Best Bad Credit Merchant Account 2025

Best Bad Credit Merchant Accounts

Securing a reliable payment processor is particularly challenging for businesses with bad credit.

Our selected providers excel by offering services designed to meet the unique requirements of businesses facing credit challenges, from transparent terms to tailored high-risk processing solutions.

Below, we identify the high risk providers that stand out in areas such as customization, customer support, competitive pricing, and security, ensuring that your business can process payments effectively, even with bad credit.

Top Bad Credit Merchant Account Providers:

1. Moonlight Payments 
2. High Risk Pay 
3. PaymentCloud 
4. Zen Payments 
5. Soar Payments 

Moonlight Payments stands out with its adaptive underwriting processes and dedication to serving high-risk merchants, including those with bad credit, offering personalized solutions and dedicated support.

1. Moonlight Payments

Overview

Moonlight Payments is a standout choice if you’re searching for a merchant account provider that specializes in serving businesses with bad credit. 

Recognizing the challenges faced by companies with less-than-stellar credit histories, Moonlight offers a compassionate approach, paired with expert knowledge in high-risk account management.

Moonlight Payments is not just a payment processor; it is a dedicated partner for businesses contending with the repercussions of bad credit. 

It excels at crafting tailored solutions that cater to the specific needs of each merchant, understanding that one size does not fit all, especially in the realm of high-risk payment processing.

Notable Features

• Specialized Bad Credit Merchant Account Solutions: Moonlight Payments offers merchant accounts explicitly designed for businesses with bad credit, ensuring that these companies have the payment processing support they need.
• High-Risk Industry Accommodation: Moonlight’s expertise is not limited to just ecommerce; it provides substantial support for all sorts of high-risk industries, making it a versatile choice for businesses across various sectors.
• Adaptive Account Management: Knowing the particular challenges of bad credit businesses, it places a strong emphasis on active and responsive account management to keep your operations running smoothly.
• Customized Pricing Strategies: Understanding the financial constraints of businesses with bad credit, Moonlight Payments works with clients to develop pricing structures that accommodate their unique financial situations.

Pricing

Moonlight Payments maintains a custom pricing model to address the diverse needs and capabilities of businesses with bad credit. By engaging directly with clients, it can determine the most reasonable and cost-effective approach for each situation.

Pros

• Expertise With Bad Credit Accounts: The proficiency in handling bad credit merchant accounts ensures that businesses facing credit challenges receive the specialized attention they need.
• Personalized Support: It provides a customer-centric service, with personalized attention to detail in every aspect of account management and maintenance.
• Flexible Solutions: The services are highly adaptable, catering to the specific demands of each business, regardless of the industry or credit background.

Cons

• Opaque Online Pricing: The lack of clear pricing information online may deter some potential clients who prefer to see figures upfront.
• Focused on High-Risk Merchants: While this is beneficial for those with bad credit, it might not be the perfect fit for businesses looking for a more traditional payment processing partnership.

Summary

Moonlight Payments is a valuable ally for businesses with bad credit, providing specialized payment processing solutions that address the unique challenges these businesses face. Its commitment to personalized, attentive service ensures that clients receive the support necessary to succeed.

2. High Risk Pay

Overview

High Risk Pay distinguishes itself as a pivotal player for businesses in need of merchant accounts tailored to high-risk profiles. It exhibits a deep understanding of the intricate landscape of high-risk payment processing and presents solutions that go beyond conventional offerings.

More than a mere service provider, High Risk Pay positions itself as a strategic partner for companies navigating the complexities of high-risk financial transactions. 

It offers a broad spectrum of services designed to meet the unique challenges faced by its clientele, ensuring that even the most niche requirements are competently addressed.

