Introduction
High-risk businesses — such as online gaming, forex, nutraceuticals, adult entertainment, and crypto trading — often face serious hurdles with traditional payment processors. Regulatory scrutiny, high chargeback rates, and industry-specific risks make it tough to secure reliable domestic processing.
This is where offshore payment gateways become a lifeline.
By partnering with international acquiring banks and gateway providers, high-risk merchants can:
- Access broader markets
- Bypass strict domestic restrictions
- Reduce operational risks
- Accept multi-currency payments
In this expert guide, we highlight the top offshore payment gateways for international high-risk merchants in 2025 — trusted names that understand your business’s unique challenges.
Why High-Risk Merchants Choose Offshore Payment Gateways
Before we dive into the list, let’s quickly cover the benefits:
- Global Expansion: Accept payments from customers worldwide.
- Higher Approval Rates: Offshore banks are often more flexible with high-risk industries.
- Multi-Currency Processing: Essential for global commerce.
- Risk Mitigation: Offshore setups can diversify exposure.
- Privacy & Flexibility: Some offshore jurisdictions offer more confidentiality and relaxed regulations.
Top Offshore Payment Gateways for International High-Risk Merchants
1. Instabill
Why It Stands Out:
Instabill has been a pioneer in offering offshore merchant accounts and gateway services since 2001.
- Specialties: Forex, online pharmacies, gaming, nutraceuticals
- Key Features: Offshore bank partnerships, multi-currency processing, tailored underwriting
- Regions: Europe, Asia, Latin America
Best for: Merchants seeking seasoned expertise and personalized support in complex industries.
2. eLotPay
Why It Stands Out:
Specializing in high-risk offshore processing, PaynetSecure offers direct integration with international banks and supports a wide array of payment methods.
- Specialties: Online gaming, crypto trading, adult, CBD
- Key Features: Crypto-to-fiat processing, ACH alternatives, custom fraud filters
- Regions: Caribbean, Europe, Southeast Asia
Best for: Businesses wanting crypto flexibility and broad global coverage.
3. DirectPayNet
Why It Stands Out:
DirectPayNet is known for handling difficult-to-place merchants, providing both offshore acquiring and gateway solutions.
- Specialties: Adult entertainment, subscription services, online coaching
- Key Features: Chargeback reduction tools, volume-friendly setups
- Regions: Mauritius, Cyprus, Czech Republic
Best for: High-volume businesses needing flexible risk management.
4. Ikajo International
Why It Stands Out:
Ikajo International has strong partnerships with over 100 acquiring banks globally, giving merchants diverse offshore gateway options.
- Specialties: Forex, gambling, dating, travel
- Key Features: Smart routing technology, fraud prevention suite
- Regions: Hong Kong, UAE, Europe, LATAM
Best for: Tech-driven merchants seeking seamless multi-gateway integration.
Why It Stands Out:
Allied Wallet offers offshore gateway solutions with a wide international presence and an easy plug-and-play system for merchants.
- Specialties: eCommerce, digital goods, SaaS, high-risk retail
- Key Features: Virtual terminals, mobile payments, PCI DSS Level 1 compliance
- Regions: EU, Asia-Pacific, Middle East
Best for: Businesses wanting ready-to-go international payment solutions.
6. Cardinity
Why It Stands Out:
A Europe-based PSP (Payment Service Provider) licensed in the EU, Cardinity offers offshore payment gateways for high-risk and emerging industries.
- Specialties: Adult, CBD, subscription models
- Key Features: Recurring billing, fraud prevention, SEPA support
- Regions: European Union (28 countries)
Best for: European merchants needing fully regulated offshore solutions.
7. Paykings (Offshore Division)
Why It Stands Out:
Besides its domestic operations, PayKings’ offshore arm specializes in connecting high-risk merchants to international payment rails.
- Specialties: Tobacco, nutraceuticals, online casinos
- Key Features: Risk mitigation consulting, multi-bank routing
- Regions: Caribbean, EU, Eastern Europe
Best for: Businesses needing multi-bank redundancy and robust chargeback protection.
8. eMerchantBroker (EMB Offshore Services)
Why It Stands Out:
EMB is known for setting up quick offshore merchant accounts and gateway services, even for businesses with poor credit or troubled processing histories.
- Specialties: Online loans, forex, nutraceuticals, adult dating
- Key Features: Crypto payment support, fast onboarding
- Regions: Malta, Curacao, Eastern Europe
Best for: New or rebuilding high-risk businesses.
9. PaySpace
Why It Stands Out:
A strong European PSP, PaySpace offers multi-currency and local alternative payments — perfect for merchants expanding globally.
- Specialties: SaaS, marketplaces, affiliate networks
- Key Features: Localized payment methods, risk management dashboard
- Regions: Europe, APAC, CIS
Best for: SaaS or tech-driven high-risk businesses needing diverse payment options.
10. BlueSnap (via Offshore Partners)
Why It Stands Out:
Though primarily focused on mid-risk merchants, BlueSnap’s offshore network can accommodate some higher-risk industries when working through authorized partners.
- Specialties: eCommerce, digital services
- Key Features: Embedded payment solutions, subscription billing
- Regions: Europe, Israel, Asia
Best for: Tech businesses needing an enterprise-grade payment ecosystem.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Offshore Payment Gateway
- Jurisdiction Strength: Choose offshore setups in countries with strong financial reputations (e.g., Malta, Isle of Man, Hong Kong).
- Compliance Readiness: Ensure PCI DSS certification and KYC/AML compliance are in place.
- Multi-Currency Support: Crucial for international growth.
- Chargeback Mitigation Tools: Vital in high-risk sectors.
- Fee Transparency: Offshore processing may include setup fees, rolling reserves, and higher transaction costs — always get full disclosure.
Future Outlook for Offshore Payment Processing
- Crypto Adoption: Expect greater acceptance of stablecoins and decentralized payment models.
- Global Regulation Tightening: Some offshore jurisdictions will tighten compliance; working with experienced gateway providers becomes even more important.
- AI-driven Risk Management: Smarter fraud prevention and dynamic risk profiling will become industry standards.
FAQs
1. Are offshore payment gateways legal?
Yes, but you must comply with international regulations, anti-money laundering laws, and your industry standards.
2. Are offshore payment gateways more expensive?
Generally, yes. Expect setup fees, rolling reserves (5-15%), and higher transaction fees.
3. Can I still accept Visa and MasterCard offshore?
Absolutely. Most offshore gateways have strong acquiring relationships with global card networks.
4. How long does offshore account approval take?
It can range from 1–3 weeks depending on your industry, documentation, and processor policies.
5. Is it safer to use an offshore gateway than a domestic one?
Not necessarily safer, but often more flexible for high-risk industries. Choose a reputable provider.
Conclusion
For international high-risk merchants, offshore payment gateways are no longer just an option — they’re a strategic necessity.
Choosing the right partner can unlock global markets, increase payment success rates, and protect your business from domestic overregulation.
The 10 providers listed here are industry leaders, offering secure, scalable, and flexible solutions tailored for the complex demands of high-risk sectors.
Partner smart. Process globally. Grow confidently.
