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.

As a result, many banks are unwilling to take on these accounts. Others might approve them, but then shut down merchants without any warning after just one chargeback spike or a policy change.

Because of this, tobacco businesses — whether online or brick-and-mortar — need a payment partner who truly understands risk, compliance, and the day-to-day realities of their operations.

They also need stability, quick support, and reliable bank relationships that won’t vanish overnight. That’s where experienced high-risk merchant account providers like Adaptiv Payments step in.

Below, we share the top tobacco merchant account providers for 2025, including us. Learn what the top merchant account providers have to offer and find the one that will ensure you secure your tobacco sales and enjoy long-term growth.

Adaptiv Payments Company Logo

Credit: Adaptiv Payments

Adaptiv Payments

Adaptiv Payments is a leading merchant account services provider for tobacco businesses in 2025. Thanks to our tech-savvy approach, extensive high-risk expertise, and a wide network of acquiring banks, we are among the most reliable providers in the industry.

Unlike traditional bank-first processors, Adaptiv functions more like a software company, focusing on efficient systems, impressive authorization rates, and scalable volume limits. With over ten years of hands-on experience in high-risk sectors, Adaptiv supports merchants navigating regulated, restricted, or rapidly evolving environments.

One of our standout features is our multi-bank ecosystem. If a sponsor bank alters its policies or fee structures, Adaptiv can transition your business to another of our partner banks, ensuring continuity and potentially negotiating better terms.

Combine all that with quick support response times and personalized guidance on compliance, chargebacks, and scaling. Together, you have a tobacco merchant account provider that your business can rely on for growing both physical and online tobacco sales, as well as achieving immense customer satisfaction in the long term.

Pros:

• Multiple sponsor banks for stable, long-term approval
• Advanced fraud prevention and chargeback protection.
• Dedicated representative for every merchant
• Ability to support MATCH-listed or previously declined merchants
• Strong international, multi-currency, and high-volume capabilities

Cons:

• Designed primarily for established or scaling merchants
• Pricing is transparent but customized.

Best For:

• Tobacco, vape, cigar, and age-restricted Ecommerce businesses
• High-volume merchants needing high authorization rates and scalability
• Merchants previously shut down by Stripe or traditional processors

PayKings Company Logo

Credit: PayKings

PayKings

PayKings has established a strong reputation as a leading provider of high-risk merchant accounts. They work with a wide variety of regulated and scrutinized industries, including businesses involved in the sale of cigarettes, cigars, vapes, and tobacco accessories.

What really sets PayKings apart is its flexibility. They collaborate with a variety of acquiring banks that are open to underwriting challenging industries. This makes PayKings another great choice for tobacco merchants who have faced multiple rejections in the past.

Pros:

• Extensive banking network
• Good experience with Ecommerce-only tobacco retailers
• Integrates with popular shopping carts

Cons:

• Response times vary
• Pricing may depend heavily on your risk profile

Best For:

• Online tobacco retailers are looking for faster approvals

Zen Payments Company Logo

Credit: Zen Payments

Zen Payments

Zen Payments makes it easy for tobacco and cigar websites to set up high-risk accounts without the hassle. They’re well-regarded for their smooth onboarding process and seamless integrations, which are great for small to mid-sized online retailers. While they aren't the best for enterprise-level volumes, they’re definitely a solid choice for smaller businesses looking to thrive.

Pros:

• Simple onboarding
• Helpful for merchants with under $50K monthly volume
• Broad Ecommerce compatibility

Cons:

• Fewer enterprise-level tools
• Not ideal for rapid scaling

Best For:

• New or growing tobacco Ecommerce brands

PaymentCloud Company Logo

Credit: PaymentCloud

PaymentCloud

PaymentCloud has established a strong reputation in high-risk industries, including tobacco, cigars, hookah products, and vape accessories. They really shine when it comes to onboarding support, helping merchants navigate the tricky waters of underwriting paperwork, compliance rules, and getting set up with Ecommerce platforms.

Pros:

• Excellent account setup guidance
• Robust fraud-prevention add-ons
• Strong integration options

Cons:

• Ongoing scaling tools can be limited
• Pricing varies by bank and business type

Best For:

• First-time high-risk merchants needing step-by-step assistance

Stax Company Logo

Credit: Stax

Stax Payments

Stax Payments has a solid reputation among brick-and-mortar retailers thanks to its excellent in-person POS tools and straightforward subscription pricing. While it isn't solely focused on high-risk businesses, Stax does consider supporting tobacco shops on a case-by-case basis.

For tobacco stores that operate mainly offline, the combination of Stax’s reliable hardware and predictable monthly fees makes it an attractive tobacco merchant account provider to consider.

Pros:

• Strong POS and terminal options
• Predictable subscription model
• Suited for multi-location tobacco stores

Cons:

• Not built exclusively for high-risk
• Approvals vary depending on the product mix

Best For:

• Physical tobacco shops that need reliable in-store processing

PayDiverse Company Logo

Credit: PayDiverse

PayDiverse

PayDiverse is a great fit for merchants operating in high-risk industries, including the tobacco industry. They're known for working extensively to partner merchants with merchant banks that seek long-term relationships, both in the US and internationally.

Pros:

• Strong domestic and international banking partners
• High approval rates
• Secure online portal
• Multi-currency capabilities

Cons:

• The industries serviced aren't as wide as those of our competitors.

Best For:

• High-risk merchants serving both domestic and international customer bases

NomuPay Company Logo

Credit: NomuPay

NomuPay

NomuPay offers a seamless payment solution that spans Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, making it an ideal option for tobacco merchants seeking to expand into global markets. Although they aren't specifically a tobacco processor, their developer-friendly setup is a real asset for businesses engaged in international Ecommerce.

Pros:

• Wide international payment rail access
• Strong API-first system
• Valuable for multiregional expansion

Cons:

• Not specialized in tobacco
• Requires more technical involvement

Best For:

• Growing Ecommerce brands that are in or are entering global markets

Apply for Reliable Tobacco & Cigar Merchant Accounts with Adaptiv Payments

Tobacco merchants are under more scrutiny than almost any other retail sector, making it crucial to pick the right merchant account provider. Whether you’re after flexible underwriting, the ability to handle international payments, or reliable in-person POS systems, the providers mentioned above have solid options for 2025.

However, if you want the best mix of technology, flexibility, and long-term account stability, Adaptiv Payments stands out. With a tech-driven processing strategy, strong relationships with multiple acquiring banks, advanced fraud prevention tools, and dedicated support, Adaptiv offers what tobacco merchants often struggle to find: reliability, expertise, and stronger potential for growth.

If you’re looking for stable, secure, and scalable payment processing for your tobacco business, consider applying with Adaptiv Payments today. With us, you'll have a partner that understands your needs and transforms our services to fulfill them.