In the world of ecommerce, the term ‘high risk merchant’ is often thrown around. But what does it mean? And how does it relate to a high-risk payment gateway? In this blog post, we will delve into these concepts and shed light on their significance in online businesses.

Understanding High Risk Merchants

Before we delve into high-risk payment gateways, it’s essential to understand who high risk merchants are. Typically, a business is considered ‘high risk’ if it operates in an industry that has a higher likelihood of chargebacks or fraud. These industries often include adult entertainment, gambling, travel services, telemarketing, and e-cigarettes among others.

Being labeled as a high-risk merchant can have significant implications for your business. For instance, traditional banks and payment processors may be hesitant to work with you due to the potential financial risks involved. This is where a high-risk payment gateway comes into play.

What is a High-Risk Payment Gateway?

A high-risk payment gateway is essentially an e-commerce service that authorizes credit card payments for businesses deemed as ‘high risk’. It acts as the intermediary between a payment portal (like a website or mobile app) and the bank that issues the credit card.

A close up of a card reader


The primary role of this gateway is to securely transmit transaction data from the customer’s credit card to the issuing bank for approval and then back again. However, due to their clientele’s nature, high-risk gateways have additional security measures in place to prevent fraudulent transactions and mitigate chargeback risks.

Why Do You Need a High-Risk Payment Gateway?

If you’re running an online business classified as ‘high-risk’, you might find it challenging to secure reliable payment processing services. Traditional banks and standard payment processors often shy away from such businesses due to increased financial risks like chargebacks and frauds.

This is where high-risk payment gateways come in handy. They specialize in working with high-risk merchants and offer tailored solutions that cater specifically to their unique needs. They also provide robust security measures designed to protect sensitive customer information and minimize fraudulent transactions.

Moreover, these gateways can handle larger volumes of sales transactions compared to standard ones. They also offer multi-currency options which are crucial if your business has an international customer base.

Choosing The Right High-Risk Payment Gateway

Finding the right high-risk payment gateway can be daunting given the numerous options available today. However, there are certain factors you should consider when making your choice:

1. Security: Given that these gateways handle sensitive financial data, they should have robust security measures in place such as PCI-DSS compliance.
2. Scalability: The gateway should be able to handle your business’s growth without compromising its performance.
3. Multi-Currency Support: If your business caters to international customers, ensure that your chosen gateway supports multiple currencies.
4. Customer Support: Look for providers who offer 24/7 customer support services.
5. Pricing: Lastly, compare pricing structures of different providers before making your decision.

A close up of a card reader

Conclusion

If you’re considered a high-risk merchant, you still have options for processing payments for your online business. You just need a high-risk payment gateway made for businesses like yours. Remember, picking the right provider is important for smooth transactions and reducing risks. So, take your time when deciding.

Managing payments can be a daunting task, especially for high-risk businesses. That’s why United Banc Card of TN is here to offer you a reliable and secure payment gateway designed specifically with your needs in mind. Whether you operate an adult entertainment site, an online gambling platform, or a CBD business, we understand the unique challenges you face when it comes to processing payments.