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Firearms-Friendly Payment Solutions - The Best Credit Card Processors |
If you sell guns, you know how important it is to make as many sales as possible. In order to do that, you need to be able to take credit cards, debit cards, and other payments besides cash.
But how do you find the best payment processors that don't mind guns?
They aren't always easy to find, that's true. You're in the right place, though.
We're going to talk about our top choices for the best credit card processing companies that allow guns.
But we'll also tell you what to look for if you're a gun merchant looking for a merchant account to process payments.
Easy Pay Direct is a well-established payment processing service that specializes in catering to high-risk industries, including firearms. Their platform offers a robust and scalable solution that ensures smooth and secure transactions.
Easy Pay Direct stands out with its exceptional customer support and seamless integration with various eCommerce platforms.
Their proprietary load-balancing gateway allows merchants to distribute transactions across multiple accounts, reducing the risk of account shutdowns and ensuring uninterrupted service.
Additionally, they provide valuable resources and support to help businesses navigate the complexities of the firearms industry.
- Exceptional customer support
- Proprietary load-balancing gateway for secure transactions
- Seamless integration with various eCommerce platforms
- Comprehensive resources and support for firearms businesses
- Higher fees compared to some competitors
- Lengthy application process for new merchants
eMerchantBroker (EMB) is a reputable payment processor known for its expertise in high-risk industries, making it a go-to option for firearms merchants.
EMB offers a wide range of services, including credit card processing, chargeback prevention, and merchant cash advances.
Their flexible solutions are tailored to meet the unique needs of the firearms industry, ensuring compliance with all regulations.
EMB's application process is straightforward, and they boast a high approval rate for high-risk merchants.
With competitive pricing and reliable customer support, eMerchantBroker is a strong contender in the firearms-friendly payment processing market.
- Expertise in high-risk industries
- Comprehensive range of services, including chargeback prevention
- High approval rate for high-risk merchants
- Competitive pricing
- Limited transparency in pricing structure
- Customer support can be inconsistent at times
3. PaymentCloud
PaymentCloud is a leading provider of payment processing services, particularly for high-risk industries like firearms.
They offer a user-friendly platform with a variety of features, including fraud protection, secure payment gateways, and seamless integrations with major eCommerce platforms.
PaymentCloud's dedicated account managers work closely with merchants to tailor solutions that fit their specific needs, ensuring compliance and security.
Their approval process is efficient, and they are known for their personalized service and competitive rates.
PaymentCloud is an excellent choice for firearms merchants looking for reliable and secure payment processing solutions.
- User-friendly platform with advanced features
- Dedicated account managers for personalized service
- Efficient approval process
- Competitive rates
- Occasional issues with customer support response times
- Some advanced features may come at an additional cost
For any business aiming to be profitable, accepting credit card payments is essential.
However, not all merchant services providers are willing to work with every type of business. A gun-friendly payment processing company is one that will accommodate firearms retailers.
The firearms industry is deemed high-risk, which means merchant account providers and payment processors are often hesitant to work with them.
Those who do typically charge higher fees to offset the associated risks.
Firearms are high-ticket items, making credit card, debit card, and other payment processing crucial for sales, whether online or in-store.
Most customers do not carry large sums of cash, so without alternative payment methods, gun merchants cannot thrive.
Accepting and processing credit card payments involves a detailed process with three main components:
Establishing a merchant account is essential for your firearms business. This account temporarily holds your sales revenue while it awaits further processing.
After funds arrive, transaction, monthly, and yearly fees are deducted. High-risk merchants may also face rolling reserves, where a percentage of sales is held in a separate account for about six months.
These funds are released over time, helping protect against chargebacks and covering costs. Remaining funds are then transferred to your business bank account.
Many merchant account providers also offer payment processing services, or they can refer you to a partner.
The payment processor manages the flow of money from each transaction until it reaches your business bank account, handling most tasks behind the scenes.
Your business bank account, which you likely already have, is where your sales revenue ends up after fees and rolling reserves are deducted.
From this account, you can withdraw funds, pay employees, and cover other business expenses.
In short, no. Here’s why:
The major payment aggregators explicitly prohibit firearms merchants in their terms of service:
- PayPal: Disallows transactions involving ammo, firearms, or related parts and accessories.
