Braintree's acceptable use policy prohibits some industries and requires prior approval for others. If your business doesn't fit, a high-risk merchant account is built for exactly that situation.
Braintree is a PayPal service, and its acceptable use policy lists business categories it won't serve, including drug paraphernalia, marijuana businesses, weapons and munitions, adult content, and virtual currency that can be monetized. Others, such as gambling, airlines, travel agencies and tour operators, and memberships longer than a year, require Braintree's prior written approval.
The policy also says Braintree may block payments or suspend, restrict or terminate access, with or without notice, if it believes the policy has been broken.
Source: Braintree Acceptable Use Policy, checked November 2026. Policies change; check the current version.
If you sell in one of these categories, or Braintree has limited your account, a processor that underwrites your industry is usually the better long-term fit.
Travel agencies and tour operators need Braintree's prior written approval. See travel merchant accounts.
Memberships over one year need prior approval. See subscription accounts.
Monetizable virtual currency is on Braintree's prohibited list. See crypto processing.
Braintree prohibits activity that creates a significant risk of chargebacks. Read how to lower your ratio.
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.
Common reasons include selling in a prohibited or approval-only category, rising chargebacks, or activity Braintree sees as risky. Its acceptable use policy allows it to block payments or restrict access with or without notice.
Yes. Braintree is a service of PayPal, so its policies are closely related. See our PayPal alternative page too.
Your checkout will need to connect to your new provider. Ask early about moving stored customer cards, and plan the switch so subscriptions don't fail.
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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