested by our customers and what we see the best feedback with. So, that’ll be the “can’t go wrong” option. 

Otherwise, feel free to explore all the options we’ve reviewed on the market to find something that might fit you a little better.

Enjoy the list!

The Best High-Risk Merchant Account Provider Specifically

The best high-risk merchant account provider should offer strong fraud prevention tools, fast and reliable payment processing, and PCI compliance for security. It should also support multiple currencies and high transaction volumes, provide easy integration with your platform, and have flexible pricing for high-risk industries. Ready to explore your options? Have a look at the products below!

1. Adyen Merchant Account

Adyen Merchant Account provides a seamless, all-in-one payment solution for businesses of all sizes. With global payment support, advanced fraud protection, and real-time insights, Adyen simplifies online, in-store, and mobile transactions. Scale your business effortlessly while delivering secure, fast, and flexible payment options to your customers worldwide.

Adyen Merchant Account Features

Adyen Merchant Account offers a comprehensive, end-to-end financial technology platform that integrates payment processing, data insights, and financial management. Designed for ambitious businesses of all sizes, Adyen provides the tools needed to grow and optimize payment operations globally. Here are some of the key features that make Adyen a leading choice for merchants:

1. Global Payment Acceptance  

Adyen allows businesses to accept payments through a variety of channels, including online, in-app, and in-person transactions. With local acquiring services, businesses can expand into new markets by offering region-specific payment methods. This flexibility ensures that customers can pay how and where they prefer, whether through credit cards, digital wallets, or alternative local payment methods.

2. Unified Commerce  

Adyen’s Unified Commerce feature bridges the gap between online and offline payments. It enables businesses to connect their in-store and online payment data into a single system, creating a seamless customer experience across channels. This integration is particularly useful for omnichannel retailers looking to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and offer a more personalized shopping journey. For instance, Australian retailer True Alliance saved over $1.4 million annually with Adyen’s Unified Commerce system.

3. Advanced Fraud Protection  

Managing fraud is a critical concern for businesses, and Adyen provides robust tools to mitigate this risk. Their machine learning-driven fraud detection system helps businesses identify fraudulent activity without interrupting legitimate transactions. Network tokens and 3-D Secure (3DS) authentication further enhance fraud prevention, boosting authorization rates and lowering transaction costs, as seen with Bolt’s improved results.

4. Data Insights and Machine Learning  

Adyen’s platform offers businesses millions of insights through its unique data ecosystem. These insights help merchants make smarter decisions about where to grow their business, how to optimize payment processes, and manage risks at scale. Coupled with Adyen’s machine learning technology, businesses can improve fraud protection, customer authentication, and approval rates, ensuring smoother payment experiences.

5. Finance and Operations Management  

Adyen goes beyond payment processing with features that allow businesses to take full control of their funds. Merchants can automate financial operations and optimize their cash flow using Adyen’s banking infrastructure. The platform also supports platforms and marketplaces looking to streamline payouts to users in preferred currencies. Businesses can even issue their own physical or virtual payment cards, enabling instant fund transfers and spending control.

6. Customized Solutions for Every Business Model  

Adyen recognizes that every business has unique needs and ambitions. They offer tailored solutions for digital businesses, omnichannel retailers, and platforms or marketplaces. By providing seamless payment experiences, scaling risk management, and offering actionable insights, Adyen supports the growth of businesses like SHEIN, Hello Fresh, and Booking.com.

In summary, Adyen Merchant Account is an all-in-one solution for businesses seeking global payment capabilities, fraud management, financial control, and data-driven growth opportunities. It’s designed to help businesses of all sizes realize their ambitions faster, with a platform that adapts to their specific needs.

Adyen Merchant Account Pricing

Adyen Merchant Account uses a transparent pricing model, charging a fixed processing fee of €0.11 per transaction, along with a variable fee based on the payment method used. For example, Mastercard and Visa transactions are charged at Interchange+ 0.60%, while American Express incurs a 3.95% fee. Local payment methods like iDeal (Netherlands) come with a fixed €0.22 fee, and ACH direct debit in the U.S. adds $0.27 per transaction.

The pricing for other methods varies based on the region and payment provider. For instance, Alipay transactions in the U.S. come with a 3% fee. Adyen’s transparent pricing model ensures businesses know exactly what they are paying, with additional services like fraud protection and financial management priced separately.

