1. They Just Approve You — No Real Underwriting

If a processor approves you instantly without reviewing your offer, refund policy, or fulfillment model, it’s not a good thing. Real high-risk processors perform due diligence to protect your account and ensure stability. Instant approvals often lead to sudden shutdowns or withheld funds when chargebacks rise.

2. They Don’t Care About Your Chargebacks

When a processor tells you “that’s your problem,” you’re on borrowed time. A good processor will actively help you manage ratios, implement tools, and represent disputes. If they’re not checking in or providing reports, your account is just waiting to fail.

• No alerts when your ratios climb
• No help with representments
• No access to pre-dispute data or alerts

3. They Let Your MIDs Blow Up

If your volume spikes or refund rates increase and your processor doesn’t step in, that’s a sign of negligence. You need a partner monitoring BIN quality, decline patterns, and descriptor issues before they reach acquirer attention. Once a MID burns out, recovery takes months — if it’s even possible.

4. You’re Hit With Opaque Fees or Surprise Reserves

Hidden reserves, sudden rolling holds, or “network fees” you never agreed to are classic warning signs. Transparency is key. If you can’t see where every dollar goes, you’re probably overpaying for a poorly managed account.

• Unannounced reserves or fund holds
• Drifting effective rates
• “Risk” fees added post-approval

5. No Risk or Compliance Guidance

Processors that simply move money don’t help you stay online. High-risk verticals like nutra and affiliate require proactive communication about claims, refund policies, and campaign setups. A true partner helps you stay compliant and scale safely.

Why Merchants Switch to High Wire Payments

• U.S.-based banking partners with consistent approvals
• Chargeback prevention and descriptor management built-in
• Dedicated support team monitoring MID health
• Transparent interchange-plus pricing — no hidden holds

Whether you run nutra offers, affiliate funnels, or subscription continuity, High Wire helps merchants protect their processing, optimize approval rates, and expand with confidence.