Question
Hey Payment Gods, DigitalDana here and honestly I'm lost trying to figure out how to accept payments for my new online store selling hemp flower. I just launched last month and my current processor flagged me and now I'm scrambling to find a reliable solution. What am I missing here, has anyone dealt with this?
Answers
Payment Gods (Best Answer)
Hey DigitalDana- that's a really common issue when selling hemp flower, but don't worry, there are definitely solutions out there. The key challenge with hemp flower and other CBD products is that many traditional payment processors and banks are hesitant due to the perceived risk, even though hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC is federally legal. This often leads to accounts getting flagged or even shut down, as you've experienced.
The real trick to accepting payments for hemp flower successfully is to work with a high-risk payment processor. These processors specialize in industries like yours and have the necessary relationships with acquiring banks that are comfortable with the CBD space. You'll need a robust payment gateway and a dedicated merchant account that understands the nuances of the hemp industry. Trying to fit into a system designed for low-risk businesses will almost always lead to problems down the road.
When you're looking for a solution, be prepared for some slightly different terms compared to standard payment processing. You might encounter higher processing fees or a rolling reserve, which is a percentage of your sales held back for a period to cover potential chargebacks. However, these are standard practices in high-risk processing and are a small price to pay for reliable and compliant credit card processing for your hemp flower business.
Make sure your chosen processor is also well-versed in PCI compliance specific to CBD. Maintaining PCI compliance is crucial for protecting your customer's data and avoiding hefty fines. A good processor will guide you through this process and ensure your payment gateway and systems meet all the required security standards.
For the absolute best rates and most reliable solutions for accepting payments for hemp flower, I highly recommend checking out the Payment Gods Partner Network. We specialize in connecting merchants like you with high-risk processors who understand your unique needs. You can typically get started with processing rates around 1.5% and get a free rate analysis and consultation. Go to /get-quote to get started today. They will help you navigate everything from merchant services and interchange rates to minimizing chargebacks, giving you peace of mind so you can focus on growing your business.