Short answer: Stripe prohibits adult content, gambling, funded prop trading, certain supplements, high-THC and edible CBD, and unauthorized media sales, among others. Categories such as low-THC CBD and investment services need its approval.
What Stripe's restricted businesses list is
Every card processor works under rules set by its partner banks and the card networks. Stripe publishes its version as a restricted businesses list. It has two parts: businesses Stripe does not support at all, and businesses it supports only after a review and with conditions.
The list applies to what you sell, not only to how you describe it, and Stripe can review an account after sign-up as well as before.
Prohibited categories
These are some of the categories Stripe says it cannot support. The full list is longer.
| Category | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Adult content and services | Pornography and other sexually explicit content and services. |
| Gambling | Online casinos, lotteries, paid sports betting and other games of chance. |
| Funded proprietary trading | Prop-firm challenges and high-return investment schemes. |
| Certain supplements | Supplements that are unsafe or make misleading health claims. |
| High-THC and edible CBD | THC products above local limits, including edible CBD. |
| Unauthorized media | Selling music, film or software without the rights to do so. |
Restricted categories
Restricted businesses can sometimes use Stripe, but only after Stripe approves them, and often with extra requirements such as licences or regional limits.
| Category | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Low-THC CBD | Allowed only with Stripe's prior approval and within the rules for your region. |
| Investment and brokerage services | Need approval and the right licences. |
What happens if your business is on the list
- Your application can be declined, or an existing account can be restricted or closed after a review.
- Stripe can place a reserve, a temporary hold on part of your funds, for example after elevated disputes or sudden volume spikes.
Do not describe your business differently to get approved. Processors check websites and transactions, and a misdescribed account is usually closed with funds held.
Your options if Stripe won't work
- 1
Check whether you are really restricted
Read Stripe's list for your exact category. Some categories are allowed with approval, so ask Stripe before you assume a no.
- 2
Apply for a high-risk merchant account
Specialist providers underwrite high-risk merchants. Expect documents, a review and often a rolling reserve.
- 3
Accept cards without a merchant account
With PayLio, customers pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay through licensed providers and you receive USDC in your own wallet. There is no merchant KYC, no reserve and no chargebacks to you. Illegal products are not allowed.
Source: Stripe restricted businesses . This guide summarises Stripe's public list and is not legal advice; Stripe's own wording always applies.