Payment Guides for High-Risk Merchants
Plain-English answers to the questions high-risk merchants ask most, from what makes an account high risk to what to do after a ban.
The SwissPay.ai guides explain high-risk payment processing in plain English. They cover what makes an account high risk, how chargebacks and MCC codes affect approval, and why Stripe, PayPal and Shopify Payments ban accounts. Each guide links to the matching SwissPay page if you need a merchant account.
High-risk basics
Start here if you are not sure your business counts as high risk. These guides explain what a high-risk merchant account is and how it differs from a standard one. They also cover merchant category codes and payment gateways, the two things processors look at first when they assess a new merchant.
What is a high-risk merchant account?
A high-risk merchant account is a payment account for businesses banks see as risky. Learn what makes a business high-risk and how to get an account.
Learn more →High-risk vs low-risk merchant account
A high-risk merchant account serves businesses banks see as risky, with higher fees and reserves. See how it compares to a low-risk account, and why.
Learn more →High-risk MCC codes
High-risk MCC codes are merchant category codes card networks flag for fraud, chargeback or legal risk. See examples, how to find yours, and what to do.
Learn more →What is a payment gateway?
A payment gateway securely passes card data from checkout to the processor for approval. Learn how it works, gateway vs processor, and examples.
Learn more →Chargebacks and disputes
Chargebacks are the most common reason high-risk merchants lose their processing. These guides explain how a chargeback moves from the cardholder to the issuing bank and back to you. They also list practical steps that keep your dispute ratio low enough to stay approved.
What is a chargeback?
A chargeback is a forced payment reversal a cardholder disputes with their bank. Learn how chargebacks work, chargeback vs refund, and how to reduce them.
Learn more →How to reduce chargebacks
Learn how to reduce chargebacks with a clear billing descriptor, fraud tools like AVS, CVV and 3-D Secure, prevention alerts, and strong representment.
Learn more →Bans, shutdowns and Shopify
If Stripe or Shopify Payments froze or closed your account, start here. These guides explain the usual reasons for a ban and what you can sell on Shopify. They also explain how a third-party payment provider works alongside or instead of Shopify Payments.
Why did Stripe or PayPal ban my account?
Stripe closed or PayPal limited your account? Learn the common reasons payment processors ban merchants, what happens to your funds, and what to do next.
Learn more →Why did Shopify Payments ban my store?
Shopify Payments can ban, hold or freeze a store for prohibited verticals, high chargebacks or unsupported regions. Learn why and what to do next.
Learn more →Does Shopify allow high-risk?
Shopify allows most high-risk storefronts, but Shopify Payments will not process many of them. Here is what you can sell and how to take payments anyway.
Learn more →Can I use a third-party payment provider on Shopify?
Yes. Shopify lets you connect a third-party payment provider instead of Shopify Payments. Learn how it works, the fees, and how to add one to your store.
Learn more →What payment gateways does Shopify support?
Shopify supports Shopify Payments and many third-party providers. Learn how Shopify gateways work, how to choose one, and options for high-risk stores.
Learn more →Apply for a merchant account
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