PAYMENTS FOR COMPLEX BUSINESS MODELS
High Risk Payment Processing
Keep your business moving with high-risk credit card processing and merchant account options built around how you sell. Clearly Payments helps you prepare for underwriting, choose payment tools and put the right account in place, subject to approval.
Discuss Your BusinessGet a practical review of your business, processing history and payment needs, with clear next steps for your application.
A payment solution built around your business
Your industry is only part of the picture. Your customers, delivery model and transaction history matter too. We help you bring those details together so the conversation starts with how your business actually operates.
Merchant account guidance
Get hands-on help preparing your merchant account application and presenting your business clearly for underwriting.
Ways to accept payments
Explore online and in-person payment options that fit your business and approved account.
Security and ongoing support
Keep your payment operation running with enhanced fraud protection, chargeback assistance, compliance support and 24/7 business and technical help, including terminal exchanges.
High-Risk Credit Card Processing
High-risk credit card processing connects a business with a merchant account and payment technology that reflect its risk profile. The card payment itself follows the usual payment flow; the difference is the closer review of the business and the conditions attached to its account.
Underwriting considers what you sell, when customers receive it, your transaction patterns and your exposure to fraud, refunds and chargebacks. International customers, cross-border sales and recurring billing can add considerations that a conventional account may not accommodate.
Depending on the assessment, account terms may include transaction limits, additional monitoring or a reserve. A merchant account reserve holds back part of the funds to cover potential losses; its amount and release terms should be understood before you commit.
High-risk industries: start with the right fit
Clearly supports travel, cruises and airlines; gaming and digital goods; health supplements and pharmaceuticals; tobacco, CBD, vaping products and related retail; firearms and ammunition; coaching and online courses; multi-level marketing and direct response; and financial services and lenders. Account approval depends on your business, products, location and underwriting review.
Tell us what you sell and how you operate. We’ll review the payment options for your business, including any licensing or account requirements for regulated products.
Travel, entertainment and recreation
Bookings, advance payments and delayed delivery can create additional exposure. Explore our travel and entertainment payment solutions.
Online, software and subscription businesses
Card-not-present sales, recurring charges and fulfilment patterns need the right payment setup. See our eCommerce and software payment solutions.
Licensed cannabis and CBD merchants in Canada
Our Canadian cannabis payment solutions cover licensed merchant categories. Contact us to confirm eligibility for your specific products and operation.
What makes a business high risk?
High risk describes the payment exposure associated with a business. It does not automatically mean the business is doing anything wrong. Several factors can influence the assessment:
Disputes, refunds and fraud
Previous chargebacks, fraud exposure and return patterns can affect the likelihood of payment losses.
Delivery and billing model
Advance bookings, delayed delivery, high-ticket sales and recurring billing change when disputes may arise.
Customers and transaction patterns
International sales, cross-border activity, fluctuating volume and unusual transaction sizes may need closer review.
Business and financial history
Industry rules, processing history, credit considerations and financial stability help establish the full picture.
How High-Risk Merchant Account Approval Works
Move your application forward with a clear account of your business and the right supporting information. Here’s how Clearly helps you prepare for underwriting.
1. Discuss your business
Tell us what you sell, where you operate, how customers pay and your expected or current processing volume.
2. Prepare the supporting information
You may be asked for business and ownership details, your website, processing statements, refund and delivery policies, and financial information. Requirements depend on the business.
3. Review the account and its terms
Underwriting assesses the business model, processing history and potential exposure. If approved, review pricing, funding arrangements, limits and any reserve requirements before moving ahead.
Learn more about underwriting in payment processing.
Discuss Your BusinessPayment acceptance, with risk in view
Choose the payment experience your customers need, then make sure the account, technology and controls support it.
Online and in-person acceptance
Clearly Payments offers eCommerce and payment integrations, payment terminals and recurring payment options. The methods available to a high-risk merchant depend on the approved business and account.
Fraud, disputes and account requirements
Protect card data with EMV, encryption, tokenization and fraud-detection tools. Clearly provides PCI management and support with the compliance requirements of your industry, helping reduce the work of running a secure payment operation. Clear refund policies, transaction descriptions and delivery records also help reduce avoidable disputes.
A team to help you move forward
Get a fast response and hands-on help with your merchant account application, underwriting information and payment technology. Clearly’s team helps you present your business clearly, assess account options and strengthen your application, with ongoing global support as your business grows. Our technology portfolio continues to evolve through work on contactless payments, eCommerce, digital currency and new customer experiences.
Clearly Payments was able to set up our business with a merchant account and it’s working so smoothly.
High-risk payment processing questions
What is high-risk payment processing?
It is payment processing for businesses whose industry, business model or transaction history creates greater exposure to chargebacks, fraud or financial loss. The merchant account is reviewed and structured around that exposure.
Can high-risk businesses accept payments online and in person?
Yes, high-risk accounts can support online and in-person payments. Clearly helps you identify the options for your products, location and sales channels. The final payment setup is subject to underwriting approval.
Does high-risk payment processing cost more?
It can. Pricing reflects the business and its risk profile, and terms may include additional fees, limits or reserves. Request a quote for your operation and review the complete account terms, rather than relying on a headline rate.
What information do I need to apply?
Be ready to explain your products, business location, payment channels, sales volume and fulfilment process. Business and ownership details, processing statements, website policies and financial information may also be requested.
Is approval guaranteed?
No. Approval depends on underwriting and whether the business meets the relevant requirements. An initial conversation helps establish what information is needed and whether there is a suitable next step.
Discuss your high-risk payment requirements
Tell us about your business, products and monthly card sales. Our team will help you understand account options, next steps and the information needed for review.