GunBroker is one of the most powerful sales channels available to firearms businesses.

It also introduces unique payment processing risks that must be properly disclosed, underwritten, and managed.



Many FFLs discover too late that accepting credit card payments on GunBroker requires more than a standard merchant account. Without the right setup, sellers can experience failed transactions, delayed payouts, increased scrutiny, or the loss of Immediate Checkout privileges.

This article explains how GunBroker payment processing works, what is required to manage risk responsibly, and how firearms businesses can sell on the platform while protecting their merchant account.

Why GunBroker Payment Processing Is Different

GunBroker transactions are not processed the same way as in store or traditional ecommerce sales.

From a banking and risk perspective, GunBroker sales involve:

• Higher average ticket sizes
• Marketplace transactions
• Card not present payments
• Third party fulfillment through FFL transfers

Because of this, banks and processors apply additional underwriting and ongoing monitoring to GunBroker merchant accounts.

A processor that does not understand GunBroker may approve an account initially, then restrict or shut it down once marketplace activity is detected.

This is why firearms businesses need firearms friendly merchant accounts that are underwritten with GunBroker activity fully disclosed and approved from the start.

What Is GunBroker Immediate Checkout

Immediate Checkout allows buyers to complete payment directly on GunBroker at the time of purchase.

For sellers, this often results in:

• Faster payment collection
• Fewer abandoned transactions
• Increased buyer confidence
• Higher completed sale rates

Immediate Checkout is not automatic and not guaranteed.
GunBroker requires sellers to meet specific payment and gateway standards before approval.

GunBroker Immediate Checkout Gateway Requirements

To qualify for Immediate Checkout, sellers must use compatible and approved payment gateways that integrate correctly with GunBroker.

Two of the most widely supported options are:

• Authorize.net
• NMI

These gateways are commonly used because they support:

• Secure transaction handling
• Fraud and risk controls
• Marketplace transaction flows
• Firearms related compliance requirements

Using the wrong gateway, or pairing an approved gateway with an inexperienced processor, often leads to Immediate Checkout being denied or later revoked.

Choosing the gateway is only one part of the equation. It must be paired with a merchant account that is properly underwritten for GunBroker activity.

What FFLs Need in a GunBroker Merchant Account

A properly structured GunBroker merchant account should be approved for:

• Marketplace transactions
• Card not present sales
• Firearms and firearms related product categories
• Higher ticket items
• Volume fluctuations tied to auctions and promotions

Just as important, the processor must understand how GunBroker transactions appear on statements and descriptors so they do not trigger automated reviews.

This level of detail is rarely addressed by generic payment processors.

Common GunBroker Payment Processing Mistakes

Most GunBroker payment issues are not caused by illegal activity. They are caused by preventable setup mistakes, including:

• Using a merchant account not approved for marketplace sales
• Selecting a gateway that is not fully supported
• Failing to disclose GunBroker activity during underwriting
• Improper transaction descriptors
• Mixing GunBroker sales with unrelated business activity

Any one of these issues can lead to funding delays, increased scrutiny, or account termination.

How EPIC Merchant Systems Supports GunBroker Sellers

EPIC Merchant Systems works with FFLs and firearms businesses that sell on GunBroker every day.

We support:

• GunBroker merchant account setup
• Immediate Checkout readiness
• Gateway integration with Authorize.net and NMI
• Firearms compliant underwriting
• Retail, ecommerce, and marketplace sales under a single strategy

Our approach focuses on risk awareness, transparency, and long term account stability, not quick approvals that create problems later.

How GunBroker Fits Into a Firearms Payment Strategy

GunBroker should not operate in isolation.

Your GunBroker payment setup must align with:

• Your retail storefront sales
• Your ecommerce website
• Your overall transaction volume
• Your long term growth plans

This is why working with a payment partner that understands the firearms industry matters.

For a complete breakdown of how firearms businesses should structure payment processing across all sales channels, read our guide on firearms friendly merchant accounts.

GunBroker Payment Processing FAQs

What is GunBroker payment processing?

GunBroker payment processing refers to the systems, merchant accounts, and payment gateways used by firearms sellers to accept credit card payments for transactions completed on the GunBroker marketplace. Because GunBroker transactions involve card not present payments and firearms products, they require a properly underwritten merchant account and an approved payment gateway.

Do I need a special merchant account to sell on GunBroker?

Yes. Selling on GunBroker requires a merchant account that is approved for firearms, marketplace transactions, and card not present sales. Standard retail merchant accounts are often not approved for this activity and can be restricted or shut down if GunBroker sales are detected after approval.

What payment gateways does GunBroker support?

GunBroker supports approved payment gateways that meet its technical and compliance requirements. Two commonly supported options are Authorize.net and NMI. The gateway must be paired with a firearms friendly merchant account that has been properly underwritten for GunBroker activity.

Is NMI approved for GunBroker Immediate Checkout?

NMI is commonly used as a preferred gateway option for GunBroker Immediate Checkout when it is configured correctly and supported by a merchant account approved for firearms and marketplace transactions.

Can gun stores use Authorize.net for GunBroker sales?

Yes, gun stores can use Authorize.net for GunBroker sales when the gateway and merchant account are properly set up for firearms businesses. Using Authorize.net without firearms specific underwriting often leads to payment issues or loss of Immediate Checkout eligibility.

Why do GunBroker merchant accounts get shut down?

Most GunBroker merchant account shutdowns occur due to undisclosed marketplace activity, unapproved product categories, website compliance issues, improper transaction descriptors, or using a gateway that does not align with how GunBroker transactions are processed. These issues are typically preventable with proper setup.

Is selling on GunBroker considered high risk by payment processors?

Yes. From a banking perspective, GunBroker transactions are considered higher risk due to marketplace sales, higher ticket items, and card not present payments. This does not mean sales are prohibited, but it does require enhanced underwriting and ongoing monitoring.

Can I use the same merchant account for my gun store and GunBroker?

In many cases, yes, but only if the merchant account is approved for both retail and marketplace sales and the activity is fully disclosed during underwriting. Some businesses require separate setups depending on volume, product mix, and risk profile.

What happens if I add GunBroker sales after my account is approved?

Adding GunBroker sales after approval without notifying your processor often triggers account reviews, funding delays, or termination. GunBroker activity should always be disclosed and approved before processing transactions.

How does EPIC Merchant Systems help with GunBroker payment processing?

EPIC Merchant Systems helps firearms businesses structure their payment processing with risk awareness and compliance in mind. This includes GunBroker merchant account setup, Immediate Checkout readiness, gateway integration, underwriting support, and long term account stability planning.

Ready to Work With a Firearms Payment Partner That Understands GunBroker?

If you are an FFL or firearms business selling on GunBroker, payment processing is not something to leave to chance.

Risk cannot be eliminated, but it can be managed correctly with the right strategy and the right partner.

Talk to a Firearms Payment Specialist at EPIC Merchant Systems

EPIC Merchant Systems works exclusively with businesses that need firearms friendly payment processing and marketplace aware underwriting.

We will:

• Review your GunBroker sales model
• Confirm Immediate Checkout readiness
• Match you with the right merchant account and gateway
• Reduce avoidable shutdown triggers
• Support your long term growth

👉 Request a GunBroker Payment Processing Review
👉 Speak With a Firearms Payment Specialist Today

Protect your business, your revenue, and your ability to sell on GunBroker with EPIC Merchant Systems.

👉 Ready to get after it? ACTIVATE YOUR ACCOUNT HERE