Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our payment processing solutions for high-risk businesses

General Questions

What is Kosipay?

Kosipay is a specialized payment processor that provides merchant account services and payment processing solutions for high-risk businesses. We focus on industries that are often declined by traditional processors, including CBD, kratom, firearms, nutraceuticals, online gaming, and many more.

Founded in 2015, we've grown to serve thousands of merchants nationwide by offering stable, reliable payment processing with transparent pricing and exceptional support.

What does "high-risk" mean in payment processing?

In payment processing, "high-risk" refers to businesses or industries that present a higher level of financial risk to processors and banks due to factors such as:

  • Regulatory complexity or scrutiny
  • Higher-than-average chargeback rates
  • Industry reputation concerns
  • Extended delivery or fulfillment timeframes
  • Subscription or recurring billing models
  • International transactions
  • Legal gray areas or evolving regulations

Traditional payment processors often decline these businesses or charge excessive fees to offset their perceived risk. Kosipay specializes in understanding and managing these risks, allowing us to provide stable processing for high-risk industries.

What industries does Kosipay serve?

We specialize in serving high-risk industries, including but not limited to:

  • CBD and Hemp Products
  • Kratom
  • Firearms and Ammunition
  • Nutraceuticals and Supplements
  • Vape and E-Cigarettes
  • Credit Repair
  • Online Gaming and Gambling
  • Travel Agencies
  • Subscription Services
  • Multi-Level Marketing (MLM)
  • Telemedicine
  • High-Volume Merchants
  • Pawn Shops

If you don't see your industry listed, please contact us. We work with many other high-risk verticals and can likely accommodate your specific needs.

Application Process

How do I apply for a merchant account with Kosipay?

Applying for a merchant account with Kosipay is simple:

  1. Complete our online application form with basic information about your business
  2. Our team will review your application and contact you within 24-48 hours
  3. We'll request any necessary documentation specific to your industry
  4. Our underwriting team will review your complete application
  5. Upon approval, we'll set up your merchant account and payment gateway
  6. Start processing payments, typically within 24-72 hours of approval

Our streamlined process is designed to get you up and running as quickly as possible, with minimal hassle.

What documentation is required to apply?

Required documentation varies by industry, but typically includes:

  • Business license and formation documents
  • 3-6 months of bank statements
  • Processing statements (if applicable)
  • Valid ID for all owners with 25%+ ownership
  • Website or online store information
  • Industry-specific documentation (varies by vertical)

Our application specialists will guide you through exactly what's needed for your specific business. We aim to make the documentation process as straightforward as possible.

How long does the application process take?

Our application process is significantly faster than traditional providers:

  • Initial application review: 24-48 hours
  • Underwriting review after document submission: 24-72 hours
  • Account setup and integration: 24-48 hours

Most qualified merchants are approved and processing payments within 3-5 business days from initial application. This timeframe can vary based on the complexity of your business model and how quickly you provide requested documentation.

What if I've been declined by other processors?

Previous declines do not automatically disqualify you from obtaining a merchant account with Kosipay. In fact, we specialize in working with businesses that have been rejected by traditional processors.

Our approval rate exceeds 90% for legitimate businesses in high-risk industries, even those previously declined elsewhere. We have specialized banking relationships and underwriting expertise specifically designed for high-risk verticals.

When applying, be transparent about previous declines and the reasons given. This helps us address any specific concerns and route your application to the most appropriate banking partner.

Merchant Accounts

What is a merchant account?

A merchant account is a specialized type of bank account that allows businesses to accept credit and debit card payments. It acts as an intermediary between your customer's payment and your business bank account.

When a customer makes a purchase, the funds first go to the merchant account, where they're held temporarily while the transaction is processed and verified. Once cleared, the funds are then transferred to your business bank account through a process called settlement.

For high-risk businesses, obtaining a merchant account can be challenging through traditional providers, which is where Kosipay's specialized services come in.

Do you require a rolling reserve?

Rolling reserve requirements are determined on a case-by-case basis. Many accounts do not require reserves, and we work to minimize or eliminate reserves when possible based on your business history and risk profile.

When required, reserves typically range from 5-10% of your processing volume and are held for a predetermined period (usually 6 months) to cover potential chargebacks or disputes. The funds in your reserve are still yours and are released on a rolling basis as they mature.

Established businesses with strong processing history may qualify for reduced reserve requirements or have them eliminated entirely after demonstrating stable processing patterns.

Can I process international transactions?

Yes, Kosipay offers international payment processing capabilities for high-risk merchants. Our solutions include:

  • Multi-currency processing
  • Dynamic currency conversion
  • Support for region-specific payment methods
  • Cross-border transaction processing
  • International fraud protection measures

International processing availability and capabilities may vary depending on your specific industry, business model, and the countries you wish to serve. Our team can provide detailed information about international processing options for your business during your consultation.

What payment methods can I accept?

With Kosipay merchant accounts, you can accept a wide range of payment methods:

  • All major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
  • ACH and eCheck payments
  • Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.)
  • Alternative payment methods
  • International payment options

We also offer specialized payment solutions for specific industries, such as recurring billing for subscription services, installment payments for high-ticket items, and age-verified transactions for restricted products.

