Top 5 Gun-Friendly Payment Processors for Firearm Businesses

If you run a firearm business in the U.S., accepting credit cards can be challenging. Mainstream payment providers like PayPal, Stripe, and Square prohibit firearm and ammo sales. Gun dealers have faced sudden account freezes and fund holds simply for selling legal products. The solution is to use gun-friendly payment processors – merchant services that welcome firearms businesses and understand the unique regulations of the industry. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top 5 gun-friendly payment processors, their features, pricing, and how they keep you compliant with federal laws. We’ll also compare them side-by-side and answer common FAQs so you can choose the best partner for your FFL or gun shop.

Why Firearm Businesses Need Gun-Friendly Payment Processors

Firearms retailers are classified as “high-risk” by most banks and payment companies. Here’s why finding a gun-friendly processor is critical:

• Mainstream Bans: Nearly all popular payment platforms ban transactions involving guns, ammunition, and sometimes even accessories. For example, PayPal, Square, and Stripe explicitly prohibit firearm-related sales in their terms. If you try to use them, you risk account closure without warning and frozen funds.
  
• Legal Complexity: Selling firearms involves heavy federal regulation (e.g. the Gun Control Act, Brady Act) and background check requirements (NICS). Big payment companies don’t want the compliance hassle or political risk, so they avoid the industry.
  
• High-Risk Factors: Guns are high-ticket items often sold infrequently, which can lead to irregular sales patterns. This, combined with potential fraud or chargebacks on costly items, makes banks wary. A single disputed $1,000 rifle sale can trigger a review or hold on your account.
  
• Avoiding Cash-Only Sales: Most customers don’t carry large amounts of cash for a firearm purchase. To maximize sales, FFL dealers must accept credit/debit cards. Using a gun-friendly processor lets you do so reliably, without fear of sudden shutdowns.

In short, firearm businesses need specialized processors who won’t “pull the rug out” from under them. The right provider actively supports 2A-related merchants, helping you accept payments smoothly while staying within the rules.

Legal and Compliance Considerations for Firearm Payments

Accepting card payments for guns isn’t just about technology and fees – it’s also about complying with firearm laws. Gun-friendly processors understand this and often assist with compliance, but the ultimate responsibility falls on you as the merchant. Key considerations include:

• Federal Firearms License (FFL): If you sell actual firearms (not just accessories), you must have a valid FFL. All the processors in our top 5 will require you to prove you hold an FFL (or have one pending) during application. This is mandated by federal law – no license, no legal gun sales. (Note: Selling ammo or accessories typically doesn’t require an FFL, though some states have their own ammo sale regulations.)
  
• FFL-to-FFL for Online Sales: You cannot ship firearms directly to consumers’ doors. Online firearm transactions must be shipped to another licensed dealer who conducts the background check and transfer. Gun-friendly processors enable online payments for guns only between FFL holders. For example, you can sell a gun on your website, but you’ll ship it to a local FFL near the buyer for pickup. All parties must follow ATF regulations for the sale to be legal.
  
• Background Checks & Age Restrictions: While payment processors don’t run background checks (that’s the FFL’s job via NICS), a reputable gun-friendly processor will expect you to follow all laws on your end. This means you should only deliver firearms after a passed background check and enforce age minimums (18+ for rifles, 21+ for handguns, per federal law). Compliance with the Brady Act and other laws is critical. Processors may terminate accounts of merchants caught violating gun laws.
  
• State and Local Laws: Be aware of varying state laws (magazine limits, banned models, ammunition shipping restrictions, etc.). A processor might restrict transactions that violate state law. For instance, some providers will not allow sales of items like 80% lower receivers or build kits that are illegal or in a gray area. Even “gun-friendly” processors have limits – for example, Easy Pay Direct does not support transactions for unfinished 80% receivers or related jigs, due to regulatory restrictions.
  
• Documentation: When applying for a merchant account, be ready to provide documentation. Common requirements include your FFL license number, a valid government ID, bank account info, and often 3-6 months of bank statements or processing history. This thorough vetting is normal for high-risk accounts and helps ensure you’re operating a legitimate, compliant business.
  
• PCI Compliance: Like any merchant handling credit cards, you must comply with PCI DSS security standards. Gun-friendly processors will help with this (e.g. guiding you through questionnaires or scans) to protect customer data. This is not firearm-specific but is an important compliance aspect to avoid breaches.

Top 5 Gun-Friendly Payment Processors for Firearm Businesses

In 2025, several merchant service providers have stood out for their support of firearm and 2A businesses. Below we review the five best options – their features, pricing, contract terms, integrations, and how they cater to gun sellers. These providers not only allow firearms sales, but actively tailor their services to FFL dealers, gun ranges, online gun stores, ammo sellers, and more.

1. Tactical Payments (TacticalPay) – Firearm Industry Specialist

Tactical Payments – often known as TacticalPay – is a merchant account provider built specifically for the firearms industry. They have over 17–18 years of experience serving gun businesses and market themselves as “the #1 payments provider for the firearms industry”.

Unlike generic processors, TacticalPay works exclusively with “2A friendly” banks and partners, so you won’t encounter the usual anti-gun policies. They boast 5,000+ firearms merchants on board, including FFL dealers, online gun shops, ranges, tactical gear retailers, ammo sellers and more.

Key Features & Integrations: Tactical Payments offers all the payment solutions a firearm business might need:

• In-Store Retail Processing: Support for traditional countertop credit card terminals and modern point-of-sale systems. They provide integration help to get your card reader or POS set up quickly. You can choose wired or wireless terminals, and their team ensures everything works smoothly with your inventory/POS system.
  
• Mobile Payments: If you sell at gun shows, trade shows, or on the go, TacticalPay has you covered with mobile card readers for iPhone, iPad, or Android. This lets an FFL take cards anywhere – e.g. swipe a card on your smartphone at a gun show booth.
  
• Virtual Terminal: You can key in card payments through a secure virtual terminal interface – useful for phone orders or custom orders (e.g. a customer calls to order a rare firearm and pays with their card remotely).
  
• E-Commerce Gateway: TacticalPay integrates with over 100+ online platforms and shopping carts, making online gun sales feasible. They specifically highlight plug-and-play compatibility with major eCommerce software, and even a direct integration with GunBroker. If you’re selling firearms or accessories on your own website or via online marketplaces, Tactical Payments will supply a payment gateway (such as NMI or Authorize.net) and API keys to connect your site securely.
  
• Industry Partnerships: They understand popular firearm-industry software. For example, they integrate with GunBroker’s checkout, and their system works with specialty platforms like GunsAmerica, Armslist, or other firearm marketplaces. This is a big plus if your sales span multiple channels.

