Paul Smith

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About Paul Smith

Paul Smith is a payments expert with over a decade of experience underwriting, procuring, and advancing the payments industry. Having been on-the-ground in the past getting high-risk merchants approved, he has invaluable payment industry knowledge.

Articles by Paul Smith

An eCommerce business owner dealing with their merchant account getting suspended.
What to Do If Your eCommerce Merchant Account Gets Suspended

We discuss everything about what to do if your eCommerce merchant account gets suspended, as well as how Adaptiv’s services can help your business. Read on to find out how to deal with and even avoid suspensions in the future.

A nutraceutical customer placing pills in their hand from a capsule bottle.
How to Get Approved for a Nutraceutical Merchant Account

In this guide, we discuss what we provide, explain why it's difficult for nutraceutical merchants to get an account, and detail what they can do to get approved.

Two people reviewing a debt collection notice.
Best Collection Agency Merchant Account Providers in 2026

In this guide, we'll walk you through the best collection agency merchant account providers and highlight some prominent features they offer to high-risk merchants.

Herbal supplements, capsules, and chewables designed to promote health and wellness
The 7 Best Nutraceutical Merchant Account Providers in 2025

Our experts share the seven best nutraceutical merchant account providers for 2025, highlighting key features such as approval rates, chargeback mitigation, fee structure, compliance, integration capabilities, customer reviews, and more.

Shopper smiling after finding a smooth platform to host her merchant account.
Best eCommerce Merchant Account Providers in 2025

Merchant service providers like Adaptiv Payments can help bypass those pesky transaction fees, perplexing mobile payments, and promote transparent pricing from one accessible place. While it might not be possible to completely avoid a lengthy underwriting process, our built-in tools can help put you in the right direction.

A couple on a date sitting on a bench looking at a scenic overlook
Best Online Dating Merchant Account Providers in 2026

Adaptiv Payments specialize in working with high-risk industries such as the online dating industry.

Image showing a Mastercard, Visa, and American Express credit card.
Visa Chargeback Monitoring Program Threshold Guide for 2026

As a leading processor for high-risk merchants, our Adaptiv Payments 2026 Visa Chargeback Monitoring Threshold Guide breaks down the intricacies of Visa's new program.

A patient talking to her doctor during a virtual telehealth appointment
The 7 Best Telehealth Merchant Account Providers in 2026

Want to process online payments without worrying about compliance or shutdowns? Read Adaptiv’s guide on the best telehealth merchant account providers in 2026.

A padlock on top of a pair of Visa credit cards, signifying protection against credit card fraud
How the Visa VAMP Program Impacts Your Business

We detail everything you need to know about how the Visa VAMP program impacts your business, and what high-risk merchants can do to ensure the best outcomes going forward.

Healthcare provider preparing for a virtual consultation with a patient
Before You Apply: A Complete Telehealth Merchant Account Opening Checklist

Telehealth is no longer a niche corner of healthcare, but a core means by which patients receive care. From virtual doctor visits to online therapy and digital prescriptions, telehealth businesses are processing more payments than ever.

Customer completing a transaction with their credit card.
Most Common Reasons Credit Repair Merchant Accounts Get Declined

If you're a credit repair business looking to secure a proper merchant account, chances are you understand how difficult the underwriting process can be. Payment processors (and their accompanying banks) tend to reject credit repair businesses applying for specialized merchant accounts because of the inherent high risk, both in processing and in action.

Businesswoman comparing merchant account providers on his laptop while going over financials
The 6 Best Credit Repair Merchant Account Providers in 2025

Here our experts break down the best credit repair merchant account providers in 2025, with honest pros and cons for each, so you can make an informed decision that supports your goals for your business.

A set of wood tobacco pipes resting on a wooden pipe rack
Top Challenges in Tobacco Payment Processing and How to Solve Them

Running a tobacco business is already a difficult endeavor, but getting the ability to accept payments in all forms can feel like an uphill battle. Brands in the tobacco, cigar, e-cigarette, and rolling paper industries are often viewed as high-risk businesses by banks and payment processors. This limits their ability to accept a wide range of credit and debit cards.