Adyen is ideal for the U.S.-based businesses looking for flexibility and a global reach, allowing them to accept a variety of payment methods and easily manage their payment operations.

2. Stripe Merchant Account 

Unlock the power of effortless online transactions with a Stripe Merchant Account. Designed to streamline payment processes, Stripe offers cutting-edge solutions for managing and optimizing transactions, making it a game-changer for businesses aiming for seamless, secure financial operations.

Stripe Merchant Account Features

Stripe offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to streamline payment processing for businesses of all sizes. Here’s an overview of what makes Stripe a powerful choice for managing transactions.

1. Global Payment Acceptance

Stripe supports over 100 payment methods, enabling businesses to accept payments from around the world. Whether it’s credit or debit cards, digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, or local payment options, Stripe ensures you can cater to a diverse customer base without the hassle of integrating multiple payment gateways.

2. Seamless Integration

One of Stripe’s standout features is its easy integration with various platforms. Businesses can use pre-built solutions like Checkout for a customizable payment page or Elements for more flexibility in designing payment forms. For developers, Stripe provides robust APIs and SDKs that simplify the process of embedding payment functionality directly into websites and applications.

3. Advanced Fraud Prevention

Security is paramount in payment processing, and Stripe excels with its built-in fraud prevention tools. Stripe Radar uses machine learning to detect and block fraudulent transactions, reducing the risk of chargebacks and ensuring that businesses and their customers are protected from fraud.

4. Comprehensive Revenue Management

Stripe’s suite extends beyond basic payment processing. It includes tools for billing, invoicing, and subscription management. Businesses can set up recurring billing for subscriptions, automate invoicing, and manage usage-based pricing seamlessly. Stripe’s Revenue Recognition feature also helps in automating accounting processes, ensuring that revenue is tracked and reported accurately.

5. Detailed Reporting and Analytics

With Stripe’s Sigma and Data Pipeline features, businesses gain access to advanced reporting and data analytics. Sigma allows for custom reporting, helping businesses analyze transaction data and generate insights tailored to their needs. The Data Pipeline feature facilitates the synchronization of data with external data warehouses, providing deeper business intelligence.

6. Embedded Finance Solutions

Stripe goes beyond payments with its embedded finance solutions. Stripe Connect allows platforms to handle payments for users or sellers, making it ideal for marketplaces. Financial Connections integrates financial data for enhanced insights, while Identity helps with online identity verification, adding an extra layer of security.

7. Flexible Payment Solutions

Stripe’s Terminal offers a seamless solution for in-person payments, integrating with physical point-of-sale systems. This flexibility ensures that businesses can manage both online and offline transactions through a single platform.

8. Scalability and Adaptability

Whether you’re a startup or a large enterprise, Stripe scales with your business. Its infrastructure supports businesses at any stage of growth, adapting to increasing transaction volumes and evolving business needs.

In summary, Stripe provides a powerful, all-in-one payment processing solution with features designed to simplify and secure transactions. Its global reach, integration capabilities, fraud prevention, and comprehensive financial tools make it an excellent choice for businesses seeking efficiency and reliability in their payment operations.

Stripe Merchant Account Pricing

Stripe's pricing for U.S. merchants is designed to be straightforward and cost-effective, with no setup or monthly fees. For card payments, Stripe charges a standard rate of 3.4% + $.50 per successful transaction.

This rate applies to most U.S.-issued credit and debit cards. For international cards, the fee increases to 3.9% + $0.50 per transaction, plus an additional 1% if currency conversion is involved.

When handling chargebacks, Stripe imposes a fee of $15 per dispute. However, this fee is refunded if the dispute is resolved in your favor. Stripe’s built-in fraud prevention tool, Radar, is included at no extra cost with standard accounts. For those requiring advanced fraud protection, Stripe offers additional tools through enterprise plans, which may incur extra charges.

PCI compliance is simplified with Stripe’s solutions. Businesses using Stripe Checkout or Elements do not face additional PCI compliance fees. Overall, Stripe’s transparent pricing ensures that businesses pay only for the transactions they process, making it a flexible and scalable option for merchants of all sizes.

3. Square Merchant Account

Elevate your business with Square Merchant Account—where simplicity meets power. Seamlessly handle payments, manage sales, and track business performance with an intuitive platform designed to grow with you. Discover how Square's innovative solutions can transform your payment experience and drive your success.

