Selling online allows FFLs to reach more customers and grow beyond their local market. It also introduces additional risk that must be managed correctly.

Accepting credit cards on a website is not the same as accepting cards in a retail store. Online transactions are treated differently by banks, card networks, and underwriters. For FFLs, choosing the wrong setup can result in account shutdowns, frozen funds, or restricted sales.



This guide explains how FFLs can accept credit cards on their website the right way, why online payments are considered higher risk, how payment gateways work, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.

AI Answer Summary

FFLs can accept credit cards on their website by working with a payment provider that supports licensed dealers, using an approved payment gateway, and properly structuring checkout for online transactions. Website payments are considered higher risk due to fraud exposure and chargebacks, which makes gateway selection and compliance critical. With the right setup, licensed dealers can use a single processor and merchant account for both retail and e-commerce sales.

Why Online Credit Card Payments Are Higher Risk for FFLs

From a banking perspective, online transactions are card not present. There is no physical card, no traditional signature, and increased exposure to fraud and disputes.

For federally licensed dealers, that risk is amplified by additional regulatory oversight and underwriting review. This does not mean online sales are prohibited. It means they must be structured correctly from the start.

Banks look closely at:

• Transaction volume and ticket size
• Product descriptions and disclosures
• Checkout transparency
• Chargeback prevention controls
• Gateway and platform compatibility

Proper setup dramatically reduces the risk of reviews or interruptions.

The Most Common Website Payment Mistake FFLs Make

The biggest mistake is assuming that website payments work the same way as a countertop terminal.

They do not.

Website transactions require a payment gateway, and not all gateways support licensed dealers or regulated product sales. Some providers approve the merchant account but pair it with an incompatible gateway. Others allow setup and later restrict transactions after additional review.

Gateway confusion is one of the most common causes of account shutdowns.

What a Payment Gateway Does

A payment gateway is the technology that securely connects your website to the payment processor and card networks.

It handles:

• Secure transmission of card data
• Transaction authorization
• Fraud prevention tools
• Integration with your website platform

The gateway must be approved for your business type and properly configured for online transactions. Choosing the wrong gateway creates unnecessary risk.

Website Platforms and Gateway Compatibility

FFLs sell online through many platforms, including:

• Custom websites
• WordPress based sites
• Dealer specific ecommerce platforms
• Integrated distributor websites
• Online marketplaces

Each platform has different gateway requirements and technical limitations. Some restrict which gateways can be used. Others require additional compliance steps before activation.

Payment acceptance should be planned alongside website development, not added after the site is live.

Payment Gateways EPIC Commonly Uses for Website Sales

At EPIC Merchant Systems, we work with multiple approved payment gateways that support licensed dealers and online transactions. Gateway selection depends on your website platform, sales channels, and risk profile.

Our most used gateways include:

• Authorize.net
• NMI
• ValorPay

These gateways securely connect website platforms and approved marketplaces to your merchant account. More importantly, they are configured correctly for licensed dealer businesses and long-term account stability.

We do not force merchants into a single gateway. The right gateway depends on how and where you sell.

Selling on Your Website vs Selling Through Marketplaces

Direct website sales and marketplace sales are structured differently.

Marketplaces operate under their own rules, workflows, and integrations. Your website gives you full control, which also means full responsibility for compliance, checkout structure, and payment flow.

FFLs should ensure their payment provider supports both direct website sales and marketplace related transactions when applicable.

Checkout Transparency and Compliance

Banks evaluate checkout pages closely.

They expect to see:

• Clear product descriptions
• Transparent pricing
• Terms and conditions
• Refund and return policies
• Required compliance disclosures

A clean checkout reduces disputes, builds trust with customers, and strengthens underwriting confidence.

Choosing the Right Payment Partner for Website Sales

Not all processors understand licensed dealers. Fewer understand online sales for FFL businesses.

The right partner should:

• Explicitly support licensed dealers
• Understand online risk management
• Provide approved gateways
• Assist with platform compatibility
• Support growth from online only to retail locations

This is especially important for home-based FFLs planning to expand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Accepting Credit Cards on FFL Websites

Can FFLs legally accept credit cards on their website?

Yes. FFLs can accept credit cards online when the merchant account and gateway are properly approved and transactions are structured correctly.

Why are online transactions higher risk than in store payments?

Online payments are card not present, which increases fraud and chargeback exposure. For licensed dealers, additional underwriting scrutiny applies.

What payment gateways work best for FFL websites?

Merchant accounts must be approved for FFLs and paired with compatible gateways for the website platform. EPIC Merchant Systems commonly supports Authorize.net, NMI, and ValorPay, depending on the merchant’s setup and sales channels.

Can I use the same processor for my store and my website?

Yes. With EPIC Merchant Systems, licensed dealers can use the same processor and a single merchant account for both retail and e-commerce sales when the account is structured correctly from the start.

Retail and online transactions do have different risk profiles, which is why proper setup matters. EPIC configures merchant accounts to support both in-store and website transactions under one unified account, using the appropriate gateway and compliance framework. This simplifies reporting, reduces complexity, and allows businesses to scale from online sales to a physical location without changing providers.

Does my website platform affect payment approval?

Yes. Platforms can restrict gateway options and checkout flow. Payment strategy should be planned during website development.

What causes merchant accounts to get shut down for online sales?

Common causes include unsupported gateways, unclear product descriptions, poor checkout transparency, transaction spikes, and chargebacks.

How does EPIC Merchant Systems help with website payments?

EPIC Merchant Systems helps FFLs structure online payments correctly through gateway selection, compliance review, platform compatibility, and ongoing account support.

Final Thoughts

Accepting credit cards on your website should support growth, not create risk.

When gateway selection, checkout structure, and compliance are handled correctly, online sales become a stable and scalable part of your business.

Ready to get after it?

If you are an FFL selling online or planning to, talk to EPIC Merchant Systems before you launch.

We help FFLs accept credit cards on their website the right way, with the right gateways, and with long term stability in mind.