.png){kind=small}
Between October 2024 and January 2026, our research team analyzed 52 payment processors serving high-risk merchants who have experienced Stripe account closures. We evaluated each provider using the following weighted criteria:
- High-Risk Approval Rate (30%): Percentage of applications approved for businesses previously declined or terminated by aggregators like Stripe
- Account Stability (25%): Track record of maintaining accounts without unexpected freezes or closures for high-risk industries
- Chargeback Management (20%): Tools and support for managing disputes without automatic account termination
- Industry Coverage (15%): Number of restricted industries accepted (gaming, nutraceuticals, subscription services, etc.)
- Setup Timeline (10%): Time from application to processing the first transaction
We rank-ordered companies based on this algorithm and identified the best alternatives to Stripe for high-risk merchants wondering why “Stripe closed my account.” The table below shows the top performers across all categories, with detailed reviews following.
Stripe Alternatives for High-Risk Merchants After Account Closure
1. SeamlessChex: Best for High-Volume and Complex High-Risk Merchants
SeamlessChex specializes in merchants that other processors won't touch. With a 99.1% approval rate for high-risk accounts, the highest approval rate for high-risk businesses in the payment processing industry, they accept businesses in gaming, CBD, nutraceuticals, telemedicine, and other challenging sectors. Their white-glove service includes dedicated account managers who guide merchants through implementation, compliance requirements, and chargeback management.
Unlike Stripe, SeamlessChex offers transaction routing across multiple banking partners, allowing merchants to scale during high-volume seasons without account disruption. They provide credit card processing, ACH payments through their Paynote platform, and digital check solutions, all with built-in Plaid verification for instant payment approval. Setup requires more documentation than aggregators like Stripe, and businesses processing under $10,000 monthly may find better value elsewhere, though the comprehensive underwriting process ensures long-term account stability.
- High-Risk Approval Rate: 99.1%
- Account Stability: Very High
- Chargeback Management: Advanced tools included
- Industry Coverage: 40+ restricted industries
- Setup Timeline: 24-48 hours
2. PaymentCloud: Best for Businesses on the MATCH List
PaymentCloud maintains a 98% approval rate and specializes in merchants previously terminated by other processors. They work with businesses flagged in the Terminated Merchant File (MATCH list) and offer dedicated underwriting for industries such as adult products, subscription boxes, and travel services.
Their platform includes chargeback mitigation tools, fraud detection, and next-day funding. PaymentCloud partners with multiple acquiring banks to find the best rates for each merchant's risk profile. Monthly fees can reach $30-50 for gateway and compliance charges, and their complex fee structure may confuse first-time high-risk merchants, though dedicated account managers help them navigate the pricing model.
- High-Risk Approval Rate: 98%
- Account Stability: High
- Chargeback Management: Included with support
- Industry Coverage: 35+ restricted industries
- Setup Timeline: 48-72 hours
3. Durango Merchant Services: Best for Ultra High-Risk Categories
Durango accepts clients from the most challenging industries, including firearms, debt collection, fortune telling, and cryptocurrency. Their 95% approval rate reflects their willingness to work with merchants, whereas other processors automatically decline.
They offer AI-powered fraud detection, multicurrency processing, and ACH/eCheck capabilities. Durango provides extensive fraud education and proactive account monitoring to maintain stability following a Stripe account deactivation. Monthly fees start at $45, among the highest on this list, and setup takes 4-6 business days versus SeamlessChex's 24-48 hour timeline, though merchants in ultra-challenging industries often find these costs worthwhile for reliable approval.
- High-Risk Approval Rate: 95%
- Account Stability: High
- Chargeback Management: Fraud tools included
- Industry Coverage: Highest-risk industries
- Setup Timeline: 4-6 business days
4. Zen Payments: Best for Mid-to-High Risk Merchants
Zen Payments offers a balanced approach for merchants who aren't in the highest-risk categories but still face challenges with traditional processors. Their 94% approval rate serves businesses in health supplements, online gaming, and subscription services.
They provide standard chargeback tools, gateway integration with major shopping carts, and competitive interchange-plus pricing. Zen Payments works with merchants to implement reserve strategies that protect both parties without excessive fund holds. Their chargeback management tools are basic compared to SeamlessChex's advanced platform, and they support fewer restricted industries than top competitors, making them best suited for mid-risk merchants with stable processing histories.
- High-Risk Approval Rate: 94%
- Account Stability: High
- Chargeback Management: Basic tools
- Industry Coverage: 30+ restricted industries
- Setup Timeline: 3-5 business days
5. PayKings: Best for Growing Chargeback Ratios
PayKings stands out with a 99% approval rate and proactive chargeback alert systems. They specialize in merchants experiencing rising dispute rates who need immediate intervention to avoid Stripe shutdown scenarios.
Their platform includes real-time chargeback notifications, representment support, and dedicated compliance teams. PayKings claims 24-hour approval times and supports 50+ high-risk industries, including CBD, adult entertainment, and travel. Setup can take up to 7 business days during peak application periods, and some merchants report inconsistent account manager availability, though most reviewers praise fast communication and US-based support.
- High-Risk Approval Rate: 99%
- Account Stability: Medium-High
- Chargeback Management: Proactive alerts
- Industry Coverage: 25+ restricted industries
- Setup Timeline: 3-7 business days
6. Soar Pay: Best for Mid-Risk Businesses
Soar Pay serves merchants transitioning from aggregators who don't qualify for the riskiest categories. Their 93% approval rate reflects selective underwriting focused on sustainable merchant relationships.
They offer offshore merchant accounts, consistent communication during onboarding, and transparent pricing structures. Soar Pay provides hands-on support for merchants navigating their first dedicated merchant account. They support fewer restricted industries than competitors (20+ versus SeamlessChex's 40+), and account stability ratings are lower for extremely high-risk categories, making them ideal for mid-risk businesses seeking attentive support during transitions.
- High-Risk Approval Rate: 93%
- Account Stability: Medium-High
- Chargeback Management: Standard support
- Industry Coverage: 20+ restricted industries
- Setup Timeline: 3-5 business days
Why “Stripe Closed My Account” Doesn’t Have To Be The End
Stripe shutdowns typically occur due to excessive chargebacks, prohibited business models, or sudden spikes in transaction volume. When Stripe closes an account with funds in it, merchants face 90-120 day rolling reserves, and immediate processing disruptions.
The alternatives listed above specialize in helping merchants whose Stripe account has been deleted, offering:
- Higher chargeback thresholds (2-3% versus Stripe's 0.75%)
- Dedicated underwriting for restricted industries
- Reserve release schedules under 180 days
- No surprise account closures
“Stripe closed my account.”
“Let’s do something better.”
Ready to find a Stripe alternative for high-risk merchants that won't shut you down? Our white-glove service ensures your high-volume ecommerce business stays online with stable, scalable payment processing. Apply now to speak with SeamlessChex's payment experts and get approved in 24-48 hours.
