How to Get a Merchant Account With No Credit Check

By Olivia Johnson - Trusted UK Business Expert

Last Updated 12th of July 2026

7 minute read

Getting a merchant account can feel hard if you have bad credit or no credit history. Many business owners worry they will be turned away before they even start. The good news is that some providers offer merchant accounts with no credit check or use softer checks that focus more on your business sales than your credit score.

We help UK businesses understand how these accounts work, what providers look for, and how to improve approval chances. This guide explains everything in simple steps.

To get a merchant account with no credit check, choose a provider that accepts high-risk or new businesses, prepare your business documents, show stable sales or bank activity, and apply for a flexible payment solution such as a pay-as-you-go card machine or online payment gateway.

There is more to know than simply filling in an application. Some providers still check trading history, chargeback risk, or bank statements. Read on to learn how no credit check merchant accounts work, which businesses qualify, and how to improve your chances of approval.

Need a Merchant Account without the hassle of traditional credit checks? Click the link below to compare trusted providers, explore your options, and find a solution that helps your business start accepting card payments quickly and easily.

How to Get a Merchant Account With No Credit Check

A merchant account lets your business accept card payments from customers. When a customer pays by debit card or credit card, the money first goes into the merchant account before reaching your business bank account.

If you are new to card processing, it helps to understand the different types of card payment machines available in the UK.

Many banks and payment providers check your personal or business credit score before approving an account. This can be a problem for:

• Start-ups
• New limited companies
• Sole traders
• Businesses with bad credit
• Companies with County Court Judgements (CCJs)
• Directors with low credit scores

Thankfully, some providers offer merchant accounts with no hard credit check. Instead of focusing only on your credit score, they may look at:

These accounts are often easier to get because the provider takes a wider view of your business.

Many businesses start with a card machine for a small business before moving to more advanced merchant services.

What Is a No Credit Check Merchant Account?

A no credit check merchant account is a payment processing account that does not rely heavily on your personal credit file. Some providers skip hard checks completely. Others use soft checks that do not affect your credit score.

This can help businesses that struggle to get approved by high street banks.

These accounts may include:

• Card machine accounts
• Online payment gateways
• Virtual terminals
• Mobile payment systems
• Pay-as-you-go merchant services

Many fintech companies and alternative payment providers now offer flexible approval systems. They understand that a low credit score does not always mean a business is risky.

Providers such as SumUp, Zettle and Dojo are popular choices for businesses seeking fast approval.

For example, a new café owner may have poor personal credit from years ago but still run a profitable business today. Some modern payment providers focus more on the current business performance.

Why Traditional Providers Reject Applications

Banks usually avoid risk. They want proof that a business can process payments safely and avoid fraud or unpaid fees.

Traditional providers often reject businesses because of:

Poor Personal Credit

If a director has missed loan payments or defaults, banks may worry about financial stability.

New Business Status

New companies without trading history are harder for banks to assess. Start-ups often benefit from choosing the best card machine for small business rather than applying directly through a traditional bank.

High-Risk Industries

Some sectors have more chargebacks or fraud. These include:

• CBD products
• Gaming
• Adult services
• Travel businesses
• Subscription services

Previous Merchant Account Problems

Too many chargebacks or terminated accounts can reduce approval chances.

Alternative providers are often more flexible in these situations.

Steps to Get a Merchant Account With No Credit Check

The process is usually simpler than people think. Following the right steps can improve your chances greatly.

Choose the Right Provider

Not all payment providers offer no credit check options. Look for companies that advertise:

• Fast approval
• Bad credit support
• Start-up friendly accounts
• Flexible underwriting
• No hard credit searches

Popular choices in the UK may include fintech payment companies instead of traditional banks.

Comparing multiple providers can improve your approval chances and help reduce payment processing costs.

Prepare Your Documents

Most providers still need business information.

You may need:

• Proof of ID
• Business bank statements
• Company registration details
• Proof of address
• Website details
• Sales estimates

Having organised paperwork helps speed up approval.

Show Stable Business Activity

Even without a credit check, providers want proof that your business is real.

Helpful signs include:

• Active social media pages
• A working website
• Regular bank transactions
• Existing customer invoices

This helps build trust.

Start With Simple Payment Solutions

New businesses may find it easier to get approved for:

• Mobile card readers
• Pay-as-you-go payment systems
• Online checkout systems

These usually carry less risk for providers.

Many new businesses begin with a mobile card payment machine because approval is usually faster and setup costs are lower.

Keep Chargebacks Low

Chargebacks happen when customers dispute payments. Too many chargebacks make providers nervous.

To reduce chargebacks:

• Offer clear refunds
• Use good customer service
• Keep delivery times realistic
• Use secure payment systems

Best Types of Merchant Accounts for Bad Credit

Some account types are easier to get than others.

