By Pranav Khanna | LinkedIn | Updated: November 2024

High-risk merchants face a challenging reality, most traditional payment processors reject applications from industries like adult entertainment, CBD, gaming, and nutraceuticals. Choosing between MoneyEU and PayKings can determine whether your payment infrastructure becomes a growth engine or a constant operational headache.

This detailed comparison examines how these two high-risk payment specialists handle critical factors: industry acceptance rates, fee transparency, global payment method support, and the technical capabilities that separate genuine payment orchestration from basic card processing.

MoneyEU vs PayKings: Quick Comparison Overview

Both providers serve merchants that mainstream processors decline, yet their operational scope differs dramatically. PayKings focuses primarily on North American card processing, while MoneyEU operates as a global payment orchestration platform spanning four continents.

Understanding High-Risk Merchant Accounts

A high-risk merchant account enables businesses in challenging sectors to accept card payments when traditional banks refuse service. Card networks classify merchants as high-risk based on elevated chargeback ratios, regulatory complexity, or reputational factors specific to certain industries.

Feature	MoneyEU	PayKings
Merchant Approval Rate	98%	Not disclosed
Global Coverage	Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa	Primarily North America
Payment Methods	Cards, crypto, ACH, SEPA, APMs, wallets	Primarily card processing
Next-Day Funding	Standard inclusion	Available as paid add-on
API Architecture	Unified orchestration platform	Traditional gateway
Cryptocurrency Support	Native integration	Not offered

The fundamental difference: MoneyEU provides payment orchestration through one API connecting multiple payment methods and banking relationships. PayKings operates as a traditional merchant services provider concentrated on card transactions.

Which Industries Can Each Provider Support?

Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) classify businesses by their primary products or services. Card networks use these four-digit codes to set processing rates, fraud monitoring requirements, and account eligibility.

Adult Entertainment & Content Platforms

MoneyEU provides comprehensive adult payment processing across multiple jurisdictions with built-in compliance for card network programs like VAMP (Visa Acquirer Monitoring Program). VAMP imposes additional monitoring and compliance requirements on processors serving adult merchants, including age verification protocols and content classification systems.

The platform supports multi-currency processing for international subscription sites and content platforms. PayKings handles adult merchant services primarily for U.S.-based operations, applying stricter underwriting for merchants without established processing history.

CBD and Hemp Products

Legal CBD processing requires navigating contradictory state regulations and federal banking restrictions. MoneyEU's international banking partnerships enable CBD merchants to process transactions across jurisdictions where hemp products have legal status, including Europe's more permissive regulatory framework.

PayKings specializes in U.S. CBD merchant accounts but encounters the same banking constraints all domestic processors face, federal regulations still classify cannabis-related businesses as high-risk regardless of state-level legalization.

Cryptocurrency Services & Exchanges

MoneyEU offers native cryptocurrency processing alongside traditional payment methods. Merchants accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT with instant settlement and optional automatic conversion to fiat currency.

PayKings doesn't provide direct cryptocurrency processing but can establish merchant accounts for crypto-related businesses like exchanges that need card payment acceptance. Merchants still require separate third-party solutions for actual cryptocurrency transactions.

Gaming, iGaming & Betting Platforms

The iGaming sector demands specialized infrastructure due to licensing requirements and geographical restrictions. MoneyEU supports gaming merchants with sophisticated payment routing that directs transactions through appropriate banking channels based on player location and regulatory requirements.

PayKings processes payments for fantasy sports platforms, sweepstakes sites, and skill-based gaming but doesn't support real-money gambling in most jurisdictions. Their compliance framework ensures merchants operate within legal boundaries for their specific gaming model.

Nutraceuticals & Supplement Businesses

Supplement merchants face elevated chargeback risk from subscription models and aggressive marketing. MoneyEU provides nutraceutical payment processing with advanced chargeback mitigation including transaction alerts and dispute resolution support.

PayKings has extensive supplement merchant experience, offering specialized underwriting that accounts for business models like free trial offers and continuity billing. They work with merchants selling vitamins, weight loss products, and performance supplements complying with FDA guidelines.

Travel & Ticketing Operations

Travel businesses experience dramatic seasonal volume fluctuations and face chargeback exposure from cancellations. MoneyEU's multi-currency support and international payment methods make it particularly effective for tour operators, booking platforms, and travel agencies serving global customers.