Notable Features

• Custom-Tailored High-Risk Merchant Accounts: High Risk Pay specializes in crafting merchant accounts that align with the needs of businesses considered high-risk, providing them with robust payment processing support.
• Extensive Industry Coverage: This company is not limited to ecommerce; its reach extends to various high-risk industries, demonstrating its capability to handle diverse business needs.
• Proactive Risk Management: With an acute awareness of the stakes involved, High Risk Pay emphasizes proactive risk management to safeguard your business’s financial integrity.
• Competitive Pricing Models: It understands the financial nuances of high-risk businesses and offers competitive pricing strategies that reflect the complexities of its clients’ operations.

Pricing

• High Risk Pay Standard: The standard transaction fee of 2.95% + $0.25, though certain industries may face different fee levels.
• Monthly Fee Structure: The base monthly fee begins at $9.95, scaling up as needed based on the merchant’s specific requirements and processing volume.

Pros

• Its expertise in high-risk accounts means businesses with complex needs will find a knowledgeable and experienced ally.
• Commitment to providing dedicated and thorough customer service for every aspect of account management.
• Offers highly personalized services, which means it is equipped to cater to the needs of each client, no matter the business type or risk level.

Cons

• Potential clients might find the lack of transparent pricing information a barrier, as upfront cost details are not readily provided.
• While beneficial for high-risk entities, businesses that are on the cusp of high risk might not find the specialized services as fitting as those with more acute needs.

Summary

High Risk Pay stands as a stalwart resource for high-risk businesses, delivering finely tuned payment processing solutions that are sensitive to the challenges and risks inherent in their operations. 

While more tailored to niche high-risk industries, its dedication to providing personalized and meticulous service ensures that all clients are well-equipped to thrive in the competitive landscape.

3. PaymentCloud

Overview

PaymentCloud stands out as a supportive and accommodating payment service provider for businesses with bad credit. It understands the trials associated with bad credit and offers a range of solutions to ensure that such businesses can still efficiently process payments.

PaymentCloud’s infrastructure is designed to support merchants across the risk spectrum, but shines particularly in its offerings for bad credit merchant accounts. 

It provides a safety net for businesses that might otherwise be denied payment processing services, enabling them to accept various payment forms, including emerging options like cryptocurrencies.

Notable Features

• Bad Credit Merchant Account Expertise: PaymentCloud specializes in accounts for businesses facing credit challenges, offering them a chance to thrive despite financial hurdles.
• Multiple Point-of-Sale (POS) Options: Businesses with bad credit can choose from a range of POS systems, allowing for versatility in how they conduct sales, whether online, in-store, or via mobile platforms.
• Secure Payment Gateways: With PaymentCloud, merchants are equipped with PCI-compliant gateways, ensuring secure transactions, a critical aspect for businesses working to rebuild their credit.
• Innovative Payment Methods: Embracing Automated Clearing House (ACH), echeck, and cryptocurrency payments, PaymentCloud ensures that bad credit doesn’t limit a business’s ability to process the latest payment forms.

Pricing

Information about PaymentCloud’s fees indicates that their pricing is not entirely transparent and varies depending on several factors:

• Fee Overview: PaymentCloud’s fees vary based on business risk category and merchant type. You will have to call and request a quote to know for sure what the fees are that you’ll pay.
• Virtual Terminal Costs: PaymentCloud offers custom pricing for virtual terminals, with the average cost ranging from $10 to $30 per month. Additionally, per transaction fees may vary from $0.05 to $0.15​​.

Pros

• PaymentCloud is adept at handling accounts for businesses with bad credit, providing them with necessary payment processing tools and services.
• Offers a variety of third-party hardware and the ability to reprogram existing card readers, reducing upfront costs for businesses monitoring their expenditures closely.
• The company’s extensive integration capabilities with ecommerce platforms enable businesses with bad credit to maintain a strong online presence.

Cons

• The absence of transparent pricing can be problematic for businesses that prefer to know potential costs upfront without engaging in sales discussions.
• The time required for account approval may be a drawback for businesses with immediate processing needs.

Summary

PaymentCloud delivers critical payment processing solutions to businesses grappling with bad credit, emphasizing personalized service and secure, flexible payment options. 

