If you sell wellness products like CBD, kratom, supplements, or anything subject to changing state laws, chances are you’ve already encountered the term “high-risk.” And if you haven’t yet, your payment provider definitely has.
But what does high-risk really mean for your business—and how can you choose a payment solution that won’t shut you down without warning?
Let’s break it down.
What Makes a Business “High-Risk”?
The term “high-risk” doesn’t mean your business is doing anything wrong. It simply means that from a payment processor’s perspective, there’s a greater chance of chargebacks, regulatory scrutiny, or legal complexity.
Wellness products often fall into this category because:
- State and federal regulations don’t always align
- Ingredients may be legal in one state but restricted in another
- Some products require age verification or specific labeling rules
Why Traditional Payment Gateways Don’t Work
Many sellers start with popular processors like Stripe, PayPal, or Square—only to find themselves shut down overnight. That’s because traditional processors aren’t built to handle wellness products with evolving legal frameworks.
Some of the biggest red flags that could get your account frozen:
- Selling restricted items across state lines
- Using non-compliant product descriptions
- Failing to implement ID verification where required
Even if you’re 100% legal, one policy violation can trigger a shutdown—and getting your funds back can take weeks or months.
What to Look For in a High-Risk Payment Solution
To protect your business and keep your store running smoothly, look for a payment partner that understands your product category and offers:
- Compliance Tools
Payment providers should screen for local, state, and federal restrictions—so you don’t have to guess what’s legal where. - Fraud & Chargeback Protection
Built-in risk mitigation features help prevent losses and ensure your chargeback ratio stays low. - Clear, Transparent Fees
High-risk doesn’t have to mean high-cost. Look for providers who specialize in your vertical to avoid inflated rates. - Hands-On Support
When regulations shift or something breaks, you want a real human who understands your business—not a chatbot or ticket queue.
Getting Set Up: What You’ll Need
Unlike mainstream processors, high-risk payment providers often require a bit more documentation upfront, including:
- Business license and ownership info
- Product catalog or website
- Refund and shipping policy
- Bank account details
This extra step helps verify your legitimacy—and ensures you’re set up to scale safely.
A Note on Compliance
Even with the right payment system in place, compliance isn’t a one-time checkbox. Wellness sellers operate in a fast-moving regulatory landscape. The best thing you can do is work with partners who stay on top of state-level changes and adapt as needed.
Because staying compliant isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about protecting access to the products you sell and building long-term trust with your customers.
If you sell wellness products online, payments aren’t just a backend issue—they’re a critical part of your success. The right partner won’t just process your transactions; they’ll protect your business.
