Authorize.net is a payment gateway. Its all-in-one plan bundles a merchant account and is subject to eligibility. If that's the part that didn't work out, a high-risk merchant account may be what you're missing.
A payment gateway securely sends card details from your checkout to the processor. A merchant account is where card payments are settled before reaching your bank. Authorize.net says that to accept credit cards you must have a merchant account, and it offers two main routes: an all-in-one plan that includes a merchant account, subject to eligibility, and a gateway-only plan for businesses that already have a merchant account elsewhere.
For a high-risk business, the merchant account is usually the hard part. Approval for one depends on underwriting: your industry, history and documents.
Sources: Authorize.net sign-up and pricing and Authorize.net support, checked November 2026.
What you need depends on which part of the setup is missing.
If you were declined for the bundled merchant account, a specialist processor may approve you on terms that fit your industry.
Authorize.net offers a gateway-only plan for businesses with an existing merchant account. Ask any new processor whether it can work with your gateway before you switch.
Underwriters look at your website, documents and history. The approval checklist covers what to get ready.
Read what a payment gateway does and how it differs from a merchant account.
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.
Authorize.net is a payment gateway. Its all-in-one plan includes a merchant account, subject to eligibility. Its gateway-only plan requires a merchant account from another provider.
Authorize.net says underwriting considers factors including industry, processing history and credit. High-risk industries and businesses with past problems are often reviewed more strictly.
Authorize.net's gateway-only plan is designed for businesses with an existing merchant account. Whether it works with a specific provider depends on that provider, so ask before you apply.
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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