Getting rejected by payment processors can kill your business overnight. You submit application after application, only to face another “no” from banks that see your industry as too risky. Traditional payment processors often turn away businesses in sectors like adult entertainment, CBD, gambling, and subscription services, leaving you scrambling to find a solution.
This is where a high risk merchant account at HighRiskPay.com comes into play. The platform promises to approve 99% of applications and get businesses processing payments within 24 hours, even in the riskiest industries.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about HighRiskPay.com in 2025. You’ll learn about their actual approval process, real fee structures, which industries they accept, and whether they deliver on their bold promises. We’ll also compare them to alternatives and show you exactly how to apply.
What is HighRiskPay.com?
HighRiskPay.com is a payment processor that specializes in high-risk merchant accounts for businesses that traditional banks usually reject . They operate as an Independent Sales Organization (ISO), which means they partner with acquiring banks to provide payment processing services rather than handling transactions directly.
The company targets businesses in industries that face frequent chargebacks, regulatory scrutiny, or have reputational challenges. Their high-risk merchant account solutions offer chargeback management, credit card acceptance, fraud prevention, and ACH/eCheck processing.
HighRiskPay.com claims a 99% approval rate and fast 24-hour turnaround, positioning itself as a solution for businesses that can’t get approved elsewhere. They also advertise no application fees, no contracts, and universal acceptance of major credit cards regardless of credit status.
How HighRiskPay.com Works
The platform connects high-risk merchants with acquiring banks through its network of financial relationships. HighRiskPay.com operates as an Independent Sales Organization (ISO), which means they don’t directly process payments themselves.
When you apply, they evaluate your business risk profile and match you with an appropriate acquiring bank. Your transactions flow through their payment gateway, but the actual money processing happens through their banking partners.
Industries Served by HighRiskPay.com
HighRiskPay.com supports a wide range of industries, including adult, online gaming, bail bonds, debt collection, nutraceuticals, credit repair, and vape products . Here’s a breakdown of the major sectors they serve:
Financial Services:
- Credit repair companies
- Debt collection agencies
- Bail bonds
- Check cashing services
Health and Wellness:
- Nutraceuticals and supplements
- CBD products
- Online pharmacies
- Telemedicine services
Entertainment and Gaming:
- Adult entertainment
- Online gambling and casinos
- Gaming platforms
- Dating services
E-commerce and Retail:
- High-ticket items
- Dropshipping businesses
- Subscription services
- Travel and timeshares
Professional Services:
- Tech support services
- Multi-level marketing
- Firearms and ammunition
- Tobacco and vape products
Approval rates vary significantly by industry. E-commerce and subscription businesses see higher approval rates than adult entertainment or CBD merchants.
HighRiskPay.com Fee Structure
High-risk payment processing costs more than standard merchant accounts. High-risk business owners can expect their credit card processing rates to be 0.5% to 1% higher than low-risk processing rates.
Transaction Fees
High-risk businesses should expect credit card processing fees to start around 3.5% for an established business in a “less risky” high-risk category. PaymentCloud says that their “average” rate for a high-risk merchant account is 3.95%.
For HighRiskPay.com specifically, expect monthly fees, higher transaction percentages (often 4% to 6%), and potential setup costs.
Fee Comparison Table
| Fee Type | HighRiskPay.com | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction Rate | 4.0% – 6.0% | 3.5% – 5.5% |
| Monthly Fee | $10 – $50 | $10 – $100 |
| Setup Fee | $0 | $0 – $500 |
| Chargeback Fee | $25 – $100 | $20 – $100 |
| Rolling Reserve | 5% – 15% | 5% – 20% |
Additional Costs
Beyond the initial setup, expect ongoing monthly and annual fees. These may include:
- Gateway fees ($15-30 monthly)
- PCI compliance fees ($10-30 monthly)
- Statement fees ($10-25 monthly)
- Annual registration fees (up to $950 for Visa)
HighRiskPay.com acts as an ISO (Independent Sales Organization), which means they work with acquiring banks on your behalf. This structure can affect your final pricing based on which bank ultimately underwrites your account.
Application Process at HighRiskPay.com
Applying for a high-risk merchant account at HighRiskPay.com starts with a quick online form. The process involves several steps:
Step 1: Online Application
The form asks for basic business info, ownership structure, processing volume, and what kind of products or services you offer . Be accurate because this information must match your supporting documents.
