Introduction
The CBD and nutraceutical industries are booming. From wellness products to supplements, millions of consumers worldwide are embracing these markets. Yet, for businesses operating in these high-risk verticals, one challenge remains constant: payment processing.
Traditional banks and payment gateways often classify CBD and nutraceutical businesses as “high risk,” which leads to rejected applications, frozen funds, and constant interruptions in cash flow. That’s why choosing the right payment gateway for CBD and nutraceutical brands is not just a convenience — it’s a necessity for survival and growth.
This guide explores what makes payment processing for CBD and nutraceuticals unique, why traditional gateways fail, and how specialized solutions like Sharpay provide secure, global, and compliant payment acceptance.
What is a Payment Gateway for CBD and Nutraceuticals?
A payment gateway is the technology that securely transfers customer payment information to the bank and returns approval or denial.
In CBD and nutraceuticals, additional challenges apply:
- High-risk classification — banks see CBD and nutraceuticals as industries with regulatory and chargeback risks.
- Compliance hurdles — local and international regulations vary, and non-compliance can mean account termination.
- Limited banking partners — not all acquirers are willing to work with CBD or nutraceutical merchants.
That’s why specialized high-risk payment gateways exist.
Why Traditional Gateways Don’t Work
Most mainstream providers (Stripe, PayPal, Square, etc.) do not support CBD or nutraceutical sales. Even if initially approved, the account may later be frozen.
Issues include:
- Application rejections due to high-risk categorization.
- Frozen funds on merchant accounts.
- High chargeback ratios with minimal support.
- Transaction limits and delayed payouts.
Key Features of the Best Gateways
- High-Risk Merchant Account support.
- Global coverage: Visa/MasterCard, SEPA/SWIFT, crypto payments.
- Chargeback and fraud protection.
- Transparent pricing.
- Fast settlements (1–3 days).
The Sharpay Solution
Sharpay specializes in CBD and nutraceutical industries:
- Acceptance of high-risk merchants.
- Multi-currency processing (EUR, USD, GBP).
- SEPA & SWIFT transfers with dedicated IBANs.
- Crypto acquiring (stablecoins & major cryptocurrencies).
- Chargeback protection.
How to Set Up
- Apply for a high-risk merchant account.
- Integrate Sharpay’s API or plugins.
- Complete compliance review.
- Start processing globally.
FAQ
- Can CBD companies accept cards?
Yes, via high-risk gateways like Sharpay. - Are nutraceuticals high risk?
Yes, due to regulation and chargebacks. - Approval time?
3–7 business days. - Supported currencies?
EUR, USD, GBP. - Crypto payments?
Yes, Sharpay enables crypto acquiring.
Conclusion
CBD and nutraceutical brands require specialized payment solutions. Sharpay offers global, compliant, and stable payment acceptance.