High-Risk Merchant ProvidersQuestions to Ask When Choosing a Provider & Leading Service Providers
In a Nutshell
Do you know what to look for in a high-risk processor? What about the questions to ask before signing? In this chapter, I’ll provide a rundown on these questions, and also provide an overview of leading providers in the high-risk merchant processing space.
Top High-Risk Merchant Account Providers of the Year
So, you need help from one of these service providers. Where should you start your search, though?
Not to worry. We’ve already done the work of compiling some of our “best of the best” service providers for the high-risk space, along with the questions that you should ask of every candidate before you sign an agreement.
High-Risk Merchants
A high-risk merchant is a business that payment processors and acquiring banks consider more likely to generate chargebacks, fraud, or regulatory complications. This classification affects your ability to secure processing, the fees you’ll pay, and the contract terms you’ll face. But... it’s not necessarily a permanent stain. With the right strategies, many merchants can reduce their risk profile and improve their processing situation over time.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Provider
You should perform thorough due diligence before selecting a high-risk merchant account provider. This means asking tough questions surrounding the provider’s:
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Top High-Risk Merchant Account Providers of 2026
We referenced our own internal data and historical pricing information, as well as reviews and product listings from G2 and Forbes to compile our “Best High-Risk Processors” list. Entries are listed in alphabetical order:
Bankful
Bankful offers high-risk merchants fast approvals and instant access to processing, backed by industry-leading chargeback management tools like real-time alerts, Visa RDR, and streamlined representment. With advanced tech and seamless integrations, Bankful is a tech-forward, high-risk payment processor.
Partial List of Verticals & Product Focus:
Adult entertainment, CBD products, cryptocurrencies, cannabis products, gambling, travel, pawn shops, smoking accessories, subscription billing, BNPL
Bankful Pricing:
Bankful offers flexible monthly plans designed to fit businesses of all sizes and risk levels:
- Basic: $0/month. Includes credit card processing & chargeback management%
- Plus: $25/month. Adds digital wallets, eCheck, fraud protection, email/SMS invoicing, QuickBooks, chargeback management
- Premium: $95/month. Includes everything above, plus crypto, subscriptions, customer assistance fee, and chargeback management
- API Concierge: $495/month. Includes above, and adds in a dedicated Slack channel with 24-hour turnaround, one hour of Google meetings per week, and API access.
Credit card processing fees are competitive and vary depending on the business type and risk profile.
Pros:
- Wide range of integrations
- Excellent customer service
- Transparent pricing
Cons:
- Monthly fees in higher service tiers
- Limited subscription management features
- Only works for merchants based in US
Durango Merchant Services
Durango Merchant Services is highly regarded for its exceptional customer support. They specialize in finding accounts for merchants with poor credit or excessive chargebacks. Durango supports transactions in various currencies, including crypto. The company also offers fraud protection and gateway integration.
Partial List of Verticals & Product Focus:
International, offshore, credit repair, bad credit, vaping & supplies, fantasy sports, nutraceuticals, MLM, membership/subscription, travel, dating
Durango Merchant Services Pricing:
While Durango does not advertise its pricing, custom quotes show that the monthly fee starts at $10 and access to the payment gateway can cost an additional $10–$15 per month.
Pros:
- Serves high-risk companies globally
- Offers fraud protection services
- Supports processing for cryptocurrency transactions
- High customer reviews
Cons:
- Fee details only available by quote
- Monthly fees and minimums
- Doesn’t support all high-risk businesses
Easy Pay Direct
Easy Pay Direct offers an exclusive payment gateway designed to be user-friendly. The company’s unified solution handles high-volume transactions and multiple merchant accounts through a single payment gateway. They also offer unlimited transactions for high-value purchases and have high customer feedback.
Partial List of Verticals & Product Focus:
Information products, supplements, CBD, SaaS, general eCommerce, MLM, adult industry, nutraceuticals, alcohol, firearms & ammunition, high-ticket
Easy Pay Direct Pricing:
There are no specific fees available, but historically there has been a one-time $99 setup fee, and monthly account fees starting at $24.95/month.
Pros:
- Transparent pricing
- Free virtual terminal
- Extensive third-party integrations
Cons:
- US & Canada only
Fasto Payments
Fasto Payments provides an "all-in-one" solution for high-risk merchants. They connect customers with over 100 different card processors, offering chargebacks alerts, cryptocurrency processing, and more than 20 alternative and local payment methods. They also provide live 24/7 support for customers.
Partial List of Verticals & Product Focus:
Adult entertainment, CBD products, cryptocurrencies, dating, financial services, gambling, gaming, hospitality, travel.
Fasto Payments Pricing:
Fasto has no online pricing information.
Pros:
- “All in one” services
- 24/7 customer support
- Chargeback alerts
Cons:
- Website does not disclose pricing
- Website does not disclose pricing
Inovio
Inovio emphasizes the flexibility and seamless integration of their platform, which works with multiple payment technologies. Their platform combines essential features with extensible data and clean interface to make the gateway experience frictionless.The platform also includes adaptable APIs.
Partial List of Verticals & Product Focus:
Adult, bail bonds, coaching, collections, dating, eBooks, fantasy sports, firearms & ammunition, gaming, nutraceuticals, telemedicine, travel.
