Est.2016
How to Accept Credit Card Payments on Your CBD Website (Legally and Securely)
June 16, 2025
Introduction
Running a CBD business online comes with its own set of challenges — and one of the biggest is accepting credit card payments. Despite the growing demand for legal hemp and CBD products, most mainstream processors (like Stripe or PayPal) still deny or shut down accounts in this space.
If you’re in the CBD industry and tired of losing sales due to limited payment options, this guide is for you. Below, we break down why CBD is considered high-risk, the legal and compliance basics, and how you can get approved for credit card processing.
Why CBD Is Considered a High-Risk Industry
Although the 2018 Farm Bill federally legalized hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC, payment processors remain cautious for a few key reasons:
🧾 Legal & Regulatory Complexity
- CBD regulations vary from state to state, and international shipping adds another layer of uncertainty.
- Labeling, testing, and claims are closely monitored by the FDA.
💳 Bank & Processor Risk Aversion
- Many banks won’t underwrite CBD businesses due to the product’s cannabis association — even if it’s 100% legal.
- Mainstream processors prefer to avoid potential fines or account closures.
🔄 Chargebacks & Refunds
- Consumers may misunderstand what CBD does, leading to buyer’s remorse and chargebacks.
- Health-related products often face a higher level of scrutiny and returns.
What You Need to Accept Payments for CBD
Before applying for a CBD merchant account, make sure your business checks the right boxes:
✅ 1. A Legally Registered Business
You’ll need an LLC or corporation, EIN, and a business bank account.
✅ 2. Compliant Website
Include:
- Product descriptions, including origin and legal disclaimers
- Terms & conditions, refund policy, privacy policy
- SSL certificate for data security
✅ 3. COAs (Certificates of Analysis)
Lab results should be available for all products to prove THC content and safety.
✅ 4. Age Verification
Ensure your platform restricts access to users 18+ or 21+, depending on your jurisdiction.
How to Choose a CBD-Friendly Payment Processor
Look for a provider that understands and supports high-risk industries like CBD. Key factors to evaluate:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| ✅ Industry Support | Processor should explicitly accept CBD businesses |
| ✅ Transparent Fees | Avoid hidden charges or unfair rolling reserves |
| ✅ Fast Onboarding | Some CBD processors can take weeks — speed matters |
| ✅ Chargeback Tools | Dispute management can save your revenue |
| ✅ Support & Compliance Help | Live support is crucial for a regulated product |
How Fuzipay Helps CBD Businesses Accept Cards Legally
Fuzipay specializes in high-risk industries, including hemp and CBD. Here’s what makes our solution CBD-ready:
- 24-Hour Application Review
Get a response in one business day — no endless delays. - Banking Partnerships That Understand CBD
We work directly with acquiring banks open to the CBD industry. - Transparent Pricing
No surprise fees. Clear monthly breakdowns and processing rates. - Integration with Major Platforms
Shopify, WooCommerce, and custom-built websites all supported. - 24/7 Live Chat Support
Real help, from real people — anytime.
Step-by-Step: How to Start Accepting Credit Cards on Your CBD Website
- Prepare Business Docs
LLC documents, ID, voided check, processing history (if available) - Optimize Your Website for Compliance
Include terms, refund policy, COAs, and secure checkout - Apply with a High-Risk Processor
Choose a CBD-friendly partner like Fuzipay - Get Approved and Integrate
Launch with secure APIs, plugins, or hosted checkout pages - Start Processing Payments
Begin accepting Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and more
Final Thoughts
Getting approved to accept credit cards for CBD is possible — but only if you go through the right channels. Avoid the trap of mainstream providers who will freeze or shut down your account without warning.
With the right partner, like Fuzipay, you can sell your products online legally, securely, and without the payment stress.
Ready to accept payments on your CBD store?
Start your application now and get approved within 24 hours.
👉 Get Started With Fuzipay →