Pricing & Fees: One attractive aspect of Tactical Payments is their transparent fee structure. They advertise NO monthly fees and no setup fees for their accounts. This is fairly unusual in high-risk merchant processing, where monthly account fees are common. It means you won’t pay a monthly service charge just to maintain the account. Instead, costs are mainly per-transaction.

• Transaction Rates: TacticalPay does not publish flat rates on their site (since high-risk pricing is often custom). They claim to offer “competitive rates” and invite merchants to get a quote. In practice, many firearm merchants report that Tactical Payments’ rates are reasonable for the industry – likely a bit higher than low-risk retail (due to risk), but not exorbitant. There are also no hidden fees; they pride themselves on transparency.
  
• Other Fees: There’s no early termination fee disclosed (hinting that they use month-to-month agreements), and no PCI fee mentioned. Equipment (terminals) might be an upfront purchase or rental if needed. TacticalPay’s approach is to customize pricing based on your business type and volume, so a small gun shop might get a simple flat rate plan, whereas a high-volume online dealer might get interchange-plus pricing. Always request a detailed fee schedule during application.

Contract Terms: Tactical Payments appears to favor flexible, no-long-term-contract arrangements. The absence of a cancellation fee suggests you can likely go month-to-month and cancel anytime without penalty – a merchant-friendly policy. This is backed up by their emphasis on customer service over binding contracts, as well as third-party reviews finding no complaints of predatory terms. Additionally, next-day approval and fast onboarding are a selling point – they often get FFLs live within 24 hours of applying. All of this indicates a straightforward contract: no multi-year commitment required.

Compliance & Suitability: As expected, TacticalPay requires you to be a legal U.S. firearms business. They only onboard U.S.-based companies (owners must have a U.S. SSN and ID). If you sell guns, you’ll need to show your FFL license (they even accept applications if your FFL is pending, since they know new FFLs need processing set up). 

For ammo or accessory sellers, an FFL isn’t required by them (though you should comply with any applicable laws on those products). Tactical Payments prides itself on approving even merchants that “big banks reject for political reasons”. In other words, if your business is legal under the Second Amendment, TacticalPay welcomes you. They are accredited with an A+ BBB rating and are involved with pro-gun organizations (NRA Business Alliance, etc.), underscoring their commitment.

Pros: Dedicated firearms industry focus; no monthly fees; quick approval; works with all types of gun-related businesses (retail, online, shows, ranges, training, etc.); integrates with GunBroker and popular platforms; strong customer support (Texas-based team) reported by merchants.

Cons: Doesn’t publicly disclose rates (you must contact for a quote); only serves U.S. businesses; like all high-risk accounts, thorough underwriting is required (prepare documentation). Overall, Tactical Payments is an ideal first stop for any FFL or gun shop that needs a hassle-free merchant account built by and for firearms enthusiasts.

2. Payroc – Full-Service Payments Partner with Industry Expertise

Overview: Payroc is a large, full-service merchant services provider that has emerged as a top choice for firearms businesses. Founded in 2003, Payroc has been proudly serving the firearms industry since day one. They have taken explicit steps to ensure they can successfully underwrite and support FFL dealers, ammunition sellers, and firearm eCommerce sites. 

In fact, Payroc is an official partner of the NSSF (National Shooting Sports Foundation) – a strong signal of their commitment to 2A businesses. Many experts in the gun community (like RocketFFL/GunUniversity) outright recommend Payroc due to their reliability and support for FFLs.

Key Features & Benefits: Payroc is a one-stop solution offering every payment channel and a host of value-added features:

• End-to-End Processing: Payroc is a direct merchant account provider (an ISO) that does in-house underwriting for firearms accounts. This means when you sign up, you get a dedicated merchant account backed by Payroc’s sponsor banks that allow gun transactions. They handle the processing, settlement, and risk monitoring internally, rather than outsourcing, which gives them more control to keep your account open and healthy.
  
• Omnichannel Payments: Whether you run a brick-and-mortar gun store, an online gun shop, or sell at events, Payroc has you covered.
  
  • Retail: They provide standalone credit card terminals and full Point-of-Sale systems for storefronts. If you have a busy gun shop or range, Payroc can integrate with industry-specific POS software (for example, they work with Rapid Gun Systems, a popular gun store POS).
    
  • Mobile: For on-the-go sales (trade shows, training courses in the field, etc.), Payroc offers a mobile payments app and card reader. Swiping cards through their mobile solution can save on fees (about 1% lower cost than manually keyed or eCommerce transactions).
    
  • E-Commerce: Selling guns or ammo online is complicated, but Payroc is well-versed in the process. They supply payment gateways (Authorize.net, NMI, etc.) and are familiar with the special checkout flows for firearms (like requiring the FFL info for shipment). They integrate seamlessly with top online gun store platforms like Gearfire, Gunbroker, Gun Store Master, AmmoReady, WooCommerce (with appropriate plugins), and many others. Essentially, Payroc likely integrates with any website via API or gateway – giving you maximum flexibility online.
    
• Integration with FFL Software: A standout benefit is Payroc’s ability to integrate with firearm compliance and inventory software. For instance, Payroc integrates with FFLSafe, a compliance software that helps FFLs manage ATF paperwork. They also list compatibility with FastBound (electronic bound book for ATF compliance) and other gun store management systems. This shows Payroc really “gets” the operational needs of FFLs – your payment system can tie into your inventory, customer, and compliance systems, streamlining everything.
  
• Surcharge/Cash Discount Programs: Payroc offers innovative programs like “Payroc Choice” which enable gun merchants to pass on credit card fees to customers legally. This is essentially a surcharge or cash discount program – at the point of sale, customers see a small service fee (or a cash discount incentive) so that the merchant can offset or even eliminate processing fees. This can be a huge cost saver for high-volume or slim-margin businesses, and Payroc ensures it’s done in compliance with card network rules and state laws.
  
• Strong Support and Guidance: Many FFLs praise Payroc’s customer support. They provide a dedicated representative (for example, a well-known Payroc rep for firearms is Laura Morgan) who will guide you through onboarding, integration, and any issues. Gun industry clients report that Payroc “treats you like a business partner, not a liability”. This hands-on support is crucial in a high-risk industry.

Pricing & Fees: Payroc’s pricing is flexible and often tailored to your business size and model. According to gun industry advisors, Payroc will offer simple flat-rate plans for smaller gun shops and custom interchange-plus pricing for larger volume dealers. This means if you’re a low-volume or new FFL, you might get an easy flat percentage (for predictability), whereas a high-volume retailer can get lower costs based on interchange passthrough.

• Competitive Rates: While exact rates aren’t published (they depend on your specifics), Payroc is known for competitive pricing. In fact, some merchants have noted Payroc’s fees are so reasonable that “salesmen from other processors give up” trying to beat them. They also publicly advertise programs like 0% processing with CashRewards (where you charge a fee to customers), and quick funding (next-day deposits) at no extra charge.
  
