Vape is a legal, age-restricted category, but many processors avoid it for reputational reasons. Specialist acquirers approve compliant vape merchants with proper age verification.
Online vape sales are legal in the UK to adults, but many payment processors treat vaping as a high-risk, age-restricted category and decline or close vape shops. Specialist acquirers do approve compliant UK vape merchants that use age verification at checkout and sell compliant products. Single-use disposable vapes have been banned in the UK since June 2025, and providers will check you are not selling them. We introduce vape retailers and wholesalers to acquirers and banks with current appetite.
Many mainstream processors decline vape merchants for reputational reasons, regardless of compliance.
Acquirers expect robust age verification at checkout and on delivery for online vape sales.
Paying overseas manufacturers through high-street banks brings poor FX rates and payment delays.
We match UK vape retailers and wholesalers with acquirers and banks that approve the category knowingly.
Card acquiring for vapeVisa and Mastercard acceptance through acquirers with current appetite for age-restricted products.
Compliance-ready checkoutAge verification, product compliance and policies checked before you apply.
Business bankingNamed GBP and multi-currency accounts with providers that accept vape businesses.
Supplier FX paymentsLower-cost FX and international payments to overseas manufacturers.
Providers move fastest when the file is complete on day one. Have these ready before you apply.
Company documentsCertificate of incorporation, registered address and a short description of what you sell and to whom.
Ownership and IDPassport or ID and proof of address for every owner with 25% or more, and for directors.
Processing historyYour last 3 to 6 months of processing statements, if you have them, including chargeback and refund levels.
Bank statementsRecent business bank statements showing how money moves in and out of the business.
A compliant websiteFull company details, terms, refund and shipping policies, and accurate product descriptions.
Volumes and flowsExpected monthly volume, average transaction size, main customer countries and settlement currency.
Age verification and productsYour age verification method and evidence that products are compliant with UK rules.
Full list by sector: high-risk merchant documents checklist →
An online vape shop was closed by its processor at review.
A UK wholesaler is losing margin on FX when paying manufacturers abroad.
A retailer is rebuilding its range after the disposables ban and needs a new processor.
Yes, through acquirers that approve age-restricted vape merchants. Robust age verification and compliant products are essential.
Yes. The sale of single-use disposable vapes has been banned in the UK since 1 June 2025. Providers will check that you are not selling them.
Mostly reputational risk and age-restriction controls. Specialist acquirers assess compliance rather than declining the category outright.
Yes, including banking and FX for paying overseas manufacturers.
Company documents, owner ID, processing history if you have it, your age verification method, and a compliant website and product range.
Give us the detail upfront (volume, set-up, what has been declined) and we can check provider appetite before we speak. We will assess whether there is a suitable provider match and come back to you directly. No obligation, no hard sell.
Have a client in this sector?If you're an EMI, MSB, payment consultant, or adviser with clients in this space you can't service directly, we have a structured introducer arrangement.