High-risk businesses in the USA—such as those in CBD, adult entertainment, gambling, forex, or crypto—face immense challenges securing reliable payment processing. Traditional banks and mainstream processors often reject these merchants due to higher chargeback risks, regulatory scrutiny, or reputational concerns.
But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
In this article, we dive into the best 9 high-risk payment solutions in the USA that specialize in helping businesses like yours accept payments seamlessly and stay compliant.
1. PayKings
Best for: CBD, vape, adult, and supplement merchants
Overview:
PayKings is a recognized U.S.-based high-risk processor known for tailored merchant accounts and strong underwriting. It partners with domestic and offshore banks to offer versatile options.
Key Features:
- Dedicated high-risk merchant accounts
- Chargeback prevention tools
- Support for recurring billing
- Integration with major shopping carts
Strengths: Deep industry experience, competitive rates
Limitation: May require higher processing volumes
2. Durango Merchant Services
Best for: Firearms, debt collection, and e-cigarettes
Overview:
Durango has specialized in high-risk processing since 1997. They’re known for ethical practices and transparency, offering U.S.-based ACH and card solutions for even hard-to-place industries.
Key Features:
- ACH and eCheck options
- PCI-compliant gateway
- In-house risk and fraud management
- Domestic and international bank network
Strengths: Long-standing reputation, strong customer service
Limitation: Approval process may take a few days
3. Soar Payments
Best for: Coaching, SaaS, travel, and infoproducts
Overview:
Soar Payments is focused on B2B and digital high-risk verticals. Their onboarding is fast, often completed within 2-3 days for qualified merchants.
Key Features:
- Quick online application
- Chargeback mitigation tools
- Industry-specific support
- Authorize.Net and NMI gateway options
Strengths: Transparent pricing, excellent onboarding
Limitation: Selective with some verticals
4. eMerchant Broker (EMB)
Best for: Nutra, tech support, crypto, and adult
Overview:
EMB is among the most aggressive high-risk merchant account providers in the USA. They support both startups and large-volume merchants, with options for card and alternative payments.
Key Features:
- High approval rates
- Chargeback shield and fraud tools
- Payment gateway + virtual terminal
- Domestic and offshore solutions
Strengths: Accepts tough verticals, crypto-friendly
Limitation: Pricing may be opaque; varies by risk
5. Easy Pay Direct
Best for: Scale-ready businesses with complex models
Overview:
Built around its proprietary “EPN” (Easy Pay Network), Easy Pay Direct helps merchants split volume across multiple MIDs. Ideal for high-ticket and scaling businesses.
Key Features:
- Load-balancing across MIDs
- Smart routing to reduce declines
- U.S.-based and offshore acquiring
- Card + ACH + recurring support
Strengths: Ideal for scaling, risk-spread infrastructure
Limitation: Premium pricing for premium services
6. Instabill
Best for: Global high-risk merchants targeting U.S. customers
Overview:
Instabill is headquartered in the U.S. but specializes in offshore and international high-risk solutions. They support CBD, crypto, dating, and adult content with a wide acquiring partner network.
Key Features:
- Multiple currency support
- Gateway + merchant account bundle
- Cross-border payments
- Crypto payment support
Strengths: Global reach, multi-industry expertise
Limitation: Longer approval timelines
7. National Processing
Best for: Legal U.S. high-risk verticals needing reliable local support
Overview:
Although known for low-risk processing, National Processing also supports select high-risk categories. They offer transparent pricing and excellent U.S.-based support.
Key Features:
- Flat-rate pricing options
- ACH and card acceptance
- Custom fraud filters
- No long-term contracts
Strengths: Honest policies, useful for borderline-risk
Limitation: Limited to select high-risk verticals
8. SMB Global
Best for: U.S. businesses needing offshore or multi-currency MIDs
Overview:
SMB Global offers both domestic and offshore high-risk merchant accounts. They’re ideal for travel, timeshare, crypto, and forex-related industries.
Key Features:
- Global payment processing
- Recurring and subscription billing
- Risk management services
- Multi-currency accounts
Strengths: High approval rates, good for international clients
Limitation: May ask for detailed business history
9. High Risk Pay
Best for: New high-risk merchants in adult, firearms, and MLM sectors
Overview:
High Risk Pay caters to both new and seasoned high-risk businesses. Their team simplifies onboarding and supports integration with common CRMs and ecommerce tools.
Key Features:
- Quick setup
- No application fees
- Gateway + merchant account bundles
- Accepts startups
Strengths: Easy approval, suitable for new businesses
Limitation: Limited advanced fraud tools
Final Thoughts
Getting approved for high-risk payment processing in the USA is more complex than traditional merchant accounts—but it’s not impossible. Whether you’re running an online casino, selling CBD oils, or managing international forex traffic, there’s a tailored solution for your business model.
Key tips:
- Don’t hide risk factors. Transparency leads to faster approval.
- Get chargeback protection. It’s crucial for sustainability.
- Go with experience. Choose providers that specialize in your niche.
These nine platforms bring deep domain knowledge, robust infrastructure, and the flexibility required to thrive in high-risk industries.
