Finding a reliable high risk merchant account is critical for businesses that face stricter underwriting, higher fees, or frequent account declines. High risk classification can stem from industry type, business model, chargeback history, or regulatory requirements. To help you identify the best fit, we evaluated leading high risk merchant account providers based on pricing, features, reliability, and approval flexibility.
PaymentCloud is my top pick for best high-risk merchant account provider because it combines flexible underwriting, dedicated account support, broad gateway compatibility, and case-by-case consideration for MATCH-listed merchants.
For businesses with more specific needs, I recommend Durango Merchant Services for hard-to-place and international accounts, Easy Pay Direct for SaaS and subscription businesses, and PayKings for merchants dealing with high or rising chargeback rates.
Best high-risk merchant account providers at a glance
| Best for | Monthly fee starts at | |
| PaymentCloud | Best overall high-risk merchant account provider | From $10 |
| Host Merchant Services | Moderate-risk businesses that want transparent pricing | Custom/ quote-based |
| Easy Pay Direct | High-risk SaaS and subscription businesses | $36 |
| Durango Merchant Services | Hard-to-place and international merchants | $30 |
| SoarPay | Fast-growing online businesses | Custom |
| PayKings | Merchants with high chargeback risk | $25-$75 |
| Flowhub Pay | Cannabis businesses needing compliant non-card payments | $0 |
| Payline Data | Merchants transitioning out of high-risk status | Custom |
Best high risk merchant accounts compared
| Works with MATCH List* | High Risk Account Approval Rate | Approval Processing Time | Our Rating (Out of 5) | |
| PaymentCloud | Yes | ~98% | ~48 hours | 4.59 |
| Host Merchant Services | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | 24-48 hours | 4.52 |
| Easy Pay Direct | Yes (via partners) | Not disclosed | 24-48 hours | 4.44 |
| Durango Merchant Services | Yes | Not disclosed | 4-6 business days | 4.35 |
| SoarPay | No | Not disclosed | Pre-approval within 24 hrs; full approval 3-5 business days | 4.25 |
| PayKings | Yes | ~99% | 24- to 48-hour setup | 4.23 |
| Flowhub Pay | No | Not disclosed | 1 business day | 4.19 |
| Payline Data | No | Not disclosed | 1-3 business days | 4.13 |
*The Member Alert to Control high risk Merchants (MATCH) list is a register of all merchants that have had their accounts terminated in the past. Previously known as terminated merchant file (TMF) list, it includes businesses that were found to be in violation of their merchant services agreement — for example, having high chargeback ratio and non-compliance. Businesses remain on the MATCH list for a period of five to seven years.
PaymentCloud: Best overall high risk merchant account provider
Overall Score
4.59/5
Pricing
4.69/5
Features
4.64/5
Support & Reliability
4.50/5
User Experience
4.50/5
Average User Review Scores
4.70/5
Pros
- Customizable fee structure
- Payment gateway–agnostic
- Supports surcharge-based “zero-cost” credit card processing*
- Works with MATCH list businesses
- Dedicated account managers
Cons
- Monthly account fees apply
- No guaranteed same-day funding
PaymentCloud pricing and deciding factors
| Best for | Overall high-risk merchant account with flexible underwriting |
| Monthly fee | $10-$45 |
| Processing rate | 2.7%-4.3% for high-risk transactions |
| Approval time | About 48 hours |
| Rolling reserve* | 0%-10%, depending on underwriting |
| Contract | Custom terms; early termination fee waived |
| MATCH support | Yes, case by case |
| International processing | Not clearly disclosed |
| Payment gateways | Gateway agnostic; works with most major gateways |
| Chargeback fee | $25 |
| Virtual terminal fee | $15-$45 |
| Key features | • Flexible, risk-based underwriting • Dedicated account managers • MATCH-list support • Gateway-agnostic setup • Ecommerce and POS integrations • Recurring and subscription payment support • Eligible surcharge programs |
*A rolling reserve is a common requirement for high risk merchant accounts. It withholds a percentage of processed funds for a set period to offset chargeback and fraud risk. Reserve terms vary by acquiring bank and are periodically reviewed.