A stack of tobacco cigars
Best Tobacco Merchant Account Providers in 2025

Tobacco merchants experience more difficulties than many other industries when it comes to payment processing. Card networks view tobacco businesses similarly to cannabis shops, with age restrictions, higher-than-average chargeback rates, and regulatory scrutiny that comes with selling a restricted product.

A travel agent holding two passports in front of clients at a desk.
The 8 Best Travel Merchant Account Providers in 2025

Here’s a look at the eight best travel merchant account providers in 2025 and what makes each one worth considering. Choosing wisely could mean the difference between a smooth takeoff and a turbulent year for your business.

Digital work checklist overlay while human hands hold a smart phone that's positioned over a laptop
Getting Approved: Your Travel Merchant Account Compliance Checklist

Understand what acquiring banks and processors look for in terms of eligibility, how to protect your account (especially during peak season), and how Adaptiv Payments helps travel merchants navigate high-risk rules with confidence and consistency.

A peptide bottle and a credit card.
Peptide Merchant Account Guide: Secure High-Risk Payments

This guide is the complete rundown on peptide merchant accounts: what they're all about, why they're so tricky, and how to find a payment processor that actually works for your business.

Businessman holding virtual shopping cart that travels across the globe
How to Get Approved for an International Merchant Account

Between complex compliance rules, fraud risks, and picky acquirers, even established merchants can struggle to get approved for an international merchant account.

Customer using their phone to explore payment options.
Best CBD Merchant Account Providers in 2026

Your business is as niche as your product. To succeed, you need a payment processing platform with unique features and few holdups. This is where finding a CBD payment processor, like us at Adaptiv Payments, is essential.

An international business owner with a glowing graphic of the globe in their hand
The Best International Merchant Account Providers in 2025

In this article, we highlight the best international merchant account providers to choose from in 2025. This includes Adaptiv Payments, a leader in international merchant accounts and payment processing solutions.

Visa VAMP Program
Understanding the Visa VAMP: Key Insights and Impacts for Merchants

Visa’s Acquirer Monitoring Program (VAMP), also known as the Visa Vamp, is a key tool for managing fraud and disputes. In 2025, big changes are coming for merchants and acquirers. Learn what these changes are and why you need to stay informed to stay compliant and avoid penalties.

A woman making a moto payment with a smart phone
MOTO Payments: Secure Phone & Mail Transactions

MOTO payments allow customers to pay over the phone or by mail without being physically present. Great for remote purchases, these transactions help businesses manage phone and catalog sales. This article explains how MOTO payments work, their benefits and the security measures.

hemp plant that delta 8 can be derived from
Finding the Right Delta 8 Merchant Account for Your Business

Discover how to select the best Delta 8 merchant account for your business needs. Make informed decisions and optimize your payment processing today!

a black and white photo of a large building with columns .
Understanding ISA Fees: What You Need to Know

Discover what is an ISA fee, how it works in income share agreements, and what costs to expect when funding education or career training programs.

a person is using an atm machine to withdraw money .
Instant Check Verification: A Comprehensive Guide

Explore top platforms offering instant check verification online to enhance payment security and efficiency.

a 3d rendering of a paypal icon on a blue background .
How to Avoid Paypal Fees

Explore a range of practical strategies and expert tips designed to help you minimize—and even eliminate—PayPal fees on your transactions.

A black and white photo of a large building with columns.
What Are The Dangers Of Using EChecks?

Worried about using eChecks? Learn about the dangers of eCheck fraud, security risks, and potential for scams. Stay safe with our essential guide to eCheck safety!

1 U.S. dollar banknote
How To Get A Merchant Account With Bad Credit

Unlock the secrets to securing a bad credit merchant account. Discover proven strategies and expert tips to boost your business despite credit challenges.

A person wearing an apple watch is typing on a computer keyboard.
How to Sell Kratom Online

This guide provides steps to sell Kratom online, covering market understanding, legal requirements, product selection, supply chain setup, e-commerce platform creation, marketing strategy, payment processing, shipping, customer support, and business optimization.