The topic covered in this article is not one-dimensional but vast. It means that it’s not just limited to what we see. It showcases the way humanity has evolved. The topic will make you realize how we have moved from hunting & gathering to the barter system and ultimately to today’s topic. This article will cover the topic in various parts. Firstly, we will describe what a merchant service is in detail. Then we will talk about what makes a business high-risk. Then we will discuss what a high-risk merchant account is? And finally, we will talk about some characteristics of the best high risk merchant accounts.
When you perform a transaction by your credit or debit card, it is called a Merchant Service. Thus, merchant service is an electronic mode of transaction. This type of transaction generally operates through an account established by the concerned business owner. These transactions give way to several payment methods, simplify card transactions, and provide cashback, chargebacks, and many other facilities.
The main requirement for this type of service is that the business owner should have a merchant account with the provider. The report may be held indirectly or directly through a referral partner. Merchant service providers work as middlemen between the organizations that need funds and the person who needs to purchase goods. A complicated procedure is present behind the simple transaction done through merchant accounts. When the customer uses the issued card, a payment request goes to the concerned bank (where the business owner’s account is registered). This request then undergoes a payment gateway. Then an authorization request is also sent to the concerned card provider like MasterCard and Visa. After the card provider’s approval, it provides the issuing bank with the final authorization (The bank that has the card registered). After this final authorization, it gives a confirmation code to the user to confirm the transaction.
What Makes a Business High-Risk?
What does high-risk even mean? Is it fearing a market crash? Fearing theft? Well, the answer to this question is both no and yes. With the rapid development of technology, life has branched into two ways. One branch is where our daily-life activities have become simpler, efficient, and faster. However, the other half branched into imperfection, flaws, and looking for loopholes in these technologies. Because of this, the increased efficiency of these online transactions has also made them more risky and sensitive.
When a business deals with a high amount of online transactions and cash returns, it is called a High-risk business. These are the businesses where there is a chance of committing fraud. These can include organizations that sell borderline illegal products and so on. These products include cigars, tobacco, adult products, firearms, and guns. Businesses selling these products are at risk because large online transaction amounts are risky. For example, sometimes the goods or services are delivered even though the money isn’t received. There is also a chance of these borderline illegal products getting banned or the company getting into immense debt. The involvement of large amounts of money online also increases the risk of fraud. The practice of multi-level marketing has also put many companies at risk.
What are High-Risk Merchant Accounts
The enormous growth of the world economy didn’t happen by chance. It happened because of the hard work we humans put in every day and night throughout history. Our minds have set us apart from every other creature on this planet. Since the dawn of humanity as a species, we have created innovations that have shaped our path. Technology and innovation are still progressing every day. One such innovation was the arrival of high-risk merchant accounts.
Transactions are not a new thing in our human society. Since centuries ago, we have been involved in transactions (through the Barter system). The rise of merchant accounts has resulted in a new beginning. These accounts have become tools that keep the money of businesses, customers, and banks safe. They also offer several chances for business growth and facilitate fair trade. These accounts are specialized accounts to deal with high-risk payments, which differ from traditional transactions. High-risk merchant accounts offer plenty of business and customer-friendly features and deal with chargebacks. These accounts are provided by many well-recognized banks worldwide. When high-risk transactions happen in two different countries (also called offshore high-risk transactions), they are monitored by national authorities.
What do all High-Risk Merchant Services Include?
High-risk merchant accounts do seem very promising for businesses, don’t they? However, you must understand the features offered by some of the best high-risk merchant accounts. Generally, high-risk merchant account offers-
Fraud Protection and High-Security Level
As these accounts are specifically designed to suit the needs of a high-risk business, they offer a high level of security. This strong layer of security prevents transaction failures and provides fraud protection.
Worldwide Coverage
A high-risk merchant account provides a business with global recognition that aids their international transactions. It also provides greater exposure, which facilitates the exponential growth of the industry. The expansion of the consumer base is also a great benefit.
High Chargeback Protection
Unlike low-risk merchant service accounts, high-risk accounts shield us from high chargebacks. However, we should not neglect chargebacks as a continuous flow of chargebacks may lead to termination.
Low Chances of Account Termination
Low-risk merchant service accounts can get terminated anytime due to chargebacks. On the other hand, high-risk merchant accounts can absorb a few chargebacks and not get sacked.
Minimal Delays in Processing
In high-risk merchant accounts, the processing time is lessened due to frequent and large-scale transactions. It results in smooth and fast transactions.
Conclusion
Thus, we can say that technology has quickly advanced the present mode of transactions. But keep in mind that all the loopholes and flaws of high-risk merchant accounts can only be prevented and not cured. The rise of innovations also results in new problems. But the most significant plus point is that these online transactions are efficient and fast. The minimal processing time and swiftness induce quicker growth in businesses. But, as every corner of the world still doesn’t have the required facilities, the era of physical transactions is still not overthrown. Thus both physical and online transactions come with their own set of benefits. Hence, it is advisable to research. Consumers and businesses need to make the most out of every situation and play tactfully. The same thing applies to both high-risk and low-risk merchant accounts. Even though both offer enormous opportunities, we still need to research them before deciding. Seek advice from similar experienced businesses, and then take decisions accordingly.
