High Risk Merchant Processing
June 20, 2017
High risk credit card processing is defined as merchant accounts that the bank and processor prefer not to do

business with. It can relate to poor credit on the part of the merchant, or it can be attributed to different business segments for which the financial institution does not want to participate in or with.
What Are the Main Prohibited Merchant List Imposed By the Banks and Processors?
Airlines
All Adult Entertainment, sexually oriented or pornographic merchants, including but not limited to: Adult telephone conversations; Internet sex/porn; Adult pictures & photos; Misc. adult entertainment (not elsewhere classified)
Collection Agencies
Credit Repair Services
Stolen property
Internet Tobacco Sales
Drug Paraphernalia
Escort or Dating Services
Gambling Establishments
Lottery Sales
Massage Parlors (unless licensed for physical therapy)
Multi-level Marketing
Time Share Sales
Bankruptcy Lawyers/Firms
Travel Agencies
Age Verification Services
Adult Videotext Merchants
Negative Option Billing
Outbound/Inbound Telemarketing
Internet Pharmaceutical Sales
Long Distance Services
Pre-paid legal advice/services
Cable box de-scramblers
Internet/Mail-Order designer/imitation handbags
Internet/Mail-Order watches
Male or Female Sexual Enhancement Supplements or Products
Pre-Paid Phone Cards
Internet Perfume Stores
Annual Billing with High Average Tickets
Matrix Merchants
Downloadable Software
Internet as Seen on TV Products
Knock off Athletic Shoes
Sunglasses
Medical Advice
Human Growth Hormones
Check cashing services
Counterfeit items, including but not limited to: Currency; Coins: stamps: Counterfeiting equipment; Trademark infringement items
Investment opportunities
High Risk Merchant Industries Typically Are:
Answering Services
Diet Centers
Health Clubs
Internet Access Providers
Investment Opportunities
Liquidators
Motivational and Self-improvement Courses
Non-Retail Pawn Shops
Seminars
Tanning Salons
Vitamin/Herbal Supplement Sales
Water Purification
Non-Retail Jewelry
Electronics including Laptops and Computers
Cellular Phones and Pagers
Non-Retail Computer Hardware and/or Software sales.
Legal Advice and Kits
Auto Accessories/Tire Rims
Other not elsewhere classified, etc.
Good news! Quality Merchant Services is specialized in processing high risk merchant accounts; we go extra step to review any application, going through the professional underwriting process, finding a right bank to support. Efficiently and timely !