If you've tried to set up payment processing for your firearms business, you've likely experienced the frustration firsthand. Major processors like PayPal, Stripe, and Square explicitly prohibit firearms transactions—and they're not shy about enforcing these policies.
Why Mainstream Processors Won't Work
The major payment platforms all have similar restrictions in their acceptable use policies:
PayPal
PayPal's Acceptable Use Policy explicitly prohibits the sale of firearms, ammunition, and certain accessories. Violations can result in immediate account termination and funds being held for up to 180 days.
Stripe
Stripe lists firearms and firearms parts among their prohibited businesses. Many dealers have had accounts terminated without warning after processing firearms-related transactions.
Square
Square's Seller Agreement prohibits firearms sales. Using Square for gun sales risks account closure and potential legal issues.
The Real Risks
Attempting to use these processors for firearms sales can lead to:
- Frozen funds - Your money held for months while they investigate
- Account termination - Permanent ban from the platform
- Lost revenue - Inability to process sales during the dispute
- Reputation damage - Being labeled "high-risk" in the industry
- Legal exposure - Potential breach of contract claims
"We processed through a mainstream provider for two months before they froze $47,000 in funds. It took four months to get our money back."
— Mike D., FFL Dealer, Arizona
What Actually Works
Specialized firearms payment processors understand the industry and build their services around it:
Fortis
FirearmCart's preferred partner. Fortis specializes in firearms merchant services and offers stable, long-term processing relationships with competitive rates.
Other Specialized Processors
Several other processors serve the firearms industry:
- Durango Merchant Services
- Tactical Payments
- Orchid Payment Solutions
What to Expect from a Firearms Processor
When working with a specialized processor, you can expect:
Higher Scrutiny
Specialized processors conduct more thorough underwriting. This is actually a good thing—it means they're serious about the relationship and won't abandon you later.
Slightly Higher Rates
Rates may be marginally higher than mainstream processors, but the stability is worth it. A rate of 2.9% + $0.30 that you can rely on beats 2.6% + $0.30 that might disappear tomorrow.
Longer Setup Time
Expect 1-2 weeks for underwriting rather than instant approval. Again, this reflects a serious vetting process.
Documentation Requirements
Be prepared to provide:
- Valid FFL license
- Business documentation
- Bank statements
- Previous processing statements (if available)
- Website for compliance review
Integrated Solutions
FirearmCart integrates directly with Fortis, providing:
- Seamless checkout - Payment processing built into your store
- Automatic reconciliation - Transactions sync between platforms
- Combined support - Both teams work together on issues
- Compliance alignment - Platform and processor on the same page
Getting Started
Ready to set up reliable payment processing? Here's what to do:
- Gather documentation - FFL, business docs, bank statements
- Review your website - Ensure it meets compliance standards
- Contact a specialist - Reach out to a firearms-friendly processor
- Plan for the wait - Have backup payment methods during underwriting
Contact FirearmCart to learn more about our Fortis partnership and how we can help you get set up with reliable payment processing.
