CBD Payment Processing: Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions we hear from hemp brands evaluating U.S. bank processing.
Can I get a merchant account for CBD?
Yes. Specialist high-risk processors with hemp-friendly acquiring banks handle this vertical. Stripe, Square, Shopify Payments, and PayPal all prohibit CBD. Holistic Payments approves CBD merchants in 1–2 weeks.
Is LegitScript required?
Not with our U.S. bank partner. Some hemp acquirers require it; ours does not. COA-per-batch documentation and Farm Bill compliance (under 0.3% delta-9 THC) are required.
What rates should I expect?
9.5% at $30K–$80K/mo, scaling down to 6.5% at $500K+/mo. No setup/monthly fees. Rates graduate automatically with volume.
Do you process delta-8, delta-10, HHC, THC-A?
Case-by-case depending on current federal/state regulatory posture and your shipping states. Some states have banned delta-8 specifically. Discuss specifics at underwriting.
Can I run CBD subscriptions?
ACH subscription billing via saved bank tokens today. Card-on-file subscriptions on roadmap. ACH is often preferred, lower chargeback ratios, cheaper per transaction.
What's the reserve?
15%/60 days or 10%/90 days. Released to 0% permanently after 90 days of good performance. Written bank letter confirming release.
Does Shopify allow CBD?
Shopify as a platform permits CBD storefronts. Shopify Payments (default checkout) prohibits CBD. Use a third-party gateway, see CBD on Shopify.
WooCommerce?
Native plugin. See CBD on WooCommerce.
What COA standards do you require?
Third-party lab tested (ISO 17025 preferred). Potency panel, heavy metals, pesticides, residual solvents. Linked on every product page. Batch-specific.
State shipping, which states are complicated?
Idaho, Nebraska, South Dakota have complicated hemp laws. Your ToS should reflect actual shipping geography. Some vape/inhalable products have additional state restrictions.
Can I combine CBD and supplements on one account?
Usually not, underwriting prefers one vertical per merchant account. Two separate MIDs under one entity is the standard pattern.
Any pet-CBD restrictions?
Pet CBD is within scope. Marketing must avoid therapeutic claims for animals, same as human products.
Ready to apply?
Submit the intake form. 1–2 week approval.