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10 Steps to Find the Right
High-Risk Payment Processor

Due to strict rules and regulations, there was a lack of businesses in high-risk industries. As we see a boom in more high-risk payment processors online, there has been a boom in companies that turn to high-risk payment gateways. Especially when it can be hard to establish a new business, not having a high-risk payment gateway to aid this process might add to the pre-existing hassles.

Setting up these payment gateways is not a challenge either! So, naturally, companies are opting for it more than they ever did before. But this rise in payment processors also leaves them confused. They may end up choosing an option without proper awareness.

Recent research shows that 86 percent of customers prefer online purchases through debit, credit cards, and more than 60 prefer their favorite payment gateway. It is undeniable that setting up a reputed payment processor is non-negotiable.

The main advantage is that it streamlines payment processes for you. Instead of going through the hassle of setting up entire systems like hardware, software, security, etc., high-risk payment processors are the specialists of the field. Choosing the correct high-risk payment processor is vital in creating a hassle-free sale for every customer! We will explore the steps to find the perfect high-risk payment processor for your business.

Where to begin

The first step while finding a reliable high-risk payment processor is to ask the following questions -

• What is the service cost charged?
• A Detailed list of features provided like virtual terminals and fraud security
• Is a merchant account mandatory for the gateway?
• Does the payment gateway function in your online store's list of countries?

It is okay if you do not have answers to all these questions yet! As you read ahead, we will guide you through steps to find the right high-risk payment processor!

Steps to follow

While making this important decision for your business, you have to assess your business and functional requirements. Such an assessment helps guide you through the following steps below.

1. Pick payment Flow

To begin with, choosing the right payment flow will help you scale the business as and when required. You have to consider various options like integrated form in the website, redirected or iframe options, or escrow options.

Any site with an integrated payment form option holds secure information. These pieces of information are then sent to the gateway via API calls. This option offers high security but can tend to be expensive as it requires additional programming.

With the iFrame, customers on the site are redirected to the payment site. This option ensures safety from the gateway's end. This embedded iFrame has longer steps in the process and may not be the most convenient option for customers. However, it will take little to no time to integrate this on new websites.

An escrow system is ideal for certain types of businesses. This system allows the eCommerce platform to withhold funds until direction from authority. This system is most common for trading marketplaces etc. In this case, the funds of two parties involved in the trade are sorted and stored accordingly.

2. Offer security and reliability

Understandably, your budget may be limited. But you must not compromise on offering a secure and reliable payment gateway. These immediately maximize your sales as customers can trust the portal. Small businesses usually lose out in the game if they have not ensured a secure payment gateway.

Even though your business will have other small-scale competitors, you must remember that you indirectly or directly compete with big marketplaces like Walmart and Amazon. A good quality website with a secure payment gateway will aid the process of converting visitors to customers.

To ensure the gateway is secure and reliable, you can check for certifications like PCI-DSS before opting for them.

3. Service Cost and other requirements

Payment processors that offer excellent service also charge excessive pricing or service fees. As a small business, you may not be able to afford them in most cases. In such cases, it is wise to consider the features offered and prioritize the ones you require the most.

By comparing and contrasting various business models, you will be able to negotiate and infer a structure that works for you!

4. No compromise on effectiveness

Regardless of your choice of a payment processor, ensure that you do not compromise on the effectiveness of the transaction. If users are required to create an account to make a purchase, in many cases, users abandon the purchase altogether.

5. Device friendly

Checkouts should be friendly on every device! With up to 4.88 billion smartphone users globally, online transactions on phones are more than ever. If your site is only desktop-friendly, then you are losing out.

6. Variety of options and choices

If your payment gateway only offers credit card options, users may not be able to process the sale. By accepting many credit/ debit cards and UPI options, you can make the sale efficient, quick, and comfortable for various users.

7. Quick Integration

High-risk payment processors sometimes have long and extensive processes to initiate integration. It may delay your timeline. Ensure that the integration process is easy and works seamlessly with your website.

8. Merchant Account Option

By allowing a merchant account feature, customers' money is transferred to a separate retailer account first. Once the merchant account gets approved by the customers' processing bank, the payment is sent to your account. This process offers an added layer of security and organization.

9. Recurring billing

With subscription models or recurring billing plans, users do not have to go through the hassle of initiating and making payments every month. If you have a subscription model product or service, adding recurring billing payments may add to users' experience.

10. 24x7 Customer Support

With limited support tickets or emails, users are discouraged from purchasing at an eCommerce site. To reduce the chances of such lapses, you can ensure a 24x7 customer support service. It increases customers' trust in the website and helps you keep track of errors or hassles. You can then resolve if any technical problems are faced.

Conclusion

Choosing the right high-risk payment processor is as important as finalizing on your website. That is because the payment processor plays a huge role in ensuring a good customer experience. With the best payment processor, you can maximize sales without having to worry about drawbacks.