igamingcoreHow Much Does a High-Risk Merchant Account Cost?
If your business operates in a high-risk industry—like adult, crypto, iGaming, CBD, or forex—you’ve likely been told you’ll need a high-risk merchant account to process card payments. But one of the most common questions we hear at iGaming core.
“How much does a high-risk merchant account actually cost?”
In this blog, we break down the typical pricing structures, the factors that influence your rates, and how UK-based merchants can get the best possible deal.
What Is a High-Risk Merchant Account?
A high-risk merchant account is a type of payment processing account designed for businesses that are more likely to face chargebacks, fraud, or regulatory scrutiny. These accounts are set up by payment providers and acquiring banks willing to work with industries that mainstream banks often avoid.
While high-risk accounts are essential for certain business models, they often come with higher fees and more stringent underwriting processes.
What Are the Typical Costs?
Here’s a breakdown of the key costs associated with high-risk merchant accounts in the UK:
Setup Fees
You may be charged an initial setup fee to cover underwriting, KYC checks, and integration support.
Typical range: £100 – £500 (sometimes waived)
Monthly Account Fees
A fixed monthly fee is usually charged for account maintenance and access to your merchant portal.
Typical range: £15 – £50/month
Transaction Fees
This is the percentage your provider charges per transaction. Rates for high-risk merchants are higher than for low-risk businesses.
Typical range: 3% – 7% per transaction
May also include a flat fee (e.g. £0.10 – £0.30)
Rolling Reserve
Most high-risk accounts require a rolling reserve—a percentage of your revenue held for 3–6 months to protect the provider from chargebacks.
Typical reserve: 5% – 10% of monthly turnover
Chargeback Fees
Each time a chargeback is filed, you’ll be charged a fee regardless of the outcome.
Typical range: £15 – £30 per chargeback
Additional Costs
PCI compliance fee (if not included): £50 – £100/year
Currency conversion or cross-border fees: 1% – 3% if you process internationally
What Affects the Cost?
Several factors influence the pricing of a high-risk merchant account:
Your industry (e.g. adult and gambling are riskier than online consulting)
Business history (startups usually pay more than established firms)
Monthly volume and average transaction value
Chargeback history or ratios
Licensing and regulatory status
The more stable and compliant your business is, the better your chance of negotiating lower rates.
How to Get the Best Deal in the UK
To reduce your merchant account costs:
Work with a specialist: At iGaming Core transparent: Provide full documentation and a clear business model to speed up underwriting.
Keep chargebacks low: Use tools like 3D Secure, real-time fraud screening, and refund policies.
Process more: Higher monthly volumes often qualify for reduced rates.
Ask for a custom quote: Many providers have room to adjust their pricing if you ask.
Final Thoughts
Yes, a high-risk merchant account does cost more than a standard one—but the ability to process payments in a secure, compliant way is essential for growing your business.
At iGaming Core, we help high-risk merchants in the UK and Europe access reliable, affordable payment solutions tailored to their sector.
👉 Get a free quote today and see how we can help reduce your payment processing costs.