Step 2: Document Submission
You’ll need to provide:
- Business license
- Bank statements (3-6 months)
- Processing history (if available)
- Tax returns
- Articles of incorporation
- Personal identification
- Proof of address
Step 3: Underwriting Review
Your application goes through either manual underwriting or an automated screening tool. High-risk industries often trigger a closer look .
The “99% approval rate” marketing claim appears to reflect approvals among businesses that make it through their initial screening process, not all applicants who submit forms .
Step 4: Decision and Setup
HighRiskPay.com says they can get merchants approved in as little as 24 to 48 hours . However, a BBB review described a lengthy signup process: “Very deceptive advertising. The ’24 Hour Approval’ in particular. I’m 6 weeks in so far and have completed a very invasive screening process” .
The actual timeline depends on your industry risk level and document completeness.
Pros and Cons of HighRiskPay.com
Advantages
No Setup Fees: High Risk Pay charges nothing to set up your own high-risk merchant account.
Broad Industry Coverage: They accept businesses that most processors won’t touch.
Fast Approval Claims: 24-48-hour processing for qualified applicants.
Live Support: You’ll get access to live support via phone and email, which is better than some faceless processors.
Rolling Reserve Flexibility: HighRiskPay.com appears to customize reserve percentages based on individual business risk profiles.
Disadvantages
Limited Technology: The level of dispute intelligence is relatively limited compared to newer platforms.
Higher Fees: Processing rates can reach 6% or more for riskiest industries.
Unclear Pricing: They don’t publish exact rates, expect monthly fees, higher transaction percentages (often 4% to 6%), and potential setup costs.
Mixed Reviews: High Risk Pay currently has 1 reviews on its BBB profile, which is positive. A previous negative review described a lengthy signup process .
Alternatives to HighRiskPay.com
Several other processors specialize in high-risk accounts:
PaymentCloud: Known for excellent customer service, application assistance, and processing a wide range of industries.
eMerchantBroker: Specializes in chargeback management tools and dispute-heavy industries.
SMB Global: Focuses on international businesses with multi-currency support.
Host Merchant Services: Caters to large, high-risk businesses with customized solutions.
Each provider has different strengths. PaymentCloud excels at customer service, while eMerchantBroker offers superior chargeback tools.
How to Improve Your Approval Odds
Prepare Complete Documentation
Most delays happen when merchants submit incomplete applications. Gather all required documents before applying.
Lower Your Risk Profile
- Reduce chargeback rates below 1%
- Implement fraud prevention tools
- Maintain strong financial records
- Avoid processing international transactions initially
Work with Specialists
Partnering with a provider that specializes in your industry can lead to better pricing, fewer restrictions, and more flexible terms.
Featured Snippet
A high risk merchant account at HighRiskPay.com offers payment processing for businesses that traditional banks reject, including adult, CBD, gambling, and subscription industries. They claim 99% approval rates with 24-48 hour processing times and no setup fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HighRiskPay.com legitimate?
Yes. It is mostly considered a legitimate solution for businesses working in regulated industries with high risks.
What industries does HighRiskPay.com serve?
Adult, online gaming, bail bonds, debt collection, nutraceuticals, credit repair, and vape products.
How long is the approval process?
They claim 24 to 48 hours, but the actual time depends on paperwork and risk level.
What are typical processing fees?
Expect monthly fees, higher transaction percentages (often 4% to 6%), and potential setup costs.
Do they require rolling reserves?
Like most high-risk processors, they may hold a percentage of your funds in a reserve account.
Bottom Line
A high risk merchant account at HighRiskPay.com can solve payment processing problems for businesses in challenging industries. Their 99% approval rate and fast 24-hour turnaround make them attractive to desperate businesses facing constant rejections.
However, their pricing isn’t transparent, and approval doesn’t guarantee favorable terms. The level of dispute intelligence is relatively limited compared to newer platforms.
For businesses that need immediate processing capability and have been rejected elsewhere, HighRiskPay.com provides a viable solution. Just ensure you understand all fees upfront and compare their terms with specialists like PaymentCloud or eMerchantBroker before committing. The key is finding a processor that not only approves your application but also provides the tools and support your business needs to thrive long-term.
