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Online Dating Merchant Accounts

An online dating merchant account lets dating sites and apps accept card payments, including recurring subscriptions. Banks and card networks treat dating as high-risk because of subscription chargebacks and fraud, so most dating businesses apply to specialist high-risk providers that review the business model before approval.

Disclosure: We have a business relationship with Bankful and EMB, which may appear on this page. We may earn money if you apply through links on this page.

Online dating sites have become a wildly popular place for singles to meet their significant others for companionship and long-term relationships. It has completely revolutionized and facilitated the way singles meet. No longer are they limited or confined to their own social circle. By using online dating sites, singles can now potentially meet their match from anywhere in their own country or even the rest of the world.
There seems to be an online dating site for every conceivable interest, religion, and ethnic background. Because of its convenience factor and a host of other benefits, it is no wonder that new online dating websites are making their way into cyberspace every day.
Although online dating websites can be extremely profitable, most banks shy away and merchant account providers will outright refuse to provide merchant accounts to these types of businesses. This is largely due to the higher risk of chargebacks and fraudulent activity.
Fortunately, there are high risk merchant processing companies that are willing to help these high risk merchants.
Take a look at these 10 online dating merchant account providers to see if they fit the needs of your business.

our review view website

A good fit for:

Online Dating Sites Merchant Account

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ccNetPay.com

Maintaining offices in London and Slovenia, ccNetPay’s primary portfolio consists of mostly European merchants.

The Pros

There are no service and sign-up fees, no transaction limits, no safety deposits, plus clients get a dedicated support staff for the life of the account.
Some of the supported features within the merchant account include: Server2Server API integration, Batch Processing, CVV, AVS, and 3D Secure, Real time reporting and management, Global Card Processing, Recurring Billing, Virtual Terminal, and over 150 supported currencies. A full range of built-in tools include fraud prevention tools and a virtual terminal for phone or mail orders.

The Cons

Although it was difficult to find any negative reviews, something to keep in mind is that there is a high risk registration fee charged by its acquiring banks.

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A good fit for:

Online Dating Sites Merchant Account

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eMerchantBroker

Based in Los Angeles, California, eMerchantBroker offers high risk processing solutions, including online dating merchant accounts.

The application process is simple and straightforward. After the required documentation is submitted, approval can take place in as little as 24 hours. Although EMB cannot guarantee approvals, they promise a fair and secure process.

The Pros

EMB offers custom-made paid solutions, excellent customer service, approval rates between 24 and 48 hours, chargeback management tools, PCI-compliant payment gateways, as well as fraud filters.

The Cons

Very little information about the standard contract. This could only mean that the contract terms vary widely from merchant to merchant. There are early termination fees that are up to $295 for 1 year contracts and up to $595 for 3 year contracts.

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A good fit for:

Online Dating Sites Merchant Account

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GSPay (Global & Secure Pay)

Headquartered in Gainsborough, North Lincolnshire in England, GSPay has specialized in the high-risk industry for six years.

The Pros

Advantages for high risk offshore merchant account clients include complete application programming interface, approval available in less than a week, easy setup, no initial deposits, no monthly fees, no application fees, and payouts are weekly.

The Cons

At this time, GSPay does not offer check processing solutions. This could be a problem as alternative payment solutions are always key to draw more customers. Also, they only take US dollars and Euros. This greatly limits the client base and inhibits expansion.

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A good fit for:

Online Dating Sites Merchant Account

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Payline

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and founded in 2009, Payline offers its merchants the following benefits: access to a virtual terminal, no cancellation or termination fees, next day deposit of funds, direct integration with Quickbooks, and a chargeback prevention platform.

The Pros

Their virtual terminal alone, as a vast array of features, including: invoicing, a hosted payment page, billing plans and scheduled payments, shopping cart integrations, ACH payments, Mobile App, securely stored customer data, in-depth reporting, emailed receipts, void and refund capabilities, free PCI compliance, and unlimited users.

The Cons

The few complaints filed against the company include withheld funds, product malfunctions, and slow customer service.

our review view website

A good fit for:

Online Dating Sites Merchant Account

05

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Durango Merchant Services

Founded in 2004 and located in Durango, Colorado, Durango Merchant Services works with many gateway processors and suppliers with sponsor banking relationships that offer credit processing solutions for both the US-based and internationally based companies.

The Pros

Features in the contract include: variable contract lengths (month-to-month), free application processing, direct financing with regular deposits (daily or weekly, depending on whether onshore vs offshore), recurring billing, competitive rates, acceptance of multiple currencies and deposits, compatibility with major gateways and shopping carts, integration assistance with more than 100 shopping carts, chargeback prevention tools and advice, eCheck processing, gateway includes fraud detection and prevention tools.

