Best POS Options for High-Risk Businesses!

Running high-risk businesses comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to payment processing. Whether you’re in CBD, adult products, nutraceuticals, or online gaming, getting approved for payment services, let alone choosing the right POS (Point of Sale) system, can feel like a full-time job.

But it doesn’t have to be.

This blog breaks down what makes a business “high-risk,” why standard POS systems often fall short, and what features you should look for in a Point of Sale built for your unique needs.

What Is a High-Risk Business?

A high-risk business is one that payment processors consider more likely to face chargebacks, fraud, or legal/regulatory issues. These businesses often deal with:

• High ticket sizes or transaction volumes

• Subscription billing models

• International transactions

• Age-restricted products or services

• Poor industry reputation or prior chargebacks

Common high-risk industries include:

• CBD and hemp products

• Adult entertainment

• Online gaming and gambling

• Travel and ticketing services

• Multi-level marketing

• Nutraceuticals and supplements

• Vape and e-cigarettes

Because of the potential for regulatory scrutiny or financial risk, these businesses require more secure and compliant payment infrastructure, starting with the POS system.

Why Typical POS Systems Fall Short: –

Most mainstream POS systems are built for low-risk businesses. They assume that chargebacks are rare, products are easily regulated, and banks will approve merchant accounts without question. But high-risk businesses face:

• Frequent chargebacks

• Underwriting rejections

• Delayed fund settlements

• Limited integration with high-risk merchant accounts

That’s why choosing a Point of Sale system that works with high-risk payment processors is key. Otherwise, you risk frozen accounts, denied payments, or being banned from the platform altogether.

What to Look for in a POS System for High-Risk Businesses: –

Choosing the right POS for your high-risk business is about more than just scanning barcodes and printing receipts. Here’s what really matters:

1. High-Risk Merchant Account Compatibility:

First and foremost, your POS should integrate with payment processors that specialize in high-risk industries. That includes processors who understand your niche and can approve your account. Choose a POS provider that either partners with or supports third-party gateways like NMI, Authorize.net, or eCheck services for high-risk industries.

2. Chargeback Mitigation Tools:

Your Point of Sale should offer real-time transaction monitoring, digital receipts, and customer tracking to fight false disputes. Some even integrate with chargeback protection services.

3. Advanced Fraud Detection:

Look for features like IP tracking, device fingerprinting, and velocity checks to detect unusual behavior and prevent fraud before it starts.

4. Customizable Reporting:

For high-risk businesses, transparency is critical. A quality POS system should give you detailed, exportable reports on sales trends, customer data, chargebacks, and settlement times.

5. eCheck and ACH Payment Support:

Credit card processing can be difficult in high-risk sectors. Having a Point of Sale system that supports eChecks and ACH payments gives you an alternative payment method that’s often more reliable and affordable.

6. PCI-DSS Compliance and Data Security:

Make sure the Point of Sale system is PCI-DSS compliant and offers end-to-end encryption, tokenization, and secure customer authentication.

7. Offline Capabilities:

Because some high-risk businesses operate in remote or mobile settings, having offline payment support ensures you can complete transactions even without internet access.

Best POS Systems for High-Risk Businesses: –

Here are a few POS systems (and platforms they integrate with) that cater well to high-risk businesses:

1. NMI (Network Merchants Inc.):

While not a POS system by itself, NMI offers one of the best gateway integrations for high-risk businesses. Many point-of-sale providers work seamlessly with it.

• Integrates with eCheck and credit card processing

• Supports recurring billing

• Chargeback and fraud tools built in

2. eHopper:

A flexible POS solution that integrates with various high-risk payment processors.

• Cloud-based

• Works with cash discount programs

• Inventory management and customer profiles

3. PayKings POS Integration:

PayKings is known for high-risk merchant accounts and offers Point of Sale integrations customized to industry needs.

• Tailored for CBD, adult, supplements, etc.

• eCommerce and mobile POS integrations

• Fraud protection tools

4. Dejavoo Systems:

A hardware-first Point of Sale that works well with high-risk processors using gateways like NMI and Authorize.net.

• Supports both card and ACH

• Mobile and countertop terminals

• Secure encryption and EMV compliance

5. eCheckplan (For Payment Gateway Integration):

If you already have a POS but need a high-risk-friendly gateway, eCheckplan supports integration with eChecks, ACH payments, and compliant processing for high-risk businesses.

• U.S.-based support

• Transparent pricing

• Easy onboarding for high-risk industries

Real-World Example: CBD Retailer POS Success:

A CBD retailer in Colorado was denied by three mainstream POS providers due to their product line. After switching to an NMI-integrated Point of Sale and connecting with a high-risk merchant account via eCheckplan:

• Chargebacks dropped by 38%

• Average transaction value increased by 24%

• Processing approval took less than 5 business days

The switch enabled them to scale both in-store and online without fear of account shutdowns.

Final Thoughts:

High-risk doesn’t mean high headache, if you have the right tools. Choosing a POS system that supports secure, compliant, and flexible processing is key to long-term success in these industries. Whether you’re in the vape business, adult wellness, or CBD retail, your Point of Sale should work for you, not against you.

If you need help selecting a POS system for your high-risk business, call us at (800) 974-9661 or email support@eCheckplan.com to speak with our experts.