The Best Credit Card Processors for Gun Stores

Running a federally licensed firearms business in the U.S. means walking a tightrope: you need payment partners who actually support lawful firearm sales, you must stay aligned with PCI DSS security rules, and you can’t afford funding holds or sudden shutdowns. 

In 2025, the “best credit card processors for gun stores” share a few traits: they explicitly accept firearms merchants (FFLs and non-FFLs where lawful), they understand ATF compliance workflows, they’re transparent about risk-based pricing, and they offer reliable chargeback tools for regulated, high-scrutiny transactions. 

This guide breaks down the latest rules, risks, and the top gun-friendly processors so you can choose with confidence for the U.S. market. We’ll also cover integrations with FFL software and what matters for in-store, eCommerce, and gun-show sales.

Why Firearms Merchants Need Gun-Friendly Credit Card Processing (and Why Many “Big” Platforms Say No)

Most general-purpose payment platforms—especially payment facilitators (PayFacs) and peer-to-peer apps—either prohibit firearms outright or treat them as a prohibited/high-risk vertical. 

The result is familiar to many FFLs: surprise account freezes, chargeback reserve hikes, or terminations after a compliance review—even when you’re following the law. 

If your gun store relies on a non-2A-friendly processor, the risk isn’t theoretical: policies allow platforms to suspend accounts, hold funds for months, and permanently restrict future access if they believe prohibited transactions occurred. 

That’s why gun stores need dedicated, gun-friendly credit card processors that knowingly underwrite the category and provide durable, bank-sponsored merchant accounts tailored for firearms.

The policy landscape also keeps shifting. Since 2023, a firearms-specific merchant category code (MCC) has been debated, with states and advocacy groups weighing in on whether gun-store transactions should be “flagged” by a unique MCC. 

Several legislative pushes in 2024–2025 sought to block or limit gun-specific MCC use, while industry groups warned of compliance confusion across states. 

For gun stores, the practical takeaway is simple: pick processors that track MCC and legislative changes for you, document compliance, and won’t panic when headlines change.

2025 Compliance Snapshot: PCI DSS v4.0 Deadline and ATF-Aware Workflows

March 31, 2025 marks the date when the future-dated requirements of PCI DSS v4.0/v4.0.1 become enforceable, including added controls for eCommerce skimming prevention, change management, and monitoring. 

Your processor and gateway must help you meet these controls (SAQ type, segmentation, scripts integrity, and more), and they should be current on PCI SSC guidance released throughout 2024–2025. 

If you’re migrating from v3.2.1, verify that your provider’s gateway, hosted fields/checkout, and tokenization align with the new requirements, and get updated AOCs/ROCs from your vendors.

Separately, ATF recordkeeping and Form 4473 obligations still apply to firearm transfers (with the most recent federal updates published in August 2023). Your payment stack should play nicely with FFL software so sales and compliance records reconcile cleanly. 

Look for processors that integrate with FFL e-bound books, e4473 tools, and audit-friendly reporting. This is crucial whether you sell in a brick-and-mortar store, at gun shows, or via eCommerce with FFL-to-FFL transfers for modern firearms.

How to Choose the Best Credit Card Processors for Gun Stores (Evaluation Criteria That Matter)

1. Firearms underwriting experience: You want a processor that openly accepts FFLs and understands your product mix (firearms, ammo, parts, optics, gunsmithing). Ask directly whether they board gun stores, how they treat online sales, and how they handle age or KYC friction for high-value items. Publicly stated acceptance or a firearms-focused program is a good sign.
2. Stability & bank sponsorship: Processors working with 2A-friendly acquiring banks are less likely to “change their mind.” Request contract details, reserve policies, and rules for rolling reserves or rapid volume increases (seasonal spikes, large transfers, or clearance events). Independent reviews specific to firearms can help.
3. PCI DSS v4.0 support: Confirm your gateway features: iframe/hosted fields, script integrity monitoring support, tokenization, PAN truncation, and dispute integrations. Ask for current AOC/ROC and SAQ guidance.
4. Chargeback strategy: Firearms are scrutinized; you need reason codes, playbooks, compelling evidence templates (e.g., shipment to FFL, signed 4473 at pickup), and automated representation. Good processors proactively coach you. (General industry insight; align with your counsel and ATF rules.)
5. Integrations for FFLs: Seek native or proven integrations with eBound/e4473 platforms and gun-friendly marketplaces. Providers that advertise 2A POS/eCom connections reduce friction.
6. Transparent pricing: Interchange-plus with clear assessments is still the gold standard. High-risk doesn’t have to mean hidden surcharges; get a full cost stack in writing (monthly, gateway, batch, AVS, chargeback, PCI, and early termination).
7. MCC & policy literacy: Your provider should brief you on MCC usage, state-by-state MCC rules, and how they monitor legislative changes impacting firearms merchants.

