Review
In-Depth Analysis
4.2
Pros
- Expert in high-risk placements.
- Fair and transparent fees.
- No early termination fee (in most cases).
- Dedicated support and account management.
Cons
- No public pricing schedule
- Higher fees than low-risk accounts
- Rigorous underwriting and documentation
- Primarily for established businesses
Overview
Durango Merchant Services is a Colorado-based payment processor that specializes in providing merchant accounts for high-risk businesses. Since its founding in 1997, Durango has built a strong reputation for helping merchants in industries often denied by traditional providers—such as CBD, travel, multilevel marketing (MLM), adult content, and credit repair—gain access to stable, compliant payment processing.
Durango offers a wide range of solutions, including eCommerce payment gateways, ACH and eCheck processing, virtual terminals, mobile payments, and chargeback mitigation tools. The company is known for its ability to connect high-risk businesses with international and domestic banking partners, ensuring reliable processing options even in challenging industries.
All services are backed by personalized onboarding support and expert guidance through the underwriting process. With an emphasis on long-term relationships, transparency, and compliance, Durango Merchant Services remains a go-to solution for businesses that require customized, high-risk-friendly payment solutions.
Stax History and Founder
Durango Merchant Services was founded in 1997 by Raymond Kline, with a mission to serve businesses that faced challenges accessing reliable merchant accounts—particularly those categorized as high-risk by traditional processors. From the start, the company set itself apart by focusing on customized, ethical, and compliant payment solutions for merchants in underserved industries.
Over the years, Durango has developed strong relationships with both domestic and international banking partners, allowing it to place high-risk merchants in industries such as CBD, adult content, travel, firearms, credit repair, and MLM. Raymond Kline’s commitment to hands-on service and risk education has helped Durango build trust with a wide variety of merchants navigating complex regulatory environments.
Unlike larger venture-backed competitors, Durango has grown organically through referrals, industry expertise, and long-term client relationships. The company is known for offering transparent pricing, in-depth underwriting assistance, and proactive support during the account setup and compliance process.
Today, under Kline’s continued leadership, Durango Merchant Services remains one of the most respected names in high-risk payment processing. Its reputation for integrity, reliability, and strategic risk placement makes it a standout choice for businesses seeking stability in a highly regulated space.
What Is Stax Best At?
Durango Merchant Services is best known for its ability to secure merchant accounts for high-risk businesses—even those frequently turned away by mainstream providers. Whether it’s CBD, adult content, travel, firearms, or credit repair, Durango excels at navigating complex underwriting and compliance requirements to place merchants with reliable banking partners.
In addition to its placement expertise, Durango provides tailored solutions that include eCommerce gateways, virtual terminals, ACH and eCheck processing, and fraud and chargeback mitigation tools. These features make it a powerful option for merchants needing flexible, secure, and scalable infrastructure to run their businesses smoothly.
What truly sets Durango apart is its hands-on support and industry transparency. Merchants receive personalized onboarding and direct access to risk specialists who guide them through every step of the process. This level of attention and reliability makes Durango a go-to choice for long-term success in the high-risk space.
Stax Products and Services
Durango Merchant Services provides a full suite of payment solutions designed specifically for high-risk businesses. Core offerings include credit card processing, ACH and eCheck payments, mobile processing, and virtual terminals. These services are available to industries that face regulatory or reputational barriers when applying with traditional processors.
For online businesses, Durango offers secure eCommerce payment gateways, including integration with Authorize.Net, NMI, and other leading platforms. The company also provides recurring billing, fraud detection tools, chargeback prevention systems, and supports multiple currencies for international merchants.
Card-less Transactions
Durango Merchant Services supports card-less transactions through its virtual terminal, ACH/eCheck processing, and secure online gateways. These tools allow merchants to accept payments via phone, email, or web without needing a physical card present—ideal for high-risk and remote businesses seeking flexible, PCI-compliant solutions.
Customer Support
Durango Merchant Services is known for its hands-on, personalized customer support, especially during the underwriting and onboarding process. Merchants receive guidance from dedicated account specialists who help navigate risk requirements, bank placement, and integration. Support is available via phone, email, and online, with a strong reputation for responsiveness and transparency.
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
Durango Merchant Services offers essential tools like virtual terminals, eCommerce gateways, ACH/eCheck processing, recurring billing, and chargeback mitigation. The platform also includes multi-currency support, fraud prevention, and PCI compliance assistance, making it ideal for high-risk businesses with complex processing needs.
24-Hours Funding
Durango Merchant Services offers next-day funding for many merchants, depending on the acquiring bank and risk profile. While funding speed may vary for high-risk accounts, the company works closely with banking partners to ensure timely and reliable deposits whenever possible.
Advance Funding
Durango Merchant Services does not directly offer merchant cash advances, but may connect eligible merchants with trusted third-party funding providers. This ensures access to working capital while maintaining transparency and a focus on long-term account stability.
Built-In Payment Gateway for Online Transactions
Durango Merchant Services integrates with trusted gateways like Authorize.Net and NMI to support secure online transactions. These gateways enable real-time credit card and ACH processing, recurring billing, and fraud protection—ideal for high-risk eCommerce and subscription-based businesses.
Virtual Payment Processing
Durango Merchant Services offers a secure virtual terminal that allows merchants to process payments by manually entering credit card or ACH details. This solution is ideal for phone, email, and remote transactions, especially for high-risk businesses needing flexible, PCI-compliant processing without physical hardware.
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
Durango Merchant Services supports a range of EMV-compliant terminals, mobile card readers, and POS systems for in-person transactions. On the software side, merchants have access to virtual terminals, eCommerce gateways, fraud tools, and recurring billing features—all optimized for high-risk processing environments.
Standard Terminals for Countertop Transactions
Durango Merchant Services offers secure countertop terminals that support EMV chip, magstripe, and contactless payments. These devices are ideal for retail and service businesses looking for reliable, PCI-compliant in-person payment solutions with fast setup and smooth integration.
Smart Payment Depot Terminals
Durango Merchant Services provides smart terminals featuring touchscreen displays, built-in receipt printers, and support for EMV, NFC, and mobile wallet payments. These all-in-one devices are perfect for merchants needing a modern, high-performance solution that handles both standard and high-risk transactions efficiently.
Mobile Hardware
Durango Merchant Services offers mobile card readers that connect to smartphones or tablets via Bluetooth, enabling secure, on-the-go payment acceptance. These devices support EMV, magstripe, and contactless payments, making them ideal for service providers, mobile vendors, and field-based businesses.
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
Durango Merchant Services is a top choice for high-risk businesses needing secure, customizable payment solutions. With strong banking relationships, expert underwriting support, and tools for eCommerce, ACH, and fraud protection, Durango delivers reliable service and transparent guidance. It’s ideal for merchants seeking long-term stability in challenging industries.
Payment Depot
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