The UK, with its well-regulated financial infrastructure and vibrant eCommerce environment, remains a top destination for high-risk businesses seeking merchant services. However, securing a merchant account can be particularly challenging for high-risk sectors such as gaming, adult services, forex, nutraceuticals, or CBD. Traditional banks shy away from such industries due to compliance issues, high chargeback risks, and regulatory complexities.
Enter high-risk merchant account providers: specialized payment processors equipped to handle businesses with elevated risk profiles. In this guide, we explore the top 10 high-risk merchant account providers in the UK for 2025, detailing their offerings, industries served, and what sets them apart.
Why High-Risk Merchant Accounts Are Crucial
A high-risk merchant account is a type of payment processing solution tailored for businesses considered to have a higher chance of fraud, chargebacks, or regulatory complications. These accounts:
- Enable you to accept credit card and alternative payments online
- Offer fraud prevention and chargeback mitigation tools
- Help maintain business continuity for high-risk industries
- Offer multi-currency and offshore processing solutions
Top 10 High-Risk Merchant Account Providers in the UK for 2025
1. PayKings
- Overview: Known for working with a wide array of high-risk industries including vape, CBD, and adult.
- Key Features: Chargeback protection, fraud monitoring, integration with shopping carts.
- USP: Fast onboarding (as little as 3 days) and high approval rates.
2. Instabill
- Overview: A global player with a solid UK presence.
- Key Features: Offshore accounts, flexible terms, support for startups.
- USP: Personalized account management and tailored risk assessment.
3. Durango Merchant Services
- Overview: Specializes in high-risk merchant accounts for industries like forex, travel, and tech support.
- Key Features: Advanced risk tools, domestic and offshore options, PCI compliance.
- USP: Transparent fee structure and no hidden charges.
- Overview: Well-regarded in the UK high-risk ecosystem.
- Key Features: ACH processing, chargeback prevention tools, API integration.
- USP: Clear industry segmentation with dedicated solutions for each niche.
5. High Risk Pay
- Overview: Provides UK-based and offshore merchant accounts for challenging verticals.
- Key Features: Recurring billing, international processing, real-time analytics.
- USP: Minimal reserve requirements.
6. eMerchantBroker (EMB)
- Overview: Ranked among the top high-risk processors for its flexibility.
- Key Features: Chargeback shield program, mobile payments, ACH solutions.
- USP: Quick application processing and approval.
7. eLotPay
- Overview: Services a global clientele, including UK-based high-risk merchants.
- Key Features: Tokenization, multi-currency processing, fraud filters.
- USP: Seamless gateway and acquiring bank integration.
8. EasyPay Direct
- Overview: Though US-based, it serves UK businesses via offshore partners.
- Key Features: Load balancing, redundant gateways, scalable accounts.
- USP: EPD Gateway with smart transaction routing.
9. PaymentCloud
- Overview: Trusted partner for UK merchants in adult, crypto, and CBD niches.
- Key Features: Customized underwriting, gateway setup, dispute resolution.
- USP: Partner network includes over 30 acquiring banks.
10. Allied Wallet
- Overview: UK-based PSP with extensive support for high-risk and international merchants.
- Key Features: Real-time fraud protection, mobile SDKs, high-risk onboarding.
- USP: Emphasis on compliance and regulation.
How to Choose the Right Provider
When selecting a high-risk merchant account provider in the UK, consider the following factors:
- Industry Compatibility: Make sure the provider has experience in your specific niche.
- Fees and Reserve Policies: Understand the MDR, rolling reserves, setup fees, and hidden charges.
- Compliance and Licensing: Confirm adherence to UK regulations and standards (FCA, PSD2, AML, PCI DSS).
- Customer Support: Look for 24/7 support, dedicated account managers, and transparency.
- Integration: Evaluate ease of integration with your current tech stack, CRM, and shopping carts.
Benefits of Working with a UK-Based Provider
- Strong consumer protections under FCA and PSD2
- Access to Faster Payments and SEPA transfers
- Localized compliance knowledge
- Easier dispute resolution
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
- High Reserves: Negotiate lower rolling reserves or flexible terms based on risk mitigation.
- Delayed Approvals: Provide complete KYC documents upfront to speed up underwriting.
- High Chargebacks: Use providers with chargeback alert systems and anti-fraud tools.
Future Outlook for High-Risk Merchant Accounts in the UK
As fintech regulations mature, the demand for tailored high-risk solutions is rising. With growing sectors like online gaming, crypto, and AI-driven trading, high-risk providers are evolving to offer smart onboarding, risk-based pricing, and blockchain-friendly infrastructure.
Expect further advancements in:
- AI-powered fraud prevention
- Biometric KYC/AML processes
- API-based modular payment services
- Cross-border fintech enablement
FAQs
1. What makes a business high-risk in the UK?
Industries like adult, forex, CBD, and gaming are high-risk due to regulatory issues and high chargebacks.
2. How fast can I get approved for a UK high-risk account?
With complete documentation, approval can take 3 to 10 business days.
3. Do I need a UK company to apply?
Not always. Some providers accept offshore companies with UK customers.
4. Are rolling reserves always required?
Not always, but most high-risk accounts will include a reserve. The percentage depends on perceived risk.
5. Can I process international payments?
Yes. Most high-risk providers support multi-currency and cross-border payments.