Pay-As-You-Go Merchant Accounts

These accounts charge fees only when you take payments. They are popular with:

• Small businesses
• Market traders
• Freelancers
• Start-ups

There are usually no long contracts.

High-Risk Merchant Accounts

These accounts are designed for businesses with higher risk levels.

They may cost more but can help businesses accept card payments when others say no.

Aggregated Payment Accounts

Some providers place many businesses under one large merchant account. This lowers risk for the provider and makes approval easier.

Examples include some online payment platforms.

What Fees Should You Expect?

No credit check merchant accounts may have higher fees because the provider takes on more risk.

Common costs include:

Always read the small print before signing.

A cheap-looking deal may include hidden costs later.

Can Start-Ups Get Approved?

Yes. Many no credit check providers actively support start-ups.

New businesses often succeed if they can show:

• A clear business plan
• Expected monthly sales
• A professional website
• Business banking activity

Some providers care more about future growth than old credit problems.

A start-up coffee shop, for example, may still get approved if it has a good location, strong branding, and clear customer demand.

Online Businesses and No Credit Check Accounts

E-commerce businesses often need online merchant accounts quickly.

Many online payment providers now offer:

• Instant applications
• Fast setup
• Virtual terminals
• Shopping cart integration
• Subscription billing

Online businesses should make sure their websites include:

• Refund policies
• Contact details
• Delivery information
• Terms and conditions

This helps providers trust the business.

How Long Does Approval Take?

Approval speed depends on the provider and business type.

Some businesses get approved in:

• A few hours
• One working day
• Two to three days

High-risk businesses may take longer because providers need extra checks.

Fast approval often happens when documents are complete and easy to verify.

How to Improve Your Approval Chances

Even if a provider does not focus heavily on credit checks, preparation still matters.

Build a Professional Website

A clear website creates trust.

Your website should include:

• Company details
• Contact information
• Secure checkout
• Clear pricing
• Privacy policy

Open a Business Bank Account

Using a proper business account looks more professional than personal banking.

Avoid Unrealistic Sales Claims

Be honest about expected turnover. Huge estimates without proof may create concern.

Maintain Good Banking Habits

Avoid unpaid fees or bounced payments on your business bank account.

Keep Your Business Active

Regular sales activity shows stability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many businesses hurt their approval chances without realising it.

• Applying to Too Many Providers: Too many applications can make businesses appear desperate.
• Hiding Business Information: Always explain your products and services clearly.
• Ignoring Contract Terms: Some contracts lock businesses into long agreements.
• Choosing Only the Cheapest Option: Low fees do not always mean good service.

Support quality matters too.

Benefits of No Credit Check Merchant Accounts

These accounts can help businesses grow faster.

Main benefits include:

• Faster approvals
• More flexible acceptance
• Access for start-ups
• Better cash flow
• Ability to accept card payments

Customers now expect businesses to accept card and online payments. Without a merchant account, businesses may lose sales.

Are No Credit Check Merchant Accounts Safe?

Yes, most regulated providers use secure systems and encryption.

Businesses should still check for:

• FCA regulation
• PCI compliance
• Secure payment technology
• Transparent pricing

Reading customer reviews can also help identify trusted providers.

The Future of Merchant Accounts in the UK

The payment industry is changing quickly. Traditional banking rules are becoming less strict as fintech companies grow.

Modern providers now use:

• AI risk tools
• Real-time payment monitoring
• Flexible underwriting
• Open banking technology

This helps more businesses get approved even with weak credit histories.

As cash use continues to fall in the UK, merchant accounts are becoming essential for nearly every business type.

Final Thoughts

Getting a merchant account with no credit check is possible for many UK businesses. You do not always need perfect credit to accept card payments.

The key is choosing the right provider, preparing your business documents, and showing signs of stable trading. Start-ups, sole traders, and businesses with bad credit can still find flexible payment solutions that support growth.

By understanding fees, reducing risk, and keeping your business professional, you can improve your approval chances and start taking payments quickly.

Need help finding the right merchant account for your business? Click the link below to compare trusted UK providers and discover flexible payment solutions today.

FAQ

Can I get a merchant account with bad credit?

Yes. Some providers specialise in helping businesses with poor credit histories or past financial problems.

Do no credit check merchant accounts cost more?

Sometimes. Providers may charge slightly higher fees because they take on extra risk.

Can a new business get approved?

Yes. Many start-ups get approved if they provide proper documents and realistic sales forecasts.

What documents are needed for approval?

Most providers ask for ID, bank statements, business details, and proof of address.

Are online merchant accounts easier to get?

In many cases, yes. Online payment providers often use faster and more flexible approval systems than traditional banks.

Ready to secure a Merchant Account that fits your business needs? Click the button below to compare leading providers, review key features, and discover flexible approval options designed for SMEs.