• Interchange-Plus Model: Payroc makes it clear that they use interchange-plus pricing as their primary model. This is the most transparent pricing structure, where you pay the actual card network cost plus a fixed markup. According to a detailed review, Payroc typically charges a $25 monthly fee for the account and has no setup fee. Other typical fees (gateway, PCI, etc.) were not disclosed publicly, but Payroc does disclose terms to merchants upfront and doesn’t hide the ball.
  
• Contract Terms: Payroc’s contracts can vary. They are an ISO for multiple banks (e.g. Fifth Third, Wells Fargo), and the default may be a standard 3-year agreement with an early termination fee (ETF) around $295–$375. However, many firearm merchants (especially those who come through programs like RocketFFL) report flexible terms. It’s possible to negotiate terms or be placed on month-to-month after an initial period.
  
  Payroc has very few complaints about contract issues, indicating they are fair and not aggressive with enforcing fees if a business needs to leave. Always confirm the term length and ask about any ETF; given their reputation, Payroc may waive or not enforce it in many cases, especially for NSSF or referred clients.
  
• Other Fees: The Merchant Alternatives review notes an annual fee up to $79 in some cases, and that PCI compliance fees were undisclosed (likely bundled or handled case-by-case). Equipment can be bought or leased; Payroc offers everything from simple mobile swipers to full POS stations. If you already have a favorite gateway (say you use Authorize.net), Payroc can work with it as well – just note any gateway fees.

Compliance & Onboarding: Payroc is adept at onboarding FFLs. They will expect all the standard paperwork (FFL, IDs, voided check, etc.) but they know what an FFL is (you won’t be explaining your business to a clueless risk department). Moreover, Payroc’s familiarity with the firearms space means they can help guide you through any extra steps – for example, if you’re doing online sales, they understand you might need to register your business with certain gateways or adhere to shipping procedures. 

They are comfortable with both small home-based FFLs and large gun retailers, as evidenced by their scalable pricing and solutions. One particularly nice integration is with compliance software (FFLSafe), which Payroc cares about helping you stay ATF-compliant while processing sales.

Pros: Long track record in firearms payments; integrates with tons of industry software (POS systems, GunBroker, Gearfire, etc.); flexible pricing (can save large businesses money); option to eliminate fees via surcharging programs; highly rated customer support and hands-on onboarding; stable and large company (reduces risk of sudden policy changes).

Cons: Default contract may include a multi-year term – read the fine print (though few issues reported); monthly fee (~$25) likely applies; no instant approval – you still go through an underwriting review (but that’s necessary for high-risk). Overall, Payroc is an excellent choice for firearm businesses of any size that want an experienced, full-featured processing partner to grow with. They’re especially strong if you need integrations or plan to scale up your sales.

3. PaymentCloud – High-Risk Specialist with No Monthly Fees

Overview: PaymentCloud is a popular high-risk merchant account provider based in California that works with a wide array of industries – including firearms. They specialize in placing merchants that have difficulty getting approved elsewhere. PaymentCloud has built a strong reputation by offering fast approvals (often within 24 hours) and hands-on support, all while charging minimal account fees. 

For firearm dealers, especially small businesses or startups, PaymentCloud is frequently recommended as a “go-to” for online firearm sales due to their flexibility and willingness to board new high-risk merchants.

Features & Services: Despite being a general high-risk provider, PaymentCloud offers a robust suite of services relevant to gun businesses:

• Quick Approvals & High Approval Rate: PaymentCloud advertises a 98% approval rate for merchant accounts. Even if you’re a brand-new FFL or have limited processing history, they will strive to get you approved by one of their banking partners. Often accounts are set up in as little as one day, which is a huge benefit if you need to start taking payments quickly (say, your shop is opening or your old processor dropped you).
  
• No Setup or Monthly Fee: A big selling point is that PaymentCloud does not charge setup fees or monthly fees for their service. This is similar to TacticalPay’s approach and is a boon for small businesses watching overhead costs. You only pay when you make sales (transaction fees), which lowers the barrier to maintaining the account.
  
• Dedicated Account Manager: Every merchant gets a dedicated account representative for the life of the account. This means you have a specific person (or team) you can contact who understands your business. For high-risk industries, having a consistent rep can be invaluable when resolving issues or adjusting your account as you grow.
  
• Omnichannel Solutions: PaymentCloud can support in-person sales with EMV chip terminals and POS solutions, online sales with payment gateways/virtual terminals, and mobile payments with phone swipers. They basically resell or integrate with common hardware and software. For example, they can set you up with a Clover or Ingenico terminal for your store, and an Authorize.net or NMI gateway for your website. They also handle ACH/eCheck processing if you want to accept checks, and even offer merchant cash advance loans if you need funding.
  
• E-commerce Integrations: PaymentCloud prides itself on technology integrations. They offer multiple gateway options that integrate with “thousands of website platforms” via API. If you have a shopping cart on your site (Magento, WooCommerce, Shopify (with external gateway), etc.), PaymentCloud can connect.
  
  They also mention connecting to “firearm-specific software solutions” you already use. While they don’t list names, this likely means if you use a platform like AmmoReady or a specialty gun e-commerce system, PaymentCloud’s team will find a way to work with it. For retail gun stores, they provide “top-of-the-line terminals” and ensure all systems tie together securely.
  
• Risk & Fraud Tools: As a high-risk specialist, PaymentCloud offers fraud prevention tools and chargeback mitigation. They know firearms can be targets for fraud (stolen cards used to order pricey guns). Expect features like AVS (address verification), possibly 3D Secure for online, and notifications if chargebacks occur. Their goal is to help you keep chargeback ratios low and avoid frozen funds.

Pricing: PaymentCloud’s pricing is not published as fixed rates – they provide custom quotes based on your business profile. They do note that because of extra risk and regulations, “firearms vendors can expect to pay slightly higher than average processing fees”. In practice, that might mean your rates could be in the ballpark of ~3% + $0.20 (just an example) rather than, say, 2.5% that a low-risk merchant might get. 

However, PaymentCloud emphasizes that if a provider offers to work with you but with exorbitant rates, you should look elsewhere – “many high-risk providers offer competitive rates”, including them. This suggests PaymentCloud aims to give a fair, competitive deal for the firearms space, not gouge you.

A review by CPO even mentions that PaymentCloud has no negative complaints about pricing and an “A” rating for its practices. They likely use interchange-plus or tiered pricing depending on what the underwriting bank offers. Also, no monthly fee gives them an edge on cost. In summary, expect moderate transaction fees (slightly above normal), but no fixed monthly costs.

Contract Terms: PaymentCloud is known for being merchant-friendly on contracts. There are no early termination fees reported (implying service is month-to-month) and no long-term lock-ins. This is supported by industry reviews noting they have no ETF and transparent pricing.

