Credit Processing for Adult Industries
The adult entertainment industry’s expansion into the digital marketplace has made merchant accounts essential for online adult entertainment vendors. Finding the best adult merchant account can be a difficult task. Within the credit card processing industry, adult merchant accounts are generally classified as “high risk” merchant accounts, and many merchant account providers will therefore refuse to offer credit card processing for adult entertainment websites. The reasoning behind this varies. Some processors tend to worry that adult entertainment merchants may be fronts for illegal activity. In addition, online adult vendors may have a high rate of chargebacks or exclusively engage in card-not-present transactions.
There are some merchant services providers, though, that not only provide but specialize in high risk credit card processing, and some of these providers are willing to offer merchant accounts for adult entertainment businesses. To assist you in your search, we have compiled the following list of the top five businesses that provide credit card processing for adult merchants. Many of these companies are partnered with offshore banks and are also willing to offer offshore merchant accounts, but only some of them are known to process payments for escort services at this time. As a rule, adult merchants should anticipate paying higher than average processing fees in addition to one-time setup fees due to their high risk business type. Merchants are encouraged to click through each provider’s page before choosing one in order to find the right fit for their business type.
How to Select the Best Adult Merchant Credit Card Processor
When selecting a credit card processor for an adult merchant business in the USA, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of our specific considerations below.
High-Risk Business
Adult merchant businesses are classified as high-risk by most banks and credit card processors. Therefore, it’s essential to find a credit card processor that specializes in high-risk merchant accounts. They will understand the unique challenges of adult merchant businesses and provide customized solutions to minimize chargebacks and fraud.
Age Verification
The adult merchant industry in the USA requires strict age verification for its customers. You should select a credit card processor that offers age verification services to ensure that your customers are of legal age to purchase your products.
Discreet Billing
Customers purchasing adult products often prefer discreet billing to avoid any embarrassment or privacy issues. Therefore, it’s important to choose a credit card processor that offers discreet billing options that do not mention the nature of the purchase on the customer’s statement.
Multiple Payment Options
Your customers may prefer different payment options, such as credit cards, debit cards, ACH, e-checks, or mobile payments. Therefore, you should choose a credit card processor that offers multiple payment options to increase the chances of making a sale.
Chargeback Protection
Chargebacks are a significant concern for adult merchant businesses. To minimize the risk of chargebacks, you should choose a credit card processor that offers chargeback protection services, including dispute resolution, fraud detection, and prevention.
Compliance with Rules and Regulations
The adult merchant industry in the USA is subject to specific rules and regulations, such as age verification requirements and the prohibition of certain types of content. Your credit card processor should comply with these regulations to avoid legal issues and penalties.
Top-Rated Customer Support
Adult merchant businesses require a reliable and responsive customer support team to resolve any issues promptly. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a credit card processor that offers 24/7 customer support through various channels, such as phone, email, and live chat.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best credit card processor for your adult merchant business in the USA.
Top Picks for Merchant Services for Adult-Oriented Businesses
#1 PaymentCloud
Top Rated for Adult Oriented Merchant Accounts
Based in Woodland Hills, California, PaymentCloud is a merchant account provider that specializes in serving high risk business types. The company’s products and services include point-of-sale solutions, mobile phone swipers, an online payment gateway and virtual terminal, EMV-compatible terminals, and merchant cash advances. PaymentCloud is a good option for adult-oriented online businesses.
PaymentCloud provides a dedicated account rep to all new merchants for the life of the account. The company has not received any negative complaints on consumer forums, and it customizes its pricing according to each merchant’s business type and processing history. The BBB does not maintain a profile for PaymentCloud at this time, but CPO gives the company an “A.”
Why PaymentCloud is the Best Choice for Credit Card Processing in the Adult Industry
Accepting credit card payments is crucial for any business, and for adult businesses, finding a reliable and trustworthy payment processing solution can be a challenge. That’s where PaymentCloud comes in. As a leader in the payment processing industry, PaymentCloud offers specialized solutions for high-risk businesses, including those in the adult industry.
