Quick Summary:
Most merchant account providers are not built to support FFL businesses. EPIC Merchant Systems works with 2A-friendly banks to prevent account shutdowns, hidden fees, and payment restrictions across retail, online, mobile, and marketplace sales.

Federal Firearms License holders face payment processing challenges that most other businesses never encounter. From sudden account shutdowns to surprise fees and unsupported sales channels, the wrong merchant account provider can cripple an otherwise lawful and compliant business.

This article outlines the most common merchant account problems FFLs experience and explains how EPIC Merchant Systems solves them differently, intentionally, and for the long term.

EPIC Merchant Systems works exclusively with 2A-friendly banks and underwriting partners that knowingly support FFL businesses. Our goal is simple: keep you processing, protected, and positioned for growth.

1. Sudden Merchant Account Freezes or Terminations

The problem:
One of the most damaging issues FFLs face is a merchant account being frozen or terminated without warning. This typically happens when processors approve accounts without fully understanding the business, then reverse course after a review, chargeback, or internal policy shift.

When this happens, funds may be held for weeks or months, leaving dealers unable to operate, pay suppliers, or meet payroll.

How EPIC is different:
EPIC performs full, honest underwriting from day one. Your complete business model is disclosed upfront, including products sold, sales channels, and fulfillment methods.

Because our banking partners intentionally support all FFL commerce, there are no surprise reversals after you are live.

2. Being Automatically Labeled High Risk

The problem:
Many processors automatically classify all FFLs as high risk. This results in inflated rates, rolling reserves, delayed deposits, and little transparency around pricing.

Often, no one can clearly explain why the pricing is what it is.

How EPIC is different:
EPIC evaluates each FFL individually. We look at factors such as sales volume, average ticket size, compliance posture, chargeback history, and time in business.

Our pricing is risk-based, transparent, and fair, not fear-driven.

3. Surprise Monthly Fees, Annual Fees, and Rate Increases

The problem:
One of the most common complaints we hear from FFLs is surprise monthly fees, unexpected annual charges, or rates that slowly increase over time.

Many providers rely on confusing statements or buried contract language, knowing most business owners do not have time to audit every line item.

How EPIC is different:
EPIC Merchant Systems provides a 100 percent guarantee to never raise your rates.

If you ever see:

• A rate increase you did not approve
• A monthly fee you do not recognize
• An annual fee added without disclosure

You contact us.

We investigate it, correct it, and reimburse you. The only way rates or fees would ever change is with your informed consent in writing.

4. Payment Providers That Do Not Understand FFL Operations

The problem:
Many merchant account providers simply do not understand how FFL businesses operate. This leads to false fraud flags, unnecessary documentation requests, declined transactions, and delayed approvals.

In some cases, lawful transactions are flagged because the provider lacks industry knowledge.

How EPIC is different:
FFLs are not a side market for EPIC. They are a core focus.

We understand retail counter sales, compliant ecommerce, marketplace transactions, and industry-specific software and gateway integrations. Because of this, issues are resolved faster and escalated properly when needed.

5. Limited Approval Based on How and Where You Sell

The problem:
Many processors approve FFLs for only one sales channel while prohibiting others.

You may hear:

• No home-based FFLs
• Retail storefronts only
• No mobile or off-site sales
• No gun shows
• No ecommerce
• No marketplace transactions

This forces dealers to juggle multiple processors or operate in gray areas that put their account at risk.

How EPIC is different:
EPIC Merchant Systems is one of the few payment providers that can support all FFL business models under one relationship, including:

• Home-based FFLs
• Retail brick-and-mortar locations
• Mobile and off-site sales
• Gun shows and events
• Ecommerce websites
• Marketplaces such as GunBroker, including Immediate Checkout

We underwrite your full business model upfront so you are not boxed in as your business grows.

6. Limited Technology and Payment Options

The problem:
Many FFLs are restricted to outdated systems offered by local banks or attempt to use fintech platforms that explicitly prohibit these transactions.

Platforms like Square, PayPal, Stripe, Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App routinely shut down accounts and freeze funds when violations are detected.

How EPIC is different:
EPIC Merchant Systems offers multiple compliant solutions backed by 2A-friendly banks, including:

• SwipeSimple
• Dejavoo
• Valor Paytech
• Clover
• EPIC POS
• Authorize.net
• NMI

Because these solutions are properly underwritten, you can process anything you are legally allowed to sell across all sales channels without fear of sudden shutdowns.

7. Losing Your Merchant Account When You Change Platforms

The problem:
Some processors tie your merchant account to a specific website provider or POS system. If you change platforms, you are forced to reapply and risk losing approval.

How EPIC is different:
With EPIC, your merchant account belongs to you.

If you change websites, POS systems, or ecommerce platforms, your merchant account stays intact.

8. Poor Support and No Real Advocate

The problem:
When problems arise, many FFLs are left dealing with call centers that do not understand their business and are unwilling to advocate on their behalf.

How EPIC is different:
At EPIC, you work with real people who know your account and your business.

We communicate directly with underwriting and risk teams, proactively monitor issues, and help you stay compliant long term.

Why EPIC Merchant Systems Is Different

EPIC Merchant Systems was built specifically to support lawful FFL commerce. We focus on stability, transparency, and long-term relationships.

Our job is not just to approve accounts, but to protect them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can FFLs legally accept credit and debit cards?

Yes. FFLs can legally accept credit and debit cards for lawful sales when using a properly underwritten merchant account with a supportive banking partner.

Are platforms like Square or PayPal safe for FFL payment processing?

No. These platforms prohibit many FFL-related transactions and routinely shut down accounts without warning.

Can home-based FFLs get merchant accounts?

Yes. EPIC Merchant Systems supports home-based FFLs.

Can EPIC support GunBroker Immediate Checkout?

Yes. EPIC supports GunBroker Immediate Checkout using Authorize.net or NMI gateways connected to 2A-friendly merchant accounts.

Will EPIC ever raise my rates?

No. EPIC provides a 100 percent guarantee to never raise your rates. The only way rates or fees would ever change is with your informed consent in writing. If an error ever occurs, we correct it and reimburse you.

Do I have to sign a long-term contract?

Most EPIC Merchant Systems programs are month-to-month.

The only solutions that involve longer terms are our Clover bundles and EPIC POS bundles, which are clearly disclosed upfront so you can make an informed decision.

Ready to Work With a Payment Provider That Actually Supports FFLs?

If you are an FFL looking for a stable, compliant, and supportive merchant account provider, EPIC Merchant Systems is ready to help.

Explore EPIC, review your current setup, or contact us to see how EPIC does payment processing differently.