Why Payment Processors Review Peptide Websites So Closely
Peptides are classified as a high-risk category by most banks and processors. This doesn't mean peptides are illegal — it means there's higher exposure to chargebacks, regulatory scrutiny, and customer disputes.
Before approving a merchant account, underwriting teams manually inspect your website to confirm:
- You are not making medical or therapeutic claims
- Customers clearly understand what they are purchasing
- Refunds, shipping, and billing terms are transparent
- Your business appears legitimate and reachable
> Important: Many peptide merchants get declined even with clean bank statements simply because their website wording, layout, or policies trigger underwriting red flags.
Required Pages Every Peptide Website Must Have
Underwriting expects to see a complete, professional website. Missing pages are one of the fastest ways to get rejected.
Mandatory compliance pages
- Terms & Conditions – outlines legal use and limitations
- Privacy Policy – explains data handling and privacy
- Refund / Return Policy – clearly states eligibility and timelines
- Shipping Policy – processing times, carriers, tracking expectations
- Contact Page – email, phone number, and business info
These pages should be easily accessible from the footer and written in plain, customer-friendly language — not hidden or overly vague.
Peptide Disclaimers: What You Must (and Must Not) Say
Required disclaimers
Most approved peptide websites clearly state that products are sold for research use only and are not intended for human consumption.
Common approved disclaimer language:
- "For research use only"
- "Not for human consumption"
- "Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease"
Prohibited wording that triggers declines
Even subtle health claims can cause immediate rejection. Avoid language that implies outcomes or medical benefits.
Avoid words and phrases like:
- Fat loss, muscle growth, anti-aging
- Healing, recovery, hormone optimization
- Treatment, therapy, performance enhancement
- Any disease-related claims
Checkout & Billing Compliance (Where Many Merchants Fail)
Your checkout flow is just as important as your product pages. Processors want customers to understand exactly what they're paying for.
Billing descriptor clarity
The name that appears on customer bank statements should closely match your brand. Confusing descriptors are a leading cause of chargebacks.
Subscription and recurring billing rules
If you offer subscriptions or repeat billing, underwriting will scrutinize:
- Clear disclosure of recurring charges
- Easy cancellation instructions
- Confirmation emails and receipts
> Tip: Many peptide merchants are approved faster when subscriptions are introduced after initial processing history is established.
Fraud & Chargeback Prevention Signals Underwriting Looks For
Banks want to see that you take fraud prevention seriously. Even basic measures improve approval odds.
Key fraud prevention signals:
- AVS and CVV verification enabled
- Velocity limits to prevent card testing
- Clear refund process before disputes escalate
- Visible customer support contact info
Peptide merchants with strong dispute prevention tools are seen as lower risk — even within a high-risk category.
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What an "Approved-Ready" Peptide Website Looks Like
While every business is different, compliant peptide websites typically share these traits:
- Clean, professional design (not rushed or generic)
- Clear disclaimers without aggressive marketing claims
- Complete policy pages linked in the footer
- Transparent pricing and shipping timelines
- Easy-to-find support contact info
Sites that feel "trustworthy" to customers almost always feel safer to banks as well.
Common Peptide Website Compliance Mistakes
Even well-intentioned merchants make mistakes that cost them approvals. Here are the most frequent issues we see:
1) Hiding policies in hard-to-find locations
Underwriters click through your entire site. If the refund policy is buried three clicks deep or only accessible through a tiny footer link, it signals a lack of transparency.
2) Using stock health-related imagery
Images showing syringes, bodybuilders, or medical settings can imply therapeutic use — even without written health claims. Use neutral, research-oriented imagery instead.
3) Inconsistent business information
Your business name, address, and phone number must be consistent across your website, checkout page, and application. Discrepancies trigger fraud alerts in underwriting systems.
4) Missing SSL certificate
A site without HTTPS is an immediate red flag. Ensure your entire site — not just the checkout page — uses SSL encryption.
5) Incomplete product descriptions
Products listed with only a name and price look suspicious. Include detailed descriptions, research-use disclaimers, and clear labeling for every item.
Step-by-Step: Preparing Your Peptide Website for a Merchant Account Application
1. Audit all product pages – Remove or rewrite any language that implies health benefits 2. Create or update policy pages – Terms, privacy, refund, shipping, and contact 3. Add disclaimers – Place "research use only" and FDA disclaimers on product pages and at checkout 4. Review checkout flow – Ensure billing descriptors match your brand and subscription terms are clearly disclosed 5. Enable fraud tools – AVS, CVV, velocity checks, and 3D Secure if available 6. Test the customer experience – Place a test order to verify the entire flow works smoothly 7. Request a compliance review – Have a high-risk specialist review your site before applying
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Peptide Website Compliance FAQ
Can my peptide website still get approved if I was shut down before?
Yes. Many merchants get approved after correcting website compliance and applying through a high-risk processor. The key is addressing the specific issues that caused the previous shutdown.
Do I need to remove all educational content?
No. Educational content is fine — but it must not imply medical or therapeutic outcomes. Stick to research-focused language and always include appropriate disclaimers.
Is Shopify allowed for peptide websites?
Yes, but not with Shopify Payments. A third-party high-risk gateway like PayTrace is required. Other platforms like WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and custom-built sites also work.
Will my site be reviewed again after approval?
Yes. Processors periodically re-review high-risk merchants, so ongoing compliance matters. Maintain your disclaimers, policies, and clean marketing language at all times.
How long does underwriting review take for peptide merchants?
Typically 3–10 business days, depending on the processor and how complete your application and website are. Having a compliance-ready website can significantly speed up the process.
What payment methods should peptide businesses offer?
Most peptide merchants accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) and ACH/eCheck payments. Offering multiple payment options reduces cart abandonment and improves customer experience.
*Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Compliance requirements vary by bank and processor.*