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The 10 Best High Risk Merchant Accounts

Businesses that operate in the sales of alcohol, tobacco and drug products, airlines, adult entertainment, software, insurance, and many others are often turned down by traditional merchant service providers because of the high risk of fraud and bankruptcy in those industries.

If your business is considered high risk, you know how difficult it can be to find a merchant account that is willing to provide you with quality service at a reasonable price. 

While there is no getting around certain fees that are imposed on high risk businesses to mitigate potential loss for processors, you can still find companies that will provide competitive services for your business.

While it can be frustration, it’s important to keep in mind that many high risk merchant processors will not list their pricing openly. This is due to all of the variables involved, including your business’ industry, amount of time in business, and volume of monthly transactions. Even when prices are listed, it’s best to reach out to them for a customized quote.

We have compiled a list of the 10 best high risk processors in the UK to help you find the right one for you.

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A good fit for:

High Risk Processors

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SOAR Payments

Soar Payment is a merchant account provider that specializes in high risk credit card processing in the US. Founded in 2015, it offers its merchants POS, a virtual terminal, mobile payment, and eCommerce tools. Partnered with Chargeback.com, Soar is able to equip its merchants with valuable resources to handle any disputed payments.

The Pros

For low risk merchants, Soar offers interchange-plus pricing structures with month-to-month contracts. It also offers free terminals to standard risk merchants. There are no application or setup fees, they have quick underwriting, and an automated application process. It integrates with accounting and CRM software like QuickBooks, Salesforce, and Zoho. Great customer support as each employee has a direct line. They will help you setup your hardware or gateway.

The Cons

At this time, Soar does not support CBD oil merchants. Complaints include costly tiered pricing and a limitation of hardware options.

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A good fit for:

High Risk Processors

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Durango

Durango, founded in 1999, is a merchant account provider that serves both US and international merchants. They specialize in serving high risk merchants. They specifically cater to businesses that have poor credit. They service mail/telephone order, internet, mobile, and retail accounts. Other businesses that they serve include membership businesses, multi level marketing, online auctions, fantasy sports, and much more.

The Pros

The company has its own payment gateway, Durango Pay, which supports online sales, integrates with third-party shopping carts, API, dashboard analytics, and can also be utilized to process recurring and subscription payments. It  offers mobile credit card processing through a third party app called iProcess. Customer support is prompt, supportive and available via phone and email.

The Cons

Durango does not offer 24/7 support. It also does not cater to businesses that sell CBD or hemp products. Also no information exists about its contract or service fees.

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A good fit for:

High Risk Processors

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Epoch Payment Solutions

Epoch Payment Solutions provides merchant account and billing services to high risk merchants.

The Pros

They state that their pricing model is all-inclusive so you know what you’re paying for and how much every month. They also state that they do not withhold any reserve. They seem to include level 1 PCI Compliance in their standard rate.

The Cons

Limited information about them available online. Many negative reviews online, though it’s hard to discern the validity of some of them.

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A good fit for:

High Risk Processors

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Host Merchant Services

Host Merchant Services (HMS) has been around since 2009 and provides merchant account solutions for online and brick-and-mortar businesses in both high risk and low risk industries.

The Pros

They disclose their prices on their website. However, high risk merchants should be aware that the listed prices are probably low when compared to what they’ll actually end up paying. They offer month-to-month contracts with no early termination fees. Once again, this might change depending on your industry. Good online reviews overall.

The Cons

Their services might be expensive for merchants who have a lower monthly volume of transactions.

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A good fit for:

High Risk Processors

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Verotel

Verotel has been in business since 1998 and specializes in high risk markets that sell such things as digital goods and viewer subscriptions, specifically in the adult entertainment industry.

The Pros

They disclose their rates openly on their website, though customers should be aware that rates may vary depending on their circumstances. They don’t seem to have an early termination fee. PCI Compliance fees are included in the annual subscription.

The Cons

Some negative reviews online mention poor customer service that is hard to reach and billing errors.

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A good fit for:

High Risk Processors

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Instabill

Established in 2003, Instabill provides merchant account solutions to high risk and international clients. They support a wide number of high risk industries, both through online and brick-and-mortar storefronts.

The Pros

Extensive amount of information available on their website regarding their business, the information they require to open an account, and why they don’t disclose pricing or contract terms. Generally positive reviews online from customers.

The Cons

No pricing information or contract terms disclosed on their website. Customer services are only available during select times. Many online complaints seem to center around their funding holding and account cancellation policy. However, it’s worth noting that Instabill’s fraud prevention measures seem on par with other companies in the industry.

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A good fit for:

High Risk Processors

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Paydoo

Founded in 2013, Paydoo offers merchant account services to both standard and high risk companies that operate exclusively through e-commerce.

The Pros

Live analytics and reporting software to help you make choices for your business. Potential for referral, ISO, and PF partnerships. Offers 24/7 customer service through email and phone.

The Cons

No information is available online about their fees or contract terms. They may impose cash reserves, depending on the account type.

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A good fit for:

High Risk Processors

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eMerchantBroker

eMerchantBroker has been operating since 2011 and specializes in providing services to high risk merchants that may have been turned down by other processors.

The Pros

Everything is handled in-house. Provides a proprietary dashboard and tools for tracking and account management. Tech support will help you seamlessly integrate with thousands of third-party applications. Chargeback mitigation. Generally favorable reviews from clients and consumers. 24/7 customer support via phone, chat, and email.

The Cons

Little information disclosed about their rates and fees, or contract length or terms. However, this is standard for processing for high risk businesses.

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A good fit for:

High Risk Processors

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CC Bill

CCBill was founded in 1998 and has been specializing in e-commerce merchants both internationally and in high risk industries.

The Pros

There are no listed monthly account fees. They also do not charge gateway fees. Offers 24/7 customer service via phone and email, and has an extensive FAQ page for self-help. Supports automatic subscription billing and offers loyalty and retention tools. Pricing information is disclosed on their website, though you can expect that they might vary from this, depending on your needs.

The Cons

Large annual fees. Online forums mention that large transactions can be held in reserve accounts for up to six months, though this is not an uncommon practice with high risk merchants. No information disclosed on their website about contract terms.

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A good fit for:

High Risk Processors

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Allied Wallet

Founded in 2002, Allied Wallet specializes in e-commerce solutions for high risk merchants. While they operate worldwide, most of their business comes from the UK, Russia, and China.

The Pros

Simple APIs that can be integrated with any e-commerce platform, in any programming language. They accept payments from over 100 alternative payment methods, including Alipay, JCB, Maestro, Bancontact, and many more. 24/7 customer service available through live chat, phone, or email.

The Cons

Limited pricing information available, though there is mention of fees that include monthly maintenance, transactions, refunds, retrieval, chargeback, and wire. They also have a rolling reserve. There are limitations to which high risk industries they service, including businesses that sell drugs, pornography, prostitution, or weapons. A full list is available on their website.

Provider of the Month

Why Emerchantbroker

EMB are experts in High Risk. They have an A+ Rating with the BBB and are considered the #1 high risk merchant account provider in the US. They’ve worked with thousands of companies associated with operating high-risk businesses. They have the experience and platform to meet businesses special needs.

See Our Full Review
Visit eMerchantbroker.com

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