PaymentCloud is my top pick because its hands-on underwriting and flexible account setup make it a strong fit for merchants that may struggle to get approved elsewhere. It supports a broad range of high-risk and regulated businesses, including ecommerce and subscription models, and considers MATCH-listed merchants on a case-by-case basis.
Unlike providers that rely on a fixed pricing or gateway setup, PaymentCloud structures accounts around each merchant’s risk profile, processing history, and business needs. It supports multiple pricing models and works with major payment gateways and POS systems such as Clover, allowing many merchants to keep their existing payment setup. Its combination of flexible underwriting, dedicated account support, and gateway compatibility is what puts it at the top of my list.
Choose PaymentCloud if you’ve been declined by another processor, operate in a high-risk or regulated industry, want help getting through underwriting, need to keep your existing gateway or ecommerce setup, or have a MATCH history that requires case-by-case review.
Consider another provider if international or cross-border processing is your main requirement. Durango supports multi-currency processing in more than 200 countries.
PaymentCloud user sentiment is largely positive, with many reviewers praising the company’s staff, guided onboarding, clear communication, and help getting businesses approved. Some negative reviews mention concerns around partner processors, fund holds, account reviews, or transparency after approval.
Related:
- Best healthcare payment processing solutions
- Learn why PaymentCloud is among my top alternatives for Stripe
Host Merchant Services: Best for transparent pricing and polished user experience
Overall Score
4.52/5
Pricing
4.69/5
Features
4.46/5
Support & Reliability
4.50/5
User Experience
4.50/5
Average User Review Scores
4.30/5
Pros
- Transparent, interchange-plus pricing
- No long-term contracts or early termination fees
- Strong fraud prevention tools, including 3D Secure support
- Wide range of POS and ecommerce integrations
Cons
- Not designed for hard-to-place or MATCH-listed merchants
- Limited support for highly regulated or restricted industries
Host Merchant Services pricing and deciding factors
| Best for | Moderate-risk businesses that want transparent pricing and flexible contracts |
| Monthly fee | Around $14.99; may vary or be waived depending on volume and pricing structure |
| Processing rate | • Retail (card-present): ~Interchange + 0.20%-0.25% + ~$0.09-$0.10 per transaction • Ecommerce: ~Interchange + ~0.35% + ~$0.10 per transaction • Gateway fee: Optional (often ~$5/month) depending on gateway choice |
| Approval time | 24-48 hours |
| Rolling reserve | Not disclosed |
| Contract | Month-to-month; no early termination fee |
| MATCH support | No |
| Payment gateways | Supports a wide range of gateways and ecommerce integrations |
| Fraud tools | AVS, CVV, velocity rules, and 3D Secure |
| Funding | Next-day funding available for eligible accounts |
| Key features | • Interchange-plus pricing • No long-term contracts • Ecommerce and POS integrations • 3D Secure and fraud controls • Highly rated customer support |
Host Merchant Services uses interchange-plus pricing rather than a fixed processing rate, with costs based on factors such as transaction volume, card mix, and sales channel. Its standard monthly fee is often around $14.99, while eligible merchants can get month-to-month contracts without an early termination fee.
Host Merchant Services earns its spot for its transparent pricing, flexible contracts, and polished user experience, which are uncommon among providers that support higher-risk business models. It offers interchange-plus pricing with no long-term contracts or early termination fees, making it a strong choice for businesses that want predictable costs without being locked in.
HMS supports many edge high risk industries, including ecommerce, subscriptions, nutraceuticals, and federally compliant CBD, and pairs this with modern fraud tools like 3D Secure and responsive customer support. While it’s not designed for hard-to-place or MATCH-listed merchants, Host Merchant Services is an excellent fit for growing businesses with manageable risk profiles that prioritize clarity, usability, and support.
Choose Host Merchant Services if your business has a manageable high-risk profile and you want clearer pricing, flexible contracts, strong ecommerce or POS integrations, and built-in fraud controls. It is particularly suited to professional services, growing ecommerce businesses, B2B merchants, subscription businesses, nutraceuticals, and federally compliant CBD businesses.
Consider another provider if you’ve been repeatedly declined, operate in a heavily restricted industry, or are on the MATCH list. Host Merchant Services is not positioned for hard-to-place or MATCH-listed merchants, so PaymentCloud or Durango would be stronger options for those situations.
