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In October 2025, our research team analyzed 42 high-risk payment processors for Shopify merchants to identify which providers offer the most reliable service, fastest approval times, and best value for businesses operating in challenging industries. We evaluated each processor using the following weighted criteria:
- Approval Rate (25%)
- Industry Support & Specialization (20%)
- Chargeback Management Tools (20%)*
- Transaction Fees & Pricing Transparency (15%)
- Integration with Shopify (10%)*
- Customer Support Quality (10%)*
- Specialty: White-glove service or unique value proposition
Our analysis revealed that high-risk Shopify merchants need more than just payment processing; they need partners who understand their specific challenges. The processors in our comparison table below represent the top performers fitting that criteria based on this algorithm, with detailed reviews following the table. These are our picks for the best high-risk payment processors for Shopify.
*Some of the criteria are not listed on the table for the purpose of concision. See the company sections below for more in-depth info on each option.
Best High-Risk Payment Processors for Shopify
*Company-specific exclusions outlined in Soar Pay’s section below
SeamlessChex, for high-risk Shopify merchants requiring enterprise-level support
SeamlessChex stands out in the high-risk payment processing space by offering true white-glove service that goes far beyond basic transaction processing. Unlike aggregate processors like Shopify Payments that can freeze accounts without warning, SeamlessChex provides dedicated support and takes full responsibility for merchant success.
The company specializes in working with merchants processing $150,000+ monthly, significantly higher than the $10,000 threshold where Stripe and PayPal often hold funds or terminate accounts. SeamlessChex's transaction routing technology allows merchants to leverage multiple banking institutions simultaneously, which is particularly valuable during high-volume seasonal periods when single-bank processors reach capacity limits.
The only drawbacks are that some of these more specialized features will require more upfront documentation, and their higher-volume specialization may not serve businesses processing under $50,000 a month as well as their target market.
Approval Rate: 99%
Avg. Approval Time: Same-day
Industries Served: All legal businesses
Transaction Fees: 2.5% + $0.25
Specialty: White-glove support, transaction routing
PaymentCloud, for CBD and supplement merchants
PaymentCloud has built a strong reputation specifically serving high-risk verticals that struggle to find stable processing. Their 98% approval rate is backed by relationships with multiple acquiring banks, allowing them to place merchants even after other processors have declined them. The company offers robust API capabilities that integrate seamlessly with Shopify through their payment app.
PaymentCloud’s pricing structure does include higher transaction fees than some competitors', though rates start at 3.95%, which can impact profit margins for high-volume merchants. Contract terms also typically require longer commitments with early termination fees, which may not suit merchants testing new business models or who are uncertain about their processing volume.
Approval Rate: 98%
Avg. Approval Time: 24-48 hours
Industries Served: Most legal businesses, with few exceptions
Transaction Fees: 3.95% + $0.25
Specialty: Chargeback protection, crypto support
PayKings, for adult entertainment and dating platforms
PayKings specializes in industries that face the most scrutiny from traditional processors, including adult services, online dating, and vape products. Their international merchant services make them particularly attractive for Shopify stores selling globally. The company offers support for multiple currencies and payment methods beyond standard credit cards.
PayKings' approval process requires comprehensive documentation and can extend to 72 hours, which may be too slow for merchants facing immediate payment processing emergencies. Some merchants report that the company's rolling reserve requirements can be more restrictive than competitors', tying up a bit more capital that merchants could otherwise invest in their operations.
Approval Rate: 95%
Avg. Approval Time: 24-72 hours
Industries Served: Most legal businesses, with few exceptions
Transaction Fees: Interchange + 1%
Specialty: International merchant services
Zen Payments, for subscription and continuity merchants
Zen Payments' extensive network of 15+ banking partners provides stability that single-bank processors cannot match. This is especially important for subscription-based businesses that experience higher chargeback rates due to automatic billing. Their Shopify integration is straightforward, with support for third-party gateway connections.
Zen Payment’s thorough vetting process, while beneficial for account stability, can feel cumbersome for merchants accustomed to faster onboarding experiences. The company's specialization in subscription and continuity billing means merchants in other high-risk categories may not receive the same level of industry-specific expertise as those served by more specialized processors.
