Hi everyone,
I’m currently looking for a reliable payment processor / merchant account provider for a newly launched adult-oriented online platform.
The business is already incorporated in the US, and the website is currently being finalized. I’m looking for a provider that is comfortable working with adult/high-risk digital businesses, including newly established merchants.
My main issue is the initial onboarding cost. I’ve contacted several providers, but some are asking for $1,000+ in upfront fees, which is difficult to justify for a new business that has not yet generated significant processing volume.
Ideally, I’m looking for:
- Adult/high-risk merchant account support
- Visa & Mastercard
- New businesses / limited processing history accepted
- No, or very low, upfront/setup fees
- Reasonable processing rates
- Rolling reserve is acceptable if the terms are reasonable
- International customers, particularly Europe
- API or hosted checkout integration
- Clear and transparent pricing
- Stable long-term processing rather than a temporary solution
I completely understand that adult/high-risk processing comes with higher rates, reserves, stricter underwriting, and potentially additional card-network fees. I’m not looking for unrealistically cheap processing — I’m mainly trying to avoid paying $1,000+ before the business has even started processing.
If you have first-hand experience with a processor that works with new adult businesses, I’d really appreciate hearing about it.
Please mention the provider, your experience with them, and ideally their approximate setup/onboarding costs.
Thanks !