Square Merchant Account Features

Square stands out as a leading provider in the merchant services landscape, offering a robust suite of features designed to streamline payment processing and support diverse business needs. Here’s an in-depth look at what Square’s Merchant Account has to offer:

1. Unified Payment Processing: Square delivers an all-in-one solution for handling both in-person and online transactions. The system integrates seamlessly with various payment methods, including credit and debit cards, NFC-enabled mobile wallets, and contactless payments. This integration simplifies the payment experience, allowing businesses to manage transactions effortlessly across multiple platforms.

2. Versatile Point-of-Sale (POS) Solutions: Square provides a comprehensive POS system, featuring a range of hardware options such as register stands, card readers, and receipt printers. Coupled with its powerful software, the POS system offers advanced functionalities like sales tracking, inventory management, and customer insights. This unified approach helps businesses streamline operations and enhance efficiency.

3. No Long-Term Contracts: Unlike traditional merchant services providers, Square eliminates the need for long-term contracts or leasing agreements. This no-commitment approach allows businesses to avoid substantial fees and enjoy greater financial flexibility, making it easier to adapt and scale as needed.

4. Real-Time Transactions and Reporting: With Square, businesses benefit from real-time transaction processing and detailed sales reports. The system provides instant access to transaction data, enabling businesses to monitor sales trends, analyze performance, and make informed decisions quickly. This capability is crucial for maintaining up-to-date financial oversight.

5. Fast and Reliable Fund Transfers: Square ensures prompt access to funds, typically processing transfers within 1-2 business days. This efficiency supports smooth cash flow management, helping businesses cover expenses and manage operational costs without delay.

6. Comprehensive Customer Support: Square offers 24/7 customer support through various channels, including phone, email, and an extensive online Support Center. This round-the-clock support ensures that businesses can address any issues or concerns promptly, minimizing disruptions to their operations.

7. Security and Compliance: Square is committed to maintaining high security standards by adhering to PCI compliance regulations. This built-in security protects both businesses and their customers from potential fraud and data breaches, providing peace of mind for all parties involved.

8. Customizable Solutions: For businesses with specific needs, Square offers customizable features and integrations. Whether it's tailored reporting or specialized payment solutions, Square’s flexibility allows businesses to adapt the system to their unique requirements, enhancing overall functionality.

9. Additional Business Tools: Beyond payment processing, Square provides a range of supplementary tools designed to support business growth. These include marketing solutions, loyalty programs, and employee management features. These tools help businesses engage customers, promote their services, and manage their workforce effectively.

10. Integrated Banking Services: Square also offers integrated banking solutions, such as Square Checking and Square Loans. These services are designed to work in harmony with the payment processing system, providing businesses with streamlined financial management and access to working capital.

In summary, Square’s Merchant Account features are designed to offer a comprehensive, flexible, and user-friendly solution for businesses of all sizes. By integrating payment processing with powerful tools and services, Square helps businesses optimize their operations and drive growth.

Square Merchant Account Pricing

Square simplifies payment processing with transparent and straightforward pricing. The service operates on a pay-as-you-go model, which means businesses only pay when they process transactions, with no hidden fees or long-term commitments. For in-person transactions, Square charges a flat rate of 2.6% + 10 cents per transaction. Online transactions incur a fee of 2.9% + 30 cents per card payment, or 1% + a minimum of $1 per ACH bank transfer (invoices only). When manually keying in card details, the fee is 3.5% + 15 cents.

Square's pricing structure eliminates the need for additional fees such as authorization, batch, or PCI compliance fees, which are common with many traditional providers. This transparent pricing model allows businesses to easily predict costs and avoid unexpected charges. Furthermore, Square offers custom pricing for high-volume businesses processing over $250,000 annually, potentially providing more competitive rates tailored to specific needs.

Overall, Square’s pricing is designed to be simple and predictable, making it an attractive option for businesses looking for cost-effective and flexible payment solutions.

4. Wells Fargo Merchant Account

Boost your business with Wells Fargo Merchant Account, a powerful solution designed to simplify payment processing. Whether you’re online or in-store, accept credit cards, debit cards, and contactless payments with ease. Experience secure transactions, faster payments, and tailored support to help your business grow effortlessly.

Wells Fargo Merchant Account Features

Wells Fargo Merchant Services offers a robust set of features tailored to simplify payment processing for small businesses, whether online, in-store, or on the go. With a strong emphasis on flexibility and efficiency, Wells Fargo ensures that businesses can seamlessly accept a wide range of card payments, including credit cards, debit cards, and contactless payments.

