High-Risk Merchant Account Service Providers
Modern high-risk businesses face challenges when finding trustworthy payment processing options.
Industries like adult entertainment, online gambling, travel, and nutraceuticals are considered high-risk because they are more vulnerable to fraud, chargebacks, and stricter regulations. As a result, traditional payment processors like PayPal and Stripe often refuse to work with these types of businesses.
However, more niche payment service providers are being created for these so-called high-risk businesses. These providers offer services that protect businesses from potential fraud and help transactions run smoothly. The right choice of payment processor is key to business success as it ensures secure transactions with lower fees.
In this article, we look at the best high-risk merchant account providers in 2025, outlining their features, benefits, and downsides to help you make an informed decision.
Best High-Risk Merchant Account Service Providers in 2025
Durango Merchant Services
Durango Merchant Services has long been a top provider of high-risk merchant accounts, offering highly personalized solutions for businesses that face higher-than-average debit rates or operate in high financial exposure industries, including online gaming, adult content, and travel.
It’s a good option for high-risk businesses, because it provides payment solutions for a broad spectrum of industries and it offers chargeback prevention tools and fraud detection measures to help businesses reduce the likelihood of chargebacks, which are a significant risk for this category of merchants.
The service provider supports international payment processing, allowing businesses to accept payments from customers around the world.
Durango offers 24/7 Customer Support which is crucial for businesses that cannot afford payment disruptions.
PaymentCloud
PaymentCloud is a well-known provider of risk-sensitive merchant accounts. It specializes in industries that typically are poorly served by traditional payment processors and offers fully customized solutions for businesses facing high debt risks or operating in regulated markets such as vape shops, CBD companies, and online dating sites.
It provides tools to help businesses monitor chargeback activity and prevent potential chargeback fraud. It also offers chargeback mitigation services to reduce the financial impact on businesses.
It is known for its quick and easy onboarding process, a significant advantage for high-risk businesses that need a fast solution.
It also offers clear, transparent, straightforward pricing with no hidden fees. This is especially beneficial for businesses that want predictability in payment processing costs.
Best High-Risk Merchant Account Service Providers in 2025
eMerchantBroker (EMB)
eMerchantBroker (EMB) is one of the leading providers of merchant accounts in the United States. With a focus on high-risk industries, EMB offers a comprehensive range of payment processing solutions for businesses that often face difficulty finding a reliable payment processor. EMB works with businesses in sectors like payday lending, tech support scams, adult services, and more.
It identifies and manages the specific risks associated with the mentioned industries and applies strategies that help to reduce the chance of chargebacks, and other issues.
EMB offers everything from credit card processing to ACH payment processing, recurring billing systems, and mobile payment solutions.
This option supports and accepts international payments in multiple currencies, making it ideal for global high-risk merchants.
Host Merchant Services (HMS)
Host Merchant Services (HMS) is a well-known payment processor with a strong reputation in the high-risk merchant services space. It offers specific payment solutions for businesses that struggle to find traditional merchant accounts due to their risk classification. HMS is known for providing high-quality customer support and advanced fraud prevention tools.
It uses advanced fraud detection technology to protect merchants from chargebacks and fraudulent transactions, which is particularly important for industries like e-commerce, tech support, and travel.
HMS is a good option for international high-risk businesses, because it accepts payments in multiple currencies. This provider charges no setup fees for its merchant accounts, which can be a significant advantage for those businesses looking to keep costs low.
It also offers a wide range of reporting and analytics tools, giving businesses valuable insights into transaction trends and helping them identify and manage risks.
PayKings
PayKings is a provider of high-risk commercial merchant accounts that has developed a niche in industries that face increased challenges when it comes to securing payment processing.
It offers a range of payment processing options, including credit card processing, ACH, and e-checks, ensuring businesses have the flexibility to accept payments the way they want.
PayKings is able to provide chargeback prevention services, including real-time monitoring and automated alerts, allowing businesses to proactively address potential issues before they escalate.
It integrates with the most popular e-commerce platforms and shopping carts, making it easy for businesses to set up and start processing payments quickly.
JetPay
JetPay focuses on delivering payment processing services to high-risk businesses, including online dating, travel, and telemedicine.
It offers advanced chargeback protection services that help businesses maintain healthier cash flow and support a variety of payment methods, including mobile payments, credit and debit cards, and e-checks, making it ideal for businesses with diverse customer bases.
With 24/7 customer support, JetPay ensures that businesses can get help whenever needed, minimising the risk of transaction disruptions.
It provides detailed transaction reporting that helps businesses identify trends, manage risks, and optimize their payment processing strategies.
Instabill
Instabill is a global high-risk merchant account provider that offers payment solutions for businesses operating in challenging industries like travel, tech support, etc.
It offers chargeback prevention, fraud detection, and security features to help businesses reduce risk, while its quick onboarding process makes it easy for high-risk businesses to start processing payments almost immediately.
Bottom line – Best High-Risk Merchant Account Service Providers in 2025
Businesses in high-risk industries now have more options when it comes to choosing safe payment solutions. Providers such as Durango Merchant Services, PaymentCloud, and eMerchantBroker are leading the way with expert services that protect against fraud, reduce chargebacks, and offer global payment options.
When choosing a payment processor, it’s important for businesses to consider their specific requirements, the risks involved, and the support available to deal with any issues.
By selecting the right provider, high-risk businesses can ensure smoother payment processing, reduce financial risk, and prepare for future growth.
Are you looking for expert opinion, in order to choose your best High-Risk Merchant Account Service Provider? Book a free consultation with our experts today!
Disclaimer
Widelia and its affiliates do not provide tax, investment, legal or accounting advice. Material on this page has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, investment, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction. Please consult https://widelia.com/disclaimer/ for more information.
