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A real, US-based person answers your questions and resolves issues — no offshore tier-1 support queues, no automated bots. Direct access to a dedicated account manager from day one.
Declined by Stripe, Square, PayPal, or your bank? KJ ProWeb is an ISO-authorized high-risk payment processing specialist with direct relationships across 8 elite processors and 30+ acquiring banks. Same-day approvals, guaranteed lowest rates, zero contracts.
Everything Included — Starting Day One
$0 application fee · No contract · Guaranteed lowest rates · Same-day decision
If your business operates in a regulated or high-risk industry, you know this problem intimately. Here's why it keeps happening — and how to end it permanently.
Stripe, Square, and PayPal reserve the right to freeze or close high-risk merchant accounts at any time. When it happens during a product launch or peak sales period, the financial damage is immediate and severe.
Many processors demand 10–25% of monthly revenue be held in a rolling reserve — sometimes for 180+ days. That's working capital you can't access, invest, or use to fund operations.
A chargeback ratio above 1% can trigger account termination and placement on the MATCH list. Without proactive chargeback management tools, one bad month can end your ability to accept cards entirely.
Most high-risk merchants accept whatever rates a processor offers because they feel they have no choice. Specialized processors compete aggressively for quality merchants — and KJ ProWeb's ISO relationships give you real leverage.
Operating on cash-only, crypto-only, or ACH-only while competitors accept all major credit cards is a competitive disadvantage that compounds every single day.
KJ ProWeb was built specifically to solve every one of these problems — with ISO authorization, 8 elite processor partners, and 30+ acquiring banks behind every application.
We don't make verbal promises. Every commitment below is written into your merchant agreement and enforceable. No other high-risk processing partner in the United States offers this level of written protection.
A real, US-based person answers your questions and resolves issues — no offshore tier-1 support queues, no automated bots. Direct access to a dedicated account manager from day one.
We guarantee the lowest processing rates in the high-risk industry. If any competitor offers a lower rate, we match or beat it — now and in the future. Bring us any written quote and we improve it.
Every merchant agreement is month-to-month with zero early termination fees. You stay because our service and pricing earn your loyalty — not because a contract traps you.
Your processing rates are locked for the lifetime of your account. They will not increase unless there is a network-mandated interchange adjustment by Visa or Mastercard.
For as long as you process through KJ ProWeb, we replace or repair your payment terminal at no charge. A broken terminal never needs to interrupt your revenue.
Merchant account approval within the same business day for most industries, with full activation within 24–48 hours of a complete application. You don't lose weeks of revenue waiting for a decision.
If you've been declined because of your industry, the verticals below are ones we serve daily. Don't see yours? Contact us — our processor network covers a wide range of complex and emerging categories.
*Cannabis dispensaries served via PIN-debit ATM network routing. Federal compliance maintained at all times.
Our ISO and agent agreements with eight of the world's most respected high-risk processors give us unmatched breadth — meaning we can find the right acquiring relationship for virtually any merchant.
Specializes in high-risk eCommerce, CBD, vape, kratom, MLM/affiliate marketing, adult websites, and firearms. Unbeatable interchange-plus pricing with dedicated account management.
A long-established high-risk specialist with deep expertise in CBD, adult content, online gaming, and regulated industries. Known for stability and transparent terms.
A leading high-risk merchant services provider offering secure, scalable solutions with seamless integrations and 24/7 support for businesses of all sizes and risk profiles.
One of the world's largest high-risk payment processors, serving thousands of merchants across high-risk verticals with comprehensive chargeback management tools.
Specialized in cannabis, hemp, and CBD payment processing that maintains regulatory compliance while delivering reliable, stable card acceptance for hemp-derived sellers.
Purpose-built for the CBD and hemp industry — fast approvals, compliant processing, and dedicated support for merchants selling CBD oils, gummies, tinctures, and topicals.
A payment app that links directly to your Android or Apple device and bank account for safe, secure purchases in seconds. Used by 300,000+ consumers at 1,100+ participating dispensaries nationwide.
Supporting 30,000+ online businesses including e-learning, supplements, and coaching. Perfect for future deliverables, recurring billing, trial offers, and high-ticket transactions.
