Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Elite 2A pay
- We are a 2A-friendly merchant services provider. Unlike the big banks and large payment processors, we are proud to support FFLs and all the associated types of businesses.
- We offer products and solutions that your business needs. Payment processing solutions, integration tools, and products, including financing products that support your business.
- Elite employs firearms enthusiasts and advocates. Our team specializes in understanding the firearms industry’s unique challenges and regulations.
- Best Price Guarantee. We offer competitive rates and fees and are confident that we can save you money. We guarantee it. If we can’t save you money, we will give you a $500 Gift Card.
- Support here in the USA. We are a local company based in the USA; our team provides our merchants with the highest level of customer service.
Don’t just take our word for it; read what our customers say!
Why is elite 2A Pay different from other merchant service providers?
here are the five main reasons:
- We believe in and 100% support our 2nd Amendment rights as a company.
- We specialize in providing gun-friendly credit card processing to online-only, brick-and-mortar, and omnichannel FFLs of all sizes.
- We work exclusively with private, Second Amendment-friendly banks, which enables us to provide the most reliable credit card processing solutions in the firearms industry.
- We work with gun-friendly credit card processors to ensure that we can provide a payment processing solution for every FFL and associated industry customer.
- We offer competitive rates, exceptional customer support, and easy integrations with firearm industry software and retail platforms.
What platforms is elite 2A pay compatible with?
Elite 2A Pay is compatible with most point-of-sale systems, but we have a few that we love to integrate with.
Elite 2A Pay payment processing is compatible with 99% of point-of-sale systems. Some just require a third-party connection tool for us to integrate with.
What are the types of firearms industry businesses that Elite 2A Pay accepts as clients?
We provide merchant accounts for all types of firearm industry businesses, including businesses considered “high risk” by other merchant services providers. We often provide services for companies that the big banks reject for “political” or ideological reasons. Our clients include local gun shops, gun and ammo retailers, sporting goods stores, shooting ranges, manufacturers of related accessory products, and specialty shops supporting the gun industry. Whether the business is a physical retail store, a manufacturing warehouse, an online business, or any combination, we have products and services to help your business with payment processing.
Do I need an FFL to obtain a merchant account?
Yes, if you are selling firearms. We provide services to a wide range of gun and firearm-related industry customers. If you sell firearms, you need a valid or pending FFL to accept credit and debit card payments. Ammunition and accessories sellers do not typically require a license.
Do I need a firearm-friendly payment processor to sell ammo?
Yes, businesses that sell ammunition have the same hurdles that other firearms dealers have processing credit and debit card payments. Those hurdles are solved by partnering with Elite 2A Pay.
How do I apply for a merchant account with Elite 2A Pay?
To apply, first, you need to complete the online application (which takes about five minutes) and upload any additional required documents (if you are selling firearms, you will need a valid or pending FFL). You will also be asked to provide a copy of your existing merchant services statement or estimate your average monthly sales volume with a breakdown by transaction type (e.g., e-commerce vs. phone order).
What and how long is the Application Process?
Our application process is as easy as 1-2-3; you’ll be accepting payments before you know it.
- Contact us by phone or online you will be assigned to a 2A dedicated account executive. They will walk you through the online application process (it takes just a few minutes).
- Provide us a copy of your current merchant statement, and within hours, you’ll receive a written quote with our pricing and terms.
- Once you sign the application, sit back, relax, and let the Elite team do all the work for you. We make it a quick and easy process the way it should be!
How long does it take until I get approved for my merchant account?
Once you apply, your merchant account will be pre-approved within 24 hours and fully approved (through underwriting) within three to five business days. Be assured that we will work diligently to get your account approved in a very timely manner. We aim to get your merchant account up and running as quickly as possible.
What is a “rolling reserve”?
A rolling reserve requires a percentage of the credit card volume processed (typically 5-10%) to be held in reserve. A rolling reserve is protection for the merchant account and bank from chargebacks. Typically, held funds are gradually released from the reserve after six to 12 months of consistent processing with low chargebacks.
Does Elite 2A Pay require a “rolling reserve”?
Sometimes, depending on business history and the type of business, we may require a rolling reserve to be established in order to obtain initial approval. This can be reconsidered after the company has established a positive processing history with the bank.
