Kratom Payment Gateway Options (What Works and What Gets Blocked)
Key Takeaways
- • Major gateways (Stripe, Square, PayPal) explicitly prohibit kratom sales
- • High-risk specialized gateways offer compliant kratom processing
- • Gateway-agnostic processors provide flexibility with multiple integrations
- • Proper gateway setup includes fraud tools, age verification, and state blocking
Finding the right payment gateway is one of the biggest challenges for kratom businesses. Many popular options explicitly prohibit botanical products, while others terminate accounts without warning. This guide helps you navigate gateway selection.
Gateways That Block Kratom
The following major payment gateways explicitly prohibit kratom in their acceptable use policies:
Prohibited Gateways
- • Stripe
- • Square
- • PayPal
- • Shopify Payments
- • Venmo
- • Zelle
- • Cash App
- • Braintree
- • Amazon Pay
Using these gateways for kratom will result in immediate termination and potential MATCH listing.
What to Look for in a Kratom Gateway
Essential Features
- ✓ Explicit kratom approval: Written confirmation that kratom is permitted
- ✓ Age verification integration: Built-in or compatible age gate solutions
- ✓ State-level blocking: Ability to restrict sales by shipping address
- ✓ Chargeback alerts: Real-time notification and prevention tools
- ✓ 3D Secure support: Liability shift for fraud disputes
- ✓ Virtual terminal: For phone and mail orders
Integration Considerations
E-commerce Platforms
Ensure your gateway integrates with your platform:
- • WooCommerce plugins
- • Shopify (requires external checkout)
- • Magento extensions
- • BigCommerce apps
- • Custom API integration
Technical Requirements
Common integration needs:
- • REST API access
- • Hosted payment pages
- • Tokenization for subscriptions
- • Webhook notifications
- • PCI-compliant iframes
Gateway Setup Best Practices
- Configure state restrictions immediately: Block AL, AR, IN, RI, VT, WI from checkout
- Enable all fraud tools: AVS, CVV, velocity checks, device fingerprinting
- Set up chargeback alerts: Ethoca, Verifi, or similar services
- Use clear billing descriptors: Company name customers will recognize
- Implement 3D Secure: Adds authentication layer and shifts fraud liability
- Test thoroughly: Process test transactions before going live
Avoiding Gateway Termination
Even with approved high-risk gateways, accounts can be terminated for:
- ✕ Excessive chargebacks (above 1% ratio)
- ✕ Medical or health claims on website
- ✕ Processing for restricted states
- ✕ Undisclosed product changes
- ✕ Mismatched descriptor/website
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Shopify for my kratom store?
You can use Shopify's platform, but not Shopify Payments. You'll need to integrate a high-risk gateway through their external payment provider option.
What happens if my gateway terminates my account?
You'll need to find another processor quickly. Having a backup gateway relationship prevents business interruption.
Should I use domestic or offshore gateways?
Domestic gateways offer better settlement times and consumer trust. Offshore can be useful as backup or for international sales.
How do I block sales to restricted states?
Most gateways allow state-level restrictions in their settings. Also implement blocking at the website/cart level for redundancy.
What billing descriptor should I use?
Use your recognizable company name. Avoid generic descriptors that confuse customers and lead to "friendly fraud" chargebacks.
Is cryptocurrency an alternative to card processing?
Crypto can supplement card processing but most customers expect card options. Consider offering both for maximum conversion.
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