One of the main reasons PaymentCloud is a good option for businesses selling adult products is their experience in working with high-risk merchants. PaymentCloud has a team of experts who specialize in adult business payment processing and understand the unique challenges that come with it. This means they can provide tailored solutions to meet the needs of adult businesses, including customized chargeback prevention strategies and fraud protection measures.
Another advantage of using PaymentCloud for adult business payment processing is their ability to work with a variety of adult products. Whether you sell adult toys, videos, or other related products, PaymentCloud has experience in processing payments for a range of adult businesses. They also offer a range of payment options, including credit cards, ACH, and eCheck, making it easy for customers to pay for their purchases.
Overall, PaymentCloud is a great option for adult businesses looking for a reliable payment processing solution. With their expertise in high-risk merchant accounts and experience in processing payments for adult businesses, PaymentCloud can help you streamline your payment processing and protect your business from fraud and chargebacks. Plus, their flexible payment options and competitive rates make them a smart choice for any adult business looking to grow and succeed.
For more information, visit the PaymentCloud website or call (888) 506-7859.
eMerchantBroker
Top Rated for Adult Business Credit Card Processing
eMerchantBroker.com is a Los Angeles, California-based company that offers high risk e-commerce processing solutions including card-not-present tobacco merchant accounts. The company’s products include ACH processing, an online payment gateway, merchant cash advance, and a chargeback management system to help merchants dispute and resolve chargeback claims. eMerchantBroker specializes in serving both retail and online adult stores of all types. The company can also provide an offshore merchant account for escort services as long as they are operating legally, such as in Nevada or Amsterdam.
eMerchantBroker.com offers custom pricing for each merchant and maintains a low complaint rate relative to its size and merchant portfolio. Our review of eMerchantBroker gives the company an “A” rating overall and the BBB assigns the company a rating of “A+.”
EMerchantBroker: The Best Payment Processor for Adult Businesses
If you own an adult business and need to accept credit card payments from your customers, eMerchantBroker is the perfect payment processor for you. As a specialist in adult business payment processing, eMerchantBroker has the experience and expertise to help you overcome the unique challenges that come with selling adult products. Here are a few reasons why eMerchantBroker is the best option for business owners who sell adult products.
Discreet Processing
One of the biggest challenges of processing payments for adult businesses is the need for discretion. eMerchantBroker understands this and provides discreet payment processing services that won’t compromise your customers’ privacy. Their payment gateway is designed to handle sensitive information securely and discreetly, so you can be sure that your customers’ personal information is safe.
High Approval Rates
Another challenge for adult businesses is getting approved for a merchant account. Many payment processors consider adult businesses to be high-risk and may deny your application. eMerchantBroker, on the other hand, specializes in high-risk industries like adult entertainment and has a high approval rate for adult businesses. They understand the unique risks and challenges associated with the industry and have tailored their services to meet the specific needs of adult businesses.
Flexible Payment Options
eMerchantBroker offers a wide range of payment processing options that are specifically designed for adult businesses. They offer both domestic and offshore merchant accounts, so you can choose the option that works best for your business. They also support a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, eChecks, ACH transfers, and more. With eMerchantBroker, you can offer your customers a convenient and flexible payment experience that meets their needs.
If you’re an adult business owner in need of a reliable payment processor, eMerchantBroker is the perfect solution. With their discreet processing, high approval rates, and flexible payment options, they are the best choice for adult businesses looking to accept credit card payments from their customers. Contact eMerchantBroker today to learn more about their adult business payment processing services.
For more information, see the eMerchantBroker website or call (877) 301-3442.
Host Merchant Services
Top Pick for Adult Business Merchant Accounts
Host Merchant Services is a Newark, Delaware-based merchant account provider that is capable of processing payments for U.S.-based adult content providers. The company’s products and services include online marketing tools, an online payment gateway and virtual terminal, mobile credit card processing, gift and loyalty programs, merchant cash advance, and offshore merchant accounts. Host Merchant Services specializes in e-commerce solutions and provides a free website and email address to interested merchants.
