Restricted and Prohibited Businesses
Card networks, banks and regulators set rules about what can be sold through payment systems. This policy explains what Everpay cannot support at all, and which higher-risk categories we review with enhanced due diligence. It is not exhaustive and may change.
Last updated
How Everpay evaluates merchants
Every merchant goes through onboarding that includes identity and ownership verification (KYC/KYB), a review of the website, products, terms and policies, and an assessment of expected volume and risk. Approval is at our discretion and can be subject to conditions such as processing limits, reserves or additional controls.
Prohibited businesses
Everpay does not process payments for activity that is illegal in the relevant jurisdiction or that card networks and our banking partners prohibit, including:
- Illegal products or services, including illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia where unlawful.
- Child sexual abuse material or any content involving the exploitation of minors.
- Human trafficking, forced labor or other exploitation.
- Counterfeit goods, stolen goods and infringement of intellectual property.
- Weapons, explosives and related items where sale is unlawful or prohibited by networks.
- Money laundering, terrorist financing and sanctions evasion, and dealings with sanctioned persons or jurisdictions.
- Ponzi, pyramid and other fraudulent investment schemes.
- Unlicensed money transmission or unlicensed financial services where a license is required.
- Any business that misrepresents what it sells or deceives customers.
Restricted businesses (enhanced due diligence)
The categories below are considered higher risk by networks and banks. Everpay may support them case by case, with additional documentation and controls.
| Category | What we typically require |
|---|---|
| Online gaming and gambling | Valid gaming license for the jurisdictions served, age verification and responsible-gaming controls |
| Cryptocurrency, stablecoin and digital asset services | Applicable registration or licensing, AML program and source-of-funds evidence |
| Travel and ticketing | Evidence of supplier relationships, refund and cancellation terms |
| Subscriptions, free trials and negative-option billing | Clear disclosure, simple cancellation and low dispute history |
| Nutraceuticals, supplements and CBD | Compliance with local regulation and accurate marketing claims |
| Adult content | Age verification, consent and content-compliance controls |
| Cross-border trade and high-ticket B2B | Trade documents, counterparty information and settlement structure |
| Direct marketing, lead generation and multi-level marketing | Transparent earnings claims and complaint handling |
| Debt collection and credit repair | Licensing and compliance with consumer protection law |
| Event tickets and resale | Proof of inventory and clear fulfilment terms |
Why this matters for merchants
Processing prohibited activity can lead to account termination, withheld funds and penalties from card networks. If you are unsure whether your business fits, ask us before you apply. For merchants who were dropped by another provider, read what to do when your payment processor drops you.
Responsible gaming
Gaming merchants are expected to operate lawfully and responsibly: hold the required licenses, verify age and identity, offer deposit limits and self-exclusion tools, and cooperate with our monitoring. We may suspend processing if these standards are not met.
Reporting a concern
If you believe a merchant using Everpay is selling prohibited items or acting unlawfully, please contact us with the merchant's name or website and the details. We review all reports.
Frequently asked questions
Not sure your business qualifies?
Tell us about your model and we will tell you honestly whether we can support it.