Escort Merchant Account & Payment Gateway Processor
Experience seamless payment processing with our dedicated escort merchant accounts. Reduce declines and avoid surprises with tailored high-risk solutions from a provider that accepts your category. Focus on providing exceptional, discreet services while we manage the intricacies of escort service payment processing.
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BENEFITS
What's Included in Your Escort Merchant Account
We handle over 1 million transactions monthly all over the world. Where your services are lawful, we’ll provide you with safe, discreet escort service merchant account solutions as part of our adult merchant services.
- A single merchant solution to centralize all your payment activities for comprehensive payment processing
- Top-notch escort merchant account backed by over a decade's worth of expertise in the payment industry
- VIP-level support accessible at all times via WhatsApp, live chat, and more
Payment Integrations
FastoPayments seamlessly integrates with popular platforms like WooCommerce and Shopify. Every business is unique, which is why our API allows you to customize your payment gateway according to your specific needs.
Whether you prefer a host page integration or server-to-server setup, FastoPayments’ payment API ensures that your high-risk e-commerce payment processing is optimized for efficiency and future-proofed for continued success.
What an escort merchant account is
An escort merchant account lets a lawful escort or companionship agency accept card payments for bookings and deposits through an acquirer that accepts the category. Many acquirers exclude escort services entirely, and those that consider them apply some of the strictest checks in payments. Knowing what they look for before you apply saves time on both sides.
Legality comes first
The law on escort and companionship services differs widely between countries, and sometimes within them, including across the EU and the UK. Some countries permit and regulate it, others criminalise paying for sexual services or organising them, and rules on agencies and advertising vary too. Nothing on this page is legal advice: take advice from a lawyer in each country where you operate.
The card schemes leave no room for grey areas. Visa's rules require acquirers to make sure every transaction is legal in both the merchant's and the cardholder's jurisdiction. So an acquirer will look at where your business is based and where your customers are, and will only accept you if your services are lawful in both.
Zero tolerance. Acquirers and card schemes will not process for any business linked to human trafficking, coercion, exploitation, minors or non-consensual activity. Any sign of it ends an application or closes an account, and acquirers report suspicious activity to the authorities where the law requires.
MCC and card scheme registration
Escort services used to sit under MCC 7273, "Dating and Escort Services". Visa's October 2026 merchant data manual moved them into MCC 5967, Adult Content and Services, leaving 7273 for dating only (Visa Merchant Data Standards Manual). Visa lists 5967 as a high integrity risk MCC for card-absent transactions, so your acquirer must register your business with Visa before you process online payments. See our MCC codes guide.
Never let anyone code an escort business as dating, events or consulting to get it approved. That is transaction laundering, and it can end with a closed account and a place on the MATCH list.
| What acquirers check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Licences or registrations where local law requires them | Shows the business operates lawfully |
| Age and identity checks for everyone who works with you | Rules out minors and protects against exploitation |
| Website, advertising and terms | The services, prices and cancellation terms must be described accurately |
| Where customers are | Transactions must be legal in the customer's country too |
| Booking and deposit flow | Clear terms keep disputes down |
Deposits, chargebacks and fraud
Bookings are private and the service can't be shipped or tracked, which makes escort businesses a target for disputes. Customers who regret a booking may claim it wasn't authorised or didn't happen, and stolen cards are used for high-value bookings.
- Show deposit, cancellation and refund terms before payment, and record the customer's acceptance.
- Use 3D Secure and fraud screening, especially on first bookings and large deposits.
- Keep booking confirmations and messages, so you can answer disputes with evidence.
- Use a discreet billing descriptor that customers still recognise.
Read more in our guide to payment scams in escort services.
Frequently asked questions
Is card payment processing for escort services legal?
It depends on the law where your business operates and where your customers are. Card schemes require transactions to be legal in both places, so acquirers only accept escort businesses that operate lawfully. Take local legal advice before you apply.
What MCC is used for escort services?
Under Visa's October 2026 rules, escort services use MCC 5967, Adult Content and Services. Before that they were coded under 7273, which is now for dating services. Your acquirer assigns the code that matches what you actually do.
Do escort businesses need card scheme registration?
Yes, for online payments. Visa treats MCC 5967 as high integrity risk for card-absent transactions, so your acquirer must register you with Visa before you start processing.
Can I take booking deposits by card?
Usually, yes. Show the deposit amount, cancellation terms and refund policy before payment, get the customer's acceptance and keep a record of it. Clear terms are your best evidence if a deposit is disputed.
How will payments appear on customers' statements?
Most escort merchants use a discreet descriptor: a neutral company name rather than the agency's name. It should still include contact details, so customers recognise the charge instead of disputing it.
Why do mainstream payment platforms refuse escort businesses?
Most mainstream payment platforms list adult services among their prohibited or restricted businesses. You need an acquirer that accepts the category, registers you with the card schemes and understands the risks.
Guides for escort and adult merchants
Fasto works with escort and companionship merchants. Tell us about your business and we'll tell you what's possible. Approval typically takes two to three weeks.
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