Though pricing is hard to determine off the bat, PaymentCloud’s approach helps companies to not only conduct transactions efficiently but also to potentially rebuild their financial credibility in the marketplace.

4. Zen Payments

Overview

Zen Payments is a high-risk payment processor that works with businesses with less-than-stellar credit ratings, offering merchant accounts that accommodate a range of risk profiles, including those with poor credit.

Understanding the challenges that come with a bad credit score, Zen Payments provides custom payment processing solutions for businesses that are just starting or those that have faced financial difficulties. Its process is designed to support companies in obtaining the necessary tools to accept payments and sustain their operations.

Notable Features

• Tailored Bad Credit Solutions: Zen Payments specializes in servicing businesses with low credit scores, providing a path to merchant services where traditional banks might not.
• Streamlined Onboarding: It has a simplified approach to getting a merchant account, which is particularly beneficial for businesses with bad credit.
• Supportive Underwriting Process: Zen Payments’ underwriting is geared towards understanding the business and owner, not just the credit score.
• Quick Approval Cycle: Its process is designed for speed, recognizing that businesses can’t afford to wait when it comes to payment processing.
• Integrated Payment Gateway: Zen Payments facilitates the integration of payment gateways to ecommerce platforms, ensuring a seamless online transaction process.

Pricing

The fees associated with Zen Payments are revealed during the underwriting process and are detailed in Schedule A, which is provided after the bank’s review. It offers personalized pricing based on the business’s specific situation and needs.

Pros

• Adept at working with high-risk and bad credit businesses, leveraging its expertise to offer robust merchant accounts.
• Offers support to businesses in restricted industries where others might not, ensuring that these businesses can continue to process payments.

Cons

• Credit Score Impact: While it caters to those with bad credit, the actual impact of a low credit score on the terms of service and fees remains a factor to consider.
• Complexity for New Businesses: New businesses without a processing history may find the documentation and underwriting process quite involved.

Summary

Zen Payments stands as a partner to businesses with bad credit, offering them merchant accounts and payment processing tools that acknowledge their potential beyond their credit scores. 

With an emphasis on comprehensive support and fast approvals, Zen Payments ensures that businesses can maintain operational fluidity and pursue growth opportunities.

5. Soar Payments

Overview

Soar Payments stands out by offering credit card processing solutions to businesses with low credit scores, acknowledging that many in the industry are quick to dismiss these “high-risk” applicants.

Distinguishing itself from the norm, Soar Payments assists merchants whose credit scores may not reflect their potential. 

Recognizing creditworthiness is just one aspect of the business. Soar Payments offers a supportive path to those commonly categorized as “high-risk” due to their credit background.

Notable Features

• High-Risk Merchant Support: Soar Payments specifically provides services to merchants deemed high-risk due to low credit scores, filling a gap left by traditional processors.
• Stable Processing Solutions: With advanced chargeback and fraud prevention systems, they ensure long-term reliability for their clients.
• Broad Industry Acceptance: It serves most industries, reserving exceptions for certain sectors like Credit Repair, particularly for scores below 600.

Pricing

• Monthly Account Fee: Ranges from $19 to $45 based on the level of service chosen by the merchant.
• Cancellation Fee: Variable based on industry, ranging from $0 to $395.
• Chargeback Fees: Estimated chargeback fees are $25 to $30.

Pros

• Partners with banks that have a higher tolerance for lower credit scores, expanding access for various businesses.
• Soar Payments and its partners review the entire business profile, not just credit scores, which can aid merchants with past bankruptcies or other financial issues.

Cons

• While more accommodating, there is still a threshold, with scores below 500 making approval less likely. Businesses in the credit repair industry with scores below 600 are generally declined.

Summary

Soar Payments champions the needs of merchants with low credit scores by offering credit card processing solutions tailored to “high-risk” businesses. With its holistic review process and dedication to fraud prevention, Soar Payments empowers businesses to move beyond their credit score limitations.