The Cons

The only complaints received about this company were about Durango’s inability to get approval for a high risk merchant account and about a partnering bank withholding a merchant’s funds.

our review view website

A good fit for:

Online Dating Sites Merchant Account

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Host Merchant Services

Based in Newark, Delaware and founded in 2008, Host Merchant Services provides customizable payment processing solutions for high risk merchants.

Host boasts that their merchant accounts team exceeds their sales team by 4 times. This is to make sure they provide first-rate customer service.

The Pros

Their features include a guaranteed lowest rate, free mobile options, affordable point of sale, free equipment for qualified accounts, transparent statements, online marketing tools, multiple payment gateways (Transaction Express and Authorize.NET), virtual terminals, online shopping carts, PCI compliance, merchant cash advances, EMV credit card machines (including traditional, mobile/wireless, and PIN Debit PIN Pads), point of sales systems, gift and loyalty programs, cash discount programs, small and large ticket processing, and data breach protection.

The Cons

Only a handful of complaints have been reported and were related to merchants being denied an account or malfunctioning hardware. The others were about a misrepresentation of rates and an unexpected equipment lease. It is imperative that merchants read the fine print thoroughly to avoid these unnecessary charges.

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A good fit for:

Online Dating Sites Merchant Account

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MerchACT

Founded by leading global payment expert Patricia B. Weber and payments industry veteran, Jared Ronski, MerchACT has been providing payment solutions to high risk industries for 15 years.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, MerchACT specialises in UK online dating products and services.

The Pros

Some of the benefits and features of their merchant accounts include: in-house support, PCI Compliant gateway, fraud tools, chargeback management and reporting, no application or setup fees, MerchACT directly processes the merchant account, long-term partnership through life of the account, assistance with global expansion, multi-currency options, SSL Encrypted Servers, all major credit card acceptance, recurring billing, safe and simple API system, and high volume merchant account facility.

The Cons

The only way to get in contact with the company is via email or the contact page on their website. Merchants need more ways to be able to speak to an actual person, especially for more complex issues. Chat and a direct line to a representative would be highly beneficial.

Furthermore, their acquiring banks are known to terminate merchant accounts based on volatility of sales.

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A good fit for:

Online Dating Sites Merchant Account

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iPay Total

Founded in 2018 and headquartered in London, iPay Total is an online dating payment processor that also offers end-to-end high risk merchant solutions to customers around the world.

The Pros

Some features offered on online dating merchant accounts include: multi-bank processing (including offshore), secure payment gateway, chargeback alerts, chargeback disputes, ACH/Check 21 processing, fraud prevention and protection, and competitive processing rates (below 6%), as well as 24/7 support online or by phone.

The Cons

High risk merchant account contract terms are not disclosed to the public. iPay Total also claims to charge a set up fee of up to £4,500, an incredibly exorbitant and prohibitive amount, especially for small businesses starting out.

our review view website

A good fit for:

Online Dating Sites Merchant Account

09

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Radiant Pay

London-based Radiant Pay is an agency offering payment solutions to merchants across all “legal” industries, including the Online Dating Industry. It is a leading payment solution provider in the UK, European, and Asian countries.

The Pros

Some of the advantages offered include quick approvals, partnership with banks around the world, round the clock support, affordable pricing plans, quick payouts, minimal transaction charges, no deductions from revenues, uncapped transaction volumes, multi-currency processing, low taxes, risk management solutions, and personalised consultations.

The Cons

Some complaints about the company have to do with sales agents imposing highly undesirable contract terms. It is best to read the fine print thoroughly before signing anything with this company.

our review view website

A good fit for:

Online Dating Sites Merchant Account

10

10

Allied Wallet

Founded in 2006, Allied Wallet is one of the leading online payment processing companies in the world. Providing payment solutions in 196 countries all over the world,
the company is headed by CEO Andy Khawaja and is headquartered in London, England.

Allied Wallet provides comprehensive solutions for online dating sites.

The Pros

The features and benefits offered by Allied Wallet include a comprehensive solution for online dating businesses, digital eWallet solutions, accepts over 100 currencies in 196 countries, rates starting at just 1%, settle profit directly into merchant’s bank account, secure data transfers with PCI Level 1 compliance, reduced declined payments with Fraud Scrub Technology, and track transaction with robust reporting system.

The Cons

Allied Wallet seems to have a host of fees including: monthly maintenance fees, transaction fees, refund fees, retrieval fees, chargeback fees, wire fees, a rolling reserve, and if that’s not enough, they also are known for fund holding. Merchants really should evaluate what is most important in their business as these fees will inevitably affect the bottom line.

Provider of the Month

When researching an online dating merchant account provider, consider the specific needs of your business, and look for a provider that meets those needs.
If your dating site has an international customer base, you’ll need the capability to process multiple currencies. Some providers offer beneficial internet marketing tools to help you grow your customer base.
Readily available, professional, and helpful customer support will be vital for keeping your business running smoothly, without hampering your profits.
Be prepared to ask all the important questions to ensure your partnership with a merchant account provider is a perfect fit.

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