PayKings processes travel merchant payments but focuses primarily on domestic U.S. businesses with predictable volume patterns.

What Factors Should High-Risk Merchants Evaluate?

Approval Rates & Underwriting Requirements

MoneyEU achieves a 98% merchant approval rate through extensive banking relationships across multiple jurisdictions. Their underwriting evaluates business legitimacy, processing history, and compliance capabilities rather than automatically declining based solely on industry classification.

The approval process requires business registration documents, owner identification, previous processor statements (when applicable), and website compliance review. PayKings doesn't publicly disclose approval rates but positions itself as accepting merchants other processors decline.

Contract Terms & Early Termination Policies

MoneyEU offers flexible contracts without long-term lock-in periods. Merchants typically terminate services with 30-60 days notice, though specific terms depend on processing volume and business risk profile.

PayKings typically requires longer-term commitments, particularly for merchants in higher-risk categories. Early termination may trigger penalty fees or require fulfilling minimum processing commitments, standard practice among U.S.-based high-risk processors.

Technical Integration & API Quality

MoneyEU provides a unified API handling all payment methods through one integration point. Developers access comprehensive documentation, sandbox testing environments, and webhook notifications for transaction status updates.

The platform supports major e-commerce platforms including Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento through pre-built plugins. PayKings offers traditional payment gateway integration that works well for straightforward implementations but may require additional technical work for complex use cases.

Ready to explore payment solutions tailored to your industry? Contact our team at marketing@moneyeu.com to discuss your specific technical requirements.

How Do Fee Structures & Funding Compare?

Discount Rates & Per-Transaction Fees

High-risk processing typically costs 3-8% per transaction depending on industry, processing history, and transaction characteristics. MoneyEU's transparent pricing starts around 3.5% for established merchants with clean processing records, with rates adjusted based on individual risk assessment.

Additional fees may include monthly gateway fees, PCI compliance fees, and chargeback fees. Volume discounts become available as merchants scale beyond $100,000 monthly processing.

PayKings pricing varies significantly by industry and merchant profile, with rates typically falling in the 4-7% range. Setup fees, monthly minimums, and statement fees can add $100-300 monthly to processing costs.

Rolling Reserve Requirements & Hold Periods

A rolling reserve is a percentage of each transaction held by the processor as protection against chargebacks and refunds. Processors typically hold funds for 90-180 days before releasing them to the merchant account.

MoneyEU's reserve requirements range from 5-15% depending on business risk factors, with lower reserves available for established merchants demonstrating strong chargeback management. PayKings implements similar reserve structures, often starting at 10% for new high-risk merchants.

Settlement Speed & Funding Schedules

MoneyEU provides next-day funding as standard for most merchants, meaning transactions settle to your business bank account within 24 hours. Cryptocurrency transactions through MoneyEU settle instantly after blockchain confirmation.

PayKings offers various funding schedules depending on merchant risk profile and account terms. While next-day funding is available, it often comes as an add-on service with additional fees.

What Payment Methods Does Each Platform Support?

Payment method diversity directly impacts conversion rates, customers abandon purchases when their preferred payment option isn't available.

Card Networks & Regional Schemes

Both MoneyEU and PayKings process Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. MoneyEU additionally supports regional card schemes including JCB (popular in Japan and across Asia), UnionPay (China's dominant card network), and European debit schemes preferred by local customers.

Dynamic currency conversion allows international customers to view prices and complete transactions in their home currency. MoneyEU handles multi-currency processing natively, while PayKings focuses primarily on USD transactions.

ACH, SEPA & SWIFT Bank Transfers

ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfers enable low-cost bank-to-bank payments within the United States, ideal for recurring billing and high-value transactions where card processing fees become prohibitive. MoneyEU processes ACH payments with lower fees than card transactions, typically 0.5-1% plus a small fixed fee.

SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) transfers work similarly for European merchants, enabling efficient euro-denominated bank transfers across 36 countries. PayKings offers ACH processing for U.S. merchants but lacks the international banking relationships necessary for efficient SEPA or SWIFT processing.

