Stripe vs Merchant Account: Which is Better for Your Business?
When it comes to payment processing, businesses often ask: Stripe vs Merchant Account ? Both solutions have advantages, but choosing the right one depends on your business model and risk profile. Stripe is a third-party payment processor that makes setup easy, especially for startups and small businesses. It handles transactions under its own merchant account, meaning you don’t need to apply for one directly. However, Stripe is strict with high-risk industries and may suspend accounts if they exceed chargeback limits or operate in restricted sectors. On the other hand, a dedicated merchant account provides more stability, especially for high-risk businesses. Though the application process is longer, it offers benefits like: Greater control over account terms Lower long-term fees for high volumes Tailored fraud prevention and risk management For low-risk startups, Stripe might be a quick solution. But for businesses in high-risk industries, a merchant account is often the smarter lo...