A high-risk business is one that is considered to operate in a high-risk industry or one with a high risk of financial failure. Such business includes online gambling business, online dating, CBD business, medical marijuana business, online pharmacies and drugs stores and many others.
These businesses regarding merchant services are those with a high propensity for chargebacks or customer fraud. Just like in running a low-risk business, a high-risk business also requires to be able to accept payments through credit and debit cards.
Banks usually offer credit card gateway services, but most of the banks refuse to offer the services to high-risk businesses. These services are therefore offered by third party service providers that directly work with the financial institutions.
These high-risk merchant account providers help high-risk businesses be able to accept payments using credit cards to grow their businesses in the high-risk industry. There are many such providers and choosing the right one for your business can be daunting.
Here are some tips to help point you in the right direction.
Find a Service Provider.
The first thing you need to do is find a service provider that works with the type of high-risk business that you have. There are many types of high-risk businesses, and some service providers might work with some and neglect others.
It is recommended to work with a credit card processing company that offers the services to other businesses like yours.
Acceptance of Many Payment Types.
A good high risk credit card processing company should accept all major credit cards and debit cards. This ensures that your business will not turn away customers who use certain cards.
The processor should also be able to accept other payment methods like prepaid cards, gift cards, and many others that customers might need to use.
Acceptance of Mobile Payments.
If you have a physical store it is imperative that your credit card processor accepts mobile payments by having near field communication or NFC technologies. This will enable you to accept payments from mobile payments done through platforms such as Android pay, Samsung pay and Apple pay.
Fair Fees.
High-risk card processing attracts high fees than in other industries. However not all the processors charge the same fees. It is imperative that you scrutinize all the fees being charged so you do not end up paying more.
Some companies might charge very little flat fees but have a high transaction fee for every transaction carried out. Understand all the charges required and what that means for your business.
Security.
The service provider should also be able to secure your revenue and ensure the privacy and security of your customers’ data. Cybercrime is a very big threat and therefore protection of your business and customers is required.
The high-risk credit card gateway should also provide excellent customer service so that you can sort issues with ease whenever they arise.
