Choosing the right high-risk payment processor can be the difference between growing your business and watching it get shut down. Nuvei and HighRiskPay are two popular options, but they cater to very different merchant profiles. If you're in a high-risk space, you don't just need a partner who will approve your application; you need one that won't drop you when chargebacks spike.
This side-by-side breakdown compares flexibility, rules, pricing, and who's better for different business types.
What Is a High-Risk Processor?
A high-risk processor handles payments for industries that traditional banks avoid. Think supplements, coaching programs, adult content, SaaS, or crypto-related services. These businesses tend to deal with higher refund rates, more fraud claims, and tougher regulations. As a result, processors like Nuvei and HighRiskPay step in to fill the gap.
Nuvei: Established, Reputable, and Risk-Averse
Overview
Nuvei is a global payment provider with serious credentials. It's PCI Level 1 certified, connected to hundreds of payment methods, and supports both domestic and cross-border payments. But with that scale comes structure and stricter policies.
Pros
- Wide Global Reach: Accepts payments in 200+ markets with multiple currencies.
- Advanced Fraud Tools: Includes machine learning risk management tools.
- Industry Reputation: Trusted by large-scale merchants and enterprise platforms.
Cons
- Stricter Approval Process: High-risk merchants may get rejected if their history isn't spotless.
- Account Holds: Nuvei can freeze or terminate accounts with elevated chargebacks.
- More Paperwork: Onboarding involves more scrutiny and documentation.
Best for:
Large businesses with clean processing histories who need scale and international support.
HighRiskPay: Fast Approvals, Fewer Rules
Overview
HighRiskPay was built specifically for high-risk industries. It works with smaller acquirers and ISOs that are more willing to take on risk. The tradeoff? Fewer built-in fraud tools and limited global coverage.
Pros
- Faster Approvals: Many merchants get approved within 24–48 hours.
- Fewer Chargeback Restrictions: More lenient thresholds before action is taken.
- Simple Setup: Less documentation required compared to larger processors.
Cons
- Domestic Focused: Most solutions are geared toward U.S. merchants.
- Higher Fees: More risk means higher per-transaction and monthly charges.
- Fewer Built-In Protections: Merchants are expected to manage their own chargeback defense.
Best for:
Small to mid-size high-risk merchants who need quick approval and flexibility.
Key Differences: Nuvei vs HighRiskPay
Which Processor Should You Choose?
If your business has a clean record, global needs, and you're looking for advanced infrastructure, Nuvei is the safer bet. But if you're still scaling or have a high chargeback rate, HighRiskPay may keep you running when others would shut you down.
Keep in mind that Visa VAMP updates are making acquirers stricter. Even flexible processors may start enforcing lower chargeback thresholds to stay compliant. That's why chargeback prevention (on your end) is non-negotiable.
Conclusion
Both Nuvei and HighRiskPay serve high-risk merchants, but they do it in completely different ways. Nuvei is built for scale, with strict guidelines and high expectations. HighRiskPay is more agile, quicker to onboard, and more flexible, though it often puts more of the risk prevention burden on you. The right fit depends on your industry, processing history, and where you’re headed.
But no matter who you process with, chargebacks can still cut your account short. The smartest move? Start protecting your merchant account before problems pile up.
Frequently Asked Questions: Nuvei vs HighRiskPay
What makes a business high-risk?
A business is considered high-risk if it has a higher chance of facing fraud, chargebacks, or regulatory scrutiny. This includes industries like adult content, subscription services, travel, and nutraceuticals.
Does Nuvei accept high-risk merchants?
Yes, but selectively. Nuvei is more cautious and will often reject high-risk applicants with a history of chargebacks or regulatory issues.
Is HighRiskPay legit?
Yes. HighRiskPay is a real high-risk processor that works with U.S.-based acquirers and specializes in quick approvals for riskier industries.
Which processor is better for a new business?
For newer high-risk businesses, HighRiskPay is typically more accessible. Nuvei often requires strong documentation and past processing history.
What's the impact of Visa VAMP on high-risk merchants?
Visa VAMP pressures acquirers to keep chargeback ratios below set thresholds. If a processor doesn't comply, it risks fines. This forces processors to drop merchants who have frequent disputes, even if they're high volume.
Can I switch from Nuvei to HighRiskPay (or vice versa)?
Yes, but the approval process will restart. Switching also means you'll need to re-integrate your payment gateway and potentially renegotiate terms.
Better Tools = Fewer Chargebacks = Safer Processing
High-risk processors don't give second chances. With Visa VAMP updates tightening the noose, merchants are getting flagged sooner. That's where Chargeblast comes in. We help you prevent chargebacks, monitor dispute risk, and stay below processor thresholds without drowning in alerts.
Over 30,000 merchants are signing up this week, and approval is just the first step. Don't lose your account to chargebacks. Book a demo below.
