Written by: Merchant Connect UK
Running a WooCommerce store in a high-risk industry like iGaming, adult, crypto, or forex trading comes with its own set of challenges—especially when it comes to accepting international payments. Standard payment gateways often fall short, making it essential to find reliable, compliant, and scalable solutions.
In this blog, we explore high-risk gateway options for cross-border transactions and discuss the importance of offering multi-currency and local payment methods to maximize conversions and reduce friction.
Traditional payment providers are often wary of high-risk businesses due to factors like higher chargeback rates, regulatory scrutiny, and industry reputation. As a result, many WooCommerce merchants struggle with:
Limited access to mainstream gateways (PayPal, Stripe, etc.)
High processing fees
Frozen or terminated accounts
Limited multi-currency support
Regulatory compliance issues in international markets
To successfully process international payments, your WooCommerce store needs a gateway that offers:
Global Reach – Ability to accept payments from customers in multiple countries.
Multi-Currency Support – Automatically convert prices and accept a range of currencies.
Local Payment Methods – Enable customers to pay using familiar options like iDEAL (Netherlands), Boleto (Brazil), or UPI (India).
Fraud Prevention Tools – Advanced fraud monitoring and chargeback management.
Fast Payouts – Reduce settlement delays and keep your cash flow healthy.
WooCommerce Integration – Easy integration via plugins, APIs, or hosted payment pages.
Here are some well-established high-risk payment processors that support international WooCommerce stores:
Merchant Connect – Tailored solutions for high-risk industries, offering multi-currency support and global payment methods.
PayKings – Known for supporting adult, CBD, and gaming merchants.
Instabill – Offers global payment gateway services and offshore acquiring.
Cardinity – Supports recurring billing and European markets.
eMerchantBroker (EMB) – Provides high-risk merchant accounts and international processing.
Adding multi-currency pricing and local payment methods can significantly increase conversion rates. Here’s why:
Customer Trust – Customers are more likely to complete a purchase when they can pay in their local currency.
Reduced Cart Abandonment – Currency confusion and limited payment options often lead to drop-offs.
Higher Global Reach – Local methods expand your access to underbanked and mobile-first markets.
Evaluate Your Risk Profile – Understand your industry classification and geographic focus.
Choose the Right Gateway – Look for a high-risk processor with WooCommerce compatibility.
Enable Multi-Currency – Use plugins like Currency Switcher or built-in features from your gateway.
Integrate Local Payment Options – Offer bank transfers, mobile wallets, and regional solutions.
Stay Compliant – Monitor international regulations (like GDPR, PSD2, and local AML laws).
Accepting international payments on a high-risk WooCommerce store isn’t impossible—it just requires the right strategy and partners. With the right high-risk payment gateway, you can unlock global sales, offer a seamless checkout experience, and scale your e-commerce store with confidence.
At Merchant Connect, we specialize in secure, multi-currency, and cross-border payment solutions tailored for high-risk WooCommerce businesses. Contact us today to explore your options.