Video games, mobile games & esports

Gaming Merchant Account and Payment Processing.

Gaming companies need robust, specialized solutions that are tailored to their unique business models. With specialized fraud prevention, multicurrency support, and highly secure payment processing, Adaptiv helps game studios, mobile games and esports companies level up their player engagement and maximize cash flow.

  • In-game purchases & subscriptions
  • Limits raised before launches
  • Chargeback tools for digital goods

Apply in 60 seconds

Tell us about your game. It's free to apply.

$0

Your information is encrypted & never shared.

Trusted by high-risk merchants

What is a gaming merchant account?

Video games, mobile games and esports

Gaming merchant accounts are specifically crafted for gaming commerce, facilitating credit card transactions for video games, mobile games, and esports. By collaborating with the right payment processing partner, you can effortlessly facilitate credit card transactions for game purchases, in-game payments, subscriptions, and digital merchandise.

Gaming businesses we approve

From indie studios to global publishers, we work with every kind of video game and esports business.

Approved

10

  • Mobile game studios

    In-app purchases and ads-free upgrades

    MCC 5816

  • PC & console publishers

    Game sales and downloadable content

    MCC 5816

  • MMO & multiplayer games

    Memberships and in-game items

    MCC 5816

  • Virtual currency & items

    Sold by the game's operator

    MCC 5816

  • Game subscriptions & passes

    Monthly passes and season passes

    MCC 5816

  • Skill-based gaming

    Games of skill where they're legal

    MCC 5816

  • Esports tournaments

    Entry fees and prize pools

  • Esports teams & leagues

    Memberships, merch and tickets

  • Game marketplaces & key sellers

    Authorized game keys and codes

    MCC 5816

  • Gaming gear & merch

    Hardware, collectibles and apparel

Video games, in-app purchases and games of skill use MCC 5816. Games of chance, esports betting and casino games are gambling: see our gambling merchant account.

Key features for game studios and esports companies

Specialized gaming merchant accounts

Our online gaming merchant accounts are specially made for mobile games, PC and console games, esports, and others in this field to process payments efficiently and safely. Traditional banks are often hesitant to underwrite accounts in this sector because of the large transaction volumes and digital sales, which is why we have developed reliable merchant accounts that mitigate risk while boosting customer retention.

Not only can you retain good standing with your vendors and ensure reliable payment gateway access, but our technical support teams are highly familiar with the online gaming industry and provide chargeback management solutions tailored to your needs.

Seamless in-game purchase integration

Enhance your earnings with in-game transaction options that blend into the gaming experience players love. Our API-focused approach connects with known game engines such as Unity and Unreal to provide hassle-free payment interactions that keep players engaged in the game world they adore. We support the ways games make money, including microtransactions, virtual currency, battle passes and cosmetic items.

Advanced gaming fraud prevention

Gaming businesses face fraud like account takeovers and stolen-card purchases. Our security measures analyze device fingerprints, player behavior and transaction speed to flag suspicious activity while ensuring that legitimate players are not mistakenly targeted. Our smart security measures protect players while keeping them immersed in your digital world.

Global payment processing for gamers

Expand your reach to players around the globe with our range of international payment options. Our multi currency system allows transactions in over 100 currencies.

Boost conversion rates in various markets with region-specific payment choices tailored to player preferences in leading gaming regions. We work with a range of acquiring banks to streamline currency conversion for maximum revenue generation.

Why gaming businesses need specialized merchant accounts

The gaming industry is often denied by traditional payment processing for a few reasons:

  • High Chargeback Rates. Gaming businesses typically experience above-average chargeback rates due to unauthorized purchases (especially by minors), player dissatisfaction, and account compromise issues.
  • Digital Goods Delivery. The digital nature of gaming products, whether full games or in-game items, creates unique verification challenges compared to physical goods.
  • Complex Fraud Patterns. The gaming industry is targeted by sophisticated fraud schemes including account takeovers, fraudulent purchases, and chargeback fraud.
  • Global Customer Base. Gaming is inherently international, requiring payment solutions that accommodate various currencies, payment methods, and regulatory environments.
  • High Transaction Volumes. Game launches, special events, and sales can create dramatic spikes in transaction volume that require robust processing capabilities.
  • Microtransaction Management. Many games rely on high volumes of small-value transactions that must be processed efficiently and cost-effectively.
Apply today

Why game studios outgrow Stripe, Square and PayPal

They work for a small game. Launch spikes, disputes from minors and cash-prize contests trigger reviews, and gaming accounts get frozen right when sales take off.

