High-risk & regulated
Online clinics need a payment setup that can handle card-not-present transactions, recurring care plans, and close review of services and marketing. Pine Payments helps qualified telehealth and wellness providers build a dependable way to accept payments.
The best payment processor for a telehealth business is one that knowingly approves your exact care model in writing — because many mainstream platforms treat telemedicine as a restricted category and can review or close accounts after you start processing. Look for a dedicated merchant account, support for recurring care plans, strong card-not-present fraud tools, and clear written terms on fees and reserves. Pine Payments, a registered ISO based in Miami-Dade, helps telehealth and wellness clinics prepare for underwriting and find a processing setup that fits how they actually see and bill patients.
There is no single "best" processor for every clinic. The right one depends on three things:
A good fit is a processor (or an ISO working with acquiring banks) that reviews these details before you go live, rather than an instant-signup platform that approves first and reviews later.
Underwriters usually separate paying for a medical service (a virtual visit, a consultation, a care membership) from paying for a prescription drug shipped to the patient. Selling or dispensing medications online typically requires extra review, and some processors and banks expect certification from a third-party monitoring service (LegitScript is a commonly used one). Requirements change and vary by processor, so confirm what applies to your model before you apply.
Pine Payments helps clinics organize these items so the application tells a clear, consistent story. Approval is always decided by the acquiring bank and is never guaranteed.
We explain pricing and any reserve in writing before you commit. We also help with PCI DSS compliance steps, though each merchant remains responsible for its own compliance. If your account was recently closed, read why processors freeze funds and hold reserves.
Related: High-risk merchant accounts · Peptide merchant accounts · Supplement merchant accounts
Sometimes, but it depends on your services. Some mainstream platforms list telemedicine or prescription services as restricted, so approval is case-by-case and can be reviewed after you start processing. Read the platform's current restricted-business list and get approval for your exact model in writing.
Not always. Simple virtual-visit or therapy practices may qualify for standard processing. Clinics with prescription-based programs, memberships, or higher chargeback exposure are more often placed with banks that specialize in higher-risk categories.
Many setups support recurring billing when the price, renewal timing, and cancellation steps are clearly shown before checkout and on receipts. Clear disclosure also helps keep disputes down.
No. PCI DSS covers card data security; HIPAA covers patient health information. They overlap but are separate. Talk to a qualified healthcare attorney or compliance advisor about HIPAA obligations.
It varies with your services and how complete your documents and website are. A consistent website, clear policies, and a complete application usually reduce back-and-forth with underwriting.
Tell us about your clinic and we'll give you an honest answer on whether Pine Payments is a fit. Credit card processing services are subject to approval. Rates and terms vary by business type and processing history. This page is general information, not legal advice.