Business bank accounts for adult entertainment companies
Published - 04 May 2020
Revised - 11 July 2024
Written by Libby James
Libby James is the founder and Managing Director of Merchant Advice Service. Since 2016, she has worked directly with businesses and payment providers across merchant accounts, card processing, payment gateways and complex provider requirements.
Libby specialises in high-risk, declined and harder-to-place merchants, as well as businesses requiring specialist payment methods, integrations or international support. She writes and reviews Merchant Advice Service content, drawing on practical experience gained from real merchant enquiries and provider relationships.
Finding business bank account for an adult company
When it comes to finding business bank accounts and card processing for adult businesses things can become a little tricky, the reason for this is adult entertainment is deemed high risk by the majority of banks and providers. Adult industries include;
- Escorts
- Strip clubs
- Chatline companies
- Websites selling adult toys
- Video streaming sites
Although most high street providers will not supply banking services to adult entertainment businesses, others will accept applications providing all sales are legal, after all it’s a multibillion-pound industry.
Opening a business bank account for adult company
High risk applications can take a little longer than others, so it’s important to be prepared and provide as much information as possible when applying for business banking. As well as the normal requirements when opening an account (ID, proof of address, company registration) expect to be asked to provide; details of products, terms and conditions and where applicable proof of age clarification for customers.
Prior to applying for an adult business bank account, it’s worthwhile speaking to banks and assessing if they are onboarding accounts from the industry. Smaller banks and providers often have the ability to pre-approve applications, by talking through your application with underwriters before the forms have been completed.
Declined for business banking elsewhere
If you’ve had your application rejected by a high street bank you may wish to look for alternatives with smaller providers, some of which you may never have heard of before. Smaller banks often operate a manual underwriting process, meaning they can accept adult business banking applications declined elsewhere.
How Merchant Advice Service can help
Merchant Advice Service has partnered with banks who accept applications from adult entertainment businesses and sole traders. Speak to our experts today to start your application.
Written or reviewed by Libby James, founder of Merchant Advice Service and specialist in merchant payments and complex provider requirements.
