What High-Risk Really Means in Payments
You've probably heard the term “high-risk” thrown around in the payments world — especially if you've ever had your Stripe or PayPal account frozen without warning. But what does “high-risk” really mean… and who decides that?
Spoiler: It’s Not About Fraud
Being labeled high-risk has little to do with whether you’re trustworthy. It’s about how your industry, your average ticket size, chargeback potential, or business model fit into a processor’s risk algorithm.
- Do you sell subscriptions or offer trial billing?
- Are you in nutraceuticals, coaching, collectibles, or credit repair?
- Do you process high-ticket transactions ($500+)?
If you checked any of those, Stripe and Square probably don’t want you. Not because you’re doing anything wrong — but because you don’t fit their model.
The Real Risk? Getting Shut Down
Most “free” processors operate on mass automation. When something flags in your account — a spike in volume, a refund dispute, a keyword — the bots step in. You get frozen. Emails go unanswered. And suddenly… your business stops.
That’s the real danger. Not being labeled high-risk — but having zero backup plan when you are.
How Kadima Handles It Differently
We’re not just a processor — we’re a partner. Kadima underwrites smarter from the start, offers dual pricing setups, ACH support, and fast approvals for industries Stripe doesn’t touch.
- Custom risk profiles that reflect how you do business
- Live support with real people — no bots, no shutdown surprises
- Integrated tools like RapidPayLink to get paid faster
High-risk isn't a problem when you're working with the right partner. Kadima was built for this.
