In the modern digital marketplace, the ability to accept online payments has shifted from a competitive advantage to an essential business function. Yet for businesses operating in high-risk industries, securing reliable payment processing can feel like climbing a mountain. Whether you run a CBD brand, a subscription box service, or a dating site, traditional financial institutions often label your business “high-risk,” leaving you with limited access to essential tools for growth.
The good news? You’re not alone—and there are excellent high-risk merchant services designed specifically for your unique challenges. In this 2025 guide, we explore the best high-risk merchant account providers, what features to look for, and how to choose a partner that will help you scale confidently.
If you’re just beginning your search for a merchant provider tailored to high-risk businesses, we recommend starting with this free matchmaking service by 100Services. They specialize in helping high-risk merchants get approved quickly—with zero upfront cost.
🔍 What Is a High-Risk Merchant Account?
This type of merchant account serves businesses that are more likely to face chargebacks, returns, or legal restrictions when processing payments. Banks and mainstream providers often decline these businesses due to perceived risk. Examples of high-risk industries include:
- Nutraceuticals & Supplements
- Adult Entertainment
- Fantasy Sports & Online Gaming
- Coaching & Subscription Models
- Document Preparation & Extended Warranty Services
The best high-risk payment solutions provide advanced fraud protection, multi-currency support, recurring billing options, and integrations with popular platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.
🚀 Key Features to Look for in 2025
As the fintech landscape evolves, so do the capabilities of high-risk merchant providers in 2025:
1. Fast, Transparent Onboarding:
You shouldn’t wait weeks to know if your business is approved. Leading providers offer clear approval timelines and easy applications.
2. Chargeback Mitigation Tools:
Chargebacks are one of the top concerns in high-risk spaces. Look for platforms offering tools like alerts, chargeback representment, and machine-learning fraud detection.
3. Multi-Platform Integrations:
Shopify continues to be one of the most used platforms for high-risk e-commerce. For example, 100Services also provides custom Shopify development services to help high-risk businesses build seamless, compliant storefronts.
4. Global & Multi-Currency Support:
Even if you primarily sell in the U.S., having access to international payment options increases your revenue potential.
5. Recurring & Subscription Billing Support:
If you offer continuity services or subscriptions, ensure your merchant account includes automated billing features with retry logic.
🏆 Top High-Risk Merchant Account Providers in 2025
Choosing the right provider is crucial for any business labeled “high-risk.” Below are our top picks for 2025, each offering unique strengths tailored to different industries and needs.
✅ 1. 100Services
Best for: A completely free partner-matching service tailored for high-risk payment processing, 100Services helps connect businesses with the most compatible providers known for fast approvals—even in complex industries. Beyond merchant accounts, the team also assists Shopify merchants by building custom features, optimizing store functionality, and integrating secure payment systems. Additionally, they offer guidance on business formation and registration, making them a one-stop solution for entrepreneurs launching or scaling high-risk ventures.
Why we recommend it:
100Services isn’t just a merchant account provider—it’s your high-risk payment concierge. They specialize in pairing your business with the best-fit provider based on your industry, processing volume, and platform. Whether you’re operating in CBD, coaching, dating, or subscriptions, they know which payment partners have the highest approval rates and best conditions. Their services are completely free of charge, as they’re compensated by payment processors—not you. If you want speed, transparency, and a tailored experience, start your journey with 100Services.
✅ 2. PayKings
Best for: Subscription and nutraceutical industries
Why we recommend it:
PayKings has built a reputation as a top-tier provider for businesses in industries prone to high chargebacks and regulatory scrutiny. If your model includes recurring billing or continuity offers (like supplements or membership boxes), PayKings offers robust tools like subscription management, fraud filters, and real-time analytics. They provide a secure, scalable gateway and also support integration with major platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce.
✅ 3. Instabill
Best for: International businesses needing offshore merchant accounts
Why we recommend it:
Instabill is a smart choice for businesses that operate globally or have complex legal/financial structures. They help merchants access offshore and international acquiring banks that may be more lenient toward certain high-risk industries. Their services are ideal for sectors like adult entertainment, online dating, or forex trading. Instabill also offers multi-currency support, international banking relationships, and personalized account management.
✅ 4. Soar Payments
Best for: U.S.-based service providers in coaching, consulting, or legal industries
Why we recommend it:
If you’re in a professional service field that traditional banks often reject, Soar Payments is worth a look. They’ve streamlined the application process and cater specifically to domestic high-risk merchants. Their platform supports recurring billing, CRM integration, ACH processing, and chargeback protection tools. They’re especially friendly to industries like coaching, credit repair, and debt consolidation.
✅ 5. Easy Pay Direct
Best for: High-volume eCommerce, coaching, digital downloads
Why we recommend it:
Easy Pay Direct offers one of the most flexible and tech-forward high-risk payment platforms on the market. Their proprietary EPD Gateway uses “load balancing” technology—automatically splitting your transactions between multiple merchant accounts to minimize risk and avoid shutdowns. This makes it ideal for high-volume operations or those with aggressive growth projections. Plus, they support dozens of high-risk verticals and offer U.S. and international options.
High-risk industries aren’t going away—in fact, many are growing rapidly in 2025. But while growth creates opportunity, it also means more scrutiny from banks and processors. Having the right merchant services partner can make or break your ability to accept payments, manage cash flow, and scale your operation.
Whether you’re just launching your fantasy sports app or scaling your e-learning platform, choosing a provider that understands high-risk commerce is crucial.
Explore your options, compare features, and—when in doubt—use a free service like 100Services to help you navigate the high-risk space with confidence.