Best Merchant Accounts for MLM Businesses (2023)

MLM Credit Card Processing Isn't Straightforward

Multi-level marketing (MLM) companies are commonly classified as “high-risk” within the credit card industry due to several issues that we cover later in this article. However, this doesn't mean that your MLM business can't accept credit cards. You simply need to find a high-risk merchant account provider that specializes in serving network marketing organizations. High-risk processors tend to charge higher per-transaction fees and can occasionally impose processing limits on their merchants, but the best providers will compensate for these drawbacks by providing products tailored to their merchants coupled with excellent customer support.

To help you find a high-risk processor that is a good fit for you, we've put together the following list of the best merchant accounts for multi-level marketing. The companies on this list offer online shopping cart integration, mobile phone processing, internet marketing tools, and other useful services for accepting credit cards at your MLM company. They are also known to provide low-commitment contracts with transparent pricing and quality customer service. To find the right provider for your network marketing business, be sure to research each processor's products and features and compare pricing and terms.

How to Select the Best MLM Credit Card Processor

When selecting the best credit card processor for an MLM (multi-level marketing) business in the USA, there are several factors to consider that are specific to the industry. Here are some important things to look for:

Acceptance of High-Risk Merchants

MLM businesses are often classified as high-risk merchants by credit card processors due to the potential for chargebacks, disputes, legal issues, government regulation, and unpredictable growth patterns. As such, it's important to look for a credit card processor that specializes in working with high-risk merchants, particularly those in the MLM industry.

Compliance with MLM Regulation

MLM businesses are subject to various regulations and laws, including the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) guidelines for MLMs. It's important to select a credit card processor that is familiar with these regulations and can help ensure that your payment processing practices are compliant.

Flexibility in Payment Processing

MLM businesses often have unique payment processing needs, such as the ability to accept recurring payments or payments for different levels of membership. As such, it's important to select a credit card processor that offers flexible payment processing options that can accommodate these needs.

Fraud Detection and Prevention

MLM businesses are often targeted by fraudulent transactions and chargebacks, which can be costly and damaging to the business. It's important to select a credit card processor that offers advanced fraud detection and prevention tools, such as chargeback mitigation and real-time fraud monitoring.

Multi-Currency Support

If your MLM business operates internationally, it's important to select a credit card processor that offers multi-currency support. This can help ensure that your customers are able to make payments in their local currency, which can improve customer satisfaction and reduce payment processing fees.

Reliable Customer Support

Look for a credit card processor that offers excellent customer support, particularly for high-risk merchants. This can be especially important if issues arise with funding holds, payment processing, chargebacks, or other payment-related issues. Search this website for any processors that you are considering so see how we rate its customer support. You may also want to call its support line to see how quickly you can get to a person. All of the credit card processors below have excellent support.

By considering these factors, someone running an MLM business in the USA can select the best credit card processor for their needs and ensure that they are able to process payments quickly, securely, and cost-effectively while remaining compliant with regulations and laws governing the MLM industry.

Top Picks For MLM Merchant Services

PaymentCloud

Based in Woodland Hills, California, PaymentCloud is a merchant account provider that specializes in serving high-risk business types, like MLMs. 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 multi-level marketing merchants and business opportunity vendors.

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.”

For more information, visit the PaymentCloud website or call (888) 506-7859.

eMerchantBroker.com

eMerchantBroker.com is a Los Angeles, California-based company that offers high-risk e-commerce processing solutions including MLM 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.com places an emphasis on providing credit card processing for multi-level marketing businesses.

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+.”

For more information, see the eMerchantBroker website or call (877) 301-3442.

Host Merchant Services

Host Merchant Services is a Newark, Delaware-based merchant account provider that is able to provide merchant accounts for MLM ventures. The company's products and services include point-of-sale solutions, 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 businesses and provides a free website and email address to interested merchants. Host is a good fit for multi-level marketing companies that conduct a large portion of their sales online.

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 custom pricing to all of its merchants, but most merchants will enjoy transparent pricing and the ability to cancel service without penalty. The Better Business Bureau gives Host an “A+” rating, and CPO also gives the company an “A+.”

For more information, visit the Host Merchant Services website or call (888) 591-9026.