Host Merchant Services has received only positive feedback on public forums, with most reviewers singling out the company’s customer service for praise. Host offers interchange-plus pricing with no early termination fees to all of its merchants, meaning that users will enjoy the most transparent pricing model and can cancel service without penalty. The BBB gives Host an “A+” rating, and CPO also gives the company an “A+.”
Host Merchant Services: A Reliable Credit Card Processor for Adult Businesses
As a business owner who sells adult products, finding a reliable credit card processor that can handle payments for these types of products can be a challenge. Fortunately, Host Merchant Services is a great option for adult businesses looking to accept credit card payments from their customers.
Specialize in the Adult Industry
One of the main reasons why Host Merchant Services is a great choice for adult businesses is that they have experience working with merchants in this industry. They understand the unique challenges that adult businesses face and have developed solutions to help merchants overcome these challenges.
Committed to Secure Payments
Another reason why Host Merchant Services is a great option for adult businesses is their commitment to providing secure payment processing. They utilize the latest security technology to ensure that customer data is protected during transactions. Additionally, they offer chargeback protection and fraud prevention services to help protect merchants from fraudulent chargebacks.
Competitive Pricing and Transparent Fees
Host Merchant Services also offers competitive pricing and transparent fee structures. They don’t charge any hidden fees or long-term contracts, so merchants can easily manage their expenses and keep their costs low. This makes them an affordable and reliable payment processing solution for small businesses in the adult industry.
Host Merchant Services is a reliable and trustworthy credit card processor for adult businesses. With their experience working with merchants in this industry, commitment to secure payment processing, and competitive pricing, they offer a great solution for businesses looking to accept credit card payments for adult products.
For more information, visit the Host Merchant Services website or call (888) 727-4538.
Additional Options
The options below are presented to provide a broader view of adult credit card processing services. They may not have been vetted as thoroughly as the options above.
National Processing
Based in Lindon, Utah, National Processing is a merchant account provider that specializes in ACH processing for small businesses. National Processing offers custom pricing depending on a merchant’s business type and processing history and does not have any complaints filed against it on any of the usual consumer protection forums. National Processing serves a variety of high-risk industries, like the adult industry, and features extra liability and fraud protection for their merchant accounts.
National Processing has received overwhelmingly positive feedback with regard to its sales and support team and offers custom pricing depending on a merchant’s business type. Our review of National Processing gives the company an “A+,” and the Better Business Bureau awards National Processing an “A+” as well.
Why National Processing is a Great Payment Processing Option for Adult Businesses
As a small business owner selling adult products, finding a reliable and trustworthy payment processing service can be a challenge. You need a payment processor that understands the unique needs of your business and can provide a seamless payment experience for your customers. National Processing is an excellent choice for businesses selling adult products because of their expertise in high-risk payment processing.
Specialize in High-Risk Payment Processing
One of the biggest challenges for adult businesses is finding a payment processor that is willing to work with them. Many traditional payment processors are hesitant to accept adult businesses as clients because of the higher risk associated with these types of products. National Processing, however, specializes in high-risk payment processing and has years of experience working with businesses in the adult industry. This means that you can trust National Processing to provide a secure and reliable payment processing solution for your adult business.
Committed to Data Security
Another key advantage of National Processing is their commitment to data security. As an adult business, you need to be particularly careful about protecting your customers’ sensitive information. National Processing understands this and takes data security seriously. They use the latest encryption and security technologies to ensure that your customers’ payment information is safe and secure.
Excellent Customer Support
In addition to their expertise in high-risk payment processing and commitment to data security, National Processing offers competitive pricing and excellent customer support. They understand that every business is unique and will work with you to find a payment processing solution that meets your specific needs. Their customer support team is available 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
In summary, National Processing is an excellent payment processing option for businesses selling adult products. With their expertise in high-risk payment processing, commitment to data security, competitive pricing, and excellent customer support, they provide a seamless payment experience for both you and your customers.
For more information, see the National Processing website or call (385) 777-1235.
Frequently Asked Questions: Adult Account Credit Card Processing
Adult merchant account providers are financial services that cater to businesses operating in the adult entertainment industry. These accounts enable adult websites, adult toy retailers, dating platforms, and other adult businesses to accept credit card and electronic payments from their customers.