Pricing

What are your processing rates?

Our processing rates for high-risk merchants typically range from 2.9% to 5.9% plus a small per-transaction fee, depending on several factors:

  • Your specific industry and risk level
  • Monthly processing volume
  • Average transaction size
  • Business history and time in operation
  • Previous processing history and chargeback rates

While our rates may be higher than those for traditional low-risk businesses, they reflect the specialized banking relationships and risk management required for high-risk industries. We provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and we're committed to offering competitive rates within the high-risk processing space.

For a custom quote tailored to your specific business, please contact our sales team.

Are there any setup or monthly fees?

Our fee structure typically includes:

  • One-time setup fee: $0-$299 (varies by industry and complexity)
  • Monthly account fee: $25-$75 (includes gateway access and basic services)
  • Monthly minimum fee: $25-$50 (only applies if processing fees don't exceed this amount)
  • Payment gateway fee: Included in monthly account fee
  • PCI compliance fee: $99/year (may be waived for certain merchants)

All applicable fees are transparently disclosed during the application process, with no hidden charges or surprise additions. We provide a complete fee schedule before you sign any agreement, so you'll know exactly what to expect.

How and when do I receive my funds?

We offer several settlement options for high-risk merchants:

  • Standard Settlement: Funds are typically deposited to your bank account within 2-3 business days after the transaction
  • Next-Day Funding: Available for established merchants with good processing history
  • Custom Settlement Schedules: Options include daily, weekly, or custom timeframes based on your business needs

Settlement timeframes may be affected by weekends, holidays, your bank's processing schedule, and any applicable reserve requirements. Your specific settlement schedule will be outlined in your merchant agreement.

Technology

What payment gateway do you offer?

Kosipay provides a proprietary payment gateway designed specifically for high-risk merchants, with features including:

  • Seamless integration with major e-commerce platforms
  • Virtual terminal for manual and phone transactions
  • Recurring billing and subscription management
  • Customizable checkout experiences
  • Advanced fraud detection and prevention tools
  • Comprehensive reporting and analytics
  • Multi-currency support

We also support integration with select third-party gateways when required for specific business needs or industry requirements.

Which e-commerce platforms do you integrate with?

Our payment solutions integrate seamlessly with all major e-commerce platforms and shopping carts, including:

  • Shopify
  • WooCommerce
  • Magento
  • BigCommerce
  • Wix
  • Squarespace
  • Custom-built websites and applications

We also offer plugins and modules for easy integration with industry-specific platforms and content management systems. For custom or proprietary systems, our developer-friendly APIs and documentation make integration straightforward.

Do you offer fraud prevention tools?

Yes, our payment solutions include comprehensive fraud prevention tools specifically designed for high-risk merchants:

  • Advanced AI-powered fraud detection algorithms
  • Real-time transaction scoring and risk assessment
  • Address Verification Service (AVS)
  • Card Verification Value (CVV) validation
  • Geolocation and IP analysis
  • Device fingerprinting
  • Velocity checks and pattern recognition
  • Custom rule configuration for your specific business needs

Our fraud prevention system is continuously updated to address emerging threats, and settings can be customized to balance security with customer experience for your specific business model.

Support

What support options are available?

Kosipay provides comprehensive support for all merchants through multiple channels:

  • Dedicated Account Manager: Personalized support from an industry specialist familiar with your business
  • Phone Support: Available Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm EST
  • Email Support: 24/7 with responses within 24 hours
  • Live Chat: Available during business hours
  • Knowledge Base: Comprehensive resources, guides, and tutorials
  • Emergency Support: 24/7 emergency line for critical issues

We pride ourselves on our responsive, knowledgeable support team that understands the unique challenges of high-risk businesses.

How do you help with chargebacks?

We provide comprehensive chargeback management solutions for high-risk merchants:

  • Chargeback Prevention: Tools and best practices to minimize disputes
  • Dispute Alerts: Early notification of potential chargebacks
  • Response Assistance: Help preparing effective chargeback responses
  • Evidence Templates: Industry-specific templates for common dispute scenarios
  • Analytics: Reporting to identify patterns and improve prevention

Our industry-specific expertise helps you navigate the unique chargeback challenges of your business vertical, maintaining acceptable chargeback rates while maximizing your win rate on disputes.

Do you help with compliance requirements?

Yes, we provide extensive compliance support for high-risk merchants:

  • Industry-Specific Compliance: Guidance on regulatory requirements for your vertical
  • PCI DSS Compliance: Tools and support to maintain Payment Card Industry compliance
  • GDPR and Privacy Regulations: Assistance with data protection requirements
  • AML/KYC Procedures: Support for Anti-Money Laundering and Know Your Customer processes
  • Policy Templates: Sample language for terms of service, privacy policies, and disclosures

Our team stays current on evolving regulations affecting high-risk industries, providing ongoing education and support to help you maintain compliance as requirements change.

Still Have Questions?

Our payment specialists are ready to help you find the perfect solution for your business needs.