Improved Cash Flow

One standout feature of Wells Fargo Merchant Services is the ability to improve cash flow. Businesses that use a Wells Fargo business deposit account can access funds from transactions as soon as the next business day. This quick access to capital helps business owners maintain a healthy cash flow, ensuring they have the financial resources to continue operations, invest in growth, or manage unexpected expenses.

Straightforward Pricing

Wells Fargo takes the complexity out of payment processing costs by offering straightforward pricing. Business owners can estimate their monthly processing fees, allowing them to better manage their finances and make informed decisions about their payment systems. This transparency in pricing helps businesses avoid unexpected charges and better predict their operational costs.

Custom Solutions

Wells Fargo also offers tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of different businesses. By answering a few quick questions, business owners can find a payment processing solution that aligns with their specific goals and requirements. This personalized approach ensures that businesses, regardless of size or industry, can find a system that fits their needs.

24/7 Customer Support

Wells Fargo provides around-the-clock support for its Merchant Services customers. With 24/7 customer service available, businesses can address any concerns or issues that arise, ensuring smooth operations. Non-customers can easily connect with a specialist to explore solutions and find the right Merchant Services package for their business.

Overall, Wells Fargo Merchant Services offers a comprehensive, reliable, and flexible platform for small businesses looking to enhance their payment processing capabilities, improve cash flow, and grow efficiently.

Wells Fargo Merchant Account Pricing

Wells Fargo Merchant Services offers transparent and straightforward pricing, helping businesses easily estimate their monthly payment processing costs. The pricing structure is designed to suit different business sizes and transaction volumes. By providing clear cost estimates, Wells Fargo ensures businesses can avoid unexpected fees and better manage their finances. Additionally, businesses using a Wells Fargo business deposit account can benefit from next-day access to funds, improving cash flow.

Specific pricing plans are tailored to individual business needs, ensuring that merchants receive a cost-effective solution that aligns with their operational requirements and growth goals.

5. Venmo Merchant Account

Boost your business with Venmo's Merchant Account, offering a seamless, fast, and secure way for customers to pay using their Venmo balance. Whether in-store or online, Venmo makes payments easy, increasing convenience and driving sales while connecting you to millions of active Venmo users.

Venmo Merchant Account Features

Venmo, a service of PayPal, offers businesses a seamless way to accept payments, providing an easy, familiar option for millions of customers. With Venmo, businesses can enhance the customer experience by offering multiple payment methods, both online and in person, making it one of the friendliest platforms for business transactions. Here’s a closer look at some key features that make Venmo a standout option for merchants:

1. Venmo Business Profiles

Venmo allows businesses to create dedicated profiles that customers can use for payments directly through the Venmo app. By offering Venmo as a payment option, businesses tap into a growing user base that prefers Venmo for its convenience, familiarity, and social aspects. Businesses can accept payments through cards, digital wallets, and the Venmo balance, ensuring a range of options for customers.

2. In-App and Online Payments

Venmo enables merchants to integrate payments within their apps or websites. By adding Venmo as a checkout option, businesses create a more streamlined and familiar purchasing experience for their customers. This is particularly valuable for mobile-driven purchases, where quick and easy transactions are key to retaining customers and reducing cart abandonment. Retailers like Abercrombie & Fitch have integrated Venmo into their mobile apps, offering customers a simple, fast payment process using their Venmo balance.

3. Social Visibility and Engagement

One of Venmo’s unique features is its social aspect. Every payment made on Venmo has the option to be shared socially, increasing visibility for businesses. Customers can split and share payments with friends, providing additional organic marketing opportunities for businesses. This social visibility helps brands build trust and recognition within Venmo's large, engaged community of users.

4. Ease of Use for Customers

Venmo’s platform is designed to prioritize user convenience. Customers can pay using their available Venmo balance or linked bank accounts, cards, or digital wallets. This flexibility leads to smoother transactions, making it easier for customers to complete purchases without hurdles. Companies like delivery.com have seen significant customer engagement by offering Venmo as a payment method, enabling users to split payments easily among friends.

5. Wide Adoption by Major Merchants

Venmo is already accepted by over 2 million merchants across various industries, including fashion, food delivery, and retail. High-profile partners like Poshmark and Hollister have reported positive results, noting Venmo’s ease of integration and its popularity among customers. These businesses value the speed, simplicity, and social reach that Venmo provides, helping them acquire and retain customers more effectively.

