How to Get Approved for an International Merchant Account

Expanding your business across borders can open exciting new revenue streams — but if you’ve ever tried accepting international payments, you know it’s not as simple as flipping a switch. Between complex compliance rules, fraud risks, and picky acquirers, even established merchants can struggle to get approved for an international merchant account.

Where most processors see risk, Adaptiv Payments sees opportunity. With deep expertise in global and high-risk processing, Adaptiv helps merchants secure reliable payment solutions that keep sales flowing worldwide. If you’re wondering how to get approved for an international merchant account, here’s what to know. Plus, we offer tips on how to partner with a processor that can actually get it done.

What Is an International Merchant Account?

An international merchant account allows your business to accept payments from customers worldwide in multiple currencies and across global payment networks.

Unlike a standard domestic account, an international merchant account is built for cross-border transactions. It handles currency conversion, regional compliance, and international settlement so you can sell products or services to a global audience without encountering payment friction.

Who needs one?

• Ecommerce brands expanding into global markets (think Amazon, Nike, and Sephora)
• Subscription-based and SaaS businesses with international customers (big-name brands like Spotify, Netflix, and Canva)
• High-risk industries like CBD, supplements, or travel agencies that rely on cross-border sales (Charlotte’s Web and Trip.com are great examples)

Why it matters:

A dedicated international account improves transaction approval rates, builds trust with global customers, and helps your business process payments faster — often with fewer chargebacks or failed transactions.

Why It’s Hard to Get Approved for an International Merchant Account

Banks and acquiring partners take on higher risks when they approve international merchants. From high chargeback rates and fraud exposure to complex regional laws, it’s a lot for traditional processors to manage — which is why approvals can be tough to secure.

Here are the most common reasons merchants get rejected:

• High-risk industry: CBD, nutraceuticals, vaping, travel, high-ticket items, and subscription-based businesses often trigger red flags with acquirers, leading to more scrutiny during the approval process.
• Limited processing history: If your business is new or has inconsistent payment data (e.g., varying income amounts, undocumented deposits, frequent overdrafts), banks may label you “unreliable” and hesitate to approve.
• Complex business model: Acquirers assess how your company earns revenue, especially if you use recurring billing, subscriptions, or free-trial models. These setups can increase chargeback risk if customers don’t fully understand the terms, so clarity and transparency are key.
• Excessive chargebacks: Merchants with a history of disputes or refunds are viewed as risky, as they pose a costly liability for both banks and payment processors.
• Incomplete documentation: Missing ownership details, unclear business models, or outdated licenses can stall approval or lead to rejection.

The good news? “High-risk” doesn’t mean “hopeless.” It just means you need a reliable payment partner like Adaptiv, one that understands the nuances of your industry and knows exactly how to present your business to acquirers for success.

Why banks flag industries as high-risk:

It comes down to exposure. Sectors with higher fraud potential, refund rates, or strict regulatory standards make banks nervous. That’s why working with a processor experienced in these verticals is essential: They know what each acquirer needs to feel confident approving you.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Approved

If you’re ready to apply for an international merchant account, follow these steps to improve your chances of fast, successful approval.

1. Get Your Business & Financial Documents in Order

Before applying to any merchant service provider, gather documentation that proves your business is legitimate, established, and compliant with all state and federal regulations. You’ll want to have the following ready:

• Business formation documents (Articles of Incorporation, Partnership Agreement, and LLC Certificate if applicable)
• Valid business license(s)
• Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Government-issued IDs for all business owners
• Proof of physical business address (utility bill or lease agreement)
• 3–6 months of recent business bank statements
• Processing statements (if you’ve previously accepted online payments)
• Voided business check or bank letter verifying your account details
• Website and/or product details (e.g., refund policies, website URLs)

The more transparent your application, the smoother the underwriting process will be. Note that a merchant account provider may request additional information, such as industry-specific licenses or permits, PCI compliance certifications, and marketing materials.

Worried you might be missing something? At Adaptiv, our application process and expert sales reps will guide you through submitting each required document.

2. Establish a Commendable Compliance Track Record

Acquirers want reassurance that your business accurately follows card network and regulatory standards. Before applying, review your refund process, ensure PCI compliance, and verify that your website clearly lists all terms and customer contact information.

If you’ve had chargebacks or disputes in the past, implement clear mitigation steps, such as using easy-to-follow order tracking, fraud filters, or confirmation emails. Also, be ready to explain how you’ve improved your practices. A proactive compliance approach signals that you’re a reliable merchant who takes risks seriously.

3. Choose the Right Payment Processor

Not all payment processors are equipped to handle international or similar high-risk merchant accounts. The right partner should combine deep industry experience with reliable global banking relationships to simplify your approval process. Working with a provider like Adaptiv Payments — which understands complex verticals and constantly-changing regulations — can mean the difference between a fast approval and a frustrating denial.