Adult businesses face unique challenges, including a higher risk profile due to the nature of their products or services. Specific adult merchant account providers understand these risks and offer solutions tailored to the adult industry, including age verification measures and enhanced fraud protection.
To find the best adult merchant account provider for your business, consider the following steps:
a. **Research Adult-Focused Processors:** Look for payment processors that specialize in serving the adult industry. These providers will understand the specific needs and challenges faced by adult businesses and can offer suitable solutions.
b. **Check for High-Risk Merchant Support:** Verify that the provider is experienced in serving high-risk businesses like adult entertainment. Providers with expertise in high-risk processing can better address the challenges associated with adult businesses.
c. **Compare Transaction Fees and Rates:** Assess the processing fees, transaction rates, and any other costs associated with each potential adult merchant account provider. Choose a provider with transparent and competitive pricing that aligns with your business’s size and transaction volume.
d. **Verify Age Verification and Compliance Measures:** Ensure that the merchant account provider offers age verification tools and compliance measures to adhere to adult industry regulations and protect against underage customers.
e. **Check for Dispute Resolution Support:** Given the higher risk nature of the adult industry, look for a provider with a reliable dispute resolution system to handle chargebacks and customer disputes.
**4. Can adult businesses use regular merchant accounts for payment processing?**
While some regular merchant account providers may accept adult businesses, many mainstream processors consider the adult industry as high-risk and may not support adult entertainment businesses. Specific adult merchant account providers are better equipped to handle the unique requirements and challenges of adult businesses.
Yes, adult businesses must adhere to legal requirements related to age verification, content restrictions, and compliance with local laws. It’s essential to choose a merchant account provider that supports age verification and understands the legal landscape of the adult industry.
The time it takes to set up an adult merchant account can vary depending on the provider and the nature of your adult business. The process may involve additional due diligence due to the high-risk nature of the industry. Typically, the setup can take a few days to a few weeks.
Yes, adult merchant account providers typically offer solutions for both online payment processing, such as for adult websites and online stores, and in-person payment acceptance, such as for adult retail stores or events.
Yes, adult merchant accounts usually support both one-time transactions and recurring billing for subscription-based services, memberships, or ongoing access to adult content.
It’s essential to carefully review the contract terms and fees of potential adult merchant account providers to identify any hidden costs. Watch out for setup fees, monthly minimums, and any other charges that might impact your overall costs.
Yes, adult businesses can switch merchant account providers if they are not satisfied with the service or find a better fit for their specific needs. However, be mindful of any contractual obligations and potential termination fees that might apply.
Finding the best adult merchant account provider is crucial for the smooth and secure payment processing of your adult business. Take the time to research and compare different options to choose a provider that understands the unique needs and compliance requirements of the adult entertainment industry.
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Dylan
I’m reaching out to extend my sincere thanks for your insightful and comprehensive article on “Best Adult Merchant Account Providers”. As someone working in the adult industry, your guide has been instrumental in helping me understand and navigate this unique sector.
Your detailed analysis of each merchant account, spotlighting their individual strengths, possible drawbacks, and distinctive features, was masterfully done. You have an ability to make complex topics understandable and digestible, a quality much appreciated by readers like myself.
I particularly valued your focus on key factors such as transaction fees, customer service, and robust security measures. Your insights into the specific needs of the adult industry, including handling high-risk transactions, managing international payments, and ensuring privacy and discretion, were incredibly beneficial.
The depth of research, time, and expertise you’ve invested in this guide is clear. Your commitment to providing accurate, timely, and actionable information has simplified what can often be a complex decision-making process, enabling professionals like me to make more informed decisions.
Thank you once again for your invaluable contribution to this field. Your hard work, dedication, and expertise are greatly appreciated.
barry harrison
Thanks Phillip, this article is very helpful.
Bernard
I own a small shop with adult stuff (it used to be DVD rental) and for the past year, I am using Payline to process payments. I must say I am very pleased with the ease of the whole process as well as their technical support.
I had some problems with the set-up at the beginning but I rang them up and they resolved the issue in a matter of minutes. If you are in doubt I can recommend them.