Impossible to process payments for 'high-risk' subscription-based businesses in the UK?

Payments + Shipping & Fulfilment
,
1

Hello all,

I’m currently planning which platform to launch my subscription-based supplement model on. I’d love to use Shopify but it seems like this not be possible due to payment processing restrictions.

  1. Shopify only allows the payment processors Shopify Payments, Paypal, Authroize.net and Stripe for subscription payments (source: https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/products/purchase-options/subscriptions/setup)

  2. Of these payment processors, only Authorize.net will allow supplement businesses as they a catagorised as ‘high-risk’ (source: T&Cs of all payment processors listed above)

  3. Authoize.net only permits businesses based in the US and Canada to use their payment gateway. They funnel business in the UK to their sister company ‘CyberSource’, but CyberSource is not permitted to be used for subscription business on Shopify.

Am I missing something, or is it impossible to run a subscription-based supplement business in the UK due to payment processing restrictions?

Thanks all,

Dave

2

You’re right to be concerned — Shopify Payments, PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.net have strict rules around “high-risk” industries like supplements or CBD, especially for subscription models.

A strong alternative to consider: WallidPay

WallidPay is designed specifically for Shopify merchants in restricted or high-risk categories — including:

  • Supplements

  • Vape products

  • CBD

  • Adult content

  • Subscription models

Why WallidPay works well:- Supports UK-based businesses (even if you’re operating internationally).

  • Allows subscription-based payments for high-risk products.

  • Seamlessly integrates with your Shopify store (via WallidPay Shopify App).

If Shopify’s default payment options don’t work for your business, WallidPay is one of the few practical workarounds.

Would you like help setting it up or comparing with other providers?