The Shortlist: Best Credit Card Processors for Gun Stores (2025)

These providers publicly market gun-friendly solutions or are widely recognized in the 2A community for boarding firearms merchants. Always verify your exact vertical, products, states served, and underwriting before you apply.

Host Merchant Services (HMS)

Host Merchant Services explicitly markets firearms merchant accounts, with solutions for FFL dealers, gun shops, and online firearm retailers. HMS positions itself around secure, compliant payment processing with tailored underwriting for firearms, and emphasizes reliability and transparency for U.S. merchants. 

For gun stores seeking a provider that states its 2A stance, HMS is a strong contender—especially if you want hands-on guidance through underwriting, gateway setup, and chargeback prep. 

Evaluate their eCom gateway options, AVS/CVV controls, and whether they can integrate with your preferred FFL software or marketplace plugins. (As always, ask for interchange-plus quotes and a sample statement.)

Durango Merchant Services

Durango is a longstanding high-risk merchant account specialist that accepts firearms merchants and is often recommended for verticals mainstream providers avoid. With Durango, you’re applying for a true merchant account (not just an aggregator sub-account), which helps reduce arbitrary shutdown risk. 

Merchants consistently cite Durango’s underwriting expertise and ability to work with complex business models (e.g., online, phone orders to FFL, special orders). If you sell higher-ticket items or need cross-border tools (where lawful), discuss reserves, descriptor strategy, and KYC upfront.

PaymentCloud

PaymentCloud markets itself as a high-risk processor that “embraces” categories most providers reject—including firearms. For gun stores, that means realistic underwriting expectations, guidance on acceptable SKUs, and help choosing a gateway fit for PCI DSS v4.0. 

Ask about their fraud-screening stack, AVS policies, and whether they can segment ammo vs. firearm transactions for clearer reporting and risk management. If you sell online and at shows, verify their mobile/card-present POS options and offline mode.

Easy Pay Direct

Easy Pay Direct publicly promotes gun-friendly processing and highlights its gateway’s broad shopping-cart integrations—useful if you run eCommerce with specialized catalogs, bundling, or backorder flows. 

Firearms merchants report that working with a processor that anticipates MATCH-list pitfalls and reserve management is critical; EPD’s marketing emphasizes experience helping FFLs clear underwriting and stay live. 

Confirm ammo/firearm policy details, descriptor strategy, and multi-MID options if you split business lines.

Tactical Payments

Tactical Payments focuses exclusively on 2A-friendly sponsor banks and processors. That specialization can be an advantage for FFLs who want a partner steeped in firearms nuances (GunBroker ties, FFL POS, and catalog rules). 

Discuss their gateway features for PCI DSS v4.0, eCom skimming protections, and whether they offer pre-built integration checklists for e4473/eBound providers.

Orchid Payments (within Orchid’s FFL Platform)

Orchid is best known for compliance software (eBound, e4473) but also offers 2A payment processing linked to its FFL tools. 

If you prefer a one-platform approach with ATF-aware workflows and storage, consolidating payments and compliance in one ecosystem can simplify audits and staff training. Validate terminal support for your in-store lanes, plus hosted-payments options and tokenization for website sales.

FFL Payments

Built “by FFLs for FFLs,” FFL Payments positions itself squarely as a gun-friendly credit card processor. If you value community-driven support and transparent pricing tailored to FFL realities, put them on your RFP list. 

Confirm bank sponsorship, reserve triggers, and the scope of supported SKUs (e.g., frames, receivers, NFA items—where lawful).

What Not to Use: Why Many Popular Platforms Are Off-Limits for Gun Stores

Square, PayPal, and similar mainstream platforms generally prohibit firearms and often restrict parts and accessories. Even if your account appears fine during onboarding, transaction monitoring can flag suspicious strings (SKU keywords, MCC inconsistencies, or ticket size anomalies) and result in holds or termination. 

