If your business demands a high-risk credit card processing company for its payment needs, there are a few things that you should know. A high-risk credit card account is a payment processing account for businesses that can cause potential risks to banks.
Businesses involving age restrictions and gray areas generally require a safe payment processing method for their needs. Nowadays, it is hard for high-risk merchants to find a proper high-risk processor. High-risk credit card processing companies help merchants that have a history of several refunds and chargebacks.
Features of high-risk credit card processing companies.
There are a few features that you should look for in a high-risk credit card processing company.
- The business model: The company should have a business model that will suit your business requirements. Generally, gaming and drug companies look for high-risk credit card processing companies with services aligned with their business needs.
- Flexibility: A good payment processing company will allow you to have options before proceeding. Having several payment method options is an advantage if you are running a high-risk business. Look out for ranges and features before you choose a payment processor.
- Reputation: The reputation of the credit card processing company is an essential factor. The experience of the company in the field decides how their service will be. Even beginner companies can provide a good quality service. It is crucial to look for reviews about the company.
- Transparent pricing structure: The structure of pricing of the service should be clear to the customer. Be sure that you know the overall cost beforehand. A good company will allow you to understand the pricing structure before proceeding with payments.
- Consumer support: It might seem unimportant. But, the consumer support team will help you get through your payment issues. If you are dealing with a large amount of money, a responsive consumer support team is essential.
Things that you should know before choosing a high-risk credit card processing company
Having high risk credit card processing can be beneficial to your business in many ways. But, how to know whether your business needs a high-risk processor?
For instance, if you are running a travel agency, it is possible to have a lot of cancellations. For businesses like these, a high-risk merchant will be ideal. And, these high-risk merchants will have to face many issues as well.
There are possibilities of getting scammed or overcharged in this business. So, it is better to understand the high-risk processor system before proceeding with it.
Credit card processing is a business that faces frequent issues. Chargebacks and cancellation issues contribute to these.
1) Rates
Get details about the pricing structure for the service. Generally, high-risk credit card processors charge higher with additional regulations.
- Monthly statement rate: The company will charge you a certain amount for sending you a mail statement for a month.
- Fee for setting up: You might have to pay for just applying for a high-risk credit card processing service. Also, the arrangements to provide a credit card and related equipment might cost you even more.
- Interchange rate: This is the cost that you have to pay for every transaction you make. Generally, it is around 3% of your transaction amount. But then, it depends on factors like the type of card, the type of transaction, and the value.
- Minimum cost: The minimum amount that you have to pay the company while working with them.
- Termination fee: You might want to end your contract soon. Some companies charge a certain amount if you terminate your service before it ends.
Read the service terms before proceeding with the payment. It is advisable to clear all of your doubts beforehand to avoid confusion.
2) Time duration of the process.
The time duration of the initial and the actual processes is crucial. If you are a business holder, you can get it done effectively with the help of resources. But, will it be the same for your processor too? Knowing this can help you plan your schedule accordingly. Setting up your profile and installing the equipment can take a bit longer. Even this can affect the cost of the service significantly.
3) Nature of communication with the company.
As we already saw, a good company will allow you to understand the pricing structure. There is another factor to consider.
While choosing a service, it is normal for you to have questions and doubts. The service provider should be able to communicate with you properly about every process. Reducing cancellations can be feasible with effective communication.
You, as a business holder, should be honest with the company. Providing them with the history of cancellations can help in reducing risk factors effectively.
4) Technological support
Technological assistance throughout the service can make it easier for the client as well as the service provider. Newer technological advancements are making payments and proceedings easier.
Digital modes of payment like digital wallets are making it easier for clients to pay using their smartphones. Smartphones are dominating the world. So, technological advancements can improve the effectiveness of the service.
5) Quality of the service.
A good service provider should meet all your requirements. A clear understanding of your business is a must to make sure that the quality of the service is at its best.
Choose a company that does not involve you in any long-term contracts. A high-risk business might have changing needs with the demand of customers. So, a contractual agreement will be detrimental to your business.
Choosing a service provider that values service is a boon. Remember that you are there to improve your business. Look for fraud protection and management facilities before proceeding.
Things that you should remember.
While you look for qualities in your service provider, there are a few things that you could do from your end.
- Be honest with the processor.
- Provide details about your business. Provide information about previous chargebacks and cancellations.
- Be patient till you see an improvement. Wait for progress before you make a negotiation with the processor.
- Try managing chargebacks efficiently.
- Be careful while choosing the service provider.
Bottom line
As your business grows, the risks of getting scammed increase. For reasons like these, having a high-risk credit card processor can be beneficial.
Apart from backing up your payment processes, it helps in keeping you away from scammers and cybercriminals.
