Free checklist

High-Risk Merchant Account Approval Checklist

Underwriters move faster when an application arrives complete. Use this checklist to gather your documents, get your website ready and show you can manage chargebacks before you apply.

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Step 1

Business documents

Have these ready as clear scans or PDFs.

Government-issued photo ID for every owner with 25% or more of the business
Business formation documents (articles of incorporation or organization)
Your EIN letter from the IRS, or other proof of your tax ID
A voided business check or a bank letter for the account you'll be paid into
Your 3 to 6 most recent business bank statements
Your 3 to 6 most recent processing statements, if you've accepted cards before
Any licenses or permits your industry or state requires
Proof of your business address

Step 2

Website requirements

Underwriters review your site the way a customer would.

Clear descriptions and prices for everything you sell
A refund and return policy that's easy to find
A shipping and delivery policy, if you sell physical goods
Terms and conditions and a privacy policy
Customer service contact details: email, phone and a business address
A secure checkout page (HTTPS)
For subscriptions or trials: the price, billing frequency and how to cancel, shown before checkout
Product claims you can back up, with no disease or guaranteed-result claims

Step 3

Chargeback and fraud controls

Show that you can keep disputes low.

A billing descriptor customers will recognize on their statement
Tracking numbers and proof of delivery for every order
Fraud screening at checkout, such as address (AVS) and security code (CVV) checks
A fast, friendly refund process, so customers ask you before they ask their bank
Your monthly chargeback count and ratio, tracked and ready to share
A written process for responding to disputes with evidence

Step 4

Be ready to explain

Short, honest answers here help a lot.

Your expected monthly card volume and average sale amount
How and when customers receive what they paid for
Any past account closures or high chargeback periods, and what you changed since
Where your traffic comes from (ads, affiliates, repeat customers)

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Industry extras

What some industries need on top

Some industries are asked for a few extra documents. Here are the common ones.

CBD

Third-party lab certificates of analysis (COAs) for your products, showing THC content within legal limits.

CBD merchant accounts →

Nutraceuticals

Ingredient lists, supplier or manufacturer details, and clear terms for any free-trial or auto-ship offer.

Nutraceutical accounts →

Subscriptions

Screenshots of your sign-up and cancellation flow, plus any renewal reminder emails you send.

Subscription accounts →

Travel

Supplier agreements, your typical time between booking and travel, and your cancellation terms.

Travel merchant accounts →

Checklist FAQ

What documents do I need for a high-risk merchant account?

Most underwriters ask for owner ID, business formation documents, proof of your tax ID, a voided check or bank letter, recent bank statements and, if you've processed before, recent processing statements. Some industries need extra documents, such as lab reports for CBD.

How can I speed up approval?

Send a complete application. Missing documents and website gaps, like no refund policy or no contact details, are the most common reasons a review stalls.

Can I apply if I've had high chargebacks or a closed account?

Yes, but be upfront about it. Underwriters will see your history anyway, and explaining what you changed, such as clearer policies or new fraud tools, gives your application its best chance.

Does Zeyla work with high-risk businesses?

Yes. Zeyla reviews applications from high-risk industries, and a payments specialist reviews every application. Start your application or see the industries we serve.