High-risk merchant account for precious metals and bullion dealers with a US LLC

We start by reviewing your US LLC’s structure, ownership, AML policies, and processing history under MCC 5094. Based on this profile, we build a comprehensive underwriting file that includes your articles of organisation, EIN confirmation, supplier contracts, and website compliance checks.

This file is then presented to acquiring banks that explicitly work with precious metals dealers. We manage the application process, including responding to underwriter questions about ticket sizes, delivery protocols, and chargeback history. Our focus is to secure a stable, long-term facility with a provider that understands the risks of the bullion trade.

Acquirers focus on financial history and operational integrity. They will require at least six months of recent processing statements to verify your sales volumes, refund rates, and chargeback ratios (typically below 0.5%). Your website is scrutinised for compliance: clear pricing, accurate product descriptions, secure checkout (3D Secure is mandatory), and an accessible refund policy.

Underwriters also verify your supplier and refinery agreements to confirm the legitimate origin of the metals. They perform detailed KYB checks on the LLC and KYC on its ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) to comply with anti-money laundering regulations.

Using a US LLC, particularly from states like Wyoming or Delaware, provides a clear and credible corporate structure for acquirers. You will need an EIN from the IRS, and non-resident owners must comply with Form 5472 reporting. While a US office isn't mandatory, having a US business address and operational substance strengthens the application.

Most US fintech platforms will decline bullion dealers, making specialist providers necessary. Your primary processing currency will be USD. We can arrange settlement to US-domiciled bank accounts or, where needed, to multi-currency accounts with international providers for EUR or GBP receipts.

Accounts are often declined due to an incomplete application, such as missing supplier contracts or an inadequate AML policy. Termination is common for businesses that breach processing limits, experience a sudden spike in chargebacks, or change their business model without informing the acquirer. Price volatility can also lead to an increase in "buyer's remorse" refunds, which can trigger account reviews.

Our file preparation process mitigates these risks by presenting a transparent, compliant picture from the outset. We ensure your stated business activities match your website and that all required corporate and operational documents are in order before submission.

From a complete file submission, a typical timeframe to get a live merchant account is between two and six weeks. This includes the acquirer’s underwriting review, due diligence, and technical integration. The speed depends heavily on the quality and completeness of your documentation and your team’s responsiveness to queries.

Once approved, we help establish appropriate risk controls, such as transaction velocity limits and reserve levels (which can be 10% for 180 days, released rolling). To keep the account in good standing, you must maintain low chargeback ratios, adhere to descriptor policies, and communicate any significant business changes to the acquirer.