5 High-Risk CBD Payment Processors That Actually Work in 2025
Running a CBD business in 2025 is challenging, and for many, finding high-risk CBD payment processors is the single biggest hurdle. From frozen funds to rejected transactions, traditional platforms like Stripe and PayPal still flag CBD as a restricted industry.
The reason?
CBD is still classified as a high-risk industry, meaning traditional payment gateways don’t want the liability, even if your products are fully legal and compliant.
That’s why you need a CBD payment processor that actually understands the space. Not one that says “maybe,” but one that’s built to handle regulatory scrutiny, THC content, chargeback risk, and high-volume e-commerce.
In this blog, we’ll cover 5 high-risk CBD payment processors that actually work in 2025 — including who they’re best for, what they offer, and how to avoid the hidden traps that could cost you thousands.
Top 5 CBD Payment Processors for 2025
1. Square - For CBD Startups That Want Speed Over Customization
If you're a U.S.-based CBD business looking for a fast, low-friction way to start accepting payments, Square is often the first name that pops up. In 2025, Square continues to offer dedicated CBD merchant accounts, but with key limitations you should be aware of.
Unlike traditional processors, Square publicly supports CBD businesses and provides a clear onboarding path. It’s ideal for newer brands that need to launch quickly without complex customizations or high-volume risk management.
✅ Why It Works:
- Official CBD support (U.S. only)
- Seamless integration with online stores (Shopify, WooCommerce, etc.)
- Transparent pricing, no monthly fee for standard accounts
⚠️ What to Watch Out For:
- Higher transaction fees for CBD products
- No international support
- Limited scalability if you're processing larger volumes
“Square has been a great solution for our CBD startup — easy setup and reliable support,” said one merchant in a recent Google review (4.7/5 rating).
Best for:
CBD startups and small-to-mid-size brands in the U.S. need a fast, simple payment solution without complex setup.
2. PaymentCloud - For High-Risk CBD Businesses That Keep Getting Rejected
If you've already been turned down by Stripe, PayPal, or even your bank, PaymentCloud is one of the most CBD-friendly processors in the game. They're built specifically for high-risk merchant accounts, and their team knows the CBD compliance landscape inside out.
What sets PaymentCloud apart isn’t just approval — it’s their hands-on onboarding and personalized support. They work closely with you to get approved, integrate the gateway, and avoid compliance red flags that lead to shutdowns.
✅ Why It Works:
- High approval rate for CBD and other high-risk industries
- Direct support through onboarding and compliance
- Multiple gateway integrations (Authorize.net, NMI, etc.)
⚠️ What to Watch Out For:
- Custom pricing (you’ll need to request a quote)
- Slightly longer application process (but worth it)
“PaymentCloud helped us get approved quickly for our CBD merchant account. Their support team was incredibly helpful throughout,” noted one 2025 reviewer (4.8/5 rating).
Best for:
CBD businesses that have been rejected elsewhere, or those with a high-risk profile need dedicated account support and gateway flexibility.
3. DigiPay Solutions - For CBD Brands That Need Fraud Protection & Chargeback Control
If you're scaling fast or have already experienced chargebacks or fraud attempts, DigiPay is built for you. This payment processor specializes in high-risk industries like CBD, with a strong focus on security, fraud prevention, and risk mitigation.
Unlike generic processors, DigiPay doesn’t just approve you — they actively protect you. Their platform includes advanced fraud detection tools and chargeback prevention systems, making it one of the safest options for high-volume CBD sellers in 2025.
✅ Why It Works:
- Built for high-risk, high-volume merchants
- Advanced fraud prevention and monitoring tools
- Chargeback mitigation is included in most plans
⚠️ What to Watch Out For:
- Setup fees may apply, depending on account type
- U.S.-only service (currently limited international support)
“DigiPay’s chargeback protection saved us thousands. We haven’t had a major payment issue since switching,” said one 2025 review (4.6/5 rating).
Best for:
Established CBD businesses with high sales volume, or anyone operating in fraud-prone segments like edibles, vapes, or online subscriptions.