When you sign up, carefully read the merchant agreement; but you’ll likely find PaymentCloud operates on the premise of earning your business with good service rather than binding contracts. If at any point you find a better solution or close your business, you can terminate without penalty. This flexibility is great for small firearms retailers or startups who might be unsure of future processing needs.

Compliance & Requirements: PaymentCloud will require you to have the proper credentials – they explicitly list that before getting gun-friendly merchant services, you should have your FFL, any state licenses, a business bank account, and so on.

During underwriting, they’ll ask for your FFL number and may verify it. They may also inquire about how you conduct sales (to ensure, for example, you’re shipping firearms only to other FFLs, not directly to buyers). Their team is experienced with firearms, so they won’t be surprised by these details; instead, they might help guide you (they encourage merchants to be prepared with documents to speed up approval).

PaymentCloud also stresses security and PCI compliance – ensuring you use encryption, tokenization, etc., to protect data. They are a Level 1 PCI compliant provider themselves, which gives peace of mind that transactions are handled securely. All in all, PaymentCloud is a great fit for an FFL dealer who wants a low-cost entry into card processing with a supportive partner. They often cater to merchants who may have been turned down elsewhere, finding a home for them via their network of banks.

Pros: No monthly fees or setup cost; very high approval rates (98%); fast turnaround to get processing; dedicated account managers and 24/7 support availability; can handle both online and retail gun sales; positive industry reputation with few complaints; customizes pricing to your business; provides ancillary services (check processing, funding, etc.) if needed.

Cons: Pricing is quote-based (you won’t know rates until you apply); as with any high-risk account, the rates will be a bit higher than mainstream low-risk accounts; some very large firearm businesses might require more advanced features than a relatively smaller provider like PaymentCloud (e.g. complex enterprise integrations, though they do pretty well on integrations). For small to mid-sized firearms businesses – especially those focusing on e-commerce or that are new – PaymentCloud offers an affordable, accessible solution with solid support.

4. eMerchantBroker (EMB) – High-Risk Veteran with Comprehensive Services

Overview: eMerchantBroker (EMB) is a long-established high-risk payment processor headquartered in Los Angeles. They have built a strong niche in serving industries that others avoid, and firearms merchant accounts are one of their specializations. EMB has been known in the high-risk space for years and has an A+ BBB rating for its operations. 

They emphasize security, chargeback prevention, and the ability to work with businesses of any size – from small gun shops to large online gun stores. If you need a provider who can handle not just your payments but also provide tools to manage fraud, disputes, and even funding, EMB is a top contender.

Features & Offerings: eMerchantBroker provides a full spectrum of merchant services, which can be very appealing to firearms businesses facing various challenges:

• High Approval Odds: EMB claims to approve 95-99% of applicants in many high-risk categories. They understand the firearms industry’s risk profile and have multiple banking partners. Even if you’ve been declined by other processors, EMB often finds a home for gun dealers (including those needing offshore accounts for online sales between FFLs).
  
• Security and Fraud Tools: Security is a cornerstone for EMB. They offer 24/7 fraud monitoring, chargeback protection programs, and dispute resolution support. For a gun retailer, this means EMB’s system will help flag suspicious transactions (potentially preventing fraudulent orders of expensive guns), and they can assist in fighting chargebacks (vital if someone tries to dispute a legitimate firearm sale).
  
• All-in-One Solutions: EMB can consolidate many of your financial needs:
  
  • They provide not just credit card processing but also ACH payment processing (accepting checks or bank payments).
    
  • They offer business funding (merchant cash advances) if you need working capital.
    
  • Check processing services allow you to accept check payments securely – could be useful for large B2B firearm orders or customers who prefer check.
    
  • They have their own online payment gateway or can integrate with others.
    
  • Point-of-sale solutions for in-store, and even cryptocurrency payment support if you wanted to accept crypto.
    
  • International merchant accounts: If you plan to sell online to international customers or need an offshore account for some reason (sometimes done to mitigate certain regulations), EMB can facilitate that too.
    
• Ease of Application: They advertise no application or setup fees and a “hassle-free” application with transparent, no-hidden-fee terms. In fact, they highlight no credit card required to apply (meaning the application process doesn’t require a personal credit card or similar). Essentially, EMB tries to apply low-friction so they can show you what they offer without upfront cost.
  
• Fast Onboarding: Many merchants report getting set up within 48 hours with EMB. They do ask for several documents (ID, voided check, bank statements, etc.), but if you have those ready, the approval can be very quick.

Pricing: eMerchantBroker offers custom pricing for each merchant – there is no one-size schedule published. Rates will depend on your business’s risk profile, volume, and processing history. However, some data is available from industry sources:

• Variable/Volume-Based Rates: EMB often uses tiered or volume-based pricing, meaning the more you process, the better your rates can get. They don’t charge a setup fee, which helps at startup. A snippet from a review site shows typical EMB rates might be around 3.00% + $0.15 for swiped transactions, and 4.00% + $0.25 for keyed. These are example figures for high-risk accounts as noted by Merchant Alternatives. Actual rates could be lower or higher, but this gives a ballpark (for context, low-risk retail might be ~2.2% – so yes, gun businesses will pay a bit more).
  
• Fees and Contract: One known point is EMB has offered contract terms of 1 to 3 years. In some cases, they have an early termination fee up to $595. This implies that if you sign up, you might be committing to a term (potentially 3 years) unless you negotiate otherwise. It’s a contrast to some others on this list who are month-to-month. That said, EMB’s overall complaint volume is low relative to their size, meaning many merchants find the service worth staying. If having no contract is important to you, discuss that with their sales team – they might offer a shorter term or a waiver of an ETF in certain deals.
  
• Other Fees: EMB is known for transparent pricing – they don’t usually hide junk fees. There are no application or setup fees. Monthly fees are not disclosed publicly (likely there is a monthly account fee, possibly in the ~$20-$30 range, but it wasn’t listed). Given their high-risk nature, they may also require a rolling reserve for new firearm accounts (e.g. holding 5-10% of each transaction for 6 months) – this is common in high-risk processing to protect against chargebacks. Reserve terms, if any, will be spelled out in your contract. Also, if you utilize their chargeback prevention tools or gateway, there might be additional fees for those services. Always get a full fee breakdown.

Integration & Compatibility: EMB integrates with a wide range of eCommerce platforms and shopping carts. They mention connecting you with “the best tools for your business” and explicitly list support for third-party integrations and POS solutions.

This means if you already use a software (say Magento for your online gun store, or Orchid POS in your shop), EMB will work to integrate with it. They have a dedicated integrations page and likely use gateways like Authorize.net, NMI, etc., which have broad compatibility. EMB can thus seamlessly become the backend processor for your existing sales channels without requiring a platform change.