Cryptocurrency Settlement Options

MoneyEU's integrated cryptocurrency processing accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT without requiring separate crypto payment providers. Merchants choose to receive settlement in cryptocurrency or have funds automatically converted to fiat currency at transaction time.

Cryptocurrency payments settle instantly after blockchain confirmation, typically within minutes for most networks. PayKings doesn't offer native cryptocurrency processing, requiring merchants to integrate third-party crypto payment solutions.

Digital Wallets & Alternative Payment Methods

Alternative payment methods (APMs) like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and regional digital wallets significantly improve mobile conversion rates. MoneyEU supports major digital wallets plus region-specific options like Alipay and WeChat Pay for Asian markets, AdvCash for Eastern Europe, and various Middle Eastern payment methods.

PayKings offers basic digital wallet support but lacks the extensive regional payment method network that MoneyEU provides.

How Do Fraud Prevention Capabilities Compare?

High-risk merchants face elevated chargeback exposure that can result in account termination if ratios exceed card network thresholds.

Real-Time Fraud Detection Filters

MoneyEU's fraud prevention engine analyzes multiple data points for each transaction, including device fingerprinting, IP geolocation, velocity checking, and behavioral analysis. Merchants configure custom rules that automatically decline suspicious transactions while approving legitimate customers.

PayKings provides fraud screening tools through their payment gateway, including basic velocity filters and address verification.

Chargeback Alert Network Integration

Chargeback alerts from services like Verifi and Ethoca notify merchants of disputes before they become official chargebacks, providing opportunity to issue refunds and avoid chargeback fees. MoneyEU includes chargeback alert integration as part of their platform.

Alert notifications typically cost $15-25 per notification but save the $50-100 chargeback fee plus the negative impact on processing ratios. PayKings offers chargeback alert services but often as add-on features with separate pricing.

Intelligent Transaction Routing

Smart routing analyzes transaction characteristics and automatically routes payments through the banking relationship most likely to approve them. MoneyEU's platform examines factors like card type, transaction amount, customer location, and historical approval patterns to optimize routing decisions in real-time.

PayKings uses traditional static routing where all transactions flow through predetermined banking relationships regardless of transaction characteristics.

Which Gateway Fits Your Business Best?

Choose MoneyEU if you:

• Process or plan to process payments internationally across multiple regions
• Want comprehensive payment method support beyond basic card processing
• Prefer next-day funding as standard rather than paying extra for fast settlement
• Operate in industries requiring sophisticated compliance management
• Value transparent pricing without hidden fees
• Want cryptocurrency processing integrated with traditional payment methods

Choose PayKings if you:

• Operate exclusively in the North American market with no international expansion plans
• Primarily require card processing without additional payment method requirements
• Prefer working with a traditional U.S.-based merchant services provider

For most high-risk merchants with growth ambitions, MoneyEU's payment orchestration platform provides broader payment method coverage and more favorable economics. The platform's 98% merchant approval rate and next-day funding deliver tangible advantages that directly impact cash flow and revenue.

Want to learn how MoneyEU can optimize your payment infrastructure? Email marketing@moneyeu.com to schedule a consultation with our high-risk payment specialists.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does merchant onboarding typically take with each provider?

MoneyEU typically completes onboarding within 3-5 business days for merchants with complete documentation and compliant websites. More complex cases requiring additional banking relationships or regulatory review may take 7-10 business days. PayKings' onboarding timeline varies but generally falls within a similar timeframe.

Can merchants negotiate rolling reserve percentages with both providers?

Reserve requirements depend on your business risk profile, processing history, and industry classification. Both MoneyEU and PayKings offer negotiation opportunities for established merchants with strong chargeback management. New merchants typically start with standard reserve percentages that decrease after demonstrating consistent performance.

Do both MoneyEU and PayKings support next-day funding options?

MoneyEU provides next-day funding as standard for most merchant accounts, with funds typically settling within 24 hours of transaction processing. PayKings offers next-day funding but often structures it as an add-on service with additional fees.

Which payment gateway integrates better with Shopify and WooCommerce platforms?

MoneyEU offers comprehensive e-commerce integrations with pre-built plugins for Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and other major platforms. The unified API approach means merchants can accept multiple payment methods through a single integration. PayKings provides standard gateway integration that works with most e-commerce platforms but focuses primarily on card processing.

---

---

About the Author