High-risk merchant accounts
Shut Down by Stripe, Square or PayPal? What to Do Next
Getting a "we can no longer support your business" email is a gut punch, especially with money still in the account. It happens most to businesses in categories the big aggregators don't really want: peptides, supplements, CBD, firearms, telehealth and subscription models. The good news: a closure isn't the end of taking cards. It usually means you need a dedicated high-risk merchant account that's approved for your category before you process.
Why Stripe, Square and PayPal close accounts
Aggregators approve almost anyone in minutes and review the business later. When a later review flags your product category, a jump in volume, refunds or chargebacks, they can close the account and hold the balance under their terms of service. We break down the mechanics in why processors freeze funds and hold reserves, and for peptide sellers in why Stripe approves peptide shops, then closes the account.
What to do in the first 48 hours
Download everything. Export your transaction history, payouts, refunds and dispute records before access is limited.
Ask for the reason and the hold timeline in writing. Ask which policy was cited and when the remaining balance will be released.
Keep fulfilling and answering customers. Unanswered customers turn into chargebacks, and chargebacks make the next approval harder.
Don't open another aggregator account to get around the closure. It's usually against their terms, and a second closure makes underwriting harder.
Gather your underwriting documents (list below) so a new account can be reviewed quickly.
How a dedicated high-risk merchant account is different
Underwritten before you process, by a bank that knows your category.
Your own merchant account, not a shared pool.
Pricing, monthly fees and any reserve explained in writing before you sign.
Works with your existing store platform and a compatible gateway.
Up and running within 72 hours after approval, with next-day funding on eligible accounts.
See high-risk merchant accounts for the full picture, or go straight to your industry: peptides · supplements · CBD · firearms · telehealth.
What we'll ask for
Business formation documents and EIN
Business bank account information
Your last 3–6 months of processing statements, plus the closure email if you have one
Website, product list, terms of sale, and refund, shipping and customer-service policies
For regulated products: COAs, licenses or FFL as applicable
Check if you qualify
No credit check to see if you fit. No obligation. We reply within one business day.
FAQ
Often, yes. Aggregator closures are usually about category or risk policy, not fraud. A bank that underwrites your category looks at your documents, website and history. Be upfront about the closure; underwriters will see it anyway.
Usually, after the hold period set in that processor's terms, minus any refunds or chargebacks that come in. We can't release funds held by another processor, but a dedicated account means you can keep selling in the meantime.
Not necessarily. Many aggregator closures don't result in a MATCH listing. If you were listed, it's harder to get approved, but not always impossible. Tell us your situation and we'll tell you honestly whether we can help.
It depends on your category and how ready your documents are. Most merchants are up and running within 72 hours after approval.
Usually, yes, because the bank takes on more risk. The trade-off is an account that was approved for your business up front. We quote every fee and any reserve in writing before you sign.