High-risk merchants enter 2026 in a payments environment that feels firmer but also more predictable. Banks, acquirers, and payment platforms are applying clearer rules, card schemes have tightened dispute thresholds, and regulators expect more structure around how high-risk products are sold. For merchants operating in areas such as CBD, supplements, coaching, adult content, crypto services, travel, or subscription-based digital products, securing a stable merchant account is still completely possible—just not with vague terms or gaps in documentation. The landscape is stricter, but fairer. Transparency and organisation matter more than ever.
Why Merchant Accounts for High-Risk Products Face More Scrutiny
Much of the change comes from card schemes revisiting how they monitor disputes and fraud. New thresholds mean acquirers must act more quickly when a merchant’s dispute levels rise. Even moderate increases can lead to closer supervision. This pressure pushes providers to review applications more carefully and to select merchants who demonstrate predictable, well-managed operations. Another reason for the shift is growing awareness around settlement risk. Over the past few years, some payment institutions experienced regulatory interruptions or changes in their partner-bank arrangements. These situations sometimes caused payout delays or temporary holds for merchants, even those with clean track records. Understandably, acquirers today prefer applicants who show they understand their risk exposure and operate in a stable, organised way.
Why Certain Products Fall into the High-Risk Category
A business model can be labelled high risk for reasons that have little to do with trustworthiness. Instead, it often relates to customer behaviour, fulfilment complexity, or regulatory visibility.
• Supplements and wellness products can lead to quick refunds if customers don’t feel results immediately.
• Coaching and mentoring programmes involve subjective expectations, which can lead to disputes if clients feel progress is slow.
• Crypto services come with heightened identification and AML requirements.
• Adult content involves age-verification and reputational considerations.
• Travel and ticketing depend heavily on third parties, making cancellations more common.
• Subscription models must manage billing transparency carefully.
The “high-risk” label simply signals that the sector requires clearer communication and more structured processes.
What Providers Look for When Approving Merchant Accounts
A strong website remains one of the most important elements. Providers review it the same way a customer would. If pricing, terms, and fulfilment details are easy to understand, it creates confidence. When information is hidden, vague, or incomplete, the risk of future disputes appears higher.
Documentation is equally essential. Many applications fail because the business cannot show clear corporate ownership, marketing materials, refund processes, or fulfilment procedures. Providers want accurate information, not optimistic projections or inconsistent descriptions.
Fraud controls also matter. High-risk merchants should be using tools appropriate for their industry—3D Secure for card-not-present payments, verification tools for international transactions, or additional screening for recurring billing.
Finally, providers expect merchants to be able to prove delivery. Whether it’s physical shipping, online access, course participation, or digital fulfilment, accurate records help resolve customer challenges and prevent unnecessary disputes.
The Ongoing Risks After Approval
Approval is only the start of the relationship. Dispute management remains the most common challenge for high-risk merchants. If a customer sees a billing descriptor they do not recognise, or if support responses are slow, they may turn directly to their bank. Clear communication and fast responses help prevent this.
Another ongoing risk is relying entirely on a single payment provider. If that provider undergoes internal reviews, technical updates, or changes in their banking arrangements, merchants without a second option may experience avoidable disruption. Keeping backup routes is now considered good practice, not a luxury.
High-risk merchants also need to maintain consistent monitoring of their ratios. A sudden increase in refund requests or customer complaints can indicate issues earlier than analytics alone. Most providers prefer merchants who can detect and address concerns proactively.
How to Secure Merchant Accounts for High-Risk Products in 2026
The first step is clarity. The website should present the offer in a straightforward way—what the customer receives, when they receive it, the conditions for refunds, and where they can reach support.
The second step is organisation. Acquirers appreciate merchants who can provide complete, clean documentation quickly. This includes company records, identification documents, marketing samples, fulfilment workflows, customer-support processes, and realistic projections.
Third, merchants should implement fraud-prevention tools that fit the business model. These systems reduce both fraud attempts and accidental disputes, building trust with providers.
Fourth, regular dispute monitoring is vital. Weekly checks allow merchants to resolve issues early, especially in sectors where trends can shift quickly.
Finally, resilience is key. Maintaining more than one processing solution ensures continuity if technical or regulatory issues arise. Diversification is not about distrust—it is about operating responsibly in a fast-moving industry.
The 2026 Outlook for High-Risk Merchants
Despite the tighter framework, 2026 is an encouraging year for merchants who operate transparently. Providers specialising in high-risk sectors continue to grow, and their underwriting processes are clearer than ever. Many EMIs and NBFIs have strengthened their internal controls, making them better partners for merchants who need flexible international payment solutions. The businesses that thrive will be those that treat payments not as a background detail, but as a part of their operational strategy. With clean documentation, steady dispute management, and a well-structured online presence, high-risk merchants can still secure stable, long-term payment solutions.
If you want a full risk assessment of your current setup, or guidance on designing a structure that is acceptable to acquirers and compliant with 2026 scheme rules, Widelia can support you in building a safer and more bankable merchant profile. Feel free to book a complimentary call with our expert team.
For deeper industry insight, see our article: “How To Avoid Having Your Business Listed On Match?”
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, such advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction. https://widelia.com/disclaimer/
