If you operate a firearms or firearms-related business, accepting credit cards is not as simple as signing up with a generic payment processor.

Firearms businesses are classified as high-risk, and many FFLs learn this the hard way only after funds are frozen, transactions are reversed, or their merchant account is shut down without warning.

This guide explains what firearms friendly merchant accounts really are, why most processors are not equipped to support FFLs, and how to choose a payment partner that understands the realities of selling firearms in-store, online, and on GunBroker.

Why Firearms Businesses Need Specialized Merchant Accounts

Firearms are legal to sell when done correctly, but legality alone does not determine whether a payment processor will support your business.

Banks and processors apply their own risk and compliance rules, and firearms fall into a category that requires:

• Enhanced underwriting
• Ongoing monitoring
• Strict product and transaction controls
• Industry-specific expertise

This is why many gun stores are approved initially, only to be shut down later when volume increases, ecommerce is added, or a new product category is introduced.

A firearms friendly merchant account is designed specifically to handle these risks correctly from the start.

What Makes a Merchant Account Truly Firearms Friendly

Not all providers that claim to support firearms actually do.

A firearms friendly merchant account should include:

Firearms-Experienced Underwriting

Underwriters must understand:

• FFL operations
• Firearm vs accessory vs ammo classification
• Online firearm sales workflows
• GunBroker transaction structures

Generic underwriting teams often misclassify transactions, which leads to reviews, reserves, or shutdowns.

Transparent Product and Sales Approval

A firearms payment partner should clearly define:

• What products are allowed
• What sales channels are approved
• What requires review before launching

Surprises are what get accounts terminated.

Support for Retail, Mobile, and Ecommerce Sales

Many FFLs sell:

• In-store via POS
• At gun shows or events
• Online through ecommerce
• On marketplaces like GunBroker

Each channel carries different risk. A firearms-friendly processor understands and supports all of them.

Payment Processing for Gun Stores: Retail, Mobile, and Ecommerce

Retail Gun Store Payment Processing

In-store sales typically carry the lowest risk, but issues still arise when:

• Product descriptions are unclear
• SKUs are miscategorized
• Firearm and non-firearm products are mixed incorrectly

Mobile and Event Sales

Gun shows and off-site sales increase scrutiny due to:

• Higher chargeback risk
• Inconsistent transaction environments
• Rapid volume changes

Proper setup and disclosure are critical.

Ecommerce and Online Firearm Sales

Online sales introduce the most risk and require:

• Compliant website content
• Clear fulfillment and FFL transfer processes
• Approved payment gateways
• Proper transaction descriptors

This is where many processors fail firearms businesses.

Selling Firearms Online and on GunBroker

GunBroker is one of the most important sales channels for FFLs, but it also has strict payment requirements.

GunBroker Immediate Checkout

To use Immediate Checkout, sellers must work with approved payment gateways that meet GunBroker’s standards.

Two of the most widely accepted and trusted options that EPIC Merchant Systems uses are:

• Authorize.net
• NMI

Choosing the wrong gateway or pairing it with an inexperienced processor can result in:

• Delayed payouts
• Failed transactions
• Loss of Immediate Checkout eligibility

A firearms-focused payment partner ensures your gateway, merchant account, and GunBroker setup all work together correctly.

Common Reasons Firearms Merchant Accounts Get Shut Down

Most shutdowns are preventable.

The most common causes include:

• Website content that triggers automated reviews
• Selling unapproved product categories
• Sudden transaction volume spikes
• Adding ecommerce without prior approval
• Misaligned gateways and processors
• Improper use of MOTO or card-not-present transactions

When one issue occurs, it often cascades into frozen funds and account termination.

How EPIC Merchant Systems Supports Firearms and 2A Businesses

EPIC Merchant Systems was built to serve firearms and firearms-related businesses that refuse to compromise their values or their operations.

Firearms-Focused Payment Expertise

We specialize in:

• FFL credit card processing
• Firearms-compliant underwriting
• Gun store POS and ecommerce solutions
• Gateway support for Authorize.net and NMI
• GunBroker Immediate Checkout readiness

Support for the Full Firearms Ecosystem

We work with:

• Retail gun stores
• Firearm manufacturers
• Ammunition sellers
• Parts and accessories businesses
• Online and marketplace sellers

Veteran-Owned and 2A-Aligned

EPIC Merchant Systems is veteran-owned and unapologetically supportive of the Second Amendment.

We do not treat firearms businesses as a problem to manage.
We treat them as partners to protect.

How to Choose the Right Firearms Payment Partner

Before choosing a merchant account provider, FFLs should ask:

• Do you actively support firearms businesses?
• Can you support retail, mobile, ecommerce, and GunBroker sales?
• Are Authorize.net and NMI available for my business model?
• Will my website and product mix be reviewed before launch?
• What happens if my volume grows?

If these questions cannot be answered clearly, that provider is not firearms friendly.

Firearms Merchant Account FAQs

What is a firearms friendly merchant account?
A merchant account specifically underwritten and monitored to support firearms and firearms-related businesses without unnecessary shutdowns.

Can gun stores use Authorize.net?
Yes, when paired with a processor that supports firearms and properly configures the account.

Is NMI approved for GunBroker Immediate Checkout?
Yes. NMI is a preferred gateway for GunBroker when set up correctly.

Why do firearms merchant accounts get shut down?
Most shutdowns occur due to compliance issues, website content, unapproved product changes, or incorrect gateway setups.

Can I sell firearms online and accept credit cards?
Yes, but only with a properly structured merchant account, compliant website, and approved gateway.

Ready to Protect Your Firearms Business?

If you are an FFL or firearms-related business looking for firearms friendly credit card processing, the right setup matters.

One mistake can freeze funds, disrupt sales, or shut down your account entirely.

Talk to a Firearms Payment Specialist at EPIC Merchant Systems

We will:

• Review your business model
• Assess your sales channels
• Ensure compliance before you launch or expand
• Support retail, ecommerce, and GunBroker sales the right way

👉 Request a Firearms Merchant Account Review
👉 Speak with a Firearms Payment Specialist Today

Your business deserves a payment partner that understands firearms, respects your values, and protects your ability to operate.

Ready to get after it with EPIC?

ACTIVATE YOUR ACCOUNT HERE