Host Merchant Services has strongly positive user sentiment. Reviewers frequently mention responsive support, smooth setup, helpful account reps, and improved payment workflows for small businesses and nonprofits.
Easy Pay Direct: Best for high risk SaaS and subscription-based businesses
Overall Score
4.44/5
Pricing
3.44/5
Features
5/5
Support & Reliability
4.75/5
User Experience
4.25/5
Average User Review Scores
3.80/5
Pros
- Built specifically for high risk and subscription-based businesses
- Advanced payment routing and redundancy options
- Supports MATCH-listed merchants on a case-by-case basis
- Strong recurring billing and subscription management tools
- Gateway-agnostic with broad integrations
Cons
- Higher upfront and ongoing costs than most traditional processors
- Not ideal for small or low-volume merchants
- Pricing is less transparent than interchange-plus providers
Easy Pay Direct pricing and deciding factors
| Best for | High-risk SaaS, subscription, digital product, and continuity businesses |
| Monthly fee | About $36 for the online gateway |
| Setup fee | About $99 for the online gateway |
| Processing rate | Varies by processor and risk profile |
| Approval time | 24-48 hours |
| Rolling reserve | May apply, depending on underwriting |
| Contract | Varies by acquiring bank |
| MATCH support | Yes, case by case |
| Payment gateways | Gateway-agnostic with broad ecommerce, CRM, and billing integrations |
| Routing | Supports transactions across multiple processors, acquiring banks, and merchant IDs |
| Key features | • Advanced payment routing and redundancy • Recurring billing and retry management • Subscription lifecycle tools • Multiple acquiring relationships • Broad gateway and software integrations • Support for previously declined and MATCH-listed merchants |
Easy Pay Direct publishes standard gateway pricing, but total processing costs depend on the merchant’s risk level, volume, and acquiring bank placement. Its online gateway costs about $99 to set up and $36 per month, while transaction rates, reserve requirements, and contract terms are set through underwriting.
Easy Pay Direct is a strong fit for high-risk SaaS, digital product, coaching, and subscription businesses because it focuses on keeping payments running as these companies grow. Its routing and redundancy tools can spread transactions across multiple acquiring banks and merchant IDs, helping reduce declines, limit downtime, and lower the risk of a single processor disruption.
It also works with previously declined and MATCH-listed merchants on a case-by-case basis. Easy Pay Direct is not the lowest-cost option, but its recurring billing tools, gateway flexibility, and multi-bank setup make it a better choice for businesses that value payment continuity and account stability over the lowest possible fees.
Choose Easy Pay Direct if you run a SaaS, subscription, digital product, coaching, or other recurring-revenue business and need stronger payment continuity than a basic processor provides. Its routing technology can distribute transactions across multiple processors and acquiring banks, while recurring billing tools help manage retries, declines, and subscription lifecycles.
Consider another provider if you’re a small or low-volume merchant primarily looking for the lowest processing costs or simple, transparent pricing. Easy Pay Direct has higher upfront and ongoing costs than many traditional processors, and its final rates are less predictable because they depend on processor placement and underwriting.
Easy Pay Direct has mixed user sentiment. Positive reviews often mention helpful support and strong tools for online or high risk payment processing, while negative reviews raise concerns about account closures, fund holds, approval friction, subscription payment issues, and unclear fees.
Durango Merchant Services: Best for businesses in hard-to-place industries
Overall Score
4.35/5
Pricing
4.38/5
Features
4.29/5
Support & Reliability
4.50/5
User Experience
4.25/5
Average User Review Scores
4/5
Pros
- Specializes in hard-to-place and previously declined merchants
- Works with MATCH-listed businesses
- Strong domestic and international banking relationships
- Supports omnichannel and cross-border payments
- Dedicated high risk account managers
Cons
- Slower approval timeline than some competitors
- Does not support marijuana-related businesses
- No guaranteed same-day funding
Durango Merchant Services pricing and deciding factors
| Best for | Hard-to-place and international high-risk merchants |
| Monthly fee | $30 |
| Processing rate | Ecommerce/MOTO: interchange + 0.25% markup |
| Approval time | 4-6 business days |
| Rolling reserve | 0%-10% |
| Contract | Month-to-month; $0 early termination fee |
| MATCH support | Yes, case by case |
| International processing | Supports 26 currencies across 200+ countries |
| Payment gateway fee | 10 cents per transaction |
| Chargeback fee | $25 |
| Key features | • Domestic and international banking relationships • Cross-border and multicurrency processing (26 international currencies across more than 200 countries) • Recurring billing and subscription tools • Fraud filters and manual transaction review • Authorize.Net emulator • Dedicated high-risk account managers |
Durango uses custom, risk-based pricing, so final costs vary by industry, transaction volume, and bank placement.
