Introduction to High-Risk Merchant Accounts for CBD

The CBD industry is thriving, projected to reach $47 billion by 2027, but many businesses struggle to secure reliable payment processing. Traditional banks often label CBD as “high-risk” due to evolving regulations, federal-state legal conflicts, and higher chargeback rates. Without a specialized high-risk merchant account for CBD, businesses face frozen funds, account closures, or even blacklisting by payment processors.

At Merchant Stronghold, we specialize in empowering CBD brands with secure, scalable payment solutions. Our high-risk merchant accounts are designed to navigate the complexities of the CBD market, offering:

• Robust fraud prevention to combat CNP fraud and identity theft.
• Multi-currency processing for global sales.
• Seamless integration with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.
• Transparent fee structures with no hidden costs.

By partnering with banks that understand the CBD landscape, we ensure your business can process payments smoothly while staying compliant with ever-changing regulations.

Key Criteria for Choosing a CBD Payment Provider

Not all high-risk merchant account providers are equipped to support CBD businesses. Here’s what to prioritize when selecting a partner:

1. Regulatory Expertise

How Merchant Stronghold Delivers:

• Automated compliance checks for THC thresholds (
• KYC/AML tools to verify customer identities and prevent money laundering.

2. Fraud Prevention Tools

CBD businesses are prime targets for fraud due to high transaction volumes and digital product sales.

Merchant Stronghold’s Security Features:

• AI-powered fraud scoring to flag suspicious transactions.
• 3D Secure 2.0 for biometric authentication on high-risk orders.
• Tokenization to protect stored customer payment data.

3. Transparent Pricing

Avoid providers with hidden fees like rolling reserves, early termination penalties, or setup charges.

Merchant Stronghold’s Advantage:

• Flat-rate or interchange-plus pricing tailored to your sales volume.
• No long-term contracts – scale or pivot as needed.

4. CBD Industry Experience

Generic high-risk processors lack niche expertise, leading to account instability.

Why Choose Us:

• 10+ years of experience serving CBD brands, from startups to enterprises.
• Dedicated account managers who understand hemp laws and payment challenges.

5. Global Payment Support

Expand your reach with multi-currency processing and localized payment methods.

Our Solutions:

• Accept payments in USD, EUR, GBP, and 20+ other currencies.
• Support for alternative methods like ACH, e-checks, and digital wallets.

Why Merchant Stronghold Excels for CBD Businesses

While many providers shy away from CBD, Merchant Stronghold has built a reputation as a trusted partner for high-risk merchants. Here’s how we stand out:

1. Tailored High-Risk Merchant Accounts

• Fast Approvals: Get onboarded in 3-5 business days, even for startups.
• High Approval Rates: Leverage partnerships with CBD-friendly banks in the U.S., EU, and offshore markets.
• Chargeback Mitigation: While we don’t handle disputes, our tools reduce chargebacks via real-time transaction alerts and detailed analytics.

2. Future-Proof Technology

• API-First Gateways: Integrate our payment gateway with your website, app, or POS system effortlessly.
• Recurring Billing: Automate subscriptions for CBD oils, gummies, and wellness plans.
• Smart Routing: Boost approval rates by directing transactions to the most CBD-friendly banks.

3. Unmatched Support

• 24/7 customer service via phone, email, and live chat.
• Proactive account monitoring to resolve issues before they escalate.

Some Related Blogs

• How to Integrate the Best Merchant Providers into Your Website or App
• Top Merchant Providers for Subscription-Based Businesses
• Understanding High-Risk Merchant Accounts on Shopify: What You Need to Know
• Is Shopify Right for High-Risk Merchant Accounts? Pros and Cons Explained

Streamlining the Application Process

Securing a high-risk merchant account for CBD requires meticulous preparation. Here’s how to simplify the process with Merchant Stronghold:

Step 1: Gather Documentation

• Business registration/license (ensure compliance with state hemp laws).
• 3-6 months of bank statements (or processing history if switching providers).
• Website URL with clear CBD disclaimers (e.g., THC content under 0.3%).

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Complete our streamlined online form, highlighting:

• Average transaction value and monthly sales volume.
• Product types (e.g., oils, topicals, edibles).
• Target markets (U.S., Europe, etc.).

Step 3: Underwriting & Approval

Our underwriting team reviews your application, focusing on:

• Risk Assessment: Ensuring your business adheres to card network guidelines.
• Financial Stability: Evaluating revenue consistency and chargeback ratios.

Step 4: Integration & Launch

Once approved, we’ll help you:

• Integrate our gateway with your e-commerce platform.
• Set up fraud rules and payment methods.
• Train your team on managing transactions and reports.

Partner with Merchant Stronghold Today

Don’t let payment processing hurdles stall your CBD business’s growth. Merchant Stronghold offers secure, scalable high-risk merchant accounts for CBD that prioritize compliance, security, and customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Working with Us:

• Avoid account freezes with compliant processing.
• Reduce fraud losses by up to 70% with AI-driven tools.
• Expand globally with multi-currency support.