Stripe, Square & PayPalAdaptiv merchant account
Gaming policyStripe limits in-game currency and cash-prize contests; PayPal pre-approves skill gamesUnderwritten for your game before you go live
Launch-day volumeSpikes trigger reviewsLimits raised before launch
Payment methodsCards and the platform's own walletCredit and debit cards, e-wallets and bank transfers
MicrotransactionsStandard pricingPricing set for small tickets
Your accountPooled under the aggregatorYour own merchant account and MID
Chargeback toolsBasic dispute handlingAlerts, RDR and 3D Secure set up for you
SupportA ticket queueA dedicated account manager

What to look for in a gaming payment processor

Finding the right high-risk payment processing partner can be a challenge. To ensure seamless cash flow and fraud protection, consider these features:

  1. Game Engine Integration. Seamless API connections with popular game engines like Unity and Unreal that enable frictionless in-game purchasing.
  2. Specialized Fraud Prevention. Advanced fraud detection systems calibrated specifically for gaming transactions, capable of distinguishing between legitimate player activities and potential fraud.
  3. Global Payment Capabilities. Support for multiple currencies and region-specific payment methods to serve players worldwide and maximize conversion in different markets.
  4. Subscription Management. Robust recurring billing tools for game passes, premium memberships, and subscription-based gaming services.
  5. Microtransaction Optimization. Processing solutions engineered for high volumes of small transactions with competitive fee structures that preserve profitability.
  6. Chargeback Management. Comprehensive prevention and dispute resolution services specifically designed for gaming-related transaction disputes.
  7. Scalable Processing. Systems capable of handling dramatic spikes in transaction volume during game launches, special events, and holiday sales.

How to get a gaming merchant account

We provide merchant accounts tailored to the needs of gaming merchants, with a streamlined application process and robust chargeback mitigation.

  • Business registration

    Proof of incorporation and business license

  • Owner ID & tax ID

    For owners with 25% or more

  • Bank & processing statements

    Last three months

  • Expected volume

    Monthly volume and average purchase

  • Your game & store

    Where players buy and what they get

  • Terms & refund policy

    Including virtual item and subscription terms

  • Parental controls

    How you prevent purchases by minors

  • Launch calendar

    Releases and events that drive spikes

How it works

  1. 1

    Apply online

    Tell us about your game, how players pay and your monthly volume. It takes about a minute.

  2. 2

    Send your documents

    We collect your statements, terms and store details, and tell you exactly what's missing.

  3. 3

    Underwriting

    We review your monetization model and match you with an acquiring bank that understands digital goods.

  4. 4

    Set up your store

    We connect your web store, launcher or game engine, with clear descriptors and receipts.

  5. 5

    Start selling

    Go live with fraud checks and chargeback alerts in place. We raise your limits before big launches.

Protecting players and your account

Most gaming disputes come from kids, compromised accounts and players who don't recognize a charge. The FTC's recent cases show where the lines are.

Get consent for every purchase

Ask for a password or PIN before purchases and offer parental controls. In 2022 the FTC ordered Epic Games to pay $245 million in refunds for charges made without consent.

Don't lock out players who dispute

Locking players out of content they paid for after a chargeback was part of the Epic case. Answer disputes with evidence instead.

Sell virtual items you control

Selling in-game currency for a game you don't operate is restricted by most processors. Selling your own virtual currency and items is standard.

Keep games of chance separate

Esports betting, skin gambling and anything that pays out cash on chance is gambling, with its own merchant category code and rules.

Best practices for gaming payment processing

Game studios, esports companies, and gaming platforms can stay in good standing with their online gaming payment processor and improve customer satisfaction by implementing these measures.