Durango Merchant Services is a strong choice for hard-to-place and previously declined high-risk merchants. Its network of US and international banking partners gives it more flexibility with businesses in heavily scrutinized industries, including merchants that need cross-border processing or have been turned down elsewhere.
It also works with MATCH-listed merchants on a case-by-case basis and supports 26 currencies across more than 200 countries. Approval can take longer and require more documentation, but Durango stands out for merchants that need flexible underwriting and international payment support.
Choose Durango Merchant Services if you operate in a hard-to-place industry, have been declined by traditional processors, need international or multi-currency processing, or have a MATCH history that requires case-by-case underwriting.
Durango is especially suited to businesses such as adult content, travel, auction houses, forex services, and international ecommerce, with support for 26 currencies across more than 200 countries.
Consider another provider if: your business has a moderate risk profile and your priorities are lower costs and straightforward pricing. Host Merchant Services may be a better fit, while PaymentCloud is my preferred option for merchants that want more hands-on underwriting support.
Durango Merchant Services has mixed sentiment, though many positive reviews emphasize its ability to help businesses that were declined elsewhere. Users often mention strong communication, repeat account approvals, and help dealing with banks.
SoarPay: Best mid-market high risk specialist
Overall Score
4.25/5
Pricing
4.06/5
Features
4.29/5
Support & Reliability
4.5/5
User Experience
4.5/5
Average User Review Scores
4/5
Pros
- Specializes in high risk merchant accounts
- Supports a wide range of regulated and higher-risk industries
- Dedicated account managers and consultative onboarding
- Omnichannel payment support (online, in-person, MOTO)
- Flexible, risk-based underwriting
Cons
- Does not work with MATCH-listed merchants
- Pricing is not publicly disclosed
- Approval times can be longer for higher-risk profiles
SoarPay pricing and deciding factors
| Best for | Mid-market high-risk businesses that need flexible underwriting |
| Monthly fee | Custom |
| Processing rate | Custom, risk-based |
| Approval time | Preapproval within 24 hours; full approval in 3-5 business days |
| Rolling reserve | May apply, depending on risk profile |
| Contract | Varies by acquiring bank |
| MATCH support | No |
| Chargeback fee | Varies |
| Payment channels | Online, in-person, and MOTO payments |
| Account support | Dedicated account managers |
| Key features | • Support for many high-risk industries • Risk-based underwriting • Dedicated onboarding support • Online, in-person, and MOTO processing • Standard fraud and risk-management tools |
SoarPay is a well-established high risk merchant account provider designed for growing businesses that need more underwriting flexibility than traditional processors but don’t require hard-to-place or offshore solutions. It supports many higher-risk industries, including CBD, nutraceuticals, firearms-related businesses, travel, and subscription-based ecommerce.
What makes SoarPay stand out is its balanced approach to risk and usability. Merchants receive dedicated account managers and customized account setups, while still benefiting from modern payment tools and omnichannel support. While Soar does not work with MATCH-listed merchants, it is a strong option for mid-market businesses with elevated risk that are still operationally compliant and scaling.
Choose SoarPay if you run a growing high-risk business that needs more underwriting flexibility than a standard processor but does not require MATCH-list support. It works with a range of higher-risk industries and supports online, in-person, and mail or telephone payments, making it a good fit for merchants that sell across several channels. Dedicated account managers also assist with underwriting, documentation, and setup.
Consider another provider if you’re on the MATCH list or want published rates before applying. SoarPay does not work with MATCH-listed merchants, and its pricing is quote-based. PaymentCloud or Durango would be better starting points for MATCH-listed businesses.
