General Questions & Accepted Businesses
How is Tactical Payments different from other merchant service providers?
Tactical Payments works exclusively with 2nd Amendment friendly processors and sponsor banks, which enables us to provide the most reliable credit card processing solutions in the firearms industry. We offer competitive rates, friendly customer support, and easy integrations with GunBroker and other firearm industry software and retail platforms.
What types of firearms industry businesses does Tactical Payments accept as clients?
We provide merchant accounts for all types of gun industry businesses, including businesses that are considered “high risk” by other merchant services providers, as well as businesses that are rejected by the big banks for “political” or ideological reasons. Our clients include local “brick and mortar” gun retailers, as well as online firearms dealers who sell primarily via GunBroker and other internet platforms. We also provide merchant services for pawn shops, shooting ranges, training services, ammunition retailers, and manufacturers and retailers of accessories and related products.
Do you provide merchant accounts for non-US based businesses?
Sorry, we are unable to provide merchant services for foreign or offshore businesses, or any company that is headquartered outside of the USA. To be approved for a merchant account with Tactical Payments, the business owner must have a valid SSN and US issued identification (driver’s license, US passport, etc).
Do I need an FFL to obtain a merchant account?
Yes, if you are selling firearms, you will need a valid or pending FFL to accept credit and debit card payments. Ammunition and accessories sellers do not typically require a license.
Application & Setup Process
How do I apply for a merchant account?
To apply, first you need to complete the online application (which takes about five minutes), and upload any additional required documents. Next, you can review our full proposal (which includes pricing), and DocuSign it when you’re ready. When your assigned underwriter approves your account, you can start processing payments right away.
What information should I be prepared to provide during the underwriting process?
To be approved for a merchant account with Tactical Payments, the business owner must have a valid SSN and US issued identification (driver’s license, US passport, etc). Additionally, if you are selling firearms, you will need a valid or pending FFL. You will also be asked to estimate your average monthly sales volume, as well as the breakdown by transaction type (e.g., e-commerce vs. phone order).
How long does it take until I get approved for my merchant account?
After you apply, your merchant account will be pre-approved within 24 hours. Next, you will usually be fully approved (that is, through underwriting) within three to five business days. Rest assured that we will work as diligently as possible to get your account approved in a timely manner. Our priority is to get your merchant account up and running as fast as possible.
Merchant Account Details
What is a “rolling reserve”?
A rolling reserve is a type of cash reserve used to protect the merchant account and the bank from potential losses due to chargebacks. In this case, a percentage of the credit card volume processed (typically 5-10%) is held in reserve. Risk management will gradually release held funds from the reserve after 6 to 12 months of consistent processing with low chargebacks.
Certain types of businesses will be required to have a rolling reserve to be approved for a merchant account initially. This can be reconsidered after the business has established positive processing history with the bank.