Chargebacks are the single biggest threat to any high-risk merchant account. Verde eliminates that threat entirely — not by managing chargebacks, but by removing the mechanism that creates them.
Instead of charging a credit card, Verde routes payment directly from your customer's bank account to yours. The customer selects their bank from a network of 11,000+ US banks and credit unions, logs in securely, and authorizes the transfer — all in under 60 seconds. No card number. No chargeback risk. No frozen accounts.
Funds are verified against the customer's account before transfer. Fraudulent disputes become technically impossible.
Bank-to-bank transfers bypass card network interchange entirely. For a $100K/month merchant, that's tens of thousands in annual savings.
With no card numbers processed or stored, your PCI-DSS compliance scope shrinks dramatically — reducing both compliance burden and breach risk.
Comprehensive US bank coverage means cart abandonment at checkout is rare. Your customers can pay from virtually any US financial institution.
*Based on $100,000/month processing volume example
Beyond standard credit card processing, KJ ProWeb offers the most comprehensive suite of alternative and high-risk payment solutions available from a single partner.
Full Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and debit card acceptance for retail, eCommerce, and MOTO transactions.
Zero chargebacks. 40–60% lower fees. Bank-to-bank direct debit that eliminates your biggest processing vulnerability entirely.
Accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDC, USDT, and major cryptocurrencies with instant USD settlement and zero chargeback risk.
Legally pass your processing costs to credit card users while offering a discount to cash customers — effectively processing credit cards at zero net cost.
"We'd been through three processors in 18 months — Stripe shut us down twice and Square once, always mid-month and without warning. KJ ProWeb got us approved the same day we applied. That was 14 months ago and we haven't had a single account issue since. The rate guarantee has saved us over $8,000 compared to our last processor."
"The Verde open banking solution completely changed our business model. We were losing $4,000–$6,000 a month in chargebacks from customers disputing legitimate transactions — and it was threatening our entire card processing account. Since switching to Verde, our chargebacks have dropped to literally zero. It's not an exaggeration."
"As a firearms retailer, we've been declined by every major processor out there. KJ ProWeb matched us with a processor the same day we submitted our application. The rates are lower than anything we found independently, and the no-contract guarantee means we're not locked in — though after two years, we've never needed to look elsewhere."
A business is classified as high risk based on its industry type, chargeback rates, regulatory environment, or business model. Common high-risk industries include CBD, cannabis, firearms, adult entertainment, online gaming, kratom, nutraceuticals, vape, MLM, charter airlines, and future-delivery businesses. High-risk classification does not mean your business is illegal — it means mainstream processors like Stripe, Square, and PayPal lack the underwriting infrastructure to serve you safely and reliably. Specialized processors, like those in KJ ProWeb's network, are built specifically for these verticals.
Yes. Previous declines, account terminations, or a history of chargebacks do not automatically disqualify you from a high-risk merchant account through KJ ProWeb. Our network of 8 specialized processors and 30+ acquiring banks gives us the breadth to find the right solution for merchants that mainstream processors and generalist ISOs turn away. Even placement on the MATCH list does not eliminate all options — contact us to discuss your specific situation.
KJ ProWeb provides same-day merchant account approvals for most business types, with full service activation within 24–48 hours of a complete application. This compares to industry averages of 5–10 business days for standard high-risk approvals and several weeks for complex cases handled by generalist processors. The completeness and accuracy of your application materials is the primary factor in how quickly we can move.
KJ ProWeb guarantees the lowest processing rates in the high-risk industry and will match or beat any written lower quote. Exact rates depend on your business type, processing volume, chargeback history, and the specific processor best suited to your account. We use transparent interchange-plus pricing so you always know exactly what you're paying and why — no bundled rates that hide the true cost of processing.
No. Every KJ ProWeb merchant processing agreement is month-to-month with zero early termination fees — this is written into your agreement, not just a verbal commitment. We earn your continued business through the quality of our service and pricing every single month. You are never locked in and can scale, adjust, or cancel at any time with 30 days' notice.