Approval Rate: 92%
Avg. Approval Time: 48 hours
Industries Served: Most legal businesses, with few exceptions
Transaction Fees: 2.9% + $0.30
Specialty: 15+ banking partners
Pay Diverse, for emerging high-risk categories
Pay Diverse has carved out a niche serving newer high-risk categories like kratom, nootropics, and emerging wellness products. Their fraud prevention suite includes real-time transaction monitoring and customizable risk thresholds. The company's Shopify integration supports both its proprietary gateway and popular third-party options.
Pay Diverse's relatively new presence in the market (founded in 2019) means it has a shorter track record than established competitors, which may concern risk-averse merchants. Customer service response times can vary significantly depending on account size, with smaller merchants occasionally reporting slower support than their higher-volume counterparts receive.
Approval Rate: 90%
Avg. Approval Time: 3-5 days
Industries Served: All legal businesses
Transaction Fees: 3.5% + $0.20
Specialty: Fraud prevention tools
Soar Pay, for high-volume wholesale operations
Soar Pay focuses on businesses processing significant monthly volumes, particularly wholesale and B2B operations. Their infrastructure is built to handle transaction spikes without throttling, making them suitable for Shopify stores with seasonal volume fluctuations. The company offers volume-based pricing that becomes more competitive at higher processing levels.
Soar Pay enforces minimum monthly processing volume requirements that may exclude smaller or seasonal merchants who don't consistently meet their thresholds. The company's volume-focused approach means merchants processing under $100,000 monthly may not receive the same level of personalized attention and white-glove service that larger accounts enjoy.
Approval Rate: 88%
Avg. Approval Time: 3-5 days
Industries Served: Many high-risk industries, excluding ultra-high risk (adult content, offshore businesses, Bitcoin payments, etc.)
Transaction Fees: 2.8% + $0.25
Specialty: Scalability solutions
What Is the Best High-Risk Merchant Processor for Shopify?
The best payment provider for your high-risk Shopify store depends on your specific industry, transaction volume, and support needs. SeamlessChex excels for merchants requiring hands-on guidance through compliance challenges, particularly in gaming, CBD, and nutraceuticals. PaymentCloud offers the broadest industry acceptance with strong chargeback protection tools. PayKings is ideal for truly controversial industries and international sales.
When choosing a high-risk processor for Shopify, prioritize these factors:
- Industry specialization: Does the processor have experience with your specific products?
- Account stability: Look for dedicated merchant IDs, not aggregate accounts that can freeze unexpectedly
- Support quality: High-risk merchants need processors who answer calls and solve problems proactively
- Fee transparency: Avoid processors with hidden fees or unclear pricing structures
- Chargeback management: Tools to prevent and respond to disputes are essential for high-risk success
The Top High Risk Payment Processors for Shopify by Category
We also broke down the top companies into three subcategories based on specialty:
Best for White-Glove Service & Complex Industries
- SeamlessChex
- PaymentCloud
- PayKings
- Zen Payments
- Pay Diverse
Best for Fast Approval & Getting Started Quickly
- SeamlessChex
- PaymentCloud
- Zen Payments
- PayKings
- Soar Pay
Best for International & Multi-Currency Processing
- PayKings
- SeamlessChex
- PaymentCloud
- Zen Payments
- Soar Pay
Why Shopify Payments Often Fails High-Risk Merchants
Shopify Payments, powered by Stripe, uses an aggregate model where multiple merchants share processing infrastructure. This works well for low-risk businesses but creates problems for high-risk categories. The platform frequently freezes funds or terminates accounts across industries such as CBD, gaming, nutraceuticals, and adult products, often without warning or a clear explanation.
High-risk merchants need dedicated merchant accounts with their own Merchant ID (MID) rather than sharing an aggregate account. Dedicated accounts offer:
- Predictable processing without sudden shutdowns
- Higher transaction limits for growing businesses
- Transparent pricing with negotiable rates
- Direct banking relationships that don't disappear overnight
- Specialized support from teams who understand your industry
Ready to Accept Payments Without the Headaches?
Don't let payment processing limitations hold your high-risk Shopify store back. Whether you're selling CBD products, running a gaming platform, or operating in another challenging category, the right payment processor makes all the difference between struggling with frozen funds and confidently scaling your business.
Apply now to get approved for the best high-risk payment processor for Shopify, or contact us to speak with payment experts who understand your industry's unique challenges.