When evaluating providers, look for these essential features:

• Multi-currency acceptance: Customers who can pay in their preferred currency are far more likely to complete a purchase. Supporting multiple currencies builds trust and helps your brand feel truly global.
• Chargeback protection tools: Strong prevention tools, such as real-time alerts and data monitoring, help you detect disputes early and maintain healthy chargeback ratios.
• Fraud prevention and screening systems: Advanced risk filters, geolocation checks, and velocity monitoring are critical for spotting suspicious activity before it hits your account.
• Personalized account management and support: International merchants benefit from having a dedicated point of contact who understands their industry, monitors account performance, and helps resolve technical or regional logistical issues quickly.
• Scalable volume caps: As your business grows, your processor should support higher transaction volumes without sudden holds or disruptions. Flexible volume caps allow you to scale globally without hiccups.
• Rigorous security protocols: Protecting your customers’ data and the company’s reputation is vital. Verify that the processor implements proper compliance, data encryption, and tokenization measures.
• Industry expertise: Every sector has unique risks and regulations. A processor familiar with your vertical (whether it’s travel, CBD, supplements, or tech) can anticipate challenges and guide you effectively through compliance.
• Stellar reputation: Research customer reviews, case studies, and testimonials. A strong track record with other global or high-risk merchants signals that the processor can deliver reliable results and transparent communication.

4. Submit a Thorough Application Online

Once your documentation is ready, complete your merchant account application carefully. Every detail matters. Inconsistencies between your business name, banking information, or website can raise red flags and slow approval. Double-check everything before submitting.

You’ll typically need to include your business description, monthly processing volume, average ticket size, and details about your refund or subscription policies. Being transparent about your operations helps acquirers assess risk accurately and builds trust from the start.

5. Make Sure You Clearly Understand Contract Terms & Conditions

Take time to review your merchant agreement before signing. This document outlines the financial and operational terms of your relationship with the processor or acquiring bank.

Pay close attention to key details such as:

• Settlement times: How long it takes for funds from transactions to reach your business account. Unless your business relies on immediate cash flow, faster isn’t always better. A longer settlement window allows time to identify and address fraud or chargebacks before releasing funds.
• Reserve requirements: Some acquirers may hold a small percentage of funds in reserve to protect against chargebacks or refunds. Make sure you understand how much and for how long.
• Rolling reserves: A variation of a reserve where a set percentage (typically 5–10%) of transactions is held for a defined period (usually 6 months) before release to cover potential chargebacks. Common in high-risk industries, but not all high-risk merchant accounts require reserves. You can often negotiate these terms.
• Payment processing fees: These can vary based on card type, region, or transaction volume. Know whether you’re paying flat-rate, tiered, or interchange-plus pricing.
• Transaction fees: The per-transaction charges you pay on each sale, usually expressed as a percentage plus a fixed amount. Compare these across providers to ensure competitive pricing.
• Termination clauses: Understand what happens if you or the processor ends the agreement, including any notice periods or early termination fees.

If anything in the contract is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Knowing exactly what you’re agreeing to helps you avoid surprises and maintain a transparent, lasting partnership with your processor.

6. Get Approved Quickly & Start Accepting Payments

After your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll receive your merchant ID and account credentials. From there, you can integrate your payment gateway, test transactions, and start accepting cross-border payments.

Be sure to monitor early transactions closely to confirm that settlements go smoothly and chargeback ratios stay low. Maintaining accurate reporting and good communication with your payment processor will help keep your international account in good standing long-term.

Common Mistakes That Can Delay or Deny Approval

Even small oversights can cause major setbacks. Avoiding these mistakes is crucial to increasing the likelihood you get approved:

• Submitting incomplete or inconsistent documentation
• Applying to the wrong type of acquirer (domestic instead of international)
• Hiding or misclassifying your true business type (like listing your company as a “consulting service” when you actually sell CBD products)
• Ignoring chargeback ratios or fraud patterns
• Choosing a bank-style processor that doesn’t understand your risk profile (instead of a tech-focused partner like Adaptiv)

How Adaptiv Payments Simplifies the Approval Process for High-Risk Businesses

Expanding globally shouldn’t mean battling endless rejections or red tape. Adaptiv Payments helps high-risk merchants move from “application pending” to “approved and processing” quickly, securely, and with clarity every step of the way.

With us, you’ll benefit from:

99% Approval Rate

With deep relationships across multiple acquiring banks, Adaptiv matches merchants to the right partners for their business model and region. This strategic alignment helps achieve near-universal approval outcomes for qualified applicants, even in industries that others decline.

Competitive Rates

Adaptiv Payments offers the lowest possible international processing rates. As a trusted leader in payment processing for over 10 years, we help businesses process payments in over 150 different currencies.

Fast Approvals Within 24 to 48 Hours

Time is money, especially in global commerce. Adaptiv’s streamlined onboarding process and close coordination with acquiring banks help merchants move from application to approval within one to two business days in most cases.

Transparent Reporting

Merchants get access to detailed dashboards and reporting tools that make it easy to track transactions, monitor chargebacks, and stay compliant. No hidden fees. No confusion. Just full visibility into your payment activity.

Advanced Fraud Protection

Our platform lets you access industry-specific fraud filters, a world-class fraud detection tool, and live transaction surveillance that spots strange activity the moment it happens, backed by a dedicated team of chargeback specialists.

Final Thoughts: Grow Globally With Confidence

Two business partners shaking hands and building connections.

Credit: Adaptiv Payments

Getting approved for an international merchant account can feel complicated and overwhelming, but with the right partner, it’s entirely achievable. By choosing Adaptiv Payments, high-risk and global merchants gain the stability, technology, and support needed to process payments confidently anywhere in the world.

Our customers rave that “setup was surprisingly easy,” noting that they were processing payments within days. Others share that Adaptiv “got us up and running fast” and “demonstrated expertise in our sector.”