Compliance: EMB knows you’re an FFL (or related business) and will verify your credentials. They note that keeping chargeback ratios under 2% is important – they likely monitor this for compliance and to keep your account stable. Their focus on security and fraud filters is a plus for compliance because it helps prevent situations that could draw regulatory scrutiny (like large fraud cases).

With EMB, you’ll still need to follow all ATF rules (they won’t directly enforce them but will expect you to be operating legally). If you have unique products (e.g. tactical items, accessories), EMB is open to many categories. They even serve things like online cigar and pipe sales and other edgy verticals, so a straightforward guns/ammo business is well within their wheelhouse.

Pros: Very high approval rates – they will find a way to get you processing; extensive experience in high-risk ensures they know how to keep your account running; offers extras like funding, chargeback help, ACH, which can be useful; one-stop shop if you want to consolidate services; emphasizes security and has 24/7 support; can work with businesses of any size (scale with you); rated A+ and has a relatively low complaint history for a high-risk provider.

Cons: May require a contract term (1-3 years) and has a significant early termination fee if you cancel early; pricing isn’t the lowest (expect around mid-3% per transaction or higher, depending on volume); monthly fees not openly stated (need to inquire); no free equipment (you’ll have to buy/lease terminals if needed). Also, because they are a larger high-risk provider, sometimes merchants report a lot of paperwork or occasional communication hiccups, but generally feedback is positive.

In summary, eMerchantBroker is a powerhouse for high-risk merchant services and a reliable choice if you want a seasoned partner. They might be especially good if you foresee needing additional services like chargeback protection or if you value a company that’s seen it all in high-risk. Just go in knowing the contract terms, and you’ll likely have a smooth experience processing with them.

5. Easy Pay Direct – High-Volume Solution with Unique Protections

Overview: Easy Pay Direct (EPD) is a high-risk friendly merchant services provider known for its robust platform and “Load Balancing” gateway designed to help businesses handle large volumes safely. They actively welcome firearm businesses as part of their high-risk portfolio.

Easy Pay Direct is particularly popular with eCommerce and online businesses, especially those processing significant volume (six figures and up) – though they also serve retail. If your firearms business is growing quickly or you want extra safeguards against account freezes, EPD’s system is built for you. They even advertise that they serve many industries “even if you can’t list them all,” explicitly mentioning Firearms/2A in their coverage.

Key Features:

• Multiple Merchant Accounts (Load Balancing): Easy Pay Direct’s signature offering is the Easy Pay Direct Gateway, which can connect to multiple backend merchant accounts. Why does this matter? In high-risk industries, there is always a chance a single bank might freeze or hold funds if risk flags trip. EPD mitigates this by setting you up with several merchant accounts (often with different banks) and then distributing your transactions across them.
  
  You have one gateway login, one point of contact, but behind the scenes you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket. If one account has an issue, your processing doesn’t come to a halt – the others can carry the load. This “single point of contact for multiple merchant accounts” is a huge draw for large firearm businesses (e.g. major online retailers or distributors). It provides redundancy and stability.
  
• High Risk Tolerance: EPD is accustomed to very high-risk scenarios (they serve industries like supplements, CBD, coaching, etc., besides firearms). They claim a 98% approval for clients with credit scores 500+. They can handle high tickets and high monthly volumes without blinking. If you expect to process $100k+ per month or have occasional very expensive sales (collector firearms, bulk ammo orders, etc.), EPD is equipped for that. In fact, Merchant Alternatives notes EPD is best for “established small/medium businesses” doing $500k+ annually.
  
• Specialized Support & Knowledge: EPD offers specialized support for firearm merchants – they explicitly discuss understanding firearms industry challenges (regulations, reputational risk) and ensuring compliance. Their team stays abreast of laws and will advise if certain products can’t be supported (for example, EPD will not board businesses selling 80% lower receivers or milling jigs, due to legal uncertainties around those items). This proactive stance helps keep your business in the clear.
  
• Security & Reliability: The EPD gateway is built with high security standards (PCI Level 1). They emphasize keeping your transactions safe and your merchant accounts stable. By spreading transactions, they also can help keep your chargeback ratios low per account, lowering risk. They provide the usual suite of fraud filters and are very hands-on if an issue arises. Their customer service is known to be responsive and knowledgeable about high-risk nuances.
  
• All Channels Supported: While known for eCommerce, Easy Pay Direct does support retail firearm sales too. They can set you up with terminals or integrate with POS systems. But their sweet spot is often online or MOTO (phone order) sales for high-risk. If you have an online store or a large catalog, their gateway can integrate with popular shopping carts (they have a list of integrated carts and can connect via API).
  

Pricing: Easy Pay Direct’s pricing is a bit more structured and transparent than some competitors:

• Account Fees: EPD charges a $99 one-time setup fee for new accounts. They also have a $24.95 monthly fee for the gateway and account management. These fees cover the cost of maintaining multiple accounts and the specialized gateway.
  
• Transaction Rates: From the data available, Easy Pay Direct often quotes 1.59% + $0.17 for swiped (card-present) transactions, and 2.39% + $0.29 for keyed/eCommerce transactions. These are starting rates for qualified merchants – actual rates can vary by risk level. Those base rates are actually quite competitive (if you can get them) for high-risk. They may represent interchange-plus pricing where those are the effective rates assuming certain interchange categories. But at least EPD makes public that their rates can be as low as those figures.
  
• High-Risk Adjustments: Depending on your business’s risk, some EPD clients may get higher rates than the ones above. EPD does publicize that they have “public pricing available” and doesn’t hide from discussing costs. Expect that if you’re a new FFL with low volume, you might not get the rock-bottom percentages, but as you grow, EPD can adjust pricing or add additional accounts to lower costs.
  
• Contract Terms: Easy Pay Direct offers variable contract terms tailored to your needs. Notably, domestic accounts have no early termination fee. This suggests that if you’re placed with a U.S. acquiring bank, EPD will not penalize you for leaving early. They do mention 1 year and 3 year options – possibly some accounts are on 1-year terms, others on 3-year, perhaps depending on bank or negotiated terms. But the big takeaway: no ETF for domestic accounts means you can likely exit if needed without paying a fine, which is a merchant-friendly stance. (If an offshore account was needed for some reason, that might carry a term, but most firearm businesses will use domestic processing.)
  
• Other Fees: EPD’s gateway is a key part of the service – the $24.95 monthly covers it. There may be additional per-transaction gateway fees or batch fees, but those aren’t explicitly listed in our sources. EPD likely charges for chargeback handling (e.g. $25 per chargeback, which is standard) and possibly has an annual PCI fee. However, given their transparency ethos, they would disclose these upfront. Always review the fee schedule – but with EPD, you have a decent idea: ~$25/month, ~1.59–2.39% rates plus a small per item fee, and one-time $99 setup.