Chargebacks only exist within the credit card network. Verde bypasses the card networks entirely by routing payments directly between the customer's bank account and yours. Because funds are verified against the customer's available balance before the transfer is authorized, fraudulent disputes — the most common source of high-risk chargebacks — become technically impossible. There is no card network to file a dispute with when the transaction never went through a card network in the first place. This is not chargeback management — it is chargeback elimination.
A standard high-risk merchant account application typically requires: government-issued photo ID for all principals (25%+ ownership), voided business check or bank letter, 3–6 months of recent processing statements (if applicable), business bank statements, articles of incorporation or business registration, and your business website URL. Additional documentation may be required based on your industry. KJ ProWeb will guide you through the exact requirements at no charge.
KJ ProWeb's processor network accepts over 30 high-risk verticals including CBD oils and gummies, Delta-8/Delta-9 THC, hemp products, kratom, nutraceuticals and supplements, vape and e-cigarettes, firearms and ammunition, adult entertainment, online gaming, network marketing and MLM, charter airlines, future event tickets, subscription box services, pharmaceuticals, debt collection, travel and timeshare, pawn shops, high-volume eCommerce, and more. Contact us if your industry isn't listed — our network covers many emerging and complex categories.
Apply now and get a same-day decision. No application fee. No setup charges. No contracts. A real human reviews your application and contacts you directly — usually within hours, not days.
$0 application fee · No contract · Guaranteed lowest rates · Same-day decision
Denver, CO & Los Angeles, CA · sales@kjproweb.com
KJ ProWeb stands out from other high-risk payment processors in several key ways:
Specialized Industry Focus: KJ ProWeb caters specifically to high-risk industries such as hemp-derived CBD, CBD hemp flower, pre-rolls, CBD vapes, Delta 8 THC, and other challenging sectors like cryptocurrencies and gambling sites. *1.
Competitive Pricing: They offer true Interchange plus pricing, with rates as low as 3.3% plus $0.25 per transaction for high-risk merchants, which is competitive in the industry. *2.
Rapid Approval Process: KJ ProWeb provides same-day or 24-hour approvals, with service activation possible within 24 to 48 hours of submitting a complete application. *3.
Transparent Pricing Structure: The company prides itself on honest and straightforward pricing, discussing all rates and fees upfront before service signup. *4.
Comprehensive Fraud Protection: KJ ProWeb offers advanced fraud and chargeback prevention measures, including EMV and PCI compliance, encryption, and SSL security. *5.
Free Equipment: Merchants receive a free Payanywhere Smart Terminal, allowing them to accept various payment methods anywhere. *6.
Affordable Payment Gateway Fees: Their high-risk friendly payment gateway comes with fraud monitoring for just $25.00 per month, with no sign-up or application fees.
Diverse Payment Solutions: KJ ProWeb offers multiple payment gateway integration options for online sellers and point-of-sale terminals for retail storefronts, catering to various business models.
Extensive Banking Network: The company works with over 30 sponsoring banks, top digital ISOs, and ISVs, which can speed up the application approval process and onboarding.
Regulatory Compliance Assistance: KJ ProWeb helps businesses navigate the complex regulatory landscape associated with high-risk industries.
These features collectively make KJ ProWeb a compelling choice for businesses in high-risk sectors seeking reliable and tailored payment processing solutions.
At present, there is not a specific Merchant Category Code (MCC) exclusively for hemp-derived CBD products. However, CBD merchants are typically categorized under the following MCCs:
MCC 5499: This code is used for specialty markets and convenience stores, and is often applied to CBD merchants that exclusively sell products containing less than 0.3% THC.
MCC 5912: This code covers “Drug Stores and Pharmacies” and is often used for businesses selling cannabis and CBD products where legal.
MCC 5999: Mastercard may categorize some CBD merchants under this code for “Miscellaneous Retail”.
It’s important to note that the classification can vary depending on the merchant’s primary business focus and the specific policies of the payment processor or acquiring bank. CBD merchants are generally considered high-risk, which can affect their payment processing options and fees.
Additionally, as of March 2025, the regulatory landscape for CBD products is still evolving, and merchants in this space face challenges in obtaining consistent categorization across different payment networks47.