6. Security and Trust

Venmo, as part of PayPal, offers a high level of security and trust. Payments through Venmo are encrypted, and businesses benefit from PayPal's extensive security infrastructure. This gives both merchants and customers peace of mind when processing payments, ensuring data protection and secure transactions.

By offering these features, Venmo helps businesses drive sales, attract new customers, and enhance their overall payment experience. With its social engagement, ease of integration, and trusted reputation, Venmo is a powerful tool for merchants looking to grow their business and tap into a highly active customer base.

Venmo Merchant Account Pricing

Venmo offers businesses a simple and transparent pricing model. When accepting payments through a Venmo business profile, merchants are charged a transaction fee of 3.49% + $0.49 for every payment received. This fee applies to payments made using Venmo balances, bank accounts, or cards.

Venmo’s pricing is designed to be competitive and accessible for businesses of all sizes, ensuring that merchants can offer customers a familiar, trusted payment method without significant cost overheads. Additionally, there are no setup or monthly fees, making it easy for businesses to start accepting Venmo payments without a large upfront investment.

This straightforward pricing model allows businesses to optimize their payment process while offering a seamless experience to millions of Venmo users, ultimately helping to increase customer satisfaction and sales conversion rates.

Why use a Merchant Account at all?

A merchant account is essential for businesses looking to accept a wide range of payments, including credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets. It acts as a bridge between your customers' payments and your business’s bank, ensuring that transactions are processed securely and efficiently.

Without a merchant account, your business would miss out on the convenience and trust associated with online payments, limiting your ability to attract customers.

Additionally, merchant accounts offer vital security features, such as fraud detection and PCI compliance, which help protect sensitive customer data. They also provide useful tools like real-time reporting and transaction tracking, allowing you to manage finances more effectively and scale your business with ease.

Why do you need a Merchant Account for a High-Risk Business?

A merchant account is crucial for any business, but for high-risk industries, it becomes even more essential. High-risk businesses, such as online gambling, adult entertainment, travel agencies, and subscription services, face unique challenges when it comes to payment processing.

These industries are labeled “high-risk” due to factors like high chargeback rates, regulatory concerns, or fluctuating transaction volumes. A specialized merchant account for high-risk businesses is designed to address these challenges and ensure smooth, secure payment processing.

One of the primary reasons you need a high-risk merchant account is fraud prevention and chargeback management. High-risk businesses are more prone to fraud and chargebacks, which can severely impact revenue and lead to penalties from regular payment processors.

A high-risk merchant account provider understands these challenges and implements advanced security measures, such as fraud detection tools and chargeback mitigation strategies, to help protect your business from financial losses.

Additionally, flexibility and support for high transaction volumes are key benefits of a high-risk merchant account. Unlike traditional merchant accounts, high-risk accounts are tailored to handle large transaction volumes and higher risks associated with certain industries.

This ensures that your business can continue to process payments without interruptions, even during peak times or in volatile markets.

High-risk merchant accounts also provide access to multiple payment methods and currencies, which is critical for businesses operating internationally.

Whether your customers prefer credit cards, digital wallets, or alternative payment options, a high-risk merchant account ensures that you can cater to diverse customer preferences, expanding your market reach.

Furthermore, faster transaction approvals and specialized customer support are significant advantages of high-risk merchant accounts. These providers understand the complexities of your business and offer tailored solutions, ensuring that transactions are processed quickly and securely, minimizing downtime.

In conclusion, if you operate in a high-risk industry, a dedicated high-risk merchant account is essential for safeguarding your revenue, managing fraud, and ensuring smooth, continuous payment processing across different payment methods and markets.

Best High-Risk Merchant Account Provider, A Summary

Choosing the right high-risk merchant account provider is vital for businesses facing unique challenges in payment processing. A reliable provider offers robust fraud protection, flexible payment options, and excellent customer support to navigate the complexities of high-risk industries. 

Among the top contenders, Adyen Merchant Account stands out as an exceptional choice. Known for its comprehensive payment solutions, Adyen supports multiple payment methods and currencies, making it ideal for global businesses.

Its advanced risk management tools help mitigate fraud and chargebacks, ensuring secure transactions. With flexible pricing and dedicated support tailored for high-risk businesses, Adyen is a top choice for those seeking a dependable merchant account provider.