Merchant accounts, underwritten directly
We underwrite what the others sent back.
Twelve high-risk verticals, underwritten directly rather than referred to another desk. Most decisions arrive inside 48 hours, and the rates appear on this page.
- Twelve high-risk verticals
- Most decisions inside 48 hours
- Rates published on this page
A decline is rarely about your business.
A decline is usually a decision about the category, not the company. The bank applies one rule to an entire vertical, and the file is rarely read closely.
A sound business is therefore refused while a weaker one in another category proceeds. The classification settled the matter before the numbers were examined.
- An account is frozen without notice, and no actionable reason is given.
- Settlement is withheld or delayed, and earned revenue sits out of reach.
- The merchant reapplies, is declined again, and changes processor every few months.
What the account includes.
Every approved account carries the same operational parts from the first day. This is a merchant account, not a referral to one.
Merchant ID and gateway access
A dedicated merchant ID and gateway credentials are issued, not a share of an aggregate account.
Chargeback monitoring and representment
The chargeback ratio is monitored daily, and representments are filed where the evidence supports them.
Multi-currency and international acquiring
Payment is accepted in several currencies, and settlement runs through acquirers outside Canada where required.
Recurring billing and subscriptions
Subscription and rebill flows are supported, including retries, dunning, and mid-cycle plan changes.
A named account contact
One named person holds the account and replies directly, without a ticket queue.
Transparent reserve terms
Where a reserve applies, the percentage and the hold period are stated before signing.
Verticals underwritten.
- CBD & hemp
- Nutraceuticals
- Subscription boxes
- Online gaming
- Travel & ticketing
- Firearms & accessories
- Adult
- Debt relief
- E-cigarettes & vape
- Dropshipping
- SaaS with high refund rates
- Telemedicine
Four steps, start to settlement.
Submit the form
The form asks for seven fields and takes about two minutes. That is sufficient to route the file to an acquirer.
The file is matched to an acquirer
The file is sent the same business day to acquirers that underwrite the vertical. It is sent where it has a genuine prospect, not circulated indiscriminately.
Underwriting review
Underwriting ordinarily takes 24 to 48 hours from a complete file. Documents are requested once, in a single list, rather than in waves.
Approval, credentials, settlement
Gateway credentials are issued on the day of approval, with reserve terms in writing. First settlement follows the ordinary funding window of the acquirer.
Our published rates.
| Risk profile | Rate from | Per transaction | Reserve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard risk | TODO: real rate | TODO: real rate | TODO: real reserve |
| Elevated risk | TODO: real rate | TODO: real rate | TODO: real reserve |
| Maximum risk | TODO: real rate | TODO: real rate | TODO: real reserve |
Rates begin at the published figure and are not guaranteed. Final pricing varies by risk profile, processing volume, chargeback history, and vertical. It is set at underwriting, and approval is subject to underwriting.
Questions we are asked most.
What makes a business high-risk?
A business is high-risk when the networks or the acquirer expect elevated chargebacks or refunds. The label attaches to the category first and to the company second. Many sound businesses carry it because of what they sell.
Does a previous decline elsewhere affect an application?
A prior decline does not disqualify an application on its own. Declines are common in these verticals, and we expect to see them. Chargeback history, processing volume, and complete documentation matter considerably more.
How long does approval take?
Most decisions arrive inside 48 hours of a complete file, and some return the same day. The period begins when every document is held, not at submission. An incomplete file is the most common cause of delay.
What is a rolling reserve, and will one apply?
A rolling reserve withholds a percentage of each settlement for a fixed period. It is then released on a rolling basis. Whether one applies depends on the vertical, the chargeback history, and the acquirer. Where a reserve applies, the percentage and the hold period are stated before signing.
What documents are required?
We require incorporation documents, government identification for the owners, and recent processing statements. Three to six months of statements is the usual request. A business without processing history submits projections instead.
What happens if the chargeback rate rises?
We notify the merchant before the acquirer does. The ratio is monitored daily and flagged as it approaches the network thresholds. Above threshold, the acquirer may raise the reserve, increase the rate, or close the account. That outcome is real, and it is better understood in advance.
Can an existing gateway be retained?
Often, provided the gateway supports the acquirer to which the account is placed. Compatibility is confirmed before a merchant commits to anything. Where it is not supported, a gateway is provisioned and the integration is moved across.
What is the total cost?
The discount rate, the per-transaction fee, and any reserve constitute the cost of processing. Gateway and statement fees, where they apply, appear in the same quote. The full structure is stated in writing before signing.
Credentials and integrations.
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Gateway integration
Awaiting confirmation of supported gateways.
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Gateway integration
Awaiting confirmation of supported gateways.
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PCI DSS compliance level
Awaiting confirmation of level and scope.
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Card-network registration
Awaiting confirmation of registration.
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Processor relationship
Awaiting the processor name and agent wording.
Request a quote.
The form asks for seven fields and takes about two minutes. A reply follows within one business day, with rates for the stated vertical and volume.