High risk payment processing
High risk merchant accounts that actually say yes.
Declined, frozen or shut down by Stripe, Square or PayPal? High Risk Buddy matches your business with acquiring banks that want your industry — so you can accept cards and keep your revenue flowing.
- Approval for industries others decline
- Dedicated merchant ID — no surprise freezes
- A real account manager, not a ticket queue
Free approval check
Takes about 60 seconds
Our form didn't load. Email us at apply@highriskbuddy.com and we'll get right back to you.
No credit pull · No obligation · Secure
Accept every way your customers pay
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- Discover
- ACH / eCheck
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
Sound familiar?
Mainstream processors weren't built for your business
Payment apps approve everyone instantly, then review later. When their algorithm flags your industry, your cash flow stops. We do it the other way around.
Funds frozen overnight
Your processor holds your money for 90–180 days with no warning and no explanation.
Account terminated
You built your business on an aggregator, then got shut down for being in a “restricted” industry.
Declined again and again
Every bank you approach says no, or asks for a reserve you can't afford.
The High Risk Buddy difference
We underwrite you before you process, with a bank that has already agreed to accept your industry. No surprises later.
Industries we serve
Specialists in the industries other processors decline
Don't see yours? We work with dozens more. Tell us about your business.
CBD & Hemp
Tinctures, edibles, topicals, smokables and Delta-8 brands.
Learn moreNutraceuticals
Supplements, weight loss, sports nutrition and wellness brands.
Learn moreVape & E-Cig
E-liquids, devices, hardware and vape shops — online and retail.
Learn moreFirearms & Ammo
FFL dealers, ammunition, accessories, ranges and gunsmiths.
Learn moreAdult Entertainment
Content platforms, creators, toys, cams and memberships.
Learn moreOnline Gaming
Skill games, sweepstakes, fantasy sports and gaming credits.
Learn moreTravel
Travel agencies, tour operators, booking sites and timeshares.
Learn moreSubscription Billing
Boxes, memberships, SaaS and continuity programs.
Learn moreTelemedicine
Telehealth, med spas, peptides, TRT and wellness clinics.
Learn moreCredit Repair & Debt
Credit repair, debt settlement, collections and consulting.
Learn moreKratom
Kratom powders, capsules, extracts and botanical shops.
Learn moreCrypto & Digital Assets
Exchanges, on-ramps, NFTs, mining hardware and Web3.
Learn moreEverything you need to get paid
One partner for your entire payment stack
High Risk Merchant Accounts
Dedicated merchant IDs from banks that underwrite your industry — not an aggregator that can freeze you overnight.
Payment Gateway
Secure online checkout that plugs into Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Magento and custom carts.
ACH & eCheck
Lower-cost bank payments for payment plans, invoices and recurring billing.
Chargeback Prevention
Pre-dispute alerts and representment support to keep your ratio healthy.
Multi-MID & Load Balancing
Spread volume across multiple accounts so one decision never stops your revenue.
International Processing
Offshore and multi-currency acquiring for merchants selling worldwide.
Recurring Billing
Subscriptions, customer vault and automatic card updater built in.
POS & Virtual Terminal
Countertop terminals, mobile readers and phone-order processing.
How it works
From application to approval in three simple steps
No jargon and no runaround. Your rep handles the bank so you can run your business.
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1
Apply in 60 seconds
Share your contact details with our short form. No credit pull and no obligation.
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2
We match your bank
Your dedicated rep pre-screens your file and submits it to the acquiring banks most likely to approve your industry.
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3
Start processing
Get your gateway credentials, connect your store, and start accepting payments.
Compare
High Risk Buddy vs. payment apps
Aggregators are great for low-risk startups. For high-risk merchants, they're a ticking clock.
| Feature | High Risk Buddy | Typical payment apps |
|---|---|---|
| Accepts high-risk industries | Yes | No |
| Dedicated merchant ID | Yes | No |
| Underwritten before you process | Yes | No |
| Dedicated account manager | Yes | No |
| Chargeback alert tools | Yes | No |
| Backup MIDs available | Yes | No |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is a high risk merchant account?
A high risk merchant account is a credit card processing account from an acquiring bank that knowingly underwrites businesses in industries with higher chargebacks, regulatory complexity or reputational concerns — such as CBD, nutraceuticals, vape, firearms, travel and subscription billing.
Why was my business labeled high risk?
Banks consider industry, chargeback history, average ticket size, recurring billing, business age, credit history and the countries you sell to. Any one of these can push a business into the high-risk category.
Why did Stripe, Square or PayPal shut down my account?
Payment aggregators approve almost everyone instantly and review later. When their risk systems spot a restricted industry or a spike in disputes, they freeze or terminate the account. A dedicated high risk merchant account is underwritten up front, so you know you're approved for what you sell.
How long does approval take?
Many complete applications receive a decision within a few business days. Having your documents ready — ID, bank statements, processing history and a compliant website — is the fastest way to get approved.
Can I get approved if I was placed on the MATCH list?
Often, yes. Some of our banking partners will consider MATCH-listed merchants depending on the reason and how long ago it happened. Tell us about it in your application and we'll be upfront about your options.
What does a high risk merchant account cost?
Pricing depends on your industry, volume and history. High risk rates are higher than standard accounts, and some programs include a rolling reserve. Your rep will walk through every fee before you sign anything.
Is there an application fee?
No. Applying with High Risk Buddy is free and there's no obligation to accept an offer.
Can I keep my current website and shopping cart?
In most cases, yes. Our gateways integrate with popular platforms such as WooCommerce, Shopify, BigCommerce and Magento, as well as custom checkouts via API.