National Processing

National Processing provides both traditional credit card processing and offshore payment processing for MLMs. The company, which was founded in 2007 and is based in Lindon, Utah, provides credit and debit payments, payment gateways, e-commerce solutions, and eCheck processing services to card-present and card-not-present merchants. National Processing can provide credit card processing solutions for physical locations and can also process online payments from your MLM clients.

National Processing consistently receives positive reviews regarding its sales and support staff and is currently showing zero recent complaints on the usual consumer protection websites. Our review of National Processing awards the company an “A+” rating at this time and the BBB is currently granting National Processing an “A+” grade.

For more information, see the National Processing website or call (385) 777-1235.

Frequently Asked Questions: MLM Credit Card Processing

What is an MLM merchant account?

An MLM merchant account is a type of business bank account that allows an MLM business to accept and process electronic payment card transactions. It acts as an intermediary between a customer's bank and the merchant's bank and is essential for any business that wants to take debit or credit card payments.

Why does an MLM business need a merchant account?

An MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) business usually has a network of independent representatives who sell products or services directly to the public. A merchant account is essential for accepting payments, especially online or card payments, for these transactions.

What should an MLM business consider when choosing a merchant account?

When choosing a merchant account, MLM businesses should consider the following factors:
Cost: Consider the setup fees, transaction fees, monthly minimums, and any other potential fees.
Payment types: Ensure the provider can process all the major credit cards, and consider if they accept other payment methods like mobile payments or eChecks.
Security: Look for a provider that offers robust security features to protect customer data.
Customer support: Reliable customer support can be crucial in the event of any issues or queries.
Integration: Make sure the merchant account can integrate with your existing systems, such as your website or CRM software.
Understanding of the MLM business model: Since MLMs have specific needs and risks, it's helpful if your merchant account provider has experience with this business model.

Are MLM businesses considered high-risk merchants?

Yes, MLM businesses are often considered high-risk merchants due to a higher rate of chargebacks and refunds, regulatory scrutiny, and the potential for pyramid scheme accusations.

How can MLM businesses find a high-risk merchant account provider?

High-risk merchant account providers specialize in working with businesses that traditional banks deem risky. You can find them through online searches, industry recommendations, or high-risk business forums. Always check their reputation, terms, and whether they have experience with MLM businesses.

Can a regular merchant account provider work with MLM businesses?

Some may, but often traditional merchant account providers avoid high-risk industries, including MLM. Before signing up, MLM businesses should confirm the provider is comfortable with their business model and won't terminate the account unexpectedly.

How can MLM businesses reduce the risk of chargebacks?

To reduce the risk of chargebacks, MLM businesses should provide clear product descriptions, have transparent pricing, provide excellent customer service, offer easy returns, and use fraud prevention tools.

How long does it take to set up a merchant account for an MLM business?

The time to set up a merchant account can vary, but for high-risk businesses like MLMs, it can take a few days to a couple of weeks. This allows time for the provider to assess the business' risk level.

Can MLM businesses accept payments from international customers?

Yes, many merchant account providers allow MLM businesses to accept international payments. However, this can come with additional fees and the need to handle multiple currencies, so it's important to check the details with the provider.

Are there specific merchant accounts designed for MLM businesses?

Some merchant service providers specialize in high-risk businesses and are familiar with the MLM model. These providers often offer tailored services that can be beneficial for MLM businesses. Always research and check if these services meet your specific needs.

Reader Comments

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1 User Reviews

  • Roger

    I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your comprehensive piece on finding the best merchant accounts for MLM businesses. Your article shed light on many aspects of this complex topic that were unfamiliar to me prior to reading.

    Your detailed explanation of what to consider when choosing a merchant account, such as costs, payment types, security, customer support, and integration, was truly enlightening. The fact that you highlighted the importance of a provider’s understanding of the MLM business model demonstrated a real insight into the unique challenges businesses like ours face.

    Additionally, your acknowledgment of the ‘high-risk’ status of MLM businesses and the possible difficulties in finding suitable merchant accounts was refreshingly candid. The advice on reducing chargebacks was particularly useful and has already given us new strategies to implement.

    The convenience of having all this information in one place has saved us considerable time and effort, and the clarity of your writing made the content accessible and easy to understand. We appreciate the research and effort that has clearly gone into creating such a helpful resource.

    Thank you again for your valuable contribution to our business’s growth and success.

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