Want to accept credit card payments without worrying every day that your account will get shut down?
Every gun store owner knows this feeling. One day you’re happily ringing up sales. The next you get a call or email saying your payment processor has terminated your account with no advance notice. Welcome to this industry.
The Problem:
Gun retailers and FFL dealers are forced to deal with most major payment processors and banks classifying them as “high risk”. That means high fees, close account reviews, and a gun to the head when they threaten to cancel processing with no warning or recourse.
The Solution:
Thankfully modern firearms payment processing solutions for gun stores and FFL dealers exist that are built for this industry. They know the struggles gun retailers face and provide much more stability than mainstream processors.
What You’ll Learn
- Why Payment Processing Is So Hard For Gun Stores
- How Payment Processing Problems Cost Business
- Features To Look For In A Firearms Payment Processor
- How To Choose The Best Payment Processor
- How To Switch Payment Processors
Why Payment Processing Is So Hard For Gun Stores
Let’s face facts. The firearms industry in America is growing.
In fact, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the total economic impact of the gun and ammunition industry in the US reached $91.7 billion in 2024. That’s a 379% increase since 2008.
So with more and more money being pumped into gun retail every year, why does it still feel like an uphill battle to accept credit card payments?
The answer is straight up discrimination from major banks and processors. There is clear evidence that major banks have been systematically “debanking” legal firearms businesses over the years. Several of them have been confirmed to have done so in an official report by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The Office found banks “subjected applicants and existing customers to additional reviews, delays, and requirements, without clearly defined standards”.
This means that for lawful FFL dealers and gun retailers, the following payment processing problems are common:
- Account terminations with no warning or justification
- Funds being frozen while “reviews” take place
- Processing fees being hiked up with little explanation
- Locked out of major banks and mainstream payment solutions
The solution is to work with specialized providers like 2Accept. That’s exactly why firearm businesses use merchant accounts from companies that understand the firearms payment processing solutions market and will not cut off their support when under pressure.
How Payment Processing Problems Cost Business
Here’s the thing. A gun store or FFL dealer is not “high risk” unless the payment processor makes it that way.
This all begins when a payment processor arbitrarily shuts down a merchant’s account without notice.
All sales stop.
The customer just left with all that money and didn’t buy anything. Bye bye profit.
But it gets even worse.
With no reliable credit card processing, the business has no choice but to go cash-only. That will destroy a retail business in today’s market. Who carries cash anymore? Better yet, why would they in the firearm industry? Most purchases are big enough that buyers want to charge them to their credit cards for the consumer protections alone.
An FFL dealer that can no longer accept cards will lose market share to other dealers and businesses that can.
Simple math:
- Customers who only carry credit cards will not buy
- Staff time is wasted researching and setting up new processors
- Payments are more expensive in short term panic setups
- Bad reputation when transactions are declined or rejected
Features To Look For In A Firearms Payment Processor
No two payment processors are the same. When researching firearms payment processing options it is important to look for certain features:
Industry Experience
The best processors for gun stores and FFL dealers specialize in high-risk accounts and know the firearms industry inside and out. They understand ATF compliance and the background check process. They know how to navigate the unique regulatory issues around the sale of firearms and ammunition.
Account Stability
This is critical. A good payment processor for the firearms industry is not going to cancel accounts at a moment’s notice due to some outside pressure. This factor alone is huge.
Transparent Pricing
Extra fees sneak right into your profit margins. Look for a processor that is clear about the pricing up front and not sneaking in hidden charges later with fancy language buried in the fine print.
Compliance Support
FFL dealers are regulated by the ATF and have to run FBI background checks, keep detailed records, and allow for periodic inspections. Choose a payment processor that understands these requirements and makes it easier, not harder, to maintain compliance.
Multi-Channel Functionality
Gun retailers are in-store, online, and at gun shows. Pick a processing solution that works across all channels without forcing them to keep multiple accounts and jumping through hoops.
How To Choose The Best Payment Processor
Choosing a firearms payment processor requires due diligence. Look for these key attributes:
Research Their Track Record
How long have they worked with other FFL dealers and gun stores? Can they provide references from other similar businesses? A payment processor with a long history in the firearms industry has proven it has experience.
Scrutinize The Contract
Read every word. Watch for things like early termination fees, reserve holdbacks, and processing limits. Know exactly what can trigger an account review or potential shutdown.
Evaluate Customer Service
Gun dealers need responsive support when issues come up. Test their service before committing. Do they have dedicated account managers for firearms industry clients?
Compare Processing Rates
High risk accounts are by nature going to pay higher rates than basic retail. However, costs can vary a lot between different processors. Getting multiple quotes is the only way to truly understand the market rate.
Verify Security Compliance
PCI compliance is a must. Beyond that, look for additional fraud tools, chargeback management, and data encryption capabilities. Security protects your business and your customers.
How To Switch Payment Processors
Changing payment processors may sound daunting but it doesn’t have to be.
Specialized payment processors for firearms retailers and FFL dealers make it simple to switch. They manage all the technical integration and training. They take care of the process so it is easy on the business and has minimal disruption to daily operations.
The process looks like this:
- The business owner submits an application and supporting documentation.
- Underwriting review is completed, usually within 24-72 hours.
- Equipment is received or integration credentials provided.
- System testing is performed before going live.
- The business then switches over to the new processor and starts processing.
Retailers often get it done within one week.
Timing the switch during a slower period of business is key. That way any unforeseen issues can be resolved without being in the weeds during a busy season.
Wrapping Things Up
Firearms payment processing options have come a long way. Gun dealers no longer have to put up with terrible service from processors that treat them like a necessary headache.
Gun retailers and FFL dealers support nearly 383,000 jobs across America. They deserve payment processing solutions that work and make it easy.
To quickly recap:
- Gun stores and FFL dealers are treated unfairly by mainstream processors
- Specialized solutions exist that are built for this industry
- Look for features like transparent pricing and compliance support
- Switching processors is simpler than most think
The firearms industry in the US is growing every year despite the headwinds it faces financially. With the right partner, FFL dealers can focus on customers instead of getting blindsided by account issues again.
Stop taking it from processors that view your business as a liability. Firearms payment processing options built for this industry exist and they are ready to help.