Flow StateConsulting

Merchant services

Merchant accounts for smoke and vape shops.

Smoke and vape shops can get approved for card processing, but it takes a processor whose sponsor banks knowingly accept the category. We place these accounts through TakeCardToday, a registered ISO of BMO Harris Bank N.A., FFB Bank and Citizens Bank N.A. Most complete files are decided within days.

Get a free rate quoteEmail your statement
PartnerTakeCardToday
Sponsor banksBMO Harris, FFB, Citizens
DecisionsMost complete files in days
QuoteFree, with a statement review

Why these accounts get declined.

Most declines come from applying to a processor that doesn’t accept the category, or from an incomplete file.

  1. Age-restricted productsTobacco and vapor products can only be sold to adults, so banks see more compliance risk.
  2. Rules that keep changingFederal, state and local rules on flavors, products and online sales change often.
  3. Payment apps restrict the categoryMany mainstream payment apps restrict or prohibit vape and tobacco sales in their terms, and accounts are often closed after review.

What underwriters will ask.

Have answers ready for these, and the application moves faster.

  • Whether you sell in store, online or both
  • How you check age at the counter and at online checkout
  • For online vape sales: age verification at delivery and PACT Act compliance
  • Your product mix: disposables, e-liquids, glass, tobacco and anything else on the shelf
  • Your current processing statements, if you have them

What to have ready.

The application takes about 10 minutes, and having everything ready is the biggest thing that speeds up approval.

  • EIN and business formation documents
  • Voided check or bank letter for the business account
  • Government ID for each owner with 25% or more
  • Three to six months of processing statements, if you already process cards
  • Website with product pages, pricing, and refund, shipping and privacy policies
  • Product list, plus lab reports for regulated products

What we set up.

We prepare the file with you and stay your contact after approval.

  • Cash discount so customers cover the card fee
  • Card processing in store and online
  • KORONA POS for retail counters
  • ACH and eCheck
  • Online checkout through a payment gateway

Free rate quote

Two minutes to a real number.

Tell us about the business. We'll come back with the program that fits and what it will cost, or tell you straight if we can't place you.

Rather send a statement? Email your latest processing statement and we'll show you your effective rate, line by line.Email your statement
Call or text
+1 941-376-8767

Last month at minimum, and the last three months if you have them. PDF, photo or spreadsheet, up to 10 MB each. Not processing yet? Pick that under monthly card volume and skip this.

How to download your statement
SquareSquare doesn’t send a monthly statement. Go to Reports → Sales summary, set last month’s dates and export or print it. Then do the same under Reports → Accounting → Fees and attach both.
StripeReports → Balance summary → choose last month → Export as PDF. For the fee detail, Reports → All fees → Download.
CloverSettings → Billing & Statements → Monthly Statements, then open the Merchant Processing Statement (not the Clover plan bill). On the older dashboard it’s under Account & Setup. If your bank handles processing, download it from the bank’s merchant portal.
PayPalReports → Monthly statements, click Request next to last month, then Download.
Shopify PaymentsFinance → Documents → Shopify Payments activity report, set last month’s dates, then Export to PDF.
ToastToast Web → Reports → Payments → Processing statements, pick the month and location, then download it.
HeartlandLog in to InfoCentral → Statements, open last month and export it to PDF.
Fiserv / First DataCommerce Control Center → Statements → Monthly Statements, then pick the month.
WorldpayIn the iQ portal, go to Reports and Statements → Reports and pull last month’s merchant statement (report type BIMERBIL).
HelcimAll Tools → My Business → Monthly Statements, then download last month’s merchant statement.
Authorize.netAuthorize.net only bills for the gateway. Get the statement from the company that runs your merchant account, such as Fiserv, Worldpay or your bank.
Anyone elseLog in to your processor’s portal and look for Statements or Documents. Send the full monthly statement, not a deposit report. No portal? Call them with your merchant ID and ask for the last three months as PDFs.

Free and no obligation. We'll reply by phone or email.

FAQ

Common questions

I was shut down by a payment app. Can you still help?
Often, yes. It's one of the most common reasons merchants come to us. Tell us what happened up front. A past shutdown doesn't rule you out, but the application has to account for it.
Do you work with online vape stores?
Yes, in store and online. Online vape sales draw more questions about age verification and shipping compliance, so we make sure the application covers them.
Can I pass card fees on to customers?
Often, through a dual pricing or cash discount program that shows a cash price and a card price. The rules vary by state and card brand, so we set it up and disclose it correctly.
Will I have a reserve?
Possibly. A reserve is a percentage of each batch held back for a period to cover chargebacks, and many high-risk accounts carry one. You'll know the reserve and funding schedule before you sign.
How fast is approval?
Most complete files are decided within days. Missing documents are the usual cause of delay, so we check the file before it's submitted.

Other business types we place: KratomCBD and hemp-derived productsSupplements and nutraceuticals All industries

Work with us

Get your rate quote.

Two minutes on the form, or send your latest statement. Either way, you get a straight answer.

Get a free rate quote
Phone+1 941-376-8767
Emailsales@flowstateconsultations.com