Inovio Pricing:
For the most part, Inovio does not publish rates on their website. They do mention a separate fee schedule that is available once terms have been negotiated. This suggests a tiered or tailored pricing model.
Pros:
- Quick setup
- Dedicated relationship manager
- Ability to keep cards on file
Cons:
- Fees aren’t listed online
- Early termination fee
- Limited integrations
Instabill
Instabill specializes in international high-risk accounts which can be set up to accept over 150 major currencies. Other services include EMV card readers and swipers, mobile payments, and ACH processing, plus eCommerce solutions including virtual terminals and payment gateways.
Partial List of Verticals & Product Focus:
Adult, bail bonds, dating, CBD/hemp, gaming, gambling, financial consulting, vaping/eCigarettes, nutraceuticals, telemedicine, travel.
Instabill Pricing:
Instabill offers a Merchant Account Fees page explaining why it can’t give you a firm quote without more information. Instabill does not require a fixed contract length.
Pros:
- Fast application process
- Highly rated tech support
- Fraud prevention tools
Cons:
- Costs may be higher than other providers
- Typically requires a rolling reserve
- Higher termination fees and fees for withheld funds
PaymentCloud
PaymentCloud is another high-risk processor known for exceptional customer service, with direct involvement and guidance both during and after onboarding. The company can process payments via credit card, ACH, eCheck, or cryptocurrency, as well as a range of transaction modes.
Partial List of Verticals & Product Focus:
CBD oil, firearms & ammunition, adult entertainment, credit repair, bad credit, vape/eCigarettes, airlines, tax preparation.
PaymentCloud Pricing:
PaymentCloud doesn't offer a uniform fee structure like many providers catering to high-risk merchants. You’re likely to have a monthly minimum processing charge of around $25, but minimal other fees compared to some other providers.
Pros:
- Dedicated account manager
- Same-day setup
- No cost-credit card processing
Cons:
- Fees aren’t listed online
- Monthly volume limit
- Not for Ultra High Risk
PayKings
PayKings offer affordable merchant services, online credit card payment processing, and multiple other services to help merchants get sustainable payment processing in high risk industries. All offerings can be seamlessly integrated with the merchant’s existing platform.
Partial List of Verticals & Product Focus:
Adult entertainment, CBD, credit repair, firearms, hemp, nutraceuticals, travel, vape/eCigarette, pawn shops, collectables, dating.
PayKings Pricing:
PayKings provides customized pricing for each merchant individually. The company advertises rates “as low as 2.49%,” which usually implies tiered pricing. Amounts will vary depending on volume and vertical.
Pros:
- No setup or application fees
- Multiple currency options
- Some chargeback protection offered
Cons:
- No clear prices on website
- Early termination fee
- Some complaints of slow response
Payline
Payline believes in transparency. They were the first company to display merchant processing fees directly on their website. The company’s omnichannel solutions provide options for businesses across all industries and sizes, tailored to fit individual needs.
Partial List of Verticals & Product Focus:
Businesses with long delivery times, credit & debt relief, medical marijuana, retail cannabis, tobacco/vape, travel.
Payline Pricing:
Payline uses an “interchange plus pricing” plan due to its transparency. Customers can take advantage of the wholesale rates set forth by the card brands. Payline then adds a small service fee.
Pros:
- Competitive, transparent pricing
- No cancelation fee
- Dedicated account managers
Cons:
- Occasional complaints of unexpected fees
- Monthly fees
- Need separate plans for in-person vs. online processing
Soar Payments
Soar Payments specializes in payment solutions for hard to place merchants, especially those labeled “high risk.” The company offers merchant accounts, ACH, payment gateway, and related payment technology, along with competitive pricing, a straightforward application procedure, and outstanding customer service.
Partial List of Verticals & Product Focus:
Antiques & collectibles, CBD products, subscription/recurring payments, credit repair, fantasy sports, firearms, travel, MLM, nutraceuticals, SaaS
Soar Payments Pricing:
Soar keeps their customer fees private, but provides instant online quotes, with no offline paperwork. Online quotes are based on “industry minimum” pricing that eliminates haggling.
Pros:
- Instant online quotes
- Robust customer support based in the U.S
- Responsive customer service
Cons:
- Not global
- Does not work in certain verticals
SecureGlobalPay
SecureGlobalPay offers full-service payment processing for both retail and high-risk industries. The company is well-known for assisting businesses that have been previously terminated, rejected, or labeled as “hard-to-place.” They provide both high-risk merchant accounts and a powerful payment gateway with advanced fraud protection and integrations for chargeback management.
Partial List of Verticals & Product Focus:
Firearms & ammunition, adult entertainment, travel, high-ticket and high-volume merchant accounts, credit repair, debt collection, nutraceuticals, domestic and offshore merchant accounts
SecureGlobalPay Pricing:
SecureGlobalPay does not publish its exact fee structure online. There are no setup or cancellation fees. Most of their merchants opt for an Interchange Plus Pricing model. The processing rates can be negotiated based on your processing volume, business type, and risk classification.
Pros:
- No setup or application fees
- Straightforward online application
- Zero-fee processing programs available
- Dedicated account manager
Cons:
- Fees are not listed on the website
- Does not work with the Asian market
