Payment solutions for EU & UK businesses

Yes, a European merchant account allows you to process transactions globally, including in the UK.

However, if your transaction volume is entirely outside of Europe and the UK, it could raise concerns. Most European acquirers expect at least some transaction volume to come from the EU.

If you primarily process outside of these regions, it’s worth discussing your setup to ensure compliance and avoid potential account restrictions.

There are a couple notable differences between European and American applications.

The underwriting process in Europe typically takes longer than in the U.S. due to key differences in how merchant accounts are approved:

• In the U.S., underwriting is heavily based on the business owner’s personal credit history. If the owner has strong credit, approval is usually faster.
• In Europe, credit scores are not the primary factor. Instead, acquirers conduct a deeper evaluation of the business itself, which may include financial health, processing history, and third-party background checks on the owner.

Additionally, European acquirers are more internationally focused, allowing businesses to target multiple countries and process transactions in multiple currencies. In contrast, U.S. acquirers prefer merchants with primarily U.S. customers, USD transactions, and local operations.

Regardless of where you want to do business, AltoPay can help. Reach out to our team to discuss your payment strategy in greater detail.

Yes, certain industries face restrictions or licensing requirements in Europe and the UK. Regulations vary by country and acquirer, but commonly impacted industries include:

• High-risk financial services (forex, binary options, and crypto)
• Adult content
• CBD and cannabis-related products
• Gambling and betting
• Nutraceuticals and supplements
• Multi-level marketing (MLM)

If you’re unsure whether your business qualifies, we can help navigate industry-specific regulations and find the right acquiring partner for your needs.