  • Clear Purchase Information. Provide transparent details about what players are purchasing, including virtual goods descriptions, subscription terms, and billing frequency.
  • KYC and AML. Verify players and watch for money laundering through virtual currency and item trading, which also cuts costly customer disputes.
  • Multi-Layered Authentication. Implement appropriate security measures for high-value purchases while maintaining a frictionless experience for smaller transactions.
  • Mobile Optimization. Ensure payment flows are streamlined for mobile gaming, with appropriate screen size adaptation and minimal input requirements.
  • Parental Controls. Offer robust parental permission systems to minimize unauthorized purchases by minors, a common source of chargebacks.
  • Transaction Receipts. Provide clear digital receipts for all purchases, with recognizable billing descriptors that players will remember when reviewing their statements.
  • Alternative Payment Methods. Offer multiple payment options beyond credit cards, including digital wallets, direct carrier billing, and cryptocurrency for relevant markets.

Stay compliant and keep chargebacks low

Banks look at how you sell, how you protect minors and whether your disputes stay under the card networks' limits.

  • Clear purchases

    Show what players get and the price in real money before they pay.

  • Parental controls

    Require a password or PIN for purchases and honor parental limits.

  • Children's privacy

    COPPA covers games aimed at kids under 13, and the FTC enforces it alongside billing rules.

  • Subscriptions

    Get consent to renewals, remind before trials end and let players cancel online.

  • Chance vs. skill

    Games of chance that pay out value are gambling, not MCC 5816.

  • Loot boxes

    Disclose odds and keep paid random rewards away from younger players.

The Adaptiv advantage for gaming merchant accounts

Adaptiv specializes in providing comprehensive payment processing solutions for gaming businesses that address the unique challenges of the industry. With our specialized approach, gaming companies benefit from:

  • Direct API integration with popular game engines for seamless in-game purchases
  • Sophisticated fraud prevention tools specifically calibrated for gaming transactions
  • Global payment capabilities with support for region-specific payment methods
  • Optimized processing for both high-value game purchases and microtransactions
  • Robust subscription management for recurring gaming revenue models
  • Comprehensive chargeback prevention and management suited to digital goods
  • Scalable processing systems that maintain performance during high-volume periods
  • Dedicated account managers with specific gaming industry expertise

Our online gaming merchant accounts enhance player engagement while reducing chargeback risks. Through our expertise, we improve player safety, streamline payments, and help you follow card network rules. Best of all, our comprehensive reporting can refine your office operations without additional paperwork.

Let your team focus on making the best gaming experience while Adaptiv handles your payment systems. Your players will be more delighted than ever before.

Why game studios choose Adaptiv

  • Specialized merchant accounts designed for gaming businesses
  • Seamless integration with popular game engines and platforms
  • Support for various monetization models including microtransactions
  • Gaming-specific fraud prevention calibrated for digital goods
  • Global payment processing with multiple currencies and methods
  • Subscription management for recurring gaming services
  • High-volume transaction processing for game launches and events
  • Chargeback prevention to safeguard gaming revenue
  • Detailed analytics for monetization optimization
  • Mobile-optimized payment flows for enhanced conversion
  • PCI compliance and data security for player information
  • Dedicated account managers with gaming industry expertise

Gaming merchant account FAQs

Gaming payment processing basics6

What is an online gaming merchant account, and how does it work?

An online gaming merchant account is an intermediary account between the customer's bank account and your business account. They are a requirement for credit card processing, as you can't accept online payments directly into your business bank account.

When a user makes a purchase, the payment gateway verifies the transaction and routes money from the user's account to your merchant account. After the funds are settled, the money is sent to your bank account.

Why are online gaming merchants and eSports businesses considered high-risk by payment processors?

The online nature of the online gaming industry already increases risk, but there are additional concerns. In-game microtransactions can lead to fraud or buyer's remorse, resulting in high chargeback ratios. High transaction volume requires reliable payment processing solutions, especially for small-ticket transactions.

Gaming is usually international, which adds currency conversion and cross-border fraud risk. As such, traditional financial institutions are hesitant to work with these business models. You'll need specialized high-risk online gaming payment processing to accept credit card payments.

What MCC do video game companies use?

