Prohibited and Restricted Businesses
Last updated: June 2024. This update clarifies our support for content creation platforms. No other sections of this document have been modified since the last update.
How to Use This Page
This page provides information on the types of businesses, products, and industries that can’t use PayWall's services. To use PayWall's services, you must remain compliant with these rules and restrictions. For more information about why we can’t work with every business, please see our article about business limitations.
High-Risk Jurisdictions and Persons
Use of PayWall's services for any dealings, engagement, or sale of goods or services either directly or indirectly with the following are prohibited:
High-Risk Jurisdictions
Persons located in, resident in, or a citizen of or products or services originating from jurisdictions that PayWall has determined for various reasons, including legal, contractual, and commercial reasons, to be prohibited, including Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions.
High-Risk Persons
Persons PayWall has determined for various reasons, including legal, contractual, and commercial reasons, to be prohibited, such as those individuals or entities named to a restricted person or party list of, or otherwise restricted by, the US, United Kingdom, European Union, or United Nations, including the sanctions maintained by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control or the Denied Persons List or Entity List maintained by the US Department of Commerce.
Prohibited Businesses
You must not use PayWall’s services for any illegal activities or for the businesses or product types listed below. The types of businesses listed here are representative of prohibited categories, but this is not an exhaustive list.
- Any illegal products and services
- Illegal drugs, substances designed to mimic illegal drugs (including kava)
- Equipment and items intended to be used for making or using drugs
- Fake references or ID-providing services
- Telecommunications manipulation equipment including jamming devices
- Businesses that engage in, encourage, promote or celebrate unlawful violence or physical harm to persons or property
- Adult content and services (including pornography, escort services, and adult live chat features)
- Gambling, including games of chance and games of skill with monetary prizes
- Products and services that infringe on intellectual property rights
- High-risk financial services (including payday loans and high-interest rate loans)
- Cryptocurrency mining and staking
- Weapons, firearms, explosives, and dangerous materials
Restricted Businesses
You must not use PayWall’s services for the following activities, unless you have received prior written approval from PayWall. If you think your business falls into one of the restricted categories, please contact us.
- Content creation platforms
- Regulated industries (including CBD products, financial products and services, and pharmaceuticals)
- Non-fiat currency and stored value (including cryptocurrency exchanges and wallets)
- Travel (including travel reservation services and charter airlines)
- Multi-level marketing
- Crowdfunding and fundraising activities
Jurisdiction-Specific Prohibited Businesses
Certain countries have specific prohibitions. For example, in Brazil, genital prosthetics and sex accessories are prohibited; in Canada, mortgage consulting is prohibited; and in India, alcohol and dating services are prohibited.
Prohibited Uses of PayWall Products
PayWall products may never be used for certain activities, regardless of the industry. This includes using PayWall products with false or misleading information, for facilitating transactions on behalf of another undisclosed merchant, or for processing where there is no bona fide good or service sold.
Prohibitions for PayWall Issuing Products
You must not use PayWall Issuing for consumer use, international use, lending use, or other abusive uses such as using Issuing cards to abuse free trial products at scale.
If you have questions about prohibited and restricted businesses, you can contact us.
Frequently asked questions
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our support team for assistance.
Does PayWall handle VAT or taxes?
No, PayWall does not handle VAT or taxes at this time. You will need to manage them on your own.
Does PayWall have a monthly fee?
No, PayWall is free to use. You only pay a transaction fee when you receive a payment.
Can I have multiple PayWall accounts?
Yes, you can have multiple PayWall accounts. You can use different PayWall accounts for different purposes or businesses.
What is the maximum amount I can charge using PayWall?
The maximum amount you can charge per transaction is US$50,000.
When will I receive funds in my bank account?
For US customers, we will transfer the funds to your bank account within 2 business days after the payment is completed. For international customers, transfers are made within 7 business days after the payment is completed.
What is the maximum amount I can charge per month?
Regular accounts can charge up to US$500,000 monthly, while business accounts have no limitations.
What type of payment methods can I accept?
Currently, PayWall supports Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Can I integrate PayWall with my accounting software?
If your application has an API, we can integrate PayWall with your accounting software. Please contact us to discuss further.
I lost my password. How can I access my account?
You can reset your password by clicking on the “Forgot Password” link on the login page. Enter your email address, and we will send you an email with a link to reset your password.
Do I need a US bank account to use PayWall?
PayWall is currently available in 47 countries. For the most recent list of supported countries, please contact us. If you do have a US bank account, you can still use PayWall regardless of your location.