SoarPay has mixed but generally positive sentiment. Positive reviews mention helpful service, strong communication, and support for niche or higher-risk businesses. Negative sentiment is more concentrated, so merchants should ask clear questions about pricing, approval requirements, and account expectations upfront.
PayKings: Best for businesses with growing chargeback claims
Overall Score
4.23/5
Pricing
3.13/5
Features
4.46/5
Support & Reliability
4.75/5
User Experience
4.25/5
Average User Review Scores
4/5
Pros
- Works with MATCH-listed merchants (case-by-case)
- Strong chargeback monitoring and mitigation tools
- Supports online and in-person payments
- Customizable fraud and risk controls
- Dedicated account managers
Cons
- Monthly and setup fees apply
- Approval process can take several business days
- Limited international payment support
PayKings pricing and deciding factors
| Best for | High-risk businesses with high or rising chargeback ratios |
| Monthly fee | $25-$75 |
| Processing rate | 2.9%-4.5% |
| Setup fee | $100-$300 |
| Approval time | About 24-48 hours for setup |
| Rolling reserve | May apply, depending on risk profile |
| Contract | Early termination fee not disclosed |
| MATCH support | Yes, case by case |
| International processing | Limited |
| Payment channels | Ecommerce, virtual terminal, and mobile/in-person payments |
| Key features | • Automated chargeback alerts • Built-in dispute response tools • Refund and cancellation management • Customizable fraud and risk controls • Dedicated account managers • Online application process |
PayKings uses custom, risk-based pricing, so final fees depend on the merchant profile and underwriting outcome.
PayKings stands out for merchants dealing with elevated or rising chargeback ratios. Its chargeback alerts, dispute response tools, refund and cancellation management, and configurable fraud controls are built to help businesses reduce disputes before they threaten account stability or lead to MATCH-list placement.
It also works with MATCH-listed merchants on a case-by-case basis and provides dedicated account managers familiar with high-risk industries. PayKings is not the cheapest option, but it is a strong fit for businesses that need structured chargeback management and hands-on support rather than basic payment processing.
Choose PayKings if chargebacks are one of the main reasons your business is considered high risk. Its automated alerts, dispute tools, refund management, and configurable fraud controls are aimed at helping merchants reduce disputes and stabilize accounts before chargeback levels lead to account termination or MATCH-list placement. PayKings also considers MATCH-listed merchants on a case-by-case basis.
Consider another provider if international processing is a major requirement or your priority is keeping monthly and setup costs low. PayKings has limited international support and carries both monthly and upfront fees.
PayKings has very positive user sentiment. Reviewers frequently praise its staff for being helpful, knowledgeable, and efficient, especially during setup and approval.
Flowhub Pay: Best for cannabis payment processing
Overall Score
4.19/5
Pricing
4.06/5
Features
3.39/5
Support & Reliability
5/5
User Experience
4.75/5
Average User Review Scores
3/5
Pros
- Designed specifically for licensed cannabis businesses
- Compliant alternative to credit card processing
- Fast setup once documentation is approved
- Integrates with Flowhub POS and select cannabis POS systems
- Strong support and industry expertise
Cons
- Does not support credit card payments
- Customer convenience fees apply per transaction
- Requires one-time hardware and setup costs
Flowhub Pay pricing and deciding factors
| Best for | Licensed cannabis retailers that need a compliant alternative to credit card processing |
| Monthly fee | $0 |
| Transaction fee | $0 |
| Customer convenience fee | Charged per transaction |
| Setup fee | One-time; not publicly disclosed |
| Hardware fee | One-time; varies by terminal |
| Approval time | About 1 business day |
| Early termination fee | $0 |
| MATCH support | No |
| Payment methods | ACH and debit-based payments |
| POS support | Flowhub POS, standalone terminal, and select cannabis POS systems |
| Key features | • Cannabis-specific payment processing • ACH and debit-based payments • POS-integrated or standalone setup • Optional ID verification and compliance tools • Access to cannabis-friendly banking partners |
Flowhub Pay does not use a traditional credit card processing model. Instead, it supports ACH and debit-based payments, with no monthly or transaction fee charged directly by Flowhub Pay. Merchants may still pay a one-time hardware and setup cost, while customers are charged a convenience fee per transaction.
