Click & Convert with Maria Sparagis #218 How to Get a US Merchant Account as a Non-Resident
Non-US residents are rejected by payment processors every day — even with an ITIN.
Maria explains why platforms like Stripe approve non-resident businesses quickly but shut them down just as fast, and why an ITIN alone doesn’t solve the real risk issues processors care about.
From chargebacks and collections to credit exposure and compliance, Maria breaks down what actually determines whether a non-resident can keep payment processing long-term — and what to do if you don’t qualify yet.
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🎯 Key Concepts Covered
🟩 Non-Resident Risk Profile –
How payment processors evaluate non-US residents by default, why they’re often classified as higher risk, and what factors immediately work against approval.
🟩 ITIN vs. Merchant Eligibility –
What an ITIN actually does (and does not) do for payment processing, and why it doesn’t override credit, residency, or collections risk.
🟩 Payment Facilitator Limits –
Why platforms like Stripe and PayPal approve non-residents quickly, how their risk model works, and why even 1–2 chargebacks can trigger freezes or shutdowns.
🟩 US Merchant Account Requirements –
The real criteria processors look for when approving non-residents, including business structure, banking, credit exposure, and risk controls.
🟩 Approval Alternatives –
What options exist if you don’t qualify for a US merchant account yet, and how to structure payments without putting your revenue at constant risk.
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Thanks for listening! If payments, approvals, or processor issues are slowing your business down, that’s exactly what we help with at DirectPayNet. Our team works with online businesses to create payment setups that actually support growth. Contact us today!