Best Alternative To Authorize.net For High Risk Merchants

If you’re currently using Authorize.net and running into limitations, especially as a high-risk or high-volume merchant, you’re not alone. While Authorize.net helped pioneer online payments for high-risk merchants, its platform hasn’t kept up with the needs of merchants in regulated industries or those operating at scale. That’s where we come in at Corepay. Corepay is a…

Written by

Corepay

Last updated on

June 6, 2025
Merchant Services

If you’re currently using Authorize.net and running into limitations, especially as a high-risk or high-volume merchant, you’re not alone. While Authorize.net helped pioneer online payments for high-risk merchants, its platform hasn’t kept up with the needs of merchants in regulated industries or those operating at scale.

That’s where we come in at Corepay.

Corepay is a full-service payment processor with its own proprietary gateway and orchestration platform, Netvalve, built specifically for merchants in complex, high-risk verticals. From chargeback mitigation to intelligent routing and global payment support, Corepay offers everything Authorize.net doesn’t.

Let’s break down what Authorize.net is, where it falls short, and why we believe Corepay is your best alternative in 2025.


What Is Authorize.net?

Authorize.net is a legacy payment gateway that connects merchants to credit card processors, enabling online and in-person payments. It was founded in 1996 and acquired by Visa in 2010.

Core Features:

  • Gateway-only service (you still need a separate processor/acquirer)
  • Virtual terminal
  • Recurring billing support
  • Fraud detection tools
  • Developer APIs

Who It’s For:

Authorize.net works best for small to mid-size, low-risk merchants based in the U.S. If you’re selling basic retail, food delivery, or subscription services in safe categories, it might do the trick.

Where It Falls Short:

  • Not built specifically for high-risk industries (e.g., online dating CBD, adult, telemedicine)
  • No payment orchestration
  • No chargeback mitigation tools
  • Limited global support
  • Complex and often confusing fee structure

Why Corepay Is the Best Authorize.net Alternative

Corepay is designed from the ground up for merchants who can’t afford payment interruptions. If you’ve ever been shut down, had your funds frozen, or lost business due to high decline rates, Corepay is built for you.

Here’s what sets us apart:

1. Built for High-Risk

Corepay specializes in merchant accounts for industries like:

  • Telemedicine
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Adult content
  • CBD and vape
  • Kratom and peptides
  • Subscription and continuity
  • Weight loss and GLP-1 sellers (LegitScript ready)

Authorize.net often rejects these businesses or terminates accounts after onboarding. Corepay, by contrast, underwrites and supports these industries every day.

2. Netvalve: A Next-Gen Gateway + Orchestration Engine

Unlike Authorize.net, Corepay offers its own proprietary gateway, Netvalve, built for:

  • Smart transaction routing (boosting approval rates)
  • Real-time fraud protection
  • Tokenization and vaulting
  • Full payment orchestration (multiple MIDs, A/B routing)

Authorize.net simply passes your transaction to a single bank. Netvalve intelligently routes to the optimal acquirer to reduce declines, latency, and costs.

3. Chargeback Management: CB-Alert

Corepay includes CB-Alert, our real-time chargeback suite, directly in your account. It integrates with Visa’s RDR, Ethoca, and CDRN, giving you:

  • Daily fraud/dispute monitoring
  • Dispute alerts before they escalate
  • Automatic responses and integrations

Authorize.net offers only basic fraud filters. Corepay helps prevent chargebacks before they hit your account—and keeps your VAMP ratios in check.

4. Global Coverage & eWallet Support

With Netvalve, you can process payments in 180+ countries, accept 100+ currencies, and offer alternative payment methods like:

  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • PayPal
  • Alipay

Authorize.net’s global support is limited to a few currencies and eWallets like Visa Checkout and PayPal—and only if supported by your bank.

5. Transparent, Scalable Pricing

Corepay offers flat, volume-based rates with no hidden gateway markups. We pass interchange through at cost and provide clear monthly statements.

Authorize.net often includes layered gateway fees, per-transaction add-ons, and unclear pricing from the underlying processor, especially if you’re using a third-party ISO.

Read more about interchange fees here.


Corepay vs Authorize.net: Feature Comparison

FeatureCorepayAuthorize.net
Gateway + ProcessingYes — full-stack solution via Netvalve + acquirerNo — gateway only
High-Risk SupportYes — telemedicine, CBD, adult, peptides, etc.No
Chargeback SuiteYes — CB-Alert w/ RDR, Ethoca, CDRNNo — only basic fraud filters
Payment OrchestrationYes — multi-MID routing, failover supportNo
Global PaymentsYes — 180+ countries, 100+ currenciesLimited — mainly U.S.-based
Tokenization + VaultYes — included via NetvalveYes
eWalletsApple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, AlipayPayPal, Visa Checkout (limited bank support)
PCI ComplianceLevel 1 — maintained with tokenization toolsLevel 1
SupportGlobal support team + dedicated account managerU.S. only, no dedicated support
PricingTransparent, volume-based, no gateway markupVaries — includes gateway fees + processor fees

Why Businesses Are Leaving Authorize.net

Today’s businesses demand global flexibility, higher approval rates, and payment resiliency. Authorize.net’s outdated infrastructure, single-acquirer model, and lack of support for high-risk industries simply can’t compete.

Corepay was built to solve these exact issues.

If you’ve experienced:

  • Frozen funds
  • High decline rates
  • Sudden shutdowns
  • VAMP noncompliance
  • Chargeback trouble

…it’s time to switch to a platform built for growth and protection.


Corepay Features

Corepay offers an end-to-end payment processing solution built specifically for high-risk and high-volume merchants. Whether you’re in telemedicine, CBD, nutraceuticals, or adult, Corepay helps you process payments securely and efficiently—without the risk of shutdowns or frozen funds.

Key features include:

  • Netvalve Payment Gateway
    Proprietary gateway with built-in payment orchestration, smart transaction routing, and vault/tokenization.
  • Multi-Bank Routing
    Boosts approval rates by routing transactions across multiple acquirers automatically.
  • CB-Alert Chargeback Management
    Real-time dispute alerts via Visa RDR, Ethoca, and CDRN, helping you stay compliant with VAMP and avoid excessive chargebacks.
  • High-Risk Industry Support
    Full underwriting and gateway access for verticals often rejected by other processors.
  • Global Payment Capabilities
    Accept payments in 180+ countries100+ currencies, and support for eWallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal.
  • Recurring Billing & Subscription Tools
    Built-in support for automated billing cycles and continuity models.
  • Level 1 PCI Compliance
    Ensures maximum data security and fraud protection.
  • Transparent, Volume-Based Pricing
    No hidden gateway markups or confusing fee structures.
  • Developer-Friendly API & Custom Checkout Options
    RESTful API access for custom integrations and mobile-first checkout design.
  • Dedicated Account Management
    Personalized support from onboarding to daily optimization.

Final Thoughts: Make the Smart Switch to Corepay

In 2025, payment processing is more complex than ever. Merchants can no longer rely on cookie-cutter gateway solutions like Authorize.net to power their business—especially in high-risk or international markets.

With Corepay, you get:

  • A powerful, payment orchestration-ready gateway (Netvalve)
  • Full support for high-risk industries
  • Real-time chargeback mitigation (CB-Alert)
  • Faster approvals and better pricing

Power your payments with Corepay

Secure your business with reliable payment processing. Fast approvals, competitive rates, and expert support tailored to your industry.
Apply now

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