Selecting the right credit card processing partner can feel like diving into a sea of options, especially if you’re a fresh-faced small business owner who’s only recently stumbled upon the term “merchant account.” The truth is, even the most seasoned business owners can find themselves lost in the fog of research when it comes to embracing credit card payments without feeling like they’re being taken for a ride.
Now, you may be wondering what’s high-risk, and why does it matter? Are high-risk merchant accounts a blessing or a burden? And how do you separate the cream from the crop when it comes to the best high risk payment processing provider? It may appear that all credit card processing companies are cut from the same cloth, but that’s simply not the truth. In reality, they come in different shapes and sizes, and their offerings are quite diverse. Some cater exclusively to the low-risk crowd, leaving high-risk businesses adrift in their search for support. While it’s tempting to chase the promise of lower rates, remember, the cheapest option isn’t always necessarily the most reliable.
Understanding High Risk Merchants
When venturing into the realm of credit card processing, securing approval for a high-risk merchant account can be a challenging feat, contingent upon the particular niche in which your business is present. The hurdles you face may stem from a history tainted by fraudulent activities, a subpar credit score, or an excessive barrage of chargebacks. However, the biggest determinant in designating your business in the high-risk realm, aside fraud, creditworthiness, and chargebacks, hinges on the nature of your company and the industry it inhabits.
Assuming you operate within an industry with stringent regulation, and that reputational risk plays a large part of this equation, your business could easily fall under high-risk status.
A large number of mainstream payment processors often lack the essential underwriting capabilities to greenlight high-risk merchant accounts. In such cases, you’d be wise to seek out a specialist like Pay.cc, a high risk payment processing provider that is dedicated to serving the unique needs of high-risk merchants. Various factors come under scrutiny when banks and payment processors evaluate a business for approval of a high-risk merchant account. Here are a few key considerations in this process:
Risk of Reputation
Certain industries bear reputational risks, which are often considered taboo or controversial. Businesses like firearms dealers and MLM agencies often deal with high-risk payment scenarios due to their reputations.
eCommerce Businesses
These enterprises operate in the realm of “card-not-present” transactions. They conduct a majority of their sales online, where credit and debit card payments are made without a physical sales representative verifying the customer’s identity. This makes them susceptible to fraudulent high-risk payments.
Industry Policies
Some businesses grapple with intense government policies and constant scrutiny. Notably, merchants involved in the sale of firearms and alcohol fall into this category, as their products are subject to stringent legal oversight.
Other Types of High Risk Merchants
High-ticket size chargebacks can be a massive problem certain companies, as they grapple with a higher-than-average occurrence of chargebacks. This predicament is especially prevalent in industries such as travel booking, consulting and SEO services, where chargebacks occur quite commonly. Another facet that raises the stakes for some businesses is their utilization of continuity or recurring billing models. In this scenario, consumers may sign up for a service and subsequently forget about the recurring charges or remain unaware of the ongoing billing cycle.
This phenomenon is quite common in businesses like shopping and subscription box services, membership clubs, services, and credit monitoring services, all of can greatly benefit from a reliable open banking gateway like Pay.cc.
Consider these Tips to Find the Right High Risk Merchant Account Provider
In your quest to find a trustworthy and dependable high-risk merchant processor, here are some thoughts and valuable tips to keep in mind:
Come Prepared with Questions
Arm yourself with a list of questions that you need answers to. This will help you identify the high-risk merchant solutions that align best with your specific business needs.
Choose Your Partners Wisely
Exercise prudence when selecting high risk payment processing partners. The wrong choice can jeopardize your business’s financial security and long-term success.
Don’t Settle Too Quickly
Avoid being drawn in by an easy choice – explore your options before making an informed choice.
Check for Integrated Payment Gateways
Ensure that the company you choose offers an integrated high-risk merchant account open banking payment gateway. Seamless integration can streamline your payment processes and enhance overall efficiency.
By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the intricate landscape of high-risk merchant processing and safeguard the financial well-being of your business.