Review
In-Depth Analysis
3.9
Pros
- High-risk approval expertise.
- Supports all major payment channels.
- No upfront cost for setup or equipment.
- Dedicated account manager and support.
Cons
- Opaque pricing (especially for high-risk)
- Possible contract and rolling reserve for high-risk
- Variable monthly fees
- Funding holds and stricter underwriting
Overview
PaymentCloud is a merchant services provider based in the United States, recognized for its ability to work with both low-risk and high-risk businesses. While many traditional processors shy away from industries like CBD, firearms, adult services, and travel, PaymentCloud has carved a niche by offering customized solutions for merchants that are often underserved in the payments industry.
The company offers a wide range of payment solutions, including in-store, online, and mobile payment processing. Merchants can access tools such as virtual terminals, eCommerce gateways, ACH payments, recurring billing, and invoicing. PaymentCloud integrates with popular platforms like Authorize.Net, Shopify, and WooCommerce, ensuring a seamless checkout experience for both merchants and customers.
PaymentCloud’s onboarding process includes dedicated support and underwriting assistance, helping businesses get matched with the right acquiring banks or backend processors. With no application or setup fees, month-to-month contracts, and flexible hardware options, the company is known for offering a merchant-friendly experience from start to finish.
By focusing on risk-tolerant solutions, modern integrations, and exceptional support, PaymentCloud has become a go-to provider for businesses that need more than just basic processing. Its ability to accommodate complex industries while maintaining compliance and affordability makes it a standout in the high-risk merchant services space.
Stax History and Founder
PaymentCloud was founded in 2015 by Shawn Silver, an industry veteran with deep expertise in high-risk merchant services. With a vision to create a processor that catered to industries often overlooked by traditional providers, Silver launched PaymentCloud to help underserved merchants gain access to reliable, secure, and fully supported payment solutions.
From the start, the company focused on navigating complex underwriting and building partnerships with a broad network of acquiring banks, enabling it to support industries like CBD, firearms, adult, nutraceuticals, and more. As high-risk sectors faced increasing scrutiny and limitations from mainstream processors, PaymentCloud positioned itself as a flexible and trusted alternative.
Unlike many payment startups chasing rapid venture capital growth, PaymentCloud grew organically through referrals, ISO partnerships, and personalized support, earning a strong reputation in both the low-risk and high-risk spaces. The company’s hands-on approach to merchant onboarding, risk management, and chargeback mitigation set it apart early on.
Under Shawn Silver’s leadership, PaymentCloud has become a recognized leader in high-risk payment processing, earning accolades for customer service and adaptability. Today, the company continues to evolve by expanding its partner integrations, improving risk tools, and maintaining a strong focus on ethical, transparent business practices.
What Is Stax Best At?
PaymentCloud is best known for its ability to serve high-risk merchants—businesses that are often denied by traditional processors due to industry type or perceived risk level. The company works closely with a network of banks and processors to place merchants in industries like CBD, firearms, adult, tech support, and travel, offering them reliable access to payment solutions.
In addition to its risk expertise, PaymentCloud excels in delivering customized payment solutions. From retail terminals and mobile readers to eCommerce integrations and virtual terminals, the platform supports both card-present and card-not-present transactions. It also provides chargeback mitigation tools, fraud protection, and advanced reporting.
What sets PaymentCloud apart is its white-glove onboarding and ongoing support, with a dedicated account manager guiding merchants through underwriting and setup. Its month-to-month contracts, no setup fees, and fast approvals make it especially appealing to businesses that need flexibility without sacrificing reliability.
Stax Products and Services
PaymentCloud offers a full range of merchant services, including credit card processing, mobile payments, virtual terminals, and eCommerce integrations. Designed to serve both low-risk and high-risk merchants, the platform supports industries from retail and health services to CBD and adult entertainment. PaymentCloud enables businesses to accept payments in-person, online, or over the phone with ease.
Its solutions include ACH/eCheck processing, invoicing, recurring billing, fraud detection, and chargeback prevention tools. PaymentCloud integrates with leading platforms such as Authorize.Net, Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce, giving merchants flexibility across their sales channels. The system also supports custom gateway and CRM integrations for more complex business models.