- Square: Prohibits goods such as firearms, firearm hardware and parts, ammunition, and weapons.
- Stripe: Forbids payment processing for regulated or age-restricted goods, including weapons and munitions.
Despite the allure of quick payment processing setup times, using these services can be problematic.
Some high-risk merchants circumvent these terms by not fully disclosing their business activities, which can lead to significant issues.
Misrepresenting your business can result in being listed on the MATCH list, making it extremely difficult to secure payment processing services in the future.
With a grasp on how merchant services for gun retailers operate, it's crucial to focus on finding the right provider to suit your needs.
In the U.S., firearm businesses can function online, in a physical storefront, or both. Determining your business model is essential as it dictates the hardware and software requirements.
For a brick-and-mortar setup, consider POS systems, credit card terminals, or virtual terminals. If your sales will primarily be online, you'll need shopping cart integration with a payment gateway.
Ensure that the merchant services provider you choose can accommodate these needs.
As a gun merchant, you're classified as high-risk. This designation comes with higher payment processing costs compared to standard-risk businesses like restaurants or grocery stores.
Be prepared for:
- Rolling reserves
- Long-term contracts
- Higher transaction fees
- Potentially high early termination fees
Choosing the right company and building a solid processing history can help ease these requirements over time.
Some companies specialize in working with high-risk businesses to reduce processing costs, so explore all available options.
Payment methods have evolved significantly. Today, options include:
- Mobile wallets
- EMV chip cards
- Gift cards
- ACH
- Electronic checks
These methods are increasingly popular for their convenience. Decide which payment types you want to accept, both in-store and online, to stay competitive in your industry.
When it's time to choose a merchant account provider, consider the following tips:
As a high-risk merchant, you’ll likely have a long-term contract. Scrutinize it for:
- Early termination fees
- Rolling reserve requirements
- Monthly or annual fees
- Chargeback fees
- Miscellaneous fees (like account statement fees)
Be vigilant about hidden fees and ensure the provider is transparent about costs. Ask about hardware costs, which might involve a separate contract.
Some providers offer free POS systems and credit card terminals, while others lease them, often at high costs. Check if the company can work with any existing equipment you have.
High-risk merchants often face numerous chargebacks, which are disputes initiated by customers over transactions. This can happen due to perceived fraud or customers reversing charges through their banks.
Ensure your processor offers chargeback protection and prevention services, such as alerts when a chargeback is filed. This allows you to address the issue with the customer before it escalates.
High-risk merchants should consider processors offering load balancing, which involves multiple merchant accounts.
This spreads the impact of chargebacks across several accounts, minimizing risk. If funds are frozen in one account, you'll still have access to money in others.
Before you start exploring gun-friendly credit card processors, keep these final tips in mind:
Prepare all required documents before applying, such as:
- Three months of personal and business bank statements
- Three months of processing statements (if available)
- A voided check or bank letter
- Your driver’s license
- Your business license
- Your business plan
Submitting everything promptly can expedite the approval process, typically within a week.
Accurately assess your monthly processing volume and future projections. Honesty helps avoid caps that could prevent you from accepting payments later. Work with your processor to find suitable limits.
Consider your long-term business plans. For example, if you plan to expand online in a year, ensure your provider supports both online and physical sales.
Avoid long-term contracts that don't align with your future goals.
By thoroughly evaluating these factors, you'll be better positioned to choose a merchant services provider that aligns with your business needs.
Finding the right payment processing solution for firearms dealers with bad credit can be challenging, but there are reliable options available. Based on our research, the top choices are:
- Easy Pay Direct: Known for its robust services and understanding of the unique needs of firearms dealers.
- eMerchant Broker: Offers specialized support for high-risk merchants, ensuring smooth and secure transactions.
- PaymentCloud: Provides tailored solutions for businesses with credit challenges, making it a solid choice for gun dealers.
Each of these providers brings a unique set of strengths to the table, ensuring that you have access to the best possible service regardless of your credit situation.
By choosing one of these top providers, you can ensure that your business continues to operate smoothly and securely.
We trust that with this information, you’ll make the right choice to suit your needs and help your business thrive.