Flowhub Pay is built specifically for licensed cannabis retailers that cannot rely on traditional credit card processing. It supports ACH and debit-based transactions that align with cannabis banking requirements, giving dispensaries a payment option designed around the restrictions of the industry.
It also integrates with Flowhub POS, can run as a standalone terminal, and can work alongside select cannabis POS systems. Flowhub Pay is less flexible than a general high-risk processor, but its cannabis-specific setup, compliance focus, and access to cannabis-friendly banking partners make it a strong option for licensed retailers.
Choose Flowhub Pay if you operate a licensed cannabis dispensary and need a payment option built specifically around cannabis banking restrictions. It works within Flowhub POS, can run as a standalone terminal, and can also work alongside select cannabis POS platforms. Flowhub can also help merchants connect with cannabis-friendly banking partners.
Consider another provider if you need conventional credit card acceptance or operate outside the cannabis industry. Flowhub Pay does not process credit cards, so it is better viewed as an industry-specific alternative payment solution than a traditional high-risk merchant account.
Flowhub’s available Capterra review sample is very limited, so I would not weigh it heavily. The available review points to concerns about customer support and unresolved reporting questions, while the product profile shows features relevant to cannabis retail, including POS, inventory, reporting, and multi-location tools.
Payline Data: Best for merchants transitioning out of high risk
Overall Score
4.13/5
Pricing
4.38/5
Features
4.29/5
Support & Reliability
3.75/5
User Experience
4/5
Average User Review Scores
4.87/5
Pros
- Transparent interchange-plus pricing
- No long-term contracts
- Strong reporting and analytics tools
- Supports ecommerce and B2B payments
- Reputable, well-established provider
Cons
- Not a hard-to-place or MATCH-list specialist
- Limited tolerance for ongoing high chargeback ratios
- Fewer advanced risk-routing tools than high risk specialists
Payline Data pricing and deciding factors
| Best for | Merchants transitioning out of a high-risk classification |
| Monthly fee | Custom |
| Processing rate | Interchange plus markup |
| Setup fee | Not disclosed |
| Approval time | 1-3 business days |
| Rolling reserve | Not typical; may apply in select cases |
| Contract | Month-to-month |
| Early termination fee | $0 |
| MATCH support | No |
| Payment methods | Card payments and ACH for eligible businesses |
| Sales channels | Ecommerce, B2B, virtual terminal, and invoicing |
| Key features | • Interchange-plus pricing • Ecommerce and B2B integrations • Transaction and settlement reporting • ACH support • No long-term contracts |
Payline Data is best suited for businesses that are on the edge of high risk or actively transitioning out of a high risk classification. While it is not a hard-to-place merchant account provider, Payline offers transparent pricing and a reliable processing infrastructure for merchants whose risk profiles are stabilizing.
What stands out about Payline Data is its commitment to interchange-plus pricing with minimal add-on fees, which is uncommon among providers willing to work with higher-risk ecommerce and B2B businesses. Merchants also benefit from clear contract terms, strong reporting tools, and a straightforward onboarding experience.
Payline Data is not designed for MATCH-listed businesses or companies with severe chargeback issues. However, for merchants that have improved their chargeback ratios, strengthened compliance practices, or outgrown higher-cost high risk providers, Payline can be a strong next step.
Choose Payline Data if your business has a stabilizing risk profile and you want to move away from the higher fees and stricter terms associated with specialist high-risk processors. It is a good fit for B2B service providers, professional services, and ecommerce businesses with improving chargeback histories that want interchange-plus pricing, reporting tools, and straightforward contract terms.
Consider another provider if you are still hard to place, have an active MATCH listing, or continue to experience high chargeback ratios. Payline Data is not positioned as a MATCH-list specialist and has less tolerance for ongoing high-risk account issues.
Payline Data has positive sentiment on Capterra, though the review sample is small. Users praise ease of use, stable payment processing, fair fees, virtual terminal access, and customer service. Some feedback notes that pricing can feel high or that product options under the same company can be confusing.
Which high-risk merchant account provider is right for you?
