The peptides industry often operates in a regulatory grey area. While peptides are legal with a prescription in some regions, many payment processors have restricted merchant account services for SARMS and peptides, removing supplement credit card processing accounts from their portfolios. A significant challenge for merchants in this industry is securing a reliable merchant account.

What are Supplements?

Consumers use a variety of supplements for health, weight loss, or sports purposes. Common types of supplements include:

• Vitamins and Minerals
• Herbals and Botanicals
• Sports Nutrition
• Weight Management
• Specialty Supplements

Many supplement products are not approved by health regulatory agencies, posing a risk of prohibition by local authorities. While manufacturers must comply with federal safety regulations, only registration is required for sale, not certification.

Due to the lack of certification for health claims, banks and payment processors often categorize these products as higher-risk, complicating the process of obtaining a merchant account. SARMS and Peptides, known for muscle-building properties, face particular difficulties in securing supplement merchant accounts due to their perceived risks.

What are SARMs?

Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) are synthetic drugs similar to steroids. They aid in muscle growth by altering DNA, targeting muscles without affecting other body parts, unlike traditional steroids.

What are Peptides?

Peptides are smaller versions of proteins, composed of amino acids. They are designed for specific results and used in various health and cosmetic products for their anti-aging, anti-inflammatory properties, and muscle-building benefits.

Merchant Account Options for Supplement Merchants

SARMS and Peptides, while legal for sale and possession in some regions, are not approved for human consumption, complicating the search for willing payment processors. Despite these challenges, the demand for peptides remains high, making online sales risky and difficult to process.

As credit card processing options have dwindled, merchants have turned to alternative high-risk payment methods, such as electronic checks. E-check processing, often handled by smaller financial institutions, continues to support transactions in the SARMS and peptides industries by adhering to local regulations.

How Does a Supplements Merchant Account Work?

Payment card transactions, both in-store and online, follow a standard process:

• Merchant Acquirer: Acquiring banks manage the relationship between merchants and payment card associations, handling underwriting and account management. They ensure compliance with product and service regulations.
• Card Issuer: The card issuer maintains the customer’s account, providing security and managing fraud prevention. They authorize or decline payment requests and ensure transaction completion.
• Payment Card Network: Networks like Visa and MasterCard provide security and functionality, constantly growing as payment card usage increases.
• Terminal: Physical or virtual terminals in storefronts or online applications provide security for transactions.
• Shopping Cart: E-commerce merchants use shopping carts for secure payment processing, integrating with larger shopping cart programs for easier merchant account integration.

Requirements for Merchant Accounts

Applying for a peptides credit card processing service requires various documents:

• Completed Application
• Copy of ID
• Voided Check
• Bank Statements
• Previous Processing Statements (if available)

Underwriting teams review these documents to assess the merchant’s background and financial stability.

Benefits of Merchant Accounts for an Online Supplement Business

While credit card processing is limited for SARMS and Peptides, e-checks have become a preferred alternative. E-checks offer lower costs and fewer risks of account closure, providing comparable services to credit card processing.

Set Up Your Supplements Business with Merchant Account Services Today!

For more information on services available for supplement businesses, contact our payment processing professionals. While SARMS merchant processing can be challenging, our team has connections to assist high-risk businesses in accepting online payments. Reach out to us to support your supplement market business and start accepting online payments for these products.