How does Elite 2A Pay prevent chargeback problems?
You can avoid excessive chargebacks on your merchant account by documenting transactions well and explaining any terms and conditions clearly. If you are shipping items, be sure to have the tracking details of the transaction in the files as well as all the details you collect about your customer showing it was a legitimate transaction. Being diligent about records helps protect your business and the people who have had their credit card numbers stolen. For online, you can add a few more protection tools that we assist with to mitigate online fraud, as most companies don’t know about these extra features.
Can I dispute a chargeback?
Yes, if you do get a chargeback, you will have a chance to dispute it and respond with all of the details showing that you did everything to ensure it was a legitimate transaction. Plus, with our exclusive system, you can also handle your chargeback before it even becomes a chargeback. That is what sets up apart.
Aren’t all Merchant service providers the same?
No, in fact, many of the largest payment processors actually specify in their legal terms they will not support the firearms industry.
The big three (Paypal, Stripe, and Square) won’t open a firearm merchant account because they consider the industry too “high risk.” For example, here’s the language that bans firearm sales from the three most popular online credit card solutions:
“You may not use the PayPal service for activities that: …violate any law, statute, ordinance or regulation that relates to transactions involving … ammunition, firearms, or certain firearm parts or accessories, or (k) certain weapons or knives regulated under applicable law.”
Terms of Service restrictions… “use the Services for the sale of firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, weapons or other devices designed to cause physical harm.”
Terms of Service restrictions… “Firearms, explosives, and dangerous materials: Guns, gunpowders, ammunitions, weapons, fireworks, and other explosives…”
Some “anti-gun” banks and credit card processors have issues with non-firearm shooting-related accessories (such as holsters). Regardless, even if some of the accessories you sell are allowed by a company, it makes much more sense to have only one credit card processor for ALL transactions.
Then, there are the companies that will open up a high-risk merchant account, but the costs are typically too high to make sense for most firearms retailers. While many companies promote themselves as “high-risk friendly,” they charge companies that would fall into the high-risk category a premium, which means their costs are higher than merchants in other industries.
Can Elite 2A Pay process payments for NFA/Title II items like suppressors, SBRs, and machine guns (SOT holders)?
Absolutely. At Elite 2A Pay, we specialize in payment solutions for SOT holders (often referred to as Class 3 dealers). We can process transactions for all federally compliant NFA/Title II items, including suppressors, Short-Barreled Rifles (SBRs), Short-Barreled Shotguns (SBSs), and fully automatic weapons. We confirm your SOT status during onboarding to ensure stable, compliant processing.
How does Elite 2A Pay ensure compliance with state and federal regulations concerning firearm sales and interstate transactions?
While compliance is ultimately the FFL’s responsibility, we ensure our Payment Gateway and POS systems are compatible with industry-leading FFL compliance software (like integrated e-4473 and Bound Book solutions). At Elite 2A Pay, we process transactions using the correct Merchant Category Codes (MCCs), minimizing flags from card networks, and providing secure integration for FFL lookup and verification needed for interstate e-commerce sales.
Are there any specific firearms or related products (certain ammunition, body armor, ghost guns) that Elite 2A Pay does not allow to be processed?
At Elite 2A Pay, we are focused on supporting all legal 2A businesses. We process transactions for most products typically labeled as “high-risk” by competitors, including standard firearms, NFA items, and ammunition. However, we adhere to all federal, state, and bank partner laws. We do not process transactions for illegal products or items specifically prohibited by federal law or our compliance-focused banking partners (e.g., certain un-serialized components or illegal kits). We review your product catalog during application for clarity.
Which 2A-friendly banks back your merchant accounts, and how does this partnership provide stability?
Elite 2A Pay partners with several established, private financial institutions and acquiring banks that have explicitly and publicly committed to supporting the Second Amendment industry. These long-standing relationships ensure that your merchant account is not exposed to the sudden policy changes or political pressure that cause major mainstream banks to freeze or close accounts. This is the core guarantee of stability we offer.
Does Elite 2A Pay have specific solutions for FFLs that sell on platforms like GunBroker or run Expo Merchant booths?
Does Elite 2A Pay offer ACH (Automated Clearing House) processing, and how does it benefit a firearms business?
