International Merchant Account and Payment Gateway Services
- Nathan Beck
Key Takeaways: DMS International Merchant Account & Global Payment Gateway
- Accept payments worldwide with Durango Merchant Services.
- We provide a cutting edge international merchant account and global payment gateway.
- Accept multiple currencies and reduce cross-border declines.
- Includes fraud protection, