Which payment processor is for you?

Welcome to Advance Genie, the 2x per-month newsletter that helps operators in highly stigmatized industries find alternative financing methods.

Your cannabis brand has loyal customers.

Your adult wellness products are flying off the shelves.

Your CBD line is getting rave reviews.

But there's one massive problem.

Stripe won't touch you.

PayPal freezes your account.

Traditional processors label you "high-risk" and slam the door.

This isn't just annoying.

It's strangling your business.

Every day without proper payment processing is money left on the table.

Today, we're fixing that.

We are breaking down three payment processors that actually want your business in 2025.

Let's get you paid.

For the Cannabis Pioneer: Durango Merchant Services

Durango specializes in cannabis businesses.

They work with multiple acquiring banks to find you a home and know the regulations in every state.

But also, Durango gives you a dedicated merchant account.

They handle both online sales and dispensary transactions.

Their gateway works with whatever shopping cart you're using.

They even support international payments if you're thinking bigger.

Their chargeback prevention tools are built for high-risk.

You can set custom risk rules.

Review transactions manually when needed.

Durango doesn't publish rates because every cannabis business is different.

But here's what matters: They approve 99% of businesses that apply, even with bad credit. You get a dedicated account manager who actually knows cannabis.

For the Adult Wellness Brand: PaymentCloud

PaymentCloud built its reputation on saying yes to businesses others reject, such as:

• Adult products

• Subscription boxes

• Dating sites

They get that selling adult wellness products requires discretion.

Your customers don't want "ADULT TOY STORE" on their credit card statement.

PaymentCloud helps you set up discreet billing descriptors.

It integrates with everything: Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce.

They support all the payment methods your customers want.

Credit cards, ACH, eCheck, even crypto.

Their partnership with Chargeback Gurus is huge for adult brands. Chargebacks can kill high-risk businesses. Having experts handle disputes keeps your rates low and your account safe.

Like most high-risk processors, PaymentCloud quotes custom rates.

Monthly fees typically run $25 to $45 for high-risk merchants. Processing rates depend on your volume, history, and product type.

For the Modern CBD Merchant: Square's CBD Program

Square lets you sell hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC.

You also can't make medical claims. No "cures anxiety" or "treats pain."

But if you break these rules and you're gone without warning or appeal.

If you follow the rules, Square is incredibly easy.

Setup takes days, not weeks.

Their POS system is slick.

Customers trust the Square brand.

Their rates are transparent:

• About 3.5% + $0.10 in-person

• About 3.8% + $0.30 online.

Higher than standard Square rates, but you know exactly what you're paying.

For new CBD brands that need to start selling fast, Square can be a lifesaver.

But here's the catch with Square.

You don't get your own merchant account. You're a sub-merchant under Square's master account.

This makes approval fast. But it also means Square can shut you down instantly if they think you're a risk.

Making the Right Choice

Choose Durango if: You're in cannabis or cannabis-adjacent industries. You need rock-solid stability. You're planning for long-term growth. You want a processor that truly understands your industry's complexities.

Choose PaymentCloud if: You sell adult wellness products online. E-commerce is your main channel. You need strong fraud protection. You want maximum payment flexibility for customers.

Choose Square if: You only sell compliant CBD products. You need to start processing immediately. You're comfortable following strict rules. You value simplicity over ultimate control.

How We Can Help:

💬 Building something bold in a high-friction industry?

Advance Genie helps you find the right capital tools—without the runaround.

👉 Take the quiz or learn more at advancegenie.com