Ideal Use Case: Easy Pay Direct can technically serve any firearm merchant, but they shine for medium-to-large online firearm retailers, wholesalers, or any gun business concerned about account stability. If you are processing significant volume or have had accounts frozen in the past, EPD’s multi-account strategy is like an insurance policy. Even smaller FFLs who simply want a very stable setup might opt for EPD to avoid headaches.

Their focus on compliance (refusing banned products like ghost gun parts) means if they take you on, they’re confident they can keep you processing. Their platform can scale as you grow – you could start with one merchant account and later add more as volume increases, all under the same gateway.

Pros: Unique gateway that safeguards your business by using multiple merchant accounts; no early termination fee for U.S. accounts; public about their pricing and terms; expertise in high-risk prevents surprises; good customer support that understands firearm industry needs; accommodates high volume and high ticket sales with ease.

Cons: Higher upfront and monthly fees (the $99 setup and $24.95/month are costs not all providers charge, though they’re reasonable for what you get); smaller low-volume merchants might find EPD’s service more than they need (if you only process a few thousand a month, you may not require multi-account load balancing); EPD will not accept some controversial firearm products (80% receivers, etc.), so if your business is in those niches, you’d need a different solution.

Overall, Easy Pay Direct is like the “premium” solution for gun-friendly processing – you pay a bit for added peace of mind and infrastructure that can save your business if one bank cuts you off. Many firearm businesses that experienced issues elsewhere move to EPD to prevent repeat problems.

Comparison of the Top Gun-Friendly Processors

To help you see how these five providers stack up, here’s a side-by-side comparison of key features and terms:

Processor	Best For	Key Features	Pricing (approx.)	Contract Terms	Integrations & Tools
Tactical Payments	Firearm-focused small to mid businesses; FFL dealers, ranges, accessory sellers	– Firearms-only specialization – works with all 2A-friendly banks (no restrictions on legal gun sales) – Retail, mobile, eCommerce support (terminals, phone swipers, virtual terminal) – GunBroker integration + 100+ shopping carts/platforms – Texas-based support team with industry knowledge	– No setup or monthly fees – Transaction fees custom-quoted (competitive for industry) – No hidden fees (transparent pricing) – Same-day funding available (in many cases)	– Likely month-to-month (no long contract or ETF) – Quick approval (often 24 hours) – Requires FFL for gun sales (must provide license)	– Pre-integrated payment gateway (NMI, etc.) for online sales – Plug-and-play with major eComm platforms – Integrates with GunBroker, GunsAmerica, Armslist etc. for online auctions/sales – Supports point-of-sale systems for gun shops
Payroc	Established retailers (storefronts or ranges) and growing online gun shops; those needing full-featured support	– Full-service MSP with in-house underwriting for FFLs – Retail (POS systems, terminals), mobile app, and eCommerce gateway all provided – Partners with NSSF; deep industry expertise and ATF compliance knowledge – Offers surcharge/cash discount programs to offset fees	– Flexible pricing: flat-rate for small merchants, interchange-plus for larger – Competitive rates (many merchants see savings) – ~$25 monthly fee for account/gateway – No setup fee; next-day funding standard	– Standard term often 3 years, but few complaints on contracts (can negotiate) – Early termination ~$295–$375 if applicable (often waived for special programs) – Interchange-plus pricing model (transparent costs) – 20+ years in business (very stable)	– Integrates with gun industry software (FFLSafe, FastBound, Gearfire, Rapid Gun, etc.) – Seamless with common gateways (Auth.net, NMI, etc.) – API for custom integrations; supports recurring billing – GunBroker and other marketplace integrations for online sales
PaymentCloud	New or small firearms businesses; online-focused sellers; those on a budget	– High-risk specialist with 98% approval rate – great for hard-to-place merchants – No-frills merchant accounts: supports retail terminals, online gateway, virtual terminal, mobile swipers – 24/7 support and dedicated account manager for each client – Quick setup (often within 24-48 hours) and no-cost application	– No application or monthly fees – pay only per transaction – Custom rates (slightly higher than low-risk) – e.g. ~3%+ likely – No early termination fee (month-to-month) – Free account setup and training	– No long-term contract; no ETF – Ongoing service is month-to-month (retain through good service) – Requires FFL (and other documents) to approve gun merchants – Emphasis on compliance with PCI and firearms laws	– Multiple payment gateways available; integrates with thousands of eCommerce platforms via API – Provides terminals that work with popular POS systems – Can connect to firearm-specific software (inventory, etc.) – Tools for fraud detection and chargeback alerts to protect high-ticket gun sales
eMerchantBroker (EMB)	Firearm merchants of any size who want extra services (funding, checks); those needing high touch risk management	– Experienced high-risk processor – A+ rated, low complaint history – Approves ~95%+ of firearm merchant applications, including high-volume and e-commerce gun sellers – Offers chargeback protection, fraud filters, and 24/7 support to minimize risk – Services beyond processing: ACH eCheck processing, merchant cash advances, international accounts, etc.	– No setup or application fee to get started – Custom pricing based on merchant (generally competitive for high-risk) – Example rates ~3–4% + $0.15–0.25 (industry average) – May have monthly fee (disclosed in quote)	– Contracts of 1–3 years typical; ETF up to $595 if term is broken – Transparent terms (no hidden fees) but not month-to-month by default – Fast approval (24-48 hours possible); high approval odds even if declined elsewhere – Requires standard paperwork (ID, FFL, bank statements) for underwriting	– Payment gateway included (EMB’s or third-party) for online sales – Integrates with numerous shopping carts and POS systems (via API or plugins) – Check processing and ACH integration (to take checks online) – Dispute management tools to streamline chargeback responses
Easy Pay Direct (EPD)	High-volume or rapidly growing firearm businesses; online sellers needing maximum stability; any FFL who had past processor shutdowns	– “Load balanced” processing – sets up multiple merchant accounts to spread risk, ensuring no single account issue stops your sales – High risk tolerance – comfortable with big ticket firearms, $500k+ yearly sales, etc. – Specializes in compliance: will advise on prohibited items (e.g. won’t process ghost gun kits) – Strong gateway technology with advanced routing, plus excellent customer service attuned to high-risk needs	– $99 setup fee (one-time) – $24.95/month gateway/account fee – Transaction rates often starting around 1.59% + $0.17 (swipe), **2.39% + $0.29 (keyed)】(actual rate depends on risk/profile) – No hidden fees; public pricing philosophy	– Variable contract length tailored to merchant – No early termination fee for domestic accounts (can cancel without penalty) – Typically month-to-month or 1 year term; some banks require 3 year (check your agreement) – Gateway and support are ongoing as long as you use the service	– Proprietary gateway integrates with many eCommerce platforms (Shopify via third-party, WooCommerce, Magento, etc.) – Supports standard terminals and POS for retail – Multi-account dashboard to monitor all processing – Security features and PCI compliance assistance baked in

Notes: All these providers require U.S.-based businesses and adherence to federal firearm laws. “Requires FFL” means if you’re selling guns, you must have a Federal Firearm License – processors will verify this. Pricing and terms can vary per merchant; the figures above are based on available data and may be adjusted upon application.

