High-Risk Merchant Account – How to Avoid Account Termination?

What is merchant account?

A business account in which the financial institution allows the account holder to accept payment through online money transactions using credit/debit card is called a merchant account.

What is high-risk merchant account?

The merchant account with a high risk like frauds in transactions is considered as a High Risk Merchant Account. When such risks the involved the merchant bank charges high premium and also charge extra fees for their services and card networks charge to try and minimize the risk involved.

When are you high-risk merchant?

Following are the few possibilities when your account is considered a High-Risk merchant account:

1. If you start a brand new business, there is no previous online transaction processing history.
2. The reputation of the business, if the business is anytime previously known for dissatisfaction of costumers, transaction frauds, etc.
3. Low Credit Score, you are considered a high risk merchant if your credit score is low as there are possibilities that you find it hard to repay your negative balance.
4. Service Provision, if in case there frequently is a lengthy time span for your business to provide proper service or deliver a product to the costumer, your business may be categorized as high-risk.
5. Transactions over phone, if your business uses a virtual medium for transactions this causes the costumer not being aware of details.
Along with all these there are a few more criteria’s of getting a status of high-risk merchant account, like- Chargeback History, Frequent refunds, Automated Billing, etc.

Which type of businesses are included in High-Risk Status?

Following is the list of High-Risk Merchant Consideration-
1. Adult Entertainment
2. High Volume Transactions
3. Pharmaceuticals
4. Travel and Lodging
5. Gaming
6. Marketing through network
7. Firearms and so on

How to avoid?
There are chances depending on the reputation on your account, the account may get freezes for a short span or permanently in which you cannot have any transactions in this account.

The best way to avoid all these problems is to be completely upfront and honest in the Merchant Account Application about the services and products you will provide the customers through your business.

What You Need To Know When Applying For A Merchant Account in UK

Merchant Account is a form of line of credit that a processing bank extends to the merchant, in other words, a merchant account is a settlement between a retailer/business man, a merchant bank and payment processor who tries to settle online money transactions through credit/debit card. First the funds are deposited in a merchant account when a online card transaction in done by a customer and later the business bank account receives the funds on daily or weekly basis. Even if it’s a small scale business, to accept a online card payment you need at least one internet merchant account.

Requirements For Applying Merchant Account :

Even after a high competition of issuing merchant accounts, the process for the same is not a hectic one only a variety of criteria are verified before approval of merchant account application. The criteria include the following:

Business type – to determine the level of risk involved in online transaction frauds and returns. This does not tell us that business with higher risk wont be approved but in the initial stage the vendor may ask for higher fees as a compensation for the risk so that if you have gone out of business or cannot cover any chargeback amount, your processor is the one who will take the hit.
Business Time Length – to determine the length of time in business.
History of Business – The history of business is verified to check any faults in it, if there has been any Bankruptcies or and complaints against the business.
It also verifies if the applicant has had a merchant account or has he/she applied for one earlier.
The personal information of the business owner is also verified, especially his/her personal credit history.

For newbies in business, there are a lot of chances of having a favorable review for application of Merchant Account from the bank that holds the owner’s business/personal account.

WHY SHOULD YOU OBTAIN HIGH RISK MERCHANT ACCOUNT SOLUTIONS FOR FOREX BUSINESS?

Forex is one of the largest markets in today’s financial world with the average daily trading turnover being $5 trillion. Growing market means new traders entering the market every day along with brokers and businesses offering forex platforms and services to these clients.

With the introduction of new technologies, the way trading is done undergone change and the market has become more competitive for the merchants too. One of the advantages wherein a business can gain significant leverage is by offering their traders options in terms of accepting credit or debit cards while trading.

A Forex High Risk Merchant Account has become an absolute necessity for merchants that have clients trading on their trading platforms.

Of course, obtaining a merchant account for forex businesses is not so easy. Being a high risk industry, one of the many difficulties that these merchants face is the difficulty in finding a secure bank or merchant account.

Challenges In Getting A Forex Merchant Account

The risky nature of the industry is a major factor in banks and processors shying away from the business. Forex businesses are governed by strict rules and regulations that they must adhere to. They are subject to heavy regulatory scrutiny and require proper licensing presenting a challenge in obtaining a regular Forex Merchant Account.

Another issue is the high number of chargebacks associated with the business. Forex businesses are often faced with a number of challenges and conditions that a regular merchant would not usually face.

Leverage your Forex Business with High Risk Merchant Account Solutions

Apply for a Forex Merchant Account

The faster pace of forex markets requires equally fast and efficient payment processing system. With the advancement in technology, such payment processing options are being made available to the merchants. Mobile payments, E-wallets, debit and credit cards, etc have become the preferred mode of payment that has been adopted by customers as well as merchants for speedy transactions.

When applying for a high risk merchant account for your forex business, ensure that your business has a license. Without it, you may face further complications in your application process.
A long and positive processing history (minimum 3-6 months) ensures business stability and profitability which increases your approval chances.
As a risky business, forex merchants need to avoid any and all kinds of suspicious activities relating to your business. A lower chargeback ratio is also necessary.
Along with obtaining high risk merchant account solutions, forex merchants should also integrate 3D Secure Payment Gateway services for safe and smooth transactions.

These key points are important to fulfill in order to increase your chances of approval when applying for a forex high risk merchant account.

If you are looking for high risk merchant account services for your forex business, IBS is a top-rated merchant account provider specializing in high risk verticals with over 95% merchant approval rate.