Adyen publishes a list of prohibited and restricted products and services. If you're in one of those categories, or Adyen asked for documentation you can't easily provide, here's how a high-risk merchant account compares.
Adyen sorts businesses into prohibited categories, which can't use its services, and restricted categories, which need additional documentation before onboarding. Approval for a broad restricted category doesn't automatically cover everything in it.
Restricted categories include nutraceuticals, CBD, travel agents and tour operators, dating, alcohol, tobacco and vaping, forex and crypto exchanges, and legal gambling. Several of these are prohibited altogether for businesses that use Adyen through a platform or partner rather than directly.
Source: Adyen Prohibited and Restricted Products and Services, last updated November 13, 2025, checked November 2026.
These categories appear on Adyen's restricted list. A processor that specializes in them can be simpler to work with.
Restricted for merchants and, for CBD, prohibited through platforms. See supplements and CBD.
Exchanges and forex options are restricted for merchants. See trading and crypto.
Adyen prohibits deceptive tactics such as poorly disclosed negative options. See subscription accounts.
Take the 1-minute quiz to see how processors are likely to view your business.
Use the approval checklist, including recent processing statements if you have them.
Get approved while your current setup keeps running. Apply in about 3 minutes.
Plan stored cards, test your checkout and keep your old account open for refunds. See how to switch.
New to this? Start with our guide to high-risk merchant accounts.
Some, through its restricted category process, which requires additional documentation before onboarding. Other categories are prohibited outright.
Prohibited businesses can't use Adyen's services. Restricted businesses need extra review and documentation, and approval for a broad category doesn't automatically cover every sub-category.
Yes. Adyen's list prohibits several categories for platform and partner merchants that are only restricted for direct merchants, including CBD, crypto exchanges and some travel.
Usually, yes. Rates reflect the extra risk and closer monitoring. Ask for every fee in writing and compare with the fee calculator.
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