A high-risk merchant account means the payment processor has put your business at greater risk of chargebacks or fraud. Merchants with high risk merchant highriskpay com pay more processing fees to compensate for the risk the processing company is taking. This article explains why a merchant account should be classified as high-risk and what that means for your company.
What is a high risk merchant highriskpay com?
A payment processor classifies the merchant account as high-risk when they’ve found that your business’s performance is more at risk of being a victim of fraud, chargebacks, or high volumes of returns. There are many different reasons why this might be the case. For instance, if you’re a brand new merchant who hasn’t handled payments previously or your business is deemed high risk merchant highriskpay com and is at a higher risk of being victimized by fraud (e.g., the use of controversial products), such as. High-risk merchant accounts have more processing fees to compensate for the trouble.
High Risk merchant highriskpay com Means Higher Fees
Each credit card processing system differs. However, high-risk merchant accounts are more expensive throughout all platforms. The processing costs for all transactions will often be higher than those charged by low-risk merchant accounts. Even though low-risk merchants also pay a chargeback charge (an expense you pay when a client disputes the charge directly using the credit card they use) However, high-risk merchants usually have higher charges for chargebacks.
A business with a high risk merchant highriskpay com might be required to sign contracts with longer terms, a late cancellation fee, or the payment of a monthly or annual. Merchant accounts with high risk may receive a roll-over reserve where the payment processor keeps several earnings until it can ensure that your transactions aren’t fraudulent or in danger of chargeback.
A Merchant’s Reasons for Being considered to be high-risk
There are various reasons why a payment processing service could identify you as high-risk although some might seem simple, others are complicated. Each provider has guidelines for high-risk merchant accounts, but here’s how you should expect to be treated. To be considered high-risk.
A high volume of transactions. Merchants may be classified as high-risk when they have significant books of commerce or have an average transaction rate. It could be considered high-risk if a company processes more than $20,000 worth of monthly transactions or can process an average of at least $500.
They are accepting international payments. If a merchant sells its products to international customers in countries with a high risk of fraud, it could be considered high risk merchant highriskpay com (any country that is not in the U.S., Canada, Japan, Australia, or the countries of Europe).
A new merchant. If a merchant has never handled payments before or has only a brief track record of processing transactions, they might be considered high-risk because they don’t have any history.
High-risk business. While a merchant might have an impeccable track record, they might be categorized as high-risk due to their work field, which is thought to be more at risk of losing money, returning, or chargebacks. For instance, companies that offer subscriptions are categorized as high-risk because many customers sign up for trial services and fail to cancel their subscriptions. They usually take the money back if they check their accounts and notice the unpaid charges.
A low credit score. If the merchant has a bad credit score, it could be considered high-risk.
The types of companies that are considered high risk merchant highriskpay com
It is helpful to be aware beforehand if your business is considered high risk merchant highriskpay com to be able to plan in a safe way. The companies that are included in this category are:
- Adult Industry
- Travel, which includes cruises, flights, and holiday planners
- Electronic and furniture stores, as well as electronic
- Gambling
- Online dating
- E-commerce
- Multilevel Marketing (MLM)
- E-cigarettes, CBD, and vape shops
- Companies and subscription services that offer the option of recurring payments
- Collection of debt
High Risk merchant highriskpay com vs. Low-Risk Merchant Account
Some standard features put a seller at low risk for the payment processor. Merchants with low risk typically:
The volume of transactions that are low (less than $20,000 every month)
Average transactions less than $500
A country in which business is classified as at risk (the U.S., Canada, Japan, Australia, and the countries of Europe)
One currency
Very low or no chargebacks and a deficient percentage of returns
Industries labeled low-risk
Be aware that your risk profile could change as your company expands. For instance, if you undergo a time of growth and expansion, the company might begin to consider your business high-risk. Also, if you develop into different countries or shift industries, a processing company could consider this an increase in risk. If this occurs, the payment processor will alter your status or remove you from their account holder list if they cannot accept high risk merchant highriskpay com, in which case you’ll need to locate an alternative provider to process your payments.
How can I obtain an account with a high risk merchant?
If you apply for an account with a retailer, you’ll need to submit the necessary tax and business documents. Once your application is accepted, your credit card company will decide if you’re a low-risk or high-risk merchant and modify their strategy accordingly.
Specific payment processors are better suitable for clients with high risk. It’s a good idea to look into different options to find one that is most suitable for your needs as a business. Forbes Advisor has ranked some of the most high risk merchant highriskpay com for you to consider.
When choosing a suitable payment processor, you must study the contract thoroughly. Each bank and payment processing service is unique and comes with distinct conditions for merchants they classify as high-risk.
Conclusion
As seen from the discussion above, certain businesses have inherent risks. Definitions of “high risk” varies from one business and one processing company to another. Additionally, there are a variety of payment processors with a point of entry that is straightforward. Yet, merchants are at the possibility of being shut off at any moment.
When you select a processor like Stax, You can be at ease knowing there won’t be unpleasant surprises later on.
