According to IBIS World, the market size for Adult and Pornographic websites in the US is expected to hit $856.2 million in 2022. The expected growth rate for these websites are predicted to increase by 6.5% in 2022. The market size has grown by 10.5% every year between 2017 and 2022.
Clearly, the adult industry continues to make great strides, especially now, with easier access via the Internet. The digitalization of these services has only caused the industry to grow exponentially, not only in sales volume but in the number of customers making these purchases.
In order for a business to take advantage of this lucrative industry, they would need to have the capacity for accepting credit and debit card payments. For this, you would need to get a merchant account.
Adult Merchant Accounts
Unfortunately, applying for a traditional or standard merchant account will not be possible as an adult merchant. That is because payment processing for the adult entertainment industry is plagued by numerous and unique challenges.
What makes things more complicated is the number of sectors within the adult entertainment industry. Some are considered riskier than others when it comes to getting approved for a merchant account.
It is important to check with your selected merchant account provider to see if they accept your particular business type. Some business types can include: adult-themed video games, adult videos and photography, escort services, and online dating websites, just to name a few.
Adult entertainment businesses are less likely to be approved for a standard merchant account due to reputational risk, higher chargeback rates, higher risk for fraud, and regulatory compliance requirements.
For all these aforementioned reasons, adult businesses tend to be categorized as high-risk businesses. This means that they would need to acquire a high-risk merchant account.
How To Apply For An Adult Merchant Account
Since merchants within the adult industry cannot apply for a traditional or standard merchant account, they will need to seek the services of a high-risk merchant account provider.
EMB or eMerchantBroker.com has been a key player in the high-risk industry long enough to know the payment needs of its merchants in all types of verticals.
To get started on the application process, you simply need to fill out EMB’s easy online application. Although nothing is guaranteed, it is a straightforward process. You will need the following documentation:
- Valid, government-issued ID (a driver’s license)
- Bank letter or a pre-printed voided check
- 3 months of the most recent bank statements
- 3 months of the most recent processing statements ( if applicable)
- SSN (Social Security Number) or EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Chargebacks must fall under 2%
Additional requirements are that the merchant must have a legal business, must not have a negative balance on their bank account, have a good credit score, and a functioning website.
The requirements for their website are that it must have a secure SSL and it must clearly state its refund and privacy policies in a prominent place on the website.
A Complete Solution
The adult industry has many challenges that adult merchants must contend with: like fraud, higher incidences of chargebacks, and regulations. Therefore, adult merchants must be armed with the best payment solution to face these obstacles successfully.
EMB is the payment industry standard within the high-risk industry. As a specialist in high-risk merchant accounts, it offers tailored-made payment processing solutions to meet every business’ need. Get in contact today.