If you run an online business with a higher risk of chargebacks and want to process credit card transactions, you need a high-risk merchant account. But what is a high-risk merchant account and how do you know you need one? To open high risk merchant accounts you need to find an acquiring bank that will underwrite your business. However, to increase your chances of getting an account it’s better to ask a reliable payment service provider for assistance.
High-risk businesses are usually associated with a higher number of chargebacks. Chargebacks happen when a cardholder disputes a transaction with their bank. The bank will then reverse the charges and the funds will be taken from the merchant’s account. If you have a high chargeback ratio, it means that you have a lot of disputed transactions and this can be a red flag for banks.
There are a few reasons why these industries are considered high risk
For example, online gaming and adult entertainment can be associated with fraud since it’s easy to create fake profiles. Dating services can also have a high chargeback ratio because people might sign up for multiple services and then cancel them after they find a match.
If you’re in a high-risk industry, it’s important to find a payment processor that specializes in high-risk merchant accounts. They will be able to provide you with the tools and resources you need to reduce your chargeback ratio and keep your account in good standing.
A high-risk merchant account can be more expensive than a traditional merchant account, but it’s worth it to protect your business. When you work with a reliable payment processor, you can focus on growing your business and leave the risk management to them. If you think your business might need a high-risk merchant account, contact us today to learn more about our services. We’ll help you to set up the right account for your business and industry.
What are the differences between low-risk and high-risk merchant accounts?
High risk merchant accounts: Before you apply for a merchant account, it’s good to know whether you’re a high-risk merchant or a low-risk one. Merchant account providers have their criteria for categorizing businesses in terms of their potential risk, but there are several characteristics for both groups of merchants.
The first thing to consider is the type of business you have. If you run an online business, you’re more likely to be considered high-risk than if you have a brick-and-mortar store. This is because online businesses are more susceptible to fraud. Another factor that merchant account providers take into consideration is the industry you’re in. If you’re in an industry that’s known for having a high chargeback ratio, you’ll likely be considered high risk.
Here are some examples of businesses that are high-risk:
- Online gaming
- Adult entertainment
- Dating services
- Pharmaceuticals
- Multi-level marketing
- Travel agencies
- Timeshares
- High-ticket items
On the other hand, businesses that are considering low-risk include:
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- Service providers
The main difference between high-risk and low-risk merchant accounts is the fees. High risk merchant accounts providers will charge you higher fees because they’re taking on more risk by approving your account. They might also put a hold on your account if you have a high chargeback ratio. Low-risk merchant accounts have lower fees and are less likely to be suspended.
If you’re not sure whether your businesses are considering high risk, contact a merchant account provider to ask. They’ll be able to give you more information about their criteria for categorizing businesses.
What are the benefits of having a high-risk merchant account?
There are a few benefits of having a high-risk merchant account, even though they come with higher fees. The first benefit is that you’ll have more payment options. This is because high-risk merchant account providers are more likely to approve your account and offer you a variety of payment methods, such as credit cards, debit cards, and ACH payments.
Another benefit of having a high-risk merchant account is that you can start right away. With a traditional merchant account, you might have to wait for your account to be approved before you can start processing payments. But with a high-risk merchant account, you can begin processing payments as soon as your account is approved.
Finally, having a high-risk merchant account can help you build trust with your customers. When customers see that you’re able to accept their preferred payment method, they’ll be more likely to do business with you. This is because they know they can trust you to handle their payments safely and securely.
What are the drawbacks of having a high-risk merchant account?
There are a few drawbacks to having a high risk merchant accounts. The first is that you’ll have to pay higher fees. This is because high-risk merchant account providers charge higher fees to cover the risk of approving your account. Another drawback is that you might have to wait longer for your account to be approved. This is because high-risk merchant account providers will need to do more due diligence before approving your account.
Finally, you might have your account suspended if you have a high chargeback ratio. This is because high-risk merchant account providers need to protect themselves from fraud and chargebacks. If you have a lot of chargebacks, it will be difficult for you to find a high-risk merchant account provider that’s willing to approve your account.
If you’re not sure whether you need a high risk merchant accounts, contact a merchant account provider and ask. They’ll be able to give you more information about their criteria for categorizing businesses. You might also want to consider getting a high-risk merchant account if you have a high chargeback ratio. This is because high-risk merchant account providers are more likely to approve your account and offer you a variety of payment methods, such as credit cards, debit cards, and ACH payments. Contact 5 Star Processing +(888)-253-9692 for more information!