MCC 5816 Digital Goods – Games, which covers games and in-app purchases, including games of skill. Games of chance aren't 5816: esports betting, skin gambling and casino games are coded as gambling, usually 7995.

What types of online gaming businesses can qualify for a merchant account?

We offer secure payment processing for a range of businesses in this high-risk industry, including:

  • eSports companies and tournaments
  • Mobile games
  • Multiplayer online games
  • PC and console game publishers
  • Skill-based gaming platforms

Online casinos, sports betting and lotteries are gambling, with their own card network rules. See our gambling merchant account.

Can I use Stripe, Square or PayPal for a game?

For a simple game, often yes. Stripe prohibits video game tournaments with money prizes and selling in-game currency unless you operate the game, and PayPal requires pre-approval for games of skill. Fast growth, disputes from minors or cash-prize contests are when gaming accounts get frozen.

Can I sell outside the app stores?

In the US, yes for iOS: since an April 2025 court order in Epic v. Apple, apps can link players to web checkout, where your own merchant account processes the payment. Purchases made inside the app's own store still go through Apple's or Google's billing.

Getting approved3

What are the requirements to apply for a gaming merchant account?

Please provide this necessary documentation with your application:

  • Proof of incorporation and business license
  • Tax ID and government ID for principal owners
  • Three months of bank statements and processing history
  • Expected monthly transaction volume
  • Your terms of service and refund policy
  • Website and business address
Can I get approved if another processor shut me down?

Often, yes. Many game studios come to us after a processor froze their account over a launch spike or a wave of disputes. We look at why it happened and what's changed. We also work with merchants on the MATCH list.

Will I need a reserve?

It depends on your history and your model. New studios, preorders and a high chargeback history can mean a rolling reserve. Gaming businesses with clean processing history often start with a low reserve or none.

Players, purchases and the rules6

How do I stop unauthorized purchases by kids?

Ask for a password or PIN before purchases, offer parental controls, and make charges clear. In 2022 the FTC ordered Epic Games to pay $245 million in refunds over charges made without consent, part of a $520 million settlement that also covered children's privacy.

Can I ban players who file chargebacks?

Be careful. Locking players out of content they paid for after they dispute a charge was one of the practices in the FTC's Epic case. Win disputes with evidence like logins and item usage instead.

Are loot boxes legal?

There's no US federal law on loot boxes. In 2025 the FTC settled with Genshin Impact's publisher for $20 million and banned selling loot boxes to players under 16 without parental consent. Show odds and prices in real money, and keep anything that pays out cash or tradable value away from chance.

Do you work with esports tournaments?

Yes. Entry fees and prize pools for skill-based esports events are approved where they're legal. Betting on esports matches is gambling and goes through a gambling merchant account.

Can I bill game passes and subscriptions?

Yes. Show the price and renewal terms at checkout, get consent, and let players cancel online. Our subscription merchant account page covers the card network rules for free trials and renewals.

Can gaming merchant accounts support international or in-game purchases?

Absolutely; this is one of the greatest benefits of our service. We use intelligent transaction routing for international sales so that you get the most competitive rates without having to open additional merchant accounts. You'll be able to accept payments from a number of local currencies and on a variety of payment platforms so that each user can pay with confidence.

Fraud and chargebacks2

How does Adaptiv Payments help reduce fraud and chargebacks for gaming payments?

Our PCI-compliant payment solutions include robust chargeback reduction tools, including real-time transaction monitoring and behavioral analysis. Multifactor authentication before processing payments reduces fraud and helps build trust with your consumer base.

What chargeback ratio will get my account shut down?

Visa's VAMP program flags merchants at a 1.5% fraud-and-dispute ratio with at least 1,500 disputes and fraud reports in a month, and Mastercard starts at 1.5% and 100 chargebacks. Banks act well before that, so aim to stay under 1%.

Still have questions?

Reach out and our team will get you a plain-English answer.

Contact us

Guides for gaming businesses

Related industries

More gaming & betting businesses we approve.

All 40 industries

Apply for Your Gaming Merchant Account

Complete the form below to get started with your gaming merchant account application. Our payment specialists will review your information and contact you shortly.

Get Started Today

$0
Trusted by high-risk merchants