Introduction
Globalization has opened lucrative markets for businesses — but with new opportunities come new challenges, especially for industries classified as “high-risk.” Traditional domestic banks often shy away from servicing these sectors, making offshore merchant accounts a critical lifeline.
Offshore merchant account providers specialize in offering businesses—especially those in gaming, forex, adult services, and CBD—greater flexibility, multi-currency processing, relaxed underwriting, and enhanced privacy.
In this guide, we explore the top 10 offshore merchant account providers in 2025, helping you choose a partner who can navigate international banking complexities and ensure seamless global transactions.
Why Choose an Offshore Merchant Account?
An offshore merchant account is a payment processing solution located outside the business’s home country, typically in jurisdictions with:
- Lenient regulatory frameworks
- Favorable tax benefits
- Flexible underwriting for high-risk businesses
- Multi-currency and international support
Key benefits include:
- Access to a broader range of payment options
- Lower rolling reserves and higher approval rates
- Privacy and discretion for sensitive industries
- Increased chances for global customer acceptance
Top 10 Offshore Merchant Account Providers (2025)
1. Instabill
Why They Stand Out:
Instabill has over two decades of experience helping high-risk businesses secure offshore merchant accounts with acquiring banks across Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
- Specialties: High-risk industries (forex, gaming, CBD), offshore accounts in multiple jurisdictions
- Strengths: Cryptocurrency acceptance, personalized account management
- Top Jurisdictions: Malta, Cyprus, Hong Kong
Best for: Businesses needing quick, reliable offshore setups and crypto support.
2. PaynetSecure
Why They Stand Out:
Offering sophisticated gateway solutions with high-level fraud prevention, PaynetSecure supports a wide range of offshore acquiring options.
- Specialties: Forex, gambling, nutraceuticals
- Strengths: Advanced fraud scrubbing tools, recurring billing support
- Top Jurisdictions: EU, Asia Pacific
Best for: Tech-savvy businesses needing customized payment gateway integrations.
3. eLotPay
Why They Stand Out:
iPayTotal caters primarily to ultra-high-risk industries, offering customized offshore solutions for even the most challenging business models.
- Specialties: Adult content, CBD, crypto, gambling
- Strengths: Chargeback management tools, global acquiring partnerships
- Top Jurisdictions: Singapore, Seychelles, Lithuania
Best for: Ultra-high-risk businesses with complex needs.
4. Allied Wallet
Why They Stand Out:
A global leader in fintech, Allied Wallet supports more than 196 countries, offering flexible offshore merchant accounts for SMEs and enterprises alike.
- Specialties: Digital goods, software, travel, online services
- Strengths: Wallet integration, fraud protection, fast approvals
- Top Jurisdictions: UK, Japan, UAE
Best for: Businesses needing fast global scaling.
5. Everest Merchant Services
Why They Stand Out:
Specializing in discreet offshore account setups, Everest Merchant Services ensures high approval rates for even the most heavily scrutinized industries.
- Specialties: Adult, vape, travel, nutraceuticals
- Strengths: Multi-currency support, white-label solutions
- Top Jurisdictions: Caribbean, Eastern Europe
Best for: Companies seeking stealth setups with privacy as a top priority.
6. eMerchantBroker (EMB)
Why They Stand Out:
While EMB is well-known for domestic services, it has expanded its offshore portfolio, partnering with acquiring banks worldwide to help high-risk businesses.
- Specialties: CBD, debt consolidation, credit repair
- Strengths: Chargeback shield, flexible reserve terms
- Top Jurisdictions: Caribbean, UK, Hong Kong
Best for: High-risk businesses wanting both U.S. and offshore options.
Why They Stand Out:
Ikajo specializes in cross-border payments, offering merchant accounts combined with intelligent anti-fraud systems and smart routing technology.
- Specialties: Dating sites, forex, SaaS platforms
- Strengths: Intelligent payment routing, risk management tools
- Top Jurisdictions: Netherlands, Cyprus, Singapore
Best for: SaaS and subscription-based high-risk businesses.
8. WebPays
Why They Stand Out:
WebPays focuses on high-risk and high-volume businesses, offering powerful processing options with minimal rolling reserves.
- Specialties: Forex, gaming, eCommerce, gambling
- Strengths: Offshore company setup assistance, chargeback mitigation
- Top Jurisdictions: Mauritius, Singapore, Malta
Best for: High-volume merchants needing reliable offshore infrastructure.
9. Merchant Stronghold
Why They Stand Out:
Merchant Stronghold offers tailor-made offshore merchant services, including solutions for startups and businesses that have been rejected multiple times elsewhere.
- Specialties: Nutraceuticals, drop shipping, binary options
- Strengths: Industry-specific account management, fraud detection
- Top Jurisdictions: Asia, Caribbean
Best for: Merchants struggling to find acceptance elsewhere.
10. DirectPayNet
Why They Stand Out:
DirectPayNet is a boutique firm specializing in complex offshore processing for high-risk industries that demand precision, privacy, and speed.
- Specialties: Adult, gaming, coaching, supplements
- Strengths: White-glove service, proactive compliance strategies
- Top Jurisdictions: Malta, Curaçao, Singapore
Best for: Enterprises needing VIP-level service and high-ticket processing.
What to Look for in an Offshore Merchant Account Provider
When selecting an offshore partner, assess:
- Banking Network: Do they work with multiple acquiring banks across favorable jurisdictions?
- Fraud Prevention: Is there an intelligent fraud scrubbing system in place?
- Chargeback Management: Do they offer active support to reduce chargebacks?
- Industry Experience: Have they successfully placed businesses in your sector?
- Fees and Reserves: Understand their transparency in terms of setup costs, monthly fees, and reserve policies.
A good offshore merchant provider should offer high approval rates, regulatory expertise, and excellent customer support.
Future Trends in Offshore Merchant Accounts
Looking ahead, several major shifts will define the offshore processing landscape:
- Increased Crypto Integration: Acceptance of Bitcoin, stablecoins, and crypto payments will become standard.
- Stricter KYC/AML: Jurisdictions will tighten regulations; providers with strong compliance frameworks will thrive.
- AI in Risk Management: Real-time fraud detection will increasingly use machine learning models.
- Expansion to Emerging Markets: More offshore solutions will open up in Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia.
FAQs
1. Is it legal to open an offshore merchant account?
Yes, it is legal if used for legitimate business purposes and if all local and international tax regulations are followed.
2. How much does it cost to open an offshore merchant account?
Costs vary but can include setup fees ($500–$1,500), monthly fees ($50–$100), and rolling reserves (5%–10%).
3. How long does it take to get approved?
Typically between 5–15 business days, depending on documentation and underwriting risk.
4. Will I need to incorporate an offshore company?
In many cases, yes. Some acquiring banks require your business to be registered in the same jurisdiction.
5. Can an offshore merchant account help with chargebacks?
Yes, many offshore providers offer chargeback mitigation tools, though merchants must still manage customer service diligently.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right offshore merchant account provider is critical to scaling your business internationally while maintaining stability and flexibility. Each provider on this list offers unique strengths—some excel in privacy, others in technology, and some in ultra-high-risk approvals.
Take your time to assess your priorities (fees, industry specialization, privacy) and partner with a provider aligned with your long-term growth goals.
