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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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’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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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!

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

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.
