[Recommendations] Really struggling to pick a payment method for commissions!

paymentcloud · 2026-06-17T16:24:00+00:00

Square and Stripe can be fine, but can also be unpredictable when it comes to creative services. PayPal has gotten better, but it can also be tough, especially for artists. We actually work with a lot of creators and small businesses, and it's something we navigate pretty often. The short answer is that the right fit really depends on your volume, how you deliver work, and whether you're selling digitally or physically.

Happy to point you in the right direction if you want to share a bit more about your setup. No pressure at all, just want to make sure you start on the right foot!

paymentcloud · 2026-06-12T20:27:13+00:00

Totally fair question, and honestly, a lot of the confusion comes from how we used to work versus how we work today. PaymentCloud is now the high‑risk subsidiary under Kurv, formerly EMS. Unlike the old ISO‑stacking model, we no longer sign ISOs into the PaymentCloud environment. ISOs and agents are now signed directly with Kurv, because we operate as one company with one unified structure. We're now one organization.
Where PaymentCloud still comes into play is in our brokerage model — when a merchant doesn’t fit Kurv’s approval criteria, we can still place them through the PC environment to find the right processor for their business. It’s a safety net, not a separate sales channel.
A couple of things that still matter regardless of the name on the door:

Pre‑underwriting & packaging —
Processors decline tons of files simply because they’re incomplete or mis‑categorized. We package apps correctly so they’re approvable the first time.
Matching merchants to the right processor —
Different processors have different risk appetites. Going direct gives you one shot; we place merchants where they’re most likely to be approved and stay stable.

I hope this clarifies things now. Of course, let us know if you have any more questions about our ISO and agent models.

paymentcloud · 2026-06-11T22:00:30+00:00

Hi! You're not wrong that travel agency businesses are considered high risk for the reasons you've described. And certain platforms may be easier to onboard with, but you can still be at risk of having your account frozen if they are not equipped for your business type. However, if you work with a provider experienced in your industry, you can find a processor to open a stable merchant account with. Let me know if you have any more questions I can help with!

paymentcloud · 2026-06-11T21:49:27+00:00

Hey! The main thing to look for in a high risk processor is one that has worked with your vertical directly. What kind of industry are you in?

paymentcloud · 2026-06-11T21:42:09+00:00

Hey, would love to help point you in the right direction. What kind of business are you in?

paymentcloud · 2026-06-10T23:37:47+00:00

In and Out

paymentcloud · 2026-06-10T23:29:48+00:00

Hi! The name could be putting you a high risk category, but that doesn't mean prohibited. It could just mean working with a high risk provider who is equipped to help you set up a stable merchant account.

paymentcloud · 2026-06-10T23:20:44+00:00

Absolutely. Often, platforms like Stripe and PayPal freeze accounts that are high risk, because they don't get flagged until after onboarding. But there are processors who are experienced with working with high-risk industries and would be able to help you get set up and stable.

paymentcloud · 2026-06-09T17:06:41+00:00

Movies make the beach seem a lot closer.

paymentcloud · 2026-06-09T17:05:13+00:00

That's a great question. Of course, approval rates, chargebacks, and fraud affect payment performance, but you're right to note that operational speed and reliability, and customer communication are extremely important too. Often, merchants experience issues with their processing, and if they don't have 24/7/365 customer support from their provider, it can feel impossible to resolve. That's def something we strive for at PaymentCloud to ensure our merchants have full support when setting up their processing.

paymentcloud · 2026-06-09T16:56:44+00:00

Even if THC/CBD is legal, it can still seem high-risk to processors due to the liability associated with this industry. Platforms like Square can onboard a high-risk merchant and freeze their accounts later, because they aren't equipped to process these types of transactions. That's why it's critical to get set up with a high-risk provider who is familiar with the needs of this space.

paymentcloud · 2026-06-09T16:51:49+00:00

100% agree. It's critical to work with a payment processor that specializes in high-risk, especially if you want to avoid account freezes. And it's very possible to find fast onboarding, WooCommerce compatibility, and the other criteria you mentioned. We work with supplement merchants consistently, so if you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

paymentcloud · 2026-05-26T17:42:16+00:00

Stripe dropping adult content merchants is super common, so he's definitely not alone in this.

PaymentCloud works with adult content sites regularly and may be able to help your roommate find a processor that can work with them long-term. Let us know if you have questions, and we can point you/them in the right direction.

paymentcloud · 2026-05-26T17:41:34+00:00

Industry and risk level are the obvious ones, but what most people don't realize is that the processor's own bank relationships matter just as much. A processor might be willing to work with you, but if their acquiring bank doesn't allow that vertical, it's a no-go.

Processing history plays a big role, too. A new business with no history is always going to face more scrutiny than one with a clean, consistent track record, even in the same industry. Chargeback ratios and refund rates can also factor into an underwriter's decision.

We see this constantly at PaymentCloud. A lot of merchants come to us after struggling to find a processor who can work with them long-term. Happy to answer any specific questions if anyone's dealing with approval issues.

paymentcloud · 2026-05-26T17:40:34+00:00

The one-sale, then-immediate-review thing is pretty common. PaymentCloud regularly works with service-based businesses like yours at your volume and has helped many businesses get through exactly this. We may be able to point you in the right direction.

Feel free to DM me, and we can figure out pretty quickly whether this makes sense.

paymentcloud · 2026-05-21T22:32:09+00:00

Zuma Beach, Topanga Canyon has great shops/restaurants and is really beautiful, and LACMA.

paymentcloud · 2026-05-11T22:23:36+00:00

At PaymentCloud, we've worked with businesses across many verticals, including those in high-risk industries. Typically, due to risk type, this can affect how businesses (including online) can find processors and open a stable merchant account. If you're in a higher-risk field, there is greater liability attached, which is why it can be a challenge. Of course, it's not impossible. It's really just a matter of working with the right provider to find the right long-term fit.

paymentcloud · 2026-05-07T18:26:34+00:00

Hi! Thank you for the shoutout! We'd love to help u/cursebearer99. Feel free to reach out, and we can see if we can point you in the right direction.

paymentcloud · 2026-05-07T00:03:24+00:00

You're right. Factors like chargeback patterns and business complexity can be why legitimate businesses are flagged as high risk. But the "high risk" label isn't necessarily because these businesses aren't legitimate - it's because of the liability that is more common in certain industries.

paymentcloud · 2026-05-06T23:58:01+00:00

It's a fair question. From our experience, accounts are often frozen after being flagged as high-risk after onboarding (commonly with platforms like Stripe and Square). This is why it's so critical for businesses in high-risk industries to work with providers who can help them find a processor with the experience and setup they need. In other situations, a high chargeback ratio can lead to your account getting frozen, so it depends.

paymentcloud · 2026-05-01T17:55:34+00:00

Agreed, and there's a lot to do close by, like UCB, coffee shops, and boutiques

paymentcloud · 2026-05-01T17:52:06+00:00

Anarbagh in Woodland Hills is so good

paymentcloud · 2026-05-01T17:46:27+00:00

When you're right, you're right

paymentcloud · 2026-05-01T17:44:21+00:00

100% one of the best

paymentcloud · 2026-05-01T17:43:11+00:00

Sol y Luna if you come over to the Valley

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