Why Stripe, Square, and PayPal Ban Kratom
All three platforms prohibit kratom — even when it’s legal. If you’re using any of them to sell kratom, your account is at risk of being shut down without warning.
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Why Kratom Is Banned by Stripe, Square, and PayPal
These processors are not banks. They’re software companies acting as intermediaries. Because of their agreements with Visa and Mastercard, they follow strict “acceptable use” policies. Kratom is listed as a restricted or prohibited product on all three platforms due to regulatory pressure and banking risk.
Even if your kratom business is legal in your state, these companies will still shut you down based on their internal risk rules.
How These Platforms Detect Kratom Sales
- Website crawlers scan your site for keywords like “kratom,” “mitragynine,” or “leaf.”
- Your checkout data is monitored in real-time.
- Customers may report or dispute charges that flag the transaction.
Even if you try to hide it, their systems can catch it — and retroactively apply bans or fund holds.
What Happens If You Get Caught
- Your account is shut down instantly.
- Your funds may be held for 90 to 180 days.
- Your business may be flagged as high-risk, which makes it harder to get approved elsewhere.
In some cases, Stripe and PayPal will also report you to MATCH — a shared database that permanently marks your business as high-risk across all acquiring banks.
What to Use Instead in 2025
Use a real high-risk merchant account with proper underwriting. This is the only way to accept cards for kratom legally and safely. Look for providers that specialize in kratom, not generic supplements.
High Wire Payments is one of the few processors offering direct approval for legal kratom brands. You’ll get compliant setup, real support, and pricing you can actually understand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Stripe for kratom?
No. Stripe explicitly bans kratom in their restricted business list.
What if I hide kratom from my website?
You may still be flagged. Stripe, PayPal, and Square monitor your product descriptions, checkout keywords, and even refunds. Hiding kratom is not safe.
Is kratom illegal?
No. Kratom is legal in most states. The issue is that payment processors consider it a high-risk product class.
What’s the best payment processor for kratom?
High Wire Payments specializes in legal high-risk industries including kratom, with no contracts, fair pricing, and real underwriting.
Get Approved for a Kratom Merchant Account
If you’re still using Stripe, PayPal, or Square, it’s time to switch before they shut you down. High Wire Payments makes it easy to stay compliant and keep your business running.
Compliant Banking
No surprises, no fund holds. Just real approvals for real kratom businesses.
No Contracts
We don’t lock you in or penalize you for leaving. Month-to-month options available.
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