As you can see, each of the top 5 has its strengths. For example, Tactical Payments and PaymentCloud stand out for no monthly fees and ease for smaller businesses, Payroc offers the most comprehensive industry integrations, EMB provides a wide array of financial services and high-risk expertise, and Easy Pay Direct delivers unmatched stability for high-volume sales. Next, we’ll address some common questions FFLs have about credit card processing in the firearms industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why can’t I use PayPal, Stripe, or Square for my gun business?

Major payment aggregators like PayPal, Stripe, and Square have policies banning firearms transactions. They classify firearms and ammunition sales as prohibited or “high-risk” due to potential legal liabilities and public pressure. If you try to use them for gun sales (even for accessories in some cases), you risk sudden account freezes or termination. This can happen without warning, and any funds in your account could be frozen for 180 days under their terms. In short, mainstream processors don’t want the risk – so firearm merchants need to use specialized gun-friendly processors that explicitly allow these sales.

Do I need a Federal Firearms License (FFL) to get a merchant account for guns?

Yes. If you are selling actual firearms, virtually all credit card processors will require that you are a licensed firearms dealer (FFL holder). It’s a legal requirement: under federal law, anyone engaged in the business of selling firearms must have an FFL. Gun-friendly processors will verify your FFL number during underwriting. The only exception is if you only sell items that don’t require an FFL – for example, ammunition, holsters, or accessories.

In those cases, a processor might accept you without an FFL (though you should have any state/local licenses required for ammo sales). But for selling guns, you must either have an active FFL or be in the process of obtaining one (some processors, like TacticalPay, will consider your application if your FFL is pending issuance). This ensures that both you and the payment provider are in compliance with ATF regulations.

Is it legal to sell firearms online and accept credit cards for them?

Yes, it’s legal to sell guns online with proper procedures – and gun-friendly processors facilitate the payment part. However, online firearm sales aren’t like typical e-commerce: the firearm must be shipped to a licensed dealer (FFL) near the buyer, who will then perform the background check and transfer. You cannot ship a firearm directly to a non-licensed consumer across state lines. Payment processors for firearms are aware of this and will only support transactions that follow the law. 

In practice, you as the seller can list guns on your website, take an order and payment from a customer, but then you ship the gun to, say, “Mike’s Gun Shop (FFL)” in the customer’s state, where the customer picks it up after a NICS check. Processors allow online payments between FFLs, but not direct-to-consumer delivery.

As long as you adhere to this (and any state-specific rules), accepting credit cards online for guns is fine. The transaction receipt might need to show the FFL info. Many gun-friendly gateways integrate features for entering the receiving FFL details. So, yes – you can sell guns online with credit cards, just ensure all firearms are transferred via FFLs. Ammo and accessories can be shipped directly in most places, but be mindful of age verification (e.g. some states require ID for ammo).

Are processing fees higher for firearm businesses?

They are slightly higher on average, yes. Firearms businesses are considered higher-risk, and banks charge more to compensate for that risk. Additionally, extra steps in underwriting and potential reserve requirements can influence pricing. Typically, a gun retailer might see rates perhaps 0.5–1% higher than a comparably sized low-risk business.

For example, while a low-risk retail shop might pay around 2.3% for swiped cards, a gun shop might pay around 2.9–3.5%. Online gun sales might be ~3–4% due to card-not-present and risk factors. However, you should still get competitive rates from a reputable gun-friendly processor – “high-risk” doesn’t mean blank check to overcharge. 

As PaymentCloud notes, if a provider offers to work with you but with exorbitant rates, you can likely find a better deal elsewhere. All the top 5 processors we discussed strive to keep fees reasonable (many use interchange-plus pricing to transparently pass along costs). Also, by shopping around and providing a solid application (good credit, clean history, etc.), you can negotiate better terms.

Some, like Payroc, even offer flat-rate plans close to typical rates for small volume, and better pricing as you grow. In summary, expect to pay a bit more in fees for the added risk service, but it shouldn’t be outrageously high – and you gain the ability to actually process payments reliably, which is worth it.

What kind of contract and commitment should I expect?

It varies by provider:

• Some gun-friendly processors like PaymentCloud and Tactical Payments are month-to-month with no cancellation fee. They don’t lock you in; they believe you’ll stay for the service value.
  
• Others like Payroc or EMB may have a standard contract term (often 3 years), especially if they set you up through a traditional acquiring bank. In Payroc’s case, they have few complaints and often waive enforcement of any ETF for firearms clients, but technically you might sign a multi-year merchant agreement. EMB often has a 2–3 year term with an ETF up to $595 if you cancel early.
  
• Easy Pay Direct offers flexible terms – many of their clients are effectively month-to-month, and they explicitly have no early termination fee on domestic accounts. So you could leave if needed without penalty.

Before signing up, ask the provider about the contract length and any early termination fee. Reputable providers will be upfront. If you’re uncomfortable with a long commitment, see if they offer a trial period or a shorter term. Sometimes, processors will also earn your business with a service agreement that allows termination given notice. The key is to read the merchant agreement. If a contract exists, look for clauses about term and termination fees.

Many firearm businesses stick with their chosen processor for years because switching can be a hassle and, if the service is good, there’s no reason to leave. But it’s good to know you have the freedom to switch if needed. In general, our top picks have fair contract policies – none are known for predatory long-term traps in 2025.

How fast can I get approved and start processing cards?

Usually within a couple of days, sometimes faster. Gun-friendly processors know you might be in a hurry (for example, setting up for an upcoming gun show or opening a new store). Here’s the typical timeline:

• Application Submission: You fill out an online application form with details about your business, owner info, FFL, product types, estimated volumes, etc. This can often be done in 10–20 minutes. Tactical Payments, for instance, says “Apply in 5 minutes, get approved tomorrow”.
  
• Underwriting Review: The processor’s underwriting team (or bank) reviews your application and documents. For high-risk accounts, they might ask a few follow-up questions or require additional docs (like more bank statements or your FFL copy, if not already provided). Assuming all is in order:
  
• Approval: Many providers can give approval in 24–48 hours. PaymentCloud advertises account setup within 24 hours in many cases. EMB often approves 99% of accounts and can get you going in a day or two as well.
  
• Integration/Setup: Once approved, you’ll get your merchant account credentials and any equipment or gateway logins. Setting up a terminal is usually plug-and-play (or they ship it pre-programmed). For an online gateway, you or your web developer will install API keys or a plugin. Processors like Payroc and PaymentCloud will assist you through this to ensure you can actually run a test transaction and go live. This step can be same-day once you have the info.
  