CBD merchants can employ several strategies to increase their chances of getting approved for credit card processing, particularly given the high-risk nature of the industry:
Verify that all products contain less than 0.3% THC by weight volume and comply with federal and state regulations.
Provide certificates of analysis (COAs) from DEA-registered labs for each product batch to demonstrate compliance.
Implement strict age-verification procedures and avoid selling in states where CBD is prohibited.
Submit all required business licenses, tax information, bank statements, and permits.
Include detailed product descriptions, COAs, and proof of regulatory adherence.
Maintain a clear inventory management system to track product origins and sales.
Partner with processors experienced in high-risk industries, such as Best Rate Merchant Services, Durango Payments, Payment Cloud, Merchant Broker, PayBotic, CBD Pay, CanPay, or PAYCLY Merchant Services. *KJ ProWeb has ISO/agent agreements with each of these companies and over 30 sponsoring banks.
Research processors thoroughly to ensure competitive rates, transparent fees, and strong service agreements.
Larger processors like Stripe and Square may also accept CBD merchants who meet stringent requirements. However, these two companies are notorious for changing their policies without sufficient advance notice to CBD sellers. An unreliable payment processor can cause significant disruptions to cash flow and business continuity.
Maintain a healthy credit score for the business owner or company to improve approval chances.
Demonstrate stable sales volumes and consistent operating hours to reassure payment processors.
Use advanced fraud detection systems, secure payment gateways, and real-time monitoring tools to reduce risk.
Implement tokenization to safeguard sensitive customer data and lower interchange fees.
Offer alternative payment methods like digital wallets, cryptocurrency, pay-by-bank (e-debit), or e-checks, while awaiting approval for credit card processing. These are excellent options and often less expense compared to traditional credit card processing.
Emphasize non-ingestible products such as topicals or skincare items during the initial application process to reduce perceived risks.
Request a direct conversation with underwriters to explain compliance measures and address concerns.
Seek feedback on past application declines to resolve deficiencies before reapplying1.
Obtain insurance policies for product liability, inventory loss, and business interruption to transfer risks away from banks.
If declined initially, reapply after addressing feedback or deficiencies.
Explore alternative funding options like private capital or merchant financing during startup phases.
By combining rigorous compliance measures, strategic partnerships with specialized processors, and proactive risk mitigation efforts, CBD merchants can significantly improve their chances of securing reliable credit card processing solutions.
Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share
MCC codes significantly impact CBD merchants’ ability to get approved for credit card processing in several ways:
Risk Classification: CBD merchants are often categorized under high-risk MCCs, which can make it more challenging to obtain credit card processing services.
Inconsistent Categorization: There’s no specific MCC for CBD products, leading to inconsistent categorization. CBD merchants may be classified under various codes such as:
MCC 5499 (Specialty markets and convenience stores)
MCC 5912 (Drug stores and pharmacies)
MCC 5999 (Miscellaneous retail)
Stricter Regulations: High-risk MCCs trigger additional scrutiny and regulations from card networks, making the approval process more complex and time-consuming.
Higher Fees: Merchants with high-risk MCCs often face higher processing fees and stricter terms due to the perceived increased risk of chargebacks and fraud.
Limited Options: Many payment processors and banks are hesitant to work with CBD merchants due to their historical reputation, even if they’re not officially designated as high-risk.
Additional Requirements: CBD merchants may need to undergo more rigorous underwriting processes and provide additional documentation to secure credit card processing services.
Potential for Account Closure: Even if approved, CBD merchants with high-risk MCCs face a higher risk of account closure if they don’t adhere to strict compliance standards.
Impact on Business Operations: The challenges in obtaining reliable credit card processing can affect a CBD merchant’s ability to operate efficiently and grow their business.
To improve their chances of approval, CBD merchants should ensure they’re accurately categorized, comply with all regulations, and consider working with payment processors specializing in high-risk industries.
The FDA plays a central role in regulating CBD products:
It has concluded that existing regulatory frameworks for foods and supplements are not appropriate for CBD. *1.
The agency can take action against companies making unsubstantiated health claims about CBD products. 2.
FDA prohibits adding CBD to food products or marketing it as a dietary supplement. *3.
