payment guides

Top Industries Considered High Risk and Why

Steve
Steve
Mar 18, 2025
Top Industries Considered High Risk and Why

Businesses operating in certain sectors often face challenges when securing reliable payment processing due to being classified as high-risk by banks and payment processors. These industries experience higher levels of chargebacks, fraud potential, or complex regulatory hurdles, making them more challenging for standard payment processors to support. 2Accept specializes in helping businesses in these industries get the payment processing they need to grow securely and without interruptions.

What Makes an Industry High Risk?

A high-risk industry is determined by several factors that pose a greater financial or legal risk to payment processors and banks. Key criteria include:

  • High Chargeback Ratios: Industries with frequent customer disputes or refunds.
  • Fraud Vulnerability: Business models prone to fraudulent transactions.
  • Regulatory Complexity: Industries facing strict laws, licenses, or product restrictions.
  • Reputation Factors: Industries with societal stigma or controversial products.
  • Large Transaction Amounts: Higher-value transactions increase financial exposure.
These risk factors make it essential for businesses to partner with a processor like 2Accept that specializes in high-risk industries.

Top Industries Considered High Risk (and Why)

1. CBD & Hemp Businesses

  • Why High-Risk? Regulatory variations across states, banking restrictions, and potential chargeback issues.
  • Challenges: Unclear federal regulations, card network restrictions, and risk of account closures.
  • 2Accept Advantage: Specialized CBD payment gateways with full regulatory compliance support.

2. Firearms & Ammunition Sales

  • Why High-Risk? Legal regulations, background check requirements, and negative public perception.
  • Challenges: State-by-state compliance, higher scrutiny on large transactions, and limited banking options.
  • 2Accept Advantage: Reliable payment solutions designed for compliance and secure processing.

3. Adult Entertainment

  • Why High-Risk? Content regulation issues, higher fraud rates, and public scrutiny.
  • Challenges: Age verification requirements, data security concerns, and elevated chargebacks.
  • 2Accept Advantage: PCI-compliant secure processing with age verification integration.

4. Subscription & Continuity Billing

  • Why High-Risk? Recurring billing models often lead to disputes and customer chargebacks.
  • Challenges: Transparent billing practices, higher refund rates, and unclear cancellation policies.
  • 2Accept Advantage: Advanced recurring billing solutions with chargeback protection tools.

5. Debt Collection Agencies

  • Why High-Risk? Consumer protection laws, legal disputes, and aggressive collection tactics.
  • Challenges: Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) compliance, risk of customer disputes.
  • 2Accept Advantage: Tailored payment gateways with compliance monitoring tools.

6. Nutraceuticals & Supplements

  • Why High-Risk? Health claims, regulatory scrutiny, and frequent customer disputes.
  • Challenges: Misleading product claims, FDA regulations, and refund requests.
  • 2Accept Advantage: Compliance-focused payment processing with fraud prevention tools.

7. Cryptocurrency Businesses

  • Why High-Risk? Price volatility, evolving regulations, and fraud potential.
  • Challenges: Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance, KYC requirements, and lack of historical data.
  • 2Accept Advantage: Secure crypto payment gateways with AML compliance support.

8. MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) Companies

  • Why High-Risk? Reputation concerns, regulatory issues, and high refund rates.
  • Challenges: FTC regulations, transparency issues, and unpredictable income models.
  • 2Accept Advantage: Transparent payment solutions tailored for MLM businesses.

9. Fantasy Sports & Online Gaming

  • Why High-Risk? Regulatory restrictions, age verification, and chargeback risks.
  • Challenges: Compliance with gaming laws, fraud prevention, and identity verification.
  • 2Accept Advantage: Customized payment processing solutions with compliance tools.

10. Travel & Hospitality

  • Why High-Risk? Cancellations, booking disputes, and fluctuating seasonal sales.
  • Challenges: Chargebacks from last-minute cancellations and travel delays.
  • 2Accept Advantage: Flexible payment processing with refund protection strategies.

Common Challenges Faced by High-Risk Industries

Businesses operating in these sectors often face obstacles that can disrupt their operations, including:

  • Account Freezes or Terminations: Standard processors like PayPal and Stripe may suddenly shut down accounts due to perceived risk.
  • Higher Transaction Fees: High-risk businesses often face increased processing fees due to chargeback potential.
  • Limited Banking Support: Many traditional banks avoid working with high-risk industries altogether.
  • Compliance Complexities: Navigating state and federal regulations can be overwhelming.

How 2Accept Solves These Challenges for High-Risk Merchants

At 2Accept, we specialize in offering solutions tailored specifically for high-risk businesses:

  • ✅ Custom Payment Solutions: Personalized payment gateways to meet your industry's specific needs.
  • ✅ Chargeback Protection Tools: Advanced fraud detection and chargeback prevention.
  • ✅ Secure Payment Gateways: PCI-compliant platforms for secure transactions.
  • ✅ Dedicated Support: White-glove service with dedicated account managers.
  • ✅ Flexible Underwriting: Transparent approvals with no surprise account freezes.

Why Choose 2Accept for High-Risk Payment Processing?

  • Experience You Can Trust: Years of experience serving high-risk industries with tailored solutions.
  • Competitive Pricing: Transparent, industry-minimum pricing without hidden fees.
  • Fast Approval Process: Get approved quickly with our streamlined application.
  • Ongoing Compliance Support: Stay compliant with evolving regulations.

Get Started with 2Accept Today!

Ready to secure reliable payment processing for your high-risk business? 2Accept is here to provide the support, tools, and expertise you need to thrive in any industry.

Contact us today!