• Live Processing: You’re now able to run transactions – either swiping cards in-store or taking payments on your website.

In summary, you should expect maybe 1-3 business days from application to being fully live if you have all your documentation ready and respond quickly to any requests. Some merchants have reported even faster turnarounds (e.g., apply in the morning, approved by end of day, processing by the next morning).

To speed up approval, send in complete info: your FFL license scan, voided check, bank statements, a photo ID of the owner, and perhaps your EIN document. Having a clean credit history and no prior terminated merchant accounts also makes it smooth. Gun-friendly processors are motivated to get you up and running quickly, since they know you may be losing sales each day you can’t accept cards.

What if I only sell gun accessories or ammunition? Do I still need a “high-risk” processor?

It depends, but often yes, it’s safer to use a gun-friendly processor. Here’s why:

• Many mainstream providers lump anything gun-related into their prohibited category. For example, PayPal has banned transactions for “certain gun parts and accessories” and even optics in some cases. Stripe and Square have banned not just guns but also “firearm parts, hardware, and ammunition”. So if you sell AR-15 uppers, magazines, ammo, or sometimes even holsters, you could get flagged and shut down by a mainstream platform.
  
• If your business has “guns” in the name or clearly caters to the firearm community, aggregators may automatically flag it. We’ve seen reports of accounts closed for selling items like scopes or tactical gear simply because the system inferred a firearms connection.

That said, accessories and ammo are a bit less risky than guns themselves. Some traditional merchant account providers (low-risk ones) might accept an accessory-only business, but you’d need to get explicit approval in writing. Often, it’s not worth the risk of ambiguity. A gun-friendly payment processor welcomes accessories and ammo sellers just as much as FFL dealers. In fact, Tactical Payments says they provide accounts for “components, accessories, ammunition retailers” etc., even if other banks label those as high-risk.

The benefit of going with a high-risk/gun-friendly provider even for accessories is you get peace of mind that your account won’t be suddenly terminated due to corporate policy changes or a compliance sweep. You’ll also have support from people who understand your products (so you won’t have to explain what a reloading press is, for instance).

The only downside is possibly slightly higher fees than a standard low-risk account. If you sell only accessories and are very small, you might experiment with a standard provider with full disclosure of what you sell. But for most, it’s advisable to use one of these gun-friendly services. They’ll accept all your sales – guns, ammo, accessories, knives, etc., as long as legal – under one roof. And if you decide to add actual firearms to your catalog later, you won’t have to switch processors; you’ll already be set.

What measures can I take to avoid chargebacks or issues in firearms transactions?

Managing risk is important in this industry because too many chargebacks can jeopardize your merchant account. Here are some tips:

• Use verification tools: Always ship to the billing address of the card when possible, or use Address Verification (AVS) to match the card’s address. For online sales, require the CVV code. These basics help prevent fraud.
  
• Detailed documentation: Require customers to electronically sign an acknowledgment of your sales terms (especially for online sales of firearms or ammo). Keep proof of delivery (tracking, FFL transfer records). In case of a dispute, you have evidence the product was received and agreed upon.
  
• Clear descriptors: Work with your processor to set a clear billing descriptor on customer statements (e.g., “ABC Firearms Store” or “ABC Sports LLC” if you prefer something subtle). This way customers recognize the charge and don’t issue a chargeback thinking it’s fraud.
  
• Communication: Firearm purchases can have delays (e.g., waiting for background check or shipping to FFL). Communicate with your customers. Provide tracking info and FFL contact info. Satisfied, informed customers are less likely to dispute a charge.
  
• Leverage processor tools: Many gun-friendly processors offer fraud detection and chargeback alerts. For example, PaymentCloud and EMB have fraud filters and may integrate services like Ethoca or Verifi to alert you of impending chargebacks, giving you a chance to refund or resolve before it hits. Use these if available.
  
• Keep chargeback ratio low: Aim to keep chargebacks under 1% of transactions (most require under 2% absolute max). If you get a dispute, resolve it quickly – even if it means accepting a return – to avoid it escalating.
  
• Ensure compliance: One major source of disputes could be if a firearm sale isn’t done 100% legally (e.g., shipped to the wrong place) – the transaction could be voided or reversed. By following all laws, you avoid scenarios where a bank might reverse funds or a customer could claim an unlawful sale.

By taking these steps, you build a strong track record. Processors appreciate that and it will help your relationship with them long-term. Many of the top processors also offer education and support on these best practices (for instance, Edge’s blog suggests regularly reviewing compliance and monitoring transactions for fraud as key tips). Use your processor as a partner in mitigating risk.

Conclusion

Navigating credit card processing as a firearm business may seem daunting at first – but as we’ve seen, there are several excellent gun-friendly payment processors ready to work with you. These providers understand the unique challenges FFL dealers and gun retailers face: stringent regulations, higher risk profiles, and the need for reliable service without political interference.

By choosing one of the Top 5 processors we’ve detailed – Tactical Payments, Payroc, PaymentCloud, eMerchantBroker, or Easy Pay Direct – you’re partnering with a company that will treat your firearms business with respect and professionalism rather than suspicion.

Each of these processors offers something a little different. Whether you prioritize low fees and quick setup (e.g. PaymentCloud or TacticalPay), robust integration and scaling (Payroc or EPD for high-volume), or a full-service safety net (EMB’s all-in-one offerings), there’s an option tailored for you. The comparison table and FAQs should help you zero in on which fits your needs best.

A few parting pieces of advice as you move forward:

• Always be upfront about your business type when applying. Hiding the fact that you sell guns will only lead to termination later. The processors in this guide welcome your transparency.
  
• Prepare your documentation (FFL, licenses, bank info) to streamline approvals. A complete and honest application speeds up the process.
  
• Compare offers if you can. It’s acceptable to apply to a couple of these providers and see who gives the best rates/terms for your situation. Just avoid submitting too many applications simultaneously (as it may raise flags on credit inquiries).
  
• Think long-term: Choose a processor you can grow with. Switching processors frequently isn’t ideal, so consider not just your current needs but also 2-3 years down the line (volume, sales channels, etc.). For example, if you plan to add an online store later, pick a processor that can handle eCommerce, not just retail.
  
• Stay compliant and communicative: Once you’re processing, maintain good practices (as discussed in risk management). If something changes in your business (like a big sales spike or new product line), let your processor know. It’s better they hear it from you than detect it unexpectedly.

By securing a reliable, 2A-friendly payment partner, you remove a huge headache from your business. You can then focus on what you do best – selling quality firearms, accessories, and services to your customers – while knowing your payments are in safe hands. The firearms industry has enough red tape; with the right payment processor, accepting credit cards won’t be one of them, and you can grow your business with confidence and stability.