A new regulatory pathway for CBD is being explored to balance consumer access with necessary oversight. *4.
The USDA has established guidelines for hemp production and interstate commerce:
It issued regulations implementing the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp at the federal level. *1.
USDA rules state that states cannot prevent the interstate transportation of hemp produced in compliance with the Farm Bill. *2.
The DEA’s role has changed since the 2018 Farm Bill:
It no longer has jurisdiction over hemp-derived products containing less than 0.3% THC. *1.
The agency focuses on larger-scale operations and drug trafficking rather than individual users. *2.
The FTC is involved in regulating CBD marketing practices:
It targets deceptive advertising and unfair business practices in the CBD market3.
Companies making false health claims or engaging in deceptive trade practices may face warning letters, cease and desist orders, or legal action. *3.
These agencies work together to create a regulatory framework for hemp-derived CBD products, addressing issues of production, interstate commerce, marketing, and consumer safety. However, the landscape remains complex, with ongoing discussions about creating more comprehensive and tailored regulations for CBD products.
Several federal agencies are primarily responsible for enforcing CBD regulations:
Food and Drug Administration (FDA): The FDA plays a central role in regulating CBD products. *1. It enforces laws related to:
Marketing claims of therapeutic benefits or disease treatment
Addition of CBD to food products
Interstate commerce of CBD products
Approval of CBD-based drugs
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): The FTC works independently but often coordinates with the FDA. *2. It focuses on:
Deceptive advertising practices
Unsubstantiated health claims
Enforcement actions, including monetary fines for false claims
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA): The USDA is responsible for. *1:
Setting baseline rules for federal regulation of hemp and its derivatives
Reviewing and approving state-level hemp regulations
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): While the DEA’s role has diminished since the 2018 Farm Bill, it still. *3:
Enforces controlled substance laws and regulations
Focuses on larger-scale operations and drug trafficking
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): While not primarily responsible for CBD regulation, CBP plays a role in:
Enforcing regulations at borders and ports of entry
Monitoring the import and export of CBD products
These agencies work together to create and enforce a regulatory framework for CBD products, addressing issues of production, interstate commerce, marketing, and consumer safety.
The FDA regulates the interstate sale of CBD products through several key measures:
Therapeutic Claims: The FDA prohibits the marketing of CBD products with therapeutic claims unless they have been approved by the agency. Any CBD product marketed as having health benefits or treating diseases must receive FDA approval before it can be sold across state lines. *1, 2.
Food and Dietary Supplements: The FDA has determined that it is unlawful to introduce food containing added CBD into interstate commerce or to market CBD products as dietary supplements. *2. This is because CBD is an active ingredient in FDA-approved drugs and was the subject of substantial clinical investigations before being marketed as food or supplements. *3.
Enforcement Actions: The FDA takes enforcement action against companies illegally selling CBD products that make unsubstantiated health claims or violate other regulations. This includes issuing warning letters to companies marketing unapproved CBD products. *4.
Pathways for Legal Marketing: While the FDA restricts many forms of CBD product sales, it recognizes pathways for the lawful introduction of cannabis and cannabis-derived products into interstate commerce. This includes FDA approval of drugs containing CBD, such as Epidiolex. *5.
Ongoing Regulatory Development: As of 2023, the FDA has announced that existing food and dietary supplement regulatory pathways are not appropriate for CBD products. The agency is exploring new regulatory approaches to address the growing CBD market. *6.
Collaboration with Other Agencies: The FDA works in conjunction with other federal agencies, such as the FTC, to regulate CBD product marketing and interstate commerce. *7.
It’s important to note that while hemp was legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill, the Food and Drug Administration retains its authority to regulate CBD products under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, regardless of whether they are derived from hemp.
The FDA enforces its regulations on CBD products sold online through several key methods:
Warning Letters: The FDA issues warning letters to companies selling CBD products online that violate regulations, particularly those making unsubstantiated health claims or marketing CBD as dietary supplements. *1 , *2.
Risk-Based Enforcement: The agency employs a risk-based approach, prioritizing enforcement against products making misleading claims that could lead consumers to forgo effective treatments or products posing significant safety concerns. *3.
