In the ever-evolving world of payments, high-risk merchants face persistent challenges that can hinder business growth. Traditional credit card processors often reject these businesses due to regulatory concerns, high chargeback rates, or industry stigma. However, the rise of alternative payment solutions is changing the game, offering more flexibility, security, and financial inclusion for merchants operating in high-risk verticals.

It started off great. You applied for a merchant account, confident that your business—despite being labeled “high-risk”—deserved a shot. The processor seemed interested. They asked for your documents, nodded along during the underwriting process, and then…nothing.

Operating in high-risk verticals can be a rewarding yet challenging endeavour. Industries like online gaming, travel, adult entertainment, CBD, and cryptocurrency exchanges face unique hurdles that make payment processing anything but simple. For merchants in these spaces, understanding and addressing key concerns is vital to thriving in a competitive landscape. Let’s explore the seven biggest concerns high-risk merchants face and how solutions like payment orchestration, fraud prevention, and high approval rates can help.