4. Easy Pay Direct - For High-Volume CBD Brands That Can’t Afford Downtime
When your CBD business is processing tens of thousands (or hundreds of thousands) per month, a single frozen account can shut everything down. That’s where Easy Pay Direct stands out — their “load balancing” system splits transactions across multiple merchant accounts, minimizing your exposure to processor-related shutdowns.
They’re a premium provider with a strong track record in high-risk industries. While the onboarding process is more involved, their account structure is designed to keep you online and compliant, even if one processor flags your business.
✅ Why It Works:
- Multi-merchant account setup for risk management
- Tailored support for high-volume CBD brands
- Strong focus on uptime and continuity
⚠️ What to Watch Out For:
- Setup and monthly fees are higher than entry-level solutions
- Longer approval time, due to deeper underwriting
“We needed a system that could grow with us. Easy Pay Direct helped us avoid downtime and scale without fear of losing access to payments,” one user wrote in a 2025 review (4.5/5 rating).
Best for:
Established or fast-scaling CBD brands processing high volumes that need risk distribution, continuity, and peace of mind.
5. Soar Payments - For CBD Brands That Need Fast Approval & Flexible Payment Options
If you’re launching quickly or expanding into multiple payment methods (credit cards, ACH, e-checks), Soar Payments is one of the few high-risk processors that keeps it simple — and fast. Their team is known for quick turnarounds and an onboarding process that doesn’t drag on for weeks.
Soar Payments supports a wide range of CBD product categories and offers plug-and-play integrations with most e-commerce platforms. While their fees may be higher than traditional processors, they deliver what many others can’t: fast, flexible approval and responsive support.
✅ Why It Works:
- Fast approval process (often within a few days)
- Supports credit cards, e-checks, and ACH payments
- No application fees or upfront setup costs
⚠️ What to Watch Out For:
- Higher transaction fees for CBD-related SKUs
- Limited international support (U.S.-focused)
“Their approval process was fast and the flexibility to accept ACH and e-checks made a huge difference,” wrote one 2025 customer (4.7/5 rating).
Best for:
CBD brands that want multiple payment options, fast onboarding, and no-nonsense service, especially if you're in launch mode.
Quick Comparison: Which CBD Payment Processor Fits You Best?
| Processor | Best For | Standout Feature | Key Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square | Startups & small brands | Fast, simple onboarding | U.S.-only, not built for scale |
| PaymentCloud | Rejected or high-risk merchants | Personalized onboarding | Custom pricing, slower approval |
| DigiPay | High-volume + fraud protection | Chargeback & fraud tools | Setup fees, U.S.-only |
| Easy Pay Direct | Scaling businesses | Multi-merchant risk control | Setup cost, long approval time |
| Soar Payments | Fast launch & flexible methods | ACH/e-check support | Higher fees, U.S. focus |
How to Choose the Right CBD Payment Processor
Choosing the wrong payment processor isn’t just inconvenient — it can cost you product launches, customer trust, and revenue. Here's how to make the right call:
✅ Ask These Questions First:
- Has this processor worked with CBD brands like mine before?
- Do they support my product type (e.g., full-spectrum, gummies, topicals)?
- What happens if I get a chargeback or fraud flag?
- Is the approval guaranteed or conditional?
- Can they handle volume growth and international expansion?
Think long-term. A processor that approves you today, but can’t scale with you tomorrow, is just another bottleneck waiting to happen.
Conclusion: Get Paid Without Getting Shut Down
CBD is booming in 2025 — but payment processing is still the #1 hidden threat to your business. From frozen accounts and rejected transactions to opaque fees and delayed approvals, the risks are real.
That’s why choosing a payment processor that’s built for high-risk industries like CBD isn’t optional — it’s essential. Whether you’re launching your first product or scaling internationally, the right partner ensures your cash keeps flowing and your business stays compliant.
Don’t wait for a payment failure to realize your processor isn’t ready for the CBD space.
About us
At Essentia Pura, we specialize in manufacturing high-quality white-label and private-label CBD products, helping businesses launch their own unique CBD brands. With cutting-edge hemp extraction methods and a commitment to compliance and quality, we support companies in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Whether you’re looking for ready-to-market formulations or custom solutions, we’re here to help you succeed in the growing CBD market.