The best provider depends less on which company ranks highest overall and more on why your business is considered high risk. Use the situations below to narrow your options before applying.
If you’ve been declined by other processors
Start with: PaymentCloud
PaymentCloud is my first choice for previously declined merchants because it offers flexible underwriting, dedicated account managers, and access to multiple processing and gateway options. It also works with hard-to-place and MATCH-listed businesses on a case-by-case basis, although approval still depends on your risk profile and documentation.
Check if you qualify with PaymentCloud
If you’re on the MATCH list
Start with: PaymentCloud or Durango Merchant Services
Both PaymentCloud and Durango work with MATCH-listed merchants on a case-by-case basis. PaymentCloud provides hands-on underwriting support, while Durango specializes in hard-to-place accounts and has relationships with US and international banking partners. Approval is not guaranteed and will depend on why your business was added to MATCH, your processing history, and the acquiring bank reviewing the application.
Check if you qualify with PaymentCloud
See if Durango can approve your business
If you have high chargeback rates
Start with: PayKings
PayKings is my pick for businesses dealing with high or increasing chargeback ratios. Its tools include chargeback alerts, dispute response features, refund and cancellation management, and configurable fraud controls that can help merchants address disputes before they put the account at greater risk.
If you run a subscription or SaaS business
Start with: Easy Pay Direct
Easy Pay Direct is built for high-risk SaaS, digital products, and subscription businesses that need more than basic card processing. It supports recurring billing and retries, and its routing tools can distribute transactions across multiple processors, acquiring banks, and merchant IDs to reduce downtime and processing interruptions.
Check your eligibility with Easy Pay Direct
If you need international processing
Start with: Durango Merchant Services
Durango is the strongest fit on this list for high-risk merchants that sell internationally. It supports cross-border payments, has domestic and international banking relationships, and offers multicurrency processing across more than 200 countries.
See if Durango supports your business
If your business is only moderately high risk
Start with: Host Merchant Services
Host Merchant Services is a better fit for businesses with manageable risk profiles that want transparent pricing and flexible contract terms. It supports businesses such as ecommerce, subscription, nutraceutical, and federally compliant CBD merchants, but it is not intended for hard-to-place or MATCH-listed accounts.
Get a quote from Host Merchant Services
If you operate a cannabis business
Consider: Flowhub Pay
Flowhub Pay is built specifically for licensed cannabis businesses, but it is different from a traditional high risk credit card merchant account. It does not process credit cards. Instead, Flowhub uses ACH and debit-based payment methods and can work within Flowhub POS, as a standalone terminal, or alongside select cannabis POS systems.
See if Flowhub Pay fits your dispensary
How to choose a high risk merchant account provider
The best high risk merchant account provider depends on your industry, chargeback risk, payment methods, processing history, and approval needs. Before applying, compare providers by underwriting fit, contract terms, fraud tools, and how clearly they explain fees and reserves.
Step 1: Match the provider to your industry
Start with providers that already support your business type. High risk industries vary widely, so a processor that works with CBD, coaching, nutraceuticals, travel, or adult businesses may not support every other high risk category.
Step 2: Ask about approval requirements upfront
Before submitting a full application, ask what documents the provider needs and whether your business model is likely to qualify. This can help you avoid unnecessary declines and repeated credit or underwriting checks.
Step 3: Compare fees, reserves, and contract terms
High risk accounts often come with higher rates, monthly fees, rolling reserves, and stricter contract terms. Ask for reserve percentages, review timelines, cancellation terms, chargeback fees, and gateway costs in writing.
Step 4: Review chargeback and fraud tools
Look for fraud filters, 3D Secure, chargeback alerts, dispute tools, velocity controls, and clear billing descriptor support. These tools can help reduce disputes and improve account stability.
Step 5: Check payment and gateway flexibility
Make sure the provider supports the payment methods and platforms you need, such as online checkout, recurring billing, ACH, virtual terminals, payment links, subscriptions, shopping carts, or gateway integrations.
Step 6: Test support before applying
High risk merchants need responsive support during underwriting, chargebacks, and account reviews. Contact the provider before applying to see how quickly and clearly they answer questions about pricing, reserves, approval odds, and documentation.
FAQs
