The First Steps to Building a High-Risk Payment Company

First things first, yes, I used a placeholder image on this because finding images for these posts is literally the worst part about writing them... I'll figure that shit out later. Ain't nobody got time for that!

Edit: my wife added an image, nothing to see here.

Now, let's actually get into it.

Starting a high-risk payment company is not for the weak. If you’re thinking about diving into this world, know right now: it’s gonna test your patience, your grit, and your ability to problem-solve under pressure. But if you’re here to actually solve problems and create something meaningful, let me share a few of the real lessons I picked up in the early days of building PayKings.

Know What You’re Getting Into – This Isn’t Some Vanilla Payment Processing Type Shit

First off, let’s be clear: high-risk payment processing is a whole different beast. We’re talking industries where most banks don’t want to touch merchants with a ten-foot pole. You’ve got to know the rules, understand the risks, and be prepared for more scrutiny than you’ve ever seen. But that’s also what makes it worth it if you can handle it – because if you can navigate these waters, you’re in a position to actually make a difference for businesses that desperately need reliable payment solutions.

When PayKings was on the come-up, there were no shortcuts. We didn’t have the luxury of soft launches or easy merchant onboarding; every merchant needed full transparency, support, and stability from day one. And if you’re not willing to work your ass off to provide that, don’t even bother starting. Seriously, do something else. This shit ain't for you. I couldn't even count the amount of 3am calls I took for a merchant or waking up to thousands of closures because someone took CBD from everyone and their mother and then chickened out (looking at you Elavon).

Marketing: How We Built Our Edge and Made PayKings Unforgettable

Let’s be real: in high-risk payment processing, PayKings is known for dominating the marketing side. From the start, we understood that to set ourselves apart, we had to make damn sure people knew our name, and that meant showing up, consistently, and being visible. In this industry, people either know you or they don’t, and we didn’t leave that to chance. We climbed to the top of Google and shouted it.

Our goal wasn’t just to look good – it was to own the narrative. We didn’t sit on our ass hoping merchants would find us; we went out there, pushed content, created resources, and commanded authority. We doubled down on marketing because we knew our competition wasn’t going to, and that gave us a massive edge. Dominating the marketing game set PayKings apart as the go-to name for high-risk payment solutions, and that’s no accident.

Build Relationships That Actually Matter

One of the earliest lessons I learned is that this industry is built on relationships. I’m not talking about the “send them a holiday card” type – I mean real relationships. Your partners, banking contacts, and payment processors are all crucial, and you’ve got to treat them like gold. You need to prove that you’re in it for the long haul, and that’s where trust comes in. High-risk means high stakes, and no one’s going to go the extra mile for you if they don’t trust you.

At PayKings, we went out of our way to make every connection count. I’m talking about those late-night calls, those all-nighter troubleshooting sessions, and those honest-as-hell conversations about what we could and couldn’t do. When shit hits the fan (and it will), you’ll be glad you invested in people who’ve got your back.

Embrace the Grind – Every Win Is Earned

Starting any business takes work, but high-risk payment processing? Multiply that by ten. It’s not just the complexity; it’s the reputation you’ve got to build from scratch. Every bank, every partner, every client is evaluating whether you’re going to make it or fold like the 9 million others that tried and failed. And if you think you’re going to skip this grind and coast, lol good luck. Ever heard of attrition?

When we first got started, we had to prove ourselves every single day. The banks didn’t trust us, merchants were skeptical because we had no online presence, and everyone was assuming we'd fail. If you’re not ready to put in that work – like round-the-clock, no-excuses, we-get-shit-done work – then maybe reconsider starting a high-risk company.

Know Your Shit Inside Out

This isn’t the time to pretend you know what’s going on. High-risk payment processing demands an insane level of knowledge and flexibility. Regulations change, policies shift, banks get skittish, and you’re the one on the line to make sure your merchants’ payments keep flowing. You have to become an expert, and fast. If you don’t know your shit, you’re going to get burned, and so will your merchants, potentially even permanently. Google the MATCH list.

We made sure from day one that PayKings was built on expertise. I personally dove deep into the regulations, compliance standards, and the mechanics of payment gateways. Every detail mattered. It’s what gave us credibility when we needed it most.

Be Real With Your Merchants

One last thing I learned early on: don’t bullshit your merchants. High-risk merchants have been through the wringer. They’ve heard every promise in the book, and they can smell bullshit a mile away. If you can’t deliver, tell them, and refer them to one of the relationships you were supposed to be building. If there’s a risk, let them know. The worst thing you can do is leave them in the dark. Get used to delivering bad news; that's high-risk.

At PayKings, we were always upfront. Sometimes that meant we losing deals – but it also meant the merchants who signed on knew exactly what to expect, and they stuck around. High-risk merchants value honesty because they don’t get it very often. Give it to them straight, and you’ll build relationships that last. Or don't and refer them to me. It’s a win-win! Well, not for you, but I get to win twice.

You’re Either In or You’re Out

This industry isn’t for everyone. You’re either all in, or you’re wasting your time. High-risk payment processing will test your patience, your stamina, and your ability to keep going when most people would quit. But if you’re serious, if you’re ready to get in the trenches, and if you’re committed to helping the businesses no one else will touch – then there’s no better place to be.

We didn’t just make PayKings a high-risk payment processor; we made it the name in the game. So if you’re serious about high-risk payments, marketing your name like it matters, and putting in the work – then let’s make shit happen.