Running a business in Europe in 2025 is full of opportunities, but there can be many challenges, especially for high-risk industries. Whether you’re in online gaming, adult services, or forex trading, finding the right payment processor can make or break your business. High-risk merchants face specific challenges, like higher transaction fees, stricter regulations, and the constant threat of fraud and chargebacks. But with the right merchant account, these challenges can be turned into opportunities.
So, which merchant account providers are best for high-risk businesses in the EU in 2025? In this article, we’ll explore the best options available for European businesses, how to choose the right one, and what makes these providers stand out.
Why Do High-Risk Businesses Need Special Merchant Accounts?
Before going into specific providers, let’s quickly review why high-risk businesses need special merchant accounts. These industries are often deemed more likely to face fraud, chargebacks, and compliance issues. This can include businesses in sectors like:
- Online gambling
- Adult entertainment
- Forex trading
- Travel agencies
- Tech services
- Subscription-based models
Standard payment processors may refuse to work with these industries or charge high fees to cover their perceived risks. That’s where high-risk merchant accounts come in. These accounts are designed to handle the unique challenges of high-risk industries. They offer services like advanced fraud protection, chargeback management, and compliance with international regulations.
What to Look for in a High-Risk Merchant Account
When you’re looking for a high-risk merchant account in 2025, here are some of the most important factors to consider:
Low Transaction Fees: For any business, payment processing fees can add up quickly. High-risk businesses may pay more than standard industries. However, look for providers that offer competitive rates, especially if you’re dealing with a high volume of transactions.
Chargeback Management: Chargebacks can hurt your business, so choose a provider with solid tools to manage and prevent them from arising. Look for features like automated chargeback alerts and dispute management systems.
Fraud Protection: High-risk businesses are more vulnerable to fraud. A good provider should offer fraud detection tools, real-time monitoring, and secure transaction processing.
Global Coverage: If you’re doing business in multiple countries across Europe or worldwide, you need a payment processor that can handle international transactions and currencies.
Integration Capabilities: Your payment processor should work seamlessly with your existing business tools, such as e-commerce platforms, accounting software, or CRM systems.
The Best High-Risk Merchant Account Providers for EU Merchants in 2025
Now that you know what to look for, let’s take a closer look at some of the best high-risk merchant account providers for EU merchants in 2025.
1. Payline Data: Best for Free Trial
Payline is a top choice for high-risk businesses because of its competitive pricing. It offers an interchange-plus model, which is ideal for high-risk businesses. This model allows businesses to negotiate lower rates based on their transaction volume and history. Payline is also known for offering a free trial, which allows you to test the service before fully committing.
Pros:
- Free trial to test out the service
- Flexible pricing model
- Great customer support
Cons:
- Not as specialized in some niche high-risk sectors
Ideal for EU businesses that want to test a payment processor with flexible rates and a free trial period.
2. PaymentCloud: Best for Software Integration
PaymentCloud stands out from its competitors because of its wide range of software integrations. It’s particularly beneficial for businesses that rely on third-party applications for accounting or CRM. PaymentCloud offers tools for chargeback management and fraud prevention, making it a great option for high-risk industries like adult services or online gaming. They also claim a 98% approval rate for high-risk businesses.
Pros:
- Wide range of software integrations
- Chargeback prevention tools
- 98% approval rate for high-risk merchants
Cons:
- Chargeback fees may be higher compared to other providers
Ideal for EU merchants in high-risk industries that need seamless integration with their existing software.
3. National Processing: Best in offering Dedicated Account Managers
National Processing is perfect for high-risk EU businesses that want personalized service. They offer dedicated account managers who work directly with you to ensure your payment processing needs are met. National Processing is also known for its low-cost payment processing for high-risk industries like travel and online gambling. If your business processes over $10,000 per month, they offer a guarantee to beat your current rates, or they’ll pay you $500.
Pros:
- Dedicated account manager for personalized service
- Great for businesses processing large volumes
- $500 rate-beat guarantee
Cons:
- Limited options for niche high-risk industries
Ideal for EU merchants in high-risk sectors that want hands-on support and great rates.
4. HighRiskPay.com: Best for High Approval Rates
As the name suggests, HighRiskPay.com is designed specifically for high-risk businesses. It offers clear pricing and transparency, so you’ll know exactly what to expect. HighRiskPay.com is particularly good for businesses in adult-themed sectors or those with poor credit. They charge slightly higher rates for industries like adult services, but the difference is just a small amount per transaction, making it a reasonable choice for most high-risk merchants.
Pros:
- Transparent pricing
- Great approval rates for high-risk businesses
- Specialized in adult industries
Cons:
- Slightly higher fees for adult businesses
Ideal for EU businesses in adult-themed sectors or those with poor credit that need an easy approval process.
5. Inovio: Best for High-Risk Online Payment Processing
Inovio is the ideal choice for high-risk businesses that operate primarily online. With secure checkout pages, customizable payment gateway APIs, and the ability to manage multiple locations, Inovio provides a full-service solution for online payment processing. It also handles both your gateway and processing, so you only have one point of contact for support, making it easier to manage your payment processing.
Pros:
- Excellent for online payment processing
- Secure and customizable solutions
- Single point of contact for support
Cons:
- May not be ideal for in-person businesses
Ideal for EU businesses in online sectors like gaming, forex, or e-commerce that need secure, customizable payment solutions.
6. Soar Payments: Best for Variety of High-Risk Industries
Soar Payments is a versatile payment processor that works with over 50 industries, including some of the most challenging high-risk sectors. Whether you’re in travel, adult entertainment, or tech services, Soar Payments can help you navigate the complexities of payment processing. It offers competitive rates, fraud protection, and good customer support.
Pros:
- Serves over 50 high-risk industries
- Competitive rates
- Comprehensive fraud protection
Cons:
- May be too broad for businesses in niche industries
Ideal for EU businesses in diverse high-risk sectors that need a processor with a broad range of expertise.
Trends in 2025 for High-Risk Merchant Accounts
In 2025 there are a few trends that will shape the high-risk merchant account space. If you’re in a high-risk industry, these developments could impact how you manage payments.
AI-Driven Fraud Detection
Fraud is an ever-present threat in high-risk industries. In 2025, AI-driven fraud detection tools will be more advanced, allowing businesses to spot suspicious transactions in real time. This could help reduce chargebacks and improve revenue protection.
Multi-Currency Payment Support
With businesses becoming more global, offering multi-currency support will be essential. High-risk merchants that accept international customers will need processors that can handle payments in different currencies without extra fees or delays.
Better Chargeback Management
Chargebacks are a major issue for high-risk merchants. In 2025, providers are expected to offer more advanced chargeback management tools, allowing businesses to handle disputes more effectively and reduce the financial impact of chargebacks.
Bottom Line – Best High Risk Merchant Accounts
For high-risk businesses in the EU, 2025 is a year of growth and opportunity. However, you need a payment processor that understands the unique challenges of your industry. Whether you’re looking for low fees, advanced fraud protection, or easy integration with your existing systems, there are options out there for you.
Payline, PaymentCloud, National Processing, HighRiskPay.com, Inovio, and Soar Payments are all great choices for high-risk EU merchants. Take the time to evaluate each provider based on your business’s needs, and don’t hesitate to reach out to their support teams for advice.
As they say, “The right tool for the job” — choosing the right high-risk merchant account provider can make a world of difference in your success. Read our article “How to Avoid a Fixed Reserve on My Merchant Account?” for more insights.
Need more info? 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.
