For firearms businesses, choosing a payment gateway is not just a technical decision.

It is a risk management decision that directly impacts approvals, funding stability, and long term merchant account health.

Many FFLs are told that Authorize.net and NMI are interchangeable. In reality, each gateway supports different sales channels, transaction flows, and risk profiles within the firearms industry.

This article explains the differences between Authorize.net and NMI for firearms businesses, what GunBroker looks for in a gateway, and how to choose the right setup based on how your business actually operates.

Why Payment Gateways Matter for Firearms Businesses

A payment gateway controls how transactions are submitted, secured, reviewed, and settled.

For firearms businesses, gateways must support:

• Card not present transactions
• Ecommerce and marketplace sales
• Higher average ticket sizes
• Fraud controls aligned with firearms risk models
• Accurate transaction descriptors

Using the wrong gateway, or pairing the right gateway with the wrong merchant account, often leads to increased scrutiny, funding delays, or account restrictions.

This is why firearms businesses should work with firearms friendly merchant accounts that are structured with gateway selection in mind.

Authorize.net for Firearms Businesses

Authorize.net is one of the most widely used payment gateways in ecommerce.

For firearms businesses, Authorize.net is commonly used for:

• Ecommerce websites
• Hosted checkout pages
• API integrations
• Non firearm recurring billing

When properly underwritten, Authorize.net can support firearms related businesses, including ammunition and accessories, and firearms sales, depending on the processor and business model.

However, Authorize.net requires:

• Firearms aware underwriting
• Clear product categorization
• Alignment between gateway, merchant account, and website content

Using Authorize.net without firearms specific approval is one of the most common reasons firearms businesses experience gateway related issues.

NMI for Firearms Businesses

NMI is a flexible payment gateway often used by regulated and higher risk industries.

Within the firearms industry, NMI is commonly used for:

• Marketplace transactions
• GunBroker Immediate Checkout
• Complex ecommerce workflows
• Multiple descriptors and merchant IDs
• Risk based transaction rules

Because of its configurability, NMI is frequently chosen by firearms businesses selling across multiple channels or operating at higher volumes.

When paired with a properly underwritten merchant account, NMI aligns well with marketplace requirements, including GunBroker.

GunBroker Preferred Gateways: What FFLs Should Know

GunBroker requires sellers using Immediate Checkout to meet specific payment and gateway standards.

While GunBroker does not endorse processors, it does require compatible and approved gateways that support marketplace transaction flows.

Authorize.net and NMI are both commonly used, but the correct choice depends on:

• Sales volume
• Average ticket size
• Retail versus ecommerce mix
• Marketplace exposure
• Overall risk profile

Choosing the wrong gateway for GunBroker sales often results in Immediate Checkout being denied or later removed.

For a deeper breakdown of GunBroker requirements, read our guide on GunBroker payment processing.

Retail vs Ecommerce Gateway Needs for FFLs

Retail Focused Firearms Businesses

FFLs primarily selling in store may only need a gateway for:

• Online accessories
• Deposits or special orders
• Non firearm transactions

In these cases, Authorize.net may be sufficient when properly approved.

Ecommerce and Marketplace Focused Firearms Businesses

FFLs selling online, through marketplaces, or on GunBroker typically require:

• Enhanced fraud controls
• Marketplace compatible transaction handling
• Flexible descriptor management
• Support for higher risk transaction profiles

In these cases, NMI is often the better fit.

The correct gateway is not about popularity.
It is about alignment with your business model.

Common Gateway Mistakes Firearms Businesses Make

Most gateway related issues are preventable.

Common mistakes include:

• Selecting a gateway before underwriting approval
• Assuming all processors support Authorize.net and NMI equally
• Adding GunBroker or ecommerce sales after approval
• Launching ecommerce without website compliance review
• Mixing firearm and non firearm activity improperly

Any one of these can trigger account reviews, funding delays, or termination.

How EPIC Merchant Systems Supports Both Authorize.net and NMI

EPIC Merchant Systems has the ability to set up both Authorize.net and NMI for firearms businesses through 2A friendly banking partners, supporting GunBroker, eCommerce, mobile, and retail sales under a properly disclosed and underwritten strategy.

Very few payment providers in the firearms space can actually do this correctly.

Many claim they can support multiple gateways and firearms sales channels, only for merchants to later experience frozen funds, sudden restrictions, or account termination once real transaction activity begins.

The difference is how the account is structured.

EPIC Merchant Systems aligns underwriting, gateway configuration, and sales channels based on how your firearms business actually operates, not on generic approvals. This approach helps reduce avoidable risk and supports long term merchant account stability.

We do not rely on shortcuts.
We build payment strategies that hold up as volume grows, ecommerce launches, or GunBroker activity increases.

Authorize.net vs NMI FAQs for Firearms Businesses

Is Authorize.net allowed for firearms businesses?

Authorize.net can be used by firearms businesses when the merchant account and gateway are properly underwritten and approved for firearms related activity.

Is NMI better than Authorize.net for GunBroker sales?

NMI is often better suited for GunBroker and marketplace sales due to its flexibility, but the correct choice depends on volume, product mix, and risk profile.

Does GunBroker require a specific payment gateway?

GunBroker requires sellers using Immediate Checkout to use compatible and approved gateways. Both Authorize.net and NMI are commonly used when properly configured.

Can firearms businesses use both Authorize.net and NMI?

Yes, some firearms businesses use both gateways depending on sales channels. This must be structured correctly and disclosed during underwriting.

What happens if I choose the wrong gateway?

Choosing the wrong gateway can lead to failed transactions, funding delays, Immediate Checkout removal, or merchant account termination.

How does EPIC Merchant Systems help with gateway selection?

EPIC Merchant Systems evaluates your business model, sales channels, and growth plans to recommend and configure the gateway strategy that supports long term stability.

Ready to Work With a Payment Provider That Can Actually Support Both Gateways?

If you are an FFL selling through GunBroker, online, mobile, or retail, your payment setup must be structured correctly from the beginning.

Risk cannot be eliminated, but it can be managed responsibly with the right underwriting, gateway configuration, and banking relationships.

EPIC Merchant Systems works with 2A friendly banks and has the ability to support both Authorize.net and NMI under a single, compliant strategy built specifically for firearms businesses.

Some providers say they can do this.
Very few actually can.

ACTIVATE YOUR ACCOUNT HERE

Talk to a Firearms Payment Specialist at EPIC Merchant Systems

We will:

• Evaluate your firearms business model
• Align Authorize.net, NMI, or both with your sales channels
• Support GunBroker Immediate Checkout
• Reduce avoidable freezes and shutdown triggers
• Protect long term merchant account health



👉 Request a Gateway and Merchant Account Review
👉 Speak With a Firearms Payment Specialist Today

Choose a payment partner that understands firearms, gateways, underwriting, and risk management together.