Written by: Merchant Connect UK
For high-risk merchants in industries like gambling, forex, crypto, and adult entertainment, securing a reliable high-risk merchant account has always been challenging. Traditional banks often shy away, citing chargeback risks and compliance hurdles.
But 2025 marks a turning point. With Open Banking and PSD2-compliant solutions, high-risk businesses now have new opportunities for faster payments, reduced fees, and improved compliance.
This guide walks you through the steps to getting a high-risk merchant account in 2025 and explains how open banking high-risk payments can transform the way you process transactions.
A high-risk merchant account is a specialised account that allows businesses with elevated risk profiles to process card and alternative payments. In 2025, providers now demand:
KYC & AML documentation (company registration, director ID, proof of address).
Business model transparency to meet PSD2 compliance rules.
Chargeback mitigation measures in place.
Having these ready makes the approval process much smoother.
Not all payment providers are created equal. In 2025, leading Payment Service Providers (PSPs) are integrating Open Banking to support high-risk sectors.
When comparing PSPs, check for:
Experience with high-risk industries.
Open Banking payment rails for faster, cheaper bank transfers.
PSD2-compliant APIs that meet EU/UK regulatory standards.
Support for multi-currency and cross-border payments.
Adding open banking high-risk payments to your merchant account unlocks several advantages:
⚡ Faster Settlement Times – Instant bank transfers mean you get paid quicker.
💷 Lower Transaction Fees – Cut out card networks and reduce costs.
🔒 Improved Security & Compliance – PSD2 mandates Strong Customer Authentication (SCA), reducing fraud.
🌍 Global Reach – Seamless cross-border payments across the EU and UK.
These benefits make open banking a game-changer for high-risk merchants in 2025.
When you apply for a high-risk merchant account, expect an underwriting process that examines:
Your transaction history (if applicable).
Chargeback ratios.
Business reputation and licenses.
With open banking integration, approval is faster, since many PSPs can leverage real-time bank account verification under PSD2.
Once approved, you’ll receive API keys or plugins to integrate the merchant account with your site or platform.
For WooCommerce, Shopify, or Magento, plugins make the process simple.
For custom platforms, direct API integration ensures maximum flexibility.
After integration, always test payment flows to ensure compliance with PSD2 strong authentication requirements.
In high-risk industries, compliance is everything. Ensure you:
Stay updated with AML/KYC regulations.
Monitor for fraud and chargeback activity.
Regularly review new Open Banking and PSD3 developments (coming soon).
By staying proactive, you ensure your merchant account remains active and future-ready.
Getting a high-risk merchant account in 2025 no longer has to be a roadblock. Thanks to Open Banking and PSD2-compliant payment solutions, high-risk businesses can now benefit from faster settlements, lower fees, and robust regulatory compliance.
At Merchant Connect, we help high-risk merchants secure payment solutions that combine compliance, innovation, and global reach.
👉 Contact us today to discover how we can streamline your payments in 2025.