Why High-Risk Merchants Need Age Verification to Stay Compliant and Protected

In today’s regulatory landscape, high-risk merchants must balance compliance with business growth. One essential but often overlooked tool is age verification software. If you sell CBD, vape products, alcohol, or other age-restricted goods online, verifying customer age isn’t just best practice—it’s a legal necessity.

At Nationwide Payment Systems, we’ve been helping high-risk merchants since 2001. We understand the compliance challenges businesses face and provide solutions like AgeChecker.net to protect merchants from risk.

Let’s explore why age verification is critical, which industries need it, and how it safeguards your reputation and merchant account.

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Why Age Verification Is a Must-Have for High-Risk Businesses

  1. Legal Compliance
    Age-restricted products are subject to federal, state, and local regulations. Without proper age verification, businesses risk fines, legal action, or even being shut down.
  2. Prevent Chargebacks & Account Closures
    High-risk merchants already face scrutiny from payment processors. One complaint or violation could freeze your merchant account. Age verification helps prevent fraud and chargebacks, ensuring only legal-age customers complete purchases.
  3. Reduce Fraud & Identity Theft
    Confirming a customer’s identity through age verification adds a crucial layer of protection against fraud and unauthorized transactions.
  4. Strengthen Payment Processor Relationships
    Processors are more likely to approve and support merchants who prioritize compliance. Age verification demonstrates responsibility, making it easier to maintain strong processing agreements.
  5. Seamless Integration
    Solutions like AgeChecker.net integrate effortlessly with your website, shopping cart, and payment gateway, providing a fast and user-friendly verification process tailored to your industry.

Industries That Require Age Verification

Age verification is essential if you sell:

  • CBD & Hemp Products
  • Vape & E-cigarette Retailers
  • Alcohol & Liquor Online
  • Firearms & Ammunition
  • Adult Entertainment & Products
  • Online Gambling, Sweepstakes, Fantasy Sports
  • Online Pharmacies & Wellness Products
  • Tattoo Supplies & Body Modification Tools

Without proper safeguards, businesses in these industries risk regulatory penalties and processor scrutiny.

Nationwide Payment Systems Has You Covered

Since 2001, Nationwide Payment Systems has helped high-risk merchants across the U.S. with:
Integrated age verification solutions
Custom payment gateways
Credit card, ACH, and dual pricing support
POS systems for regulated markets
Chargeback prevention & fraud mitigation tools

CLICK HERE TO FIND MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a merchant account?

 A merchant account is a specialized account that lets your business accept credit, debit, and ACH payments securely and reliably.

Is age verification required by law for online sales?

Yes. If you sell age-restricted products (like alcohol, vape, or CBD), most states require you to verify the buyer’s age before purchase to remain compliant. 

Will age verification slow down my checkout process?


No. Modern solutions like AgeChecker.net offer a seamless experience that adds only seconds to the checkout process and helps avoid major headaches later. 


What happens if I don’t use age verification?


      You risk fines, lawsuits, chargebacks, and potential closure of your merchant account or business. 

       

      Does Nationwide Payment Systems offer age verification tools?

      Yes. We help integrate third-party tools into your payment system, ensuring you’re protected and compliant from day one. 

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