Yes, at Elite 2A Pay, we offer ACH Processing (e-checks), which allows for direct bank-to-bank electronic transfers. This is an ideal solution for:
- Large Ticket Items: Lower fees than credit cards on high-value sales (like expensive Title II items).
- Recurring Billing: Perfect for range memberships, subscription boxes, or training course fees.
- Lower Risk: ACH transactions generally carry a much lower chargeback risk compared to card payments.
Does Elite 2A Pay provide FFL POS Equipment that is specifically tailored for regulatory requirements?
Elite 2A Pay offers FFL-compliant POS Equipment, including secure terminals and PIN pads. While the equipment processes payments, it is engineered to interface seamlessly with FFL compliance software (such as e-4473 and Bound Book solutions). This integration ensures your workflow remains efficient while strictly adhering to all federal and state regulatory requirements.
Is mobile payment processing available for gun shows, training classes, or off-site events?
Absolutely. Elite 2A Pay’s Mobile Payment Processing utilizes secure, handheld devices and mobile apps, perfect for accepting cards at high-traffic locations like gun shows, expos, or while conducting training courses remotely. All transactions are securely tokenized and compliant, ensuring you never miss a sale due to location or equipment issues.
Does Elite 2A Pay offer Virtual Terminals for processing phone, mail, or secure manual orders?
Yes. Elite 2A Pay’s Virtual Terminal allows you to securely process Card-Not-Present (CNP) transactions, such as mail orders, telephone orders (MOTO), or invoicing, using any web-enabled computer or device. This is a vital tool for FFLs that handle custom orders or sales completed outside of a traditional e-commerce cart.
Can I use Elite 2A Pay's service for sending payment requests via Text-to-Pay or email invoices?
Yes, Elite 2A Pay supports both Text-to-Pay and secure email invoicing. These features allow you to instantly generate and send a secure payment link directly to a customer’s phone or email. The customer clicks the link to complete the payment on a secure, hosted page. This is perfect for custom work, layaway payments, or balancing final totals on FFL transfers.
What is the typical overall cost structure for a firearms merchant account (e.g., interchange plus, tiered)?
At Elite 2A Pay, we primarily use the most transparent model available: Interchange-Plus Pricing. This ensures you pay the wholesale cost of interchange plus a small, fixed margin from Elite 2A Pay (e.g., Interchange + 0.20% + $0.10). We actively discourage the confusing and expensive Tiered Pricing models often used by high-risk providers to obscure their true costs.
What is Next Day Funding, and how quickly will transaction funds be deposited into my bank account?
Are there any setup, application, or annual fees I should be aware of?
At Elite 2A Pay our goal to minimize upfront costs. While there may be minor, one-time setup fees depending on the specific equipment and software integration you require, we keep these costs minimal and fully disclosed. We disclose all potential fees, including any small, mandated network or annual fees, during the quote process, ensuring there are zero surprises after signing up.
Are there any cancellation or early termination fees for your merchant accounts?
Elite 2a Pay goal is to earn your long-term business through exceptional service, not punitive contracts. Our agreements are designed to be fair and transparent. We discuss termination policies upfront and aim to offer agreements without the crippling early termination fees (ETFs) that many traditional, risk-averse providers use to trap high-risk merchants.
Do Elite 2A Pay rates change based on the type of card accepted (e.g., rewards cards, business cards)?
How does Elite 2A Pay specifically assist merchants with meeting and maintaining PCI compliance standards?
PCI compliance is non-negotiable. At Elite 2A Pay we assist you by:
- Providing certified, secure, and encrypted payment technology (P2PE and Tokenization) that significantly minimizes your business’s responsibility for handling sensitive card data.
- Guiding you through the required annual Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) process.
- Offering access to compliance portals and resources to ensure you stay current with evolving security standards.
What are the key features of your advanced Online Fraud Prevention Tools?
Our tools are specifically engineered to combat the fraud risks associated with high-value online firearms sales and reduce chargebacks. Key features include:
- AVS (Address Verification Service) and CVV matching.
- Velocity Checks: Blocking too many transactions from the same card or IP address in a short period.
- Geo-Location Screening: Flagging orders from high-risk locations or countries.
- Real-Time Fraud Scoring: Analyzing transaction data in milliseconds to block suspicious orders before they are processed, protecting your revenue.