Card-less Transactions
PaymentCloud supports card-less transactions through its virtual terminal, payment gateway, and recurring billing tools. Merchants can accept payments by manually entering card or ACH details for phone, email, or online orders. These solutions are ideal for service-based, remote, or high-risk businesses that require secure, PCI-compliant transactions without a physical card present.
Customer Support
PaymentCloud is known for its dedicated, hands-on customer support, offering assistance via phone, email, and live chat. Each merchant is assigned a dedicated account manager during onboarding, ensuring a smooth setup and ongoing guidance. The support team is praised for its responsiveness, especially when helping high-risk merchants navigate underwriting, chargebacks, and compliance needs.
24/7 Help & Support
24/7 Live Phone Support Online Ticketing System via Support Form
Phone Support
24/7 Live Phone Support
Contact through contact form on website available
FAQ and Chat
Live Web Chat Support Stax Knowledge Base for Business Owners, Software Platforms and Developers
Features & Functionality General Features
PaymentCloud offers a full suite of features including credit card and ACH processing, virtual terminals, mobile payment support, recurring billing, and invoicing. The platform also includes fraud prevention tools, chargeback management, and PCI compliance support, making it ideal for both standard and high-risk businesses.
24-Hours Funding
PaymentCloud offers next-day funding for eligible merchants, helping businesses access their funds quickly after batch settlement. This fast turnaround is especially useful for high-volume or high-risk businesses that rely on consistent cash flow.
Advance Funding
PaymentCloud does not offer direct merchant cash advances, but it can connect merchants with trusted third-party lenders when short-term funding is needed. This gives businesses access to working capital without compromising on service transparency or compliance.
Built-In Payment Gateway for Online Transactions
PaymentCloud includes a built-in payment gateway that supports secure credit card and ACH transactions for online businesses. It integrates with platforms like Authorize.Net, WooCommerce, and Shopify, enabling real-time processing, fraud protection, and smooth checkout experiences.
Virtual Payment Processing
PaymentCloud offers a secure virtual terminal that allows merchants to manually enter payment details for phone, email, or remote transactions. This feature supports credit card and ACH payments, recurring billing, and invoicing—ideal for service-based or high-risk businesses needing flexible, card-not-present solutions.
Features
- ACH Payment Processing
- Billing & Invoicing
- Cryptocurrency Processing
- Data Security
- Debit/Credit Card Processing
- Electronic Signature
- In-Person Payments
- Mobile Payments
- POS Integration
- Payment Fraud Prevention
- Payment Processing Services
- Integration
- Recurring Billing
- Reporting/Analytics
- Mobile Credit card processing
- Cash Transactions
- Contactless NFC
- Electronic Receipts
Hardware & Software
PaymentCloud provides a range of EMV-compliant terminals, mobile card readers, and POS systems to support in-person payments. On the software side, it offers virtual terminals, eCommerce integrations, recurring billing, and fraud tools, creating a complete, secure solution for both low- and high-risk merchants.
Standard Terminals for Countertop Transactions
PaymentCloud offers reliable countertop terminals that support EMV, magstripe, and contactless payments. These plug-and-play devices are ideal for retail and service businesses needing secure, in-person payment processing with fast setup and dependable performance.
Smart Payment Depot Terminals
PaymentCloud provides smart terminals with touchscreen interfaces, built-in printers, and support for EMV, NFC, and mobile wallet payments. These all-in-one devices are ideal for merchants seeking a modern, efficient, and secure checkout experience, especially in high-traffic retail or service environments.
Mobile Hardware
PaymentCloud offers mobile card readers that connect via Bluetooth to smartphones and tablets, supporting EMV, magstripe, and contactless payments. These portable devices are perfect for on-the-go businesses, pop-up shops, and service providers who need secure, flexible payment options anywhere.
Features
- iOS
- Android
- Cloud-Based
- On-place Installation
- Windows
- Mac
Pricing Options Automations
Features
- Free Trial
- Freemium
- Monthly Subscription
- Annual Subscription
- One-Time License
Sales Channels
Features
- Instore Sales
- Online Sales
- Mobile Sales
Verdict
PaymentCloud is an excellent choice for businesses in high-risk or hard-to-place industries, offering flexible solutions, strong support, and wide integration options. With customized underwriting, next-day funding, and a variety of payment tools, it provides a reliable, transparent, and scalable processing experience—especially for merchants underserved by traditional providers.
Payment Depot
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