Monitoring Online Sales: The FDA actively monitors the online marketplace for CBD products that violate regulations, especially those sold across state lines. *4.
Collaboration with FTC: The FDA works in conjunction with the Federal Trade Commission to target deceptive advertising practices and unsubstantiated health claims for CBD products. *5.
Public Statements and Guidance: The FDA issues public statements and guidance to inform consumers and businesses about the legal status of CBD products and potential risks. *6.
Enforcement Actions: In cases of significant violations, the FDA may take more severe enforcement actions, including product seizures or injunctions against companies. *7.
Operation CBDeceit: In collaboration with the FTC, the FDA has participated in enforcement sweeps targeting companies making unsubstantiated drug claims about CBD products. *8.
Consumer Warnings: The FDA issues consumer updates warning about the risks of mislabeled or contaminated CBD products sold online. *9.
As of March 2025, the FDA continues to refine its approach to CBD regulation, with ongoing evaluations of potential regulatory pathways for CBD products. However, the agency maintains its stance that adding CBD to food products or marketing it as a dietary supplement without approval remains illegal under federal law.
Companies making unsubstantiated health claims about CBD products face several significant consequences:
Warning Letters: The FDA and FTC issue warning letters to companies making unsubstantiated health claims, requiring them to address the agencies’ concerns within 15 days. *1.
Civil Penalties: Companies can face civil penalties of up to $50,120 per violation. In some cases, each day of continuing activity could be considered a separate violation. *2.
Enforcement Actions: The FTC can take legal action against companies, as demonstrated by the case against Kushly Industries LLC, which resulted in a $30,583.14 payment to the FTC. *3.
Product Seizures: In cases of significant violations, the FDA may take more severe enforcement actions, including seizing products. *4.
Injunctions: The FDA can seek injunctions against companies to halt the sale of products with unsubstantiated claims. *5.
Reputational Damage: Public warnings and enforcement actions can harm a company’s reputation and consumer trust. *6.
Market Restrictions: Companies may be prohibited from making certain claims about their products in the future, limiting their marketing capabilities. *7.
Consumer Redress: In some cases, companies may be required to provide refunds or other forms of compensation to consumers who purchased products based on false claims. *8.
Increased Scrutiny: Companies that receive warnings may face heightened scrutiny from regulatory agencies in the future. *9.
These consequences underscore the importance of ensuring that all health claims for CBD products are backed by competent and reliable scientific evidence before being marketed to consumers.
As highlighted in the FIS Global Payment Methods Report 2023, digital wallets have taken the lead as the preferred payment method globally, utilized in both e-commerce and point-of-sale (POS) systems.
They comprised 49% of the total transaction value for e-commerce payments in 2022 and 32% of the total transaction volume for POS transactions. Credit cards ranked second in popularity across both segments, while debit cards were the third most favored payment method among customers around the world.
According to a Forbes Advisor article published in August of 2023, *53% of Americans prefer to use a digital wallet rather than a traditional payment method. The article discusses the rise of digital wallets and their increasing role in transforming the payments landscape.
Which digital wallets are most popular for CBD transactions?
The most popular digital wallets for CBD transactions in March 2025 include:
Apple Pay: Widely supported by CBD-friendly payment processors like MONEI, Apple Pay is a secure and convenient option for online and in-store CBD transactions.
Google Pay: Frequently integrated by CBD payment processors, Google Pay offers seamless mobile payments and is compatible with platforms like MONEI and Clearent.
PayPal: Some CBD-friendly processors, such as MONEI, support PayPal for CBD transactions, making it a popular choice for online purchases. Do not make the mistake of using PayPal as your eCommerce payment processor if you sell CBD or other federally regulated products. Your account will most likely get shutdown, funds will be seized, and many CBD sellers have ended up on the dreaded “black list”, meaning they become ineligible for a merchant account with a different payment processor.
Click to Pay: This digital wallet is increasingly used for CBD eCommerce transactions due to its ease of use and compatibility with multiple processors.
These wallets are supported by specialized payment processors that cater to high-risk industries like CBD, ensuring compliance with regulations and secure payment processing.