High Risk Payment Providers in Europe

Payments + Shipping & Fulfilment

Topic summary

A Swedish merchant is seeking reliable high-risk payment providers based in Europe that can process international transactions. They note that US-based options like Authorize.net and Bankful don’t support European merchants.

Suggested providers include:

  • Specialized high-risk processors: PaymentWall, CCBill, and Safecharge/Nuvei are recommended for their EU presence and support for high-risk verticals like adult content, gaming, and CBD
  • Mainstream options: PayPal, Skrill, Stripe, WorldPay, and Nets are mentioned, though some may have limitations for high-risk industries
  • Alternative solution: WallidPay is highlighted as a UK/EU-focused option offering direct account-to-account bank payments, which bypasses traditional card processing and may suit high-risk businesses

Key considerations emphasized:

  • Verify compatibility with specific high-risk industries, as policies vary significantly
  • Compare fee structures (typically higher for high-risk merchants)
  • Assess fraud prevention tools and customer support quality
  • Some providers require demonstrated processing history

The discussion remains open with no definitive resolution, as the optimal choice depends on the merchant’s specific industry and requirements.

Summarized with AI on October 26. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

Hi,

Does anyone have any experience working with reliable high-risk payment providers/gateways based in Europe (note my store location is in Sweden) that can process payments from customers worldwide? I’ve heard of the likes of Authorize.net, Bankful, etc. but they don’t seem to work with merchants based in Europe.

Appreciate any input I can get here.

Best regards,

Alexander

2

For high-risk payment processing in Europe, especially if your store is based in Sweden, there are several providers you might consider. High-risk merchants often face challenges with standard payment processors, so it’s essential to choose a provider with experience in handling high-risk industries and international transactions. Here are some reliable options:

1. PayPal

  • Overview: Known globally and accepted widely.
  • Pros: High reliability, broad acceptance, and robust fraud prevention.
  • Cons: May not be suitable for all high-risk categories and can have higher fees.

2. Skrill (formerly Moneybookers)

  • Overview: A well-established payment processor with international reach.
  • Pros: Supports multiple currencies and countries, including Sweden.
  • Cons: May have limitations on high-risk industries.

3. Stripe

  • Overview: A popular choice for online payments, available in many European countries.
  • Pros: Easy integration, supports various payment methods, and has a robust API.
  • Cons: May not always cater to high-risk industries.

4. Chargebacks911

  • Overview: While not a payment gateway, Chargebacks911 provides services to manage chargebacks and fraud, which can complement your payment processing.
  • Pros: Specializes in chargeback management and fraud prevention.
  • Cons: It’s a complementary service rather than a payment gateway.

5. Payza (formerly AlertPay)

  • Overview: Provides international payment solutions with support for high-risk businesses.
  • Pros: Flexible and caters to a wide range of industries.
  • Cons: Mixed reviews regarding customer service and account management.

6. Bank of America Merchant Services

  • Overview: Offers payment processing solutions for various types of businesses, including high-risk ones.
  • Pros: Established provider with extensive experience.
  • Cons: Limited availability in certain regions and may have stringent requirements.

7. eMerchantBroker

  • Overview: Specializes in high-risk merchant accounts.
  • Pros: Experience with various high-risk industries and international transactions.
  • Cons: Higher fees and potential for stricter terms.

8. WorldPay

  • Overview: A major payment processor with global reach and high-risk expertise.
  • Pros: Supports a wide range of payment methods and currencies.
  • Cons: Fees can be relatively high, and contract terms might be complex.

9. Nets

  • Overview: A payment provider operating across Europe, including Sweden.
  • Pros: Local expertise and support for a wide range of payment methods.
  • Cons: May not be as flexible with high-risk industries as some specialized providers.

Tips for Choosing a Payment Provider:

  • Check Compatibility: Ensure the provider supports transactions from your target countries.
  • Understand Fees: High-risk merchants may face higher fees, so compare rates and terms.
  • Fraud Prevention: Look for robust fraud detection and prevention tools.
  • Customer Support: Choose a provider with reliable customer support, especially for high-risk businesses.

If you need more specific recommendations or have additional questions, let me know!

3

hi @Bravista ,

Did you try Square Payments ?

It is currently available in few European countries, including Republic of Ireland, France, and Spain.

happy selling

4

Here are a few EU-friendly high-risk providers to explore:

  1. PaymentWall (EU-based, works globally, supports high-risk verticals).

  2. CCBill (popular for adult, gaming, etc., accepts EU merchants).

  3. Safecharge (now part of Nuvei, covers high-risk with EU presence).

Check if they align with your specific industry (e.g., CBD,) as policies vary. Some require a history of stable processing. Hope this helps!

5

Hi Alexander,

If you’re looking for a trustworthy high-risk payment provider in Europe, I highly recommend WallidPay.

WallidPay is designed specifically for merchants in the UK and EU, including Sweden. It enables direct account-to-account payments, allowing your customers to pay securely through their online banking or banking app—no cards needed.

Why it’s worth considering:

  • Low Fees – Eliminate traditional card fees with direct bank transfers.

  • Instant Payouts – Receive payments in real time directly to your account.

  • Secure & Compliant – Uses bank-authorized verification to reduce fraud.

  • Supports Major UK Banks – Enhances conversion by offering more payment options.

  • Great Fit for High-Risk Businesses – No need for complex merchant account approvals.

It’s available on Shopify here: https://apps.shopify.com/wallidpay
You can also learn more on their official website: http://wallid.co/

I’ve found it to be a cost-effective and scalable option—especially if you’re looking to serve a global audience from Europe.

Hope this helps!

Best regards,