Merchants have documented this pattern for years, and current acceptable-use policies continue to warn off gun businesses. If a non-2A platform tells you “you’re good,” insist on written confirmation referencing your SKUs—or choose a gun-friendly processor and sleep better.

In-Store vs. eCommerce vs. Gun Shows: Building the Right Stack

• Brick-and-mortar (card-present): You’ll want EMV-capable terminals, offline mode for intermittent connectivity, and clear policies for age verification and ID checks, even though the 4473 occurs at transfer.
  
  Ask your processor for terminal profiles that force AVS for keyed entries, require CVV on MOTO, and support partial approvals for split tenders when customers buy non-regulated items alongside firearms.
  
• eCommerce (card-not-present): PCI DSS v4.0 adds teeth to script integrity and web-skimming controls. Choose hosted fields or a fully hosted checkout, turn on 3-D Secure (when supported), and use velocity rules tuned for firearms baskets. Your gateway should export order-level metadata to help defend friendly-fraud disputes.
  
• Gun shows & traveling sales: Bring mobile EMV readers connected to your main MID, not a separate aggregator. Ensure your receipts, inventory movement, and transfer paperwork sync to your FFL systems.
  
  If connectivity is shaky, get offline capture with risk guardrails (ticket caps, timeouts) and clear “no delivery until transfer complete” language.

Top Integrations for Gun Stores: Compliance and Operations

• FFL Software: Platforms like Orchid (eBound and e4473) or FastBound help you centralize acquisition & disposition logs and digitize the 4473, reducing manual errors and simplifying ATF audits.
  
  Pick payment solutions that export order data compatible with your FFL tools, or ask your provider for a proven integration plan.
  
• Marketplaces & industry tools: Many 2A processors tout GunBroker compatibility and gun-retail POS connections. If you sell online, confirm whether your processor has native plugins or provides gateway-agnostic APIs that your developer can tie into quickly.
  
• Chargeback & risk add-ons: Use address verification (AVS), CVV checks, device fingerprinting where available, and clear descriptors.
  
  For ammo-only sites, consider SCA/3-D Secure if your gateway supports it for U.S. cards, and document your adult-signature shipping on higher-risk orders to strengthen representation.

Pricing: What “High-Risk” Should—and Shouldn’t—Mean

Being a firearms merchant doesn’t require opaque pricing. You should still push for interchange-plus, with transparent monthly and per-item fees. 

Expect a modest premium vs. low-risk retail, but be wary of junk fees: “PCI non-compliance fees” when you’re actually compliant, excessive monthly “risk monitoring,” or early termination penalties that lock you in. Ask for:

• Interchange-plus markup (basis points + per-item)
  
• All pass-through assessments
  
• Gateway costs (monthly + per-auth + batch)
  
• Chargeback, retrieval, and representment fees
  
• PCI program details and SAQ requirements
  
• Any reserves or rolling reserve terms and release timelines

Cross-compare at least three gun-friendly offers—HMS, Durango, PaymentCloud, Easy Pay Direct, Tactical Payments, Orchid/FFL Payments—to pressure-test rates and support depth.

2025 Policy Watch: MCCs, State Laws, and Documentation You Should Keep

The firearms-specific MCC debate didn’t end in 2023; it evolved with state-by-state actions in 2024–2025. Some states sought to prevent use of a unique MCC for gun stores, while others discussed compliance obligations around any such code. 

Your processor should keep you informed, but you still need a file showing your policies, product lists, and how transfers are handled. If a bank or card network asks questions, respond with clarity: what you sell, how you verify transfers, and how your POS/eCom flows prevent unlawful sales.

On the security front, get ahead of PCI DSS v4.0 now: run a gap assessment, assign owners for each new requirement, and map who is responsible—you or the gateway/hosted-payments vendor. This prep avoids last-minute “PCI noncompliance” surcharges and reduces breach exposure.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Firearms Merchant Account (and Get Approved Faster)

1. Gather documents. Corporate formation docs, EIN, FFL license (if applicable), store address, websites/URLs, refund and shipping policies, and your inventory scope (firearms, ammo, parts). Processors want to see transparent policies and a working website with compliance language.
   
2. Disclose your model. In-store only? eCom for accessories with FFL-to-FFL transfers for firearms? Gun shows? Be explicit—surprises cause shutdowns.
   
3. Ask firearms-specific questions. Which SKUs are permitted? Any limitations on frames/receivers or NFA items (where lawful)? How do they treat special orders and deposits?
   
4. Discuss chargebacks & reserves. What triggers a reserve? How are thresholds reviewed? What’s the dispute workflow and evidence pack for regulated goods?
   
5. Map PCI DSS v4.0. Confirm SAQ type, hosted fields, tokenization, and script-integrity controls for your site. Get AOC/ROC copies and an integration checklist.
   
6. Test before launch. Run test transactions across scenarios (in-store EMV, keyed fallback, eCom with AVS/3DS). Verify settlement times and reporting exports to your FFL software.

2025 Picks by Scenario: Matching Processors to Common Gun-Store Setups

• New FFL retailer (single location, in-store focus): Choose a processor with crystal-clear in-store terminal support and basic eCom expansion.
  
  HMS and PaymentCloud are solid starting points thanks to explicit firearms positioning and hand-holding on underwriting; Tactical Payments is attractive if you want a 2A-focused network from day one.
  
• Established shop adding eCommerce: Easy Pay Direct’s gateway breadth helps with complex catalogs and backorders; Durango’s high-risk experience is valuable for larger tickets and custom orders. Double-check PCI v4.0 features with your developer.
  
• Compliance-first operation: If you want to integrate payments tightly with eBound/e4473, consider Orchid. You’ll still compare pricing against HMS/PaymentCloud/Durango, but the audit-friendly workflows are compelling.
  
• Multi-channel seller (store + gun shows + online): Prioritize a provider that supports one MID across channels, mobile EMV, offline capture with caps, and accurate inventory sync. Tactical Payments and Durango are accustomed to this structure; confirm hardware and settlement logistics.

FAQs

Q.1: Do I really need a “gun-friendly” processor?

Answer: Yes. Mainstream platforms often ban firearm transactions outright or restrict them so heavily they’re impractical. Using a non-2A provider risks shutdowns and seized funds. Choose processors that publicly accept firearms and can prove bank sponsorship for your vertical.

Q.2: What about the firearm-specific MCC?

Answer: Since 2023, a gun-store MCC has sparked controversy. In 2024–2025, multiple efforts sought to limit or block its use, leading to a confusing patchwork. Work with processors who follow state developments and can document why any MCC choice was made for your business.

Q.3: How does PCI DSS v4.0 affect my store?

Answer: By March 31, 2025, future-dated requirements become effective, especially for eCommerce (e.g., web-skimming detection and script integrity). Your processor/gateway should guide your SAQ, hosted checkout, and monitoring approach. Request their AOC/ROC and make sure your web team implements the new controls.

Q.4: Can I accept cards online for firearms?

Answer: Yes—if lawful and underwritten properly. Typical online flows route modern firearms to an FFL for transfer, with e4473 and NICS checks at pickup. Confirm your processor’s policies on remote payment, split tenders, and how you document transfer completion.

Q.5: What should I budget for processing costs?

Answer: Expect interchange-plus with a modest high-risk premium, plus gateway and chargeback fees. Avoid vague “risk” or “PCI” add-ons without documentation. Compare offers from multiple gun-friendly providers to negotiate a fair markup.

Q.6: Which processors are recommended in 2025?

Answer: Host Merchant Services, Durango Merchant Services, PaymentCloud, Easy Pay Direct, Tactical Payments, Orchid (payments within its FFL suite), and FFL Payments are widely recognized gun-friendly options worth an RFP. Always confirm your exact products and states.

Conclusion

The best credit card processors for gun stores in 2025 are the ones that openly serve firearms merchants, provide stable bank-sponsored merchant accounts, and understand your ATF-aware operations. 

Shortlist providers with proven 2A track records—Host Merchant Services, Durango, PaymentCloud, Easy Pay Direct, Tactical Payments, Orchid, and FFL Payments—and grill them on PCI DSS v4.0 readiness, MCC literacy, chargeback playbooks, and FFL software integrations. 

The right partner won’t just approve you; they’ll help you stay approved, process smoothly across stores, eCom, and gun shows, and defend your business when policies or headlines shift. 

That’s how you build durable, compliant revenue in a high-scrutiny category—without sacrificing the customer experience or your cash flow.