7-OH Credit Card Processing Ban: What Merchants Need to Know

As of July 30, 2025, major card networks — starting with MasterCard — have begun enforcing a ban on credit and debit card transactions for products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). Merchants still selling 7-OH products face immediate compliance risks, including:

• Fines up to $500,000 per violation under MasterCard’s BRAM program
• Termination of their merchant account
• Placement on the MATCH list (effectively blacklisting you from future processing)

Timeline: Enforcement Is Already Underway

MasterCard is actively issuing fines as of today. Acquiring banks have provided merchants until August 15, 2025 to remove all 7-OH products from their shelves, websites, and processing systems.

Why Is This Happening?

The FDA and DEA have publicly declared that 7-OH is a synthetic opioid, not a form of kratom. According to official letters sent to processors and vendors, the product is being investigated as a potential Schedule I substance. Many vendors received FDA warning letters in June for marketing 7-OH as a dietary supplement — a direct violation of federal regulations.

MasterCard’s Position

MasterCard has added 7-OH to its list of prohibited products under the BRAM compliance program. Violations now trigger significant financial penalties and the possibility of business termination. Other card brands are expected to follow suit.

What Happens If You Keep Selling?

• Your merchant account could be shut down instantly
• You may be MATCH-listed (making it nearly impossible to get another processor)
• You could be personally liable for fines and legal penalties
• Even banks that “hide” your activity are getting caught by keyword scrapers and enforcement AI

Is Kratom Still Allowed?

Yes. Kratom and compliant mitragynine extracts are still permitted for sale. However, many processors are being overly cautious and may temporarily pause onboarding kratom vendors. At High Wire Payments, we are still processing legal kratom and related botanicals.

Important Next Steps

To avoid disruption or blacklisting, you should:

• Immediately remove any product containing 7-OH from your site and POS
• Stop accepting credit/debit card payments for 7-OH
• Do not attempt to miscode or hide the product — this guarantees a MATCH listing
• Work with a processor that will help you transition compliantly

Need Help Pivoting?

If you’re unsure how to proceed, or need to keep your kratom brand running without losing revenue, our team can help you transition off 7-OH and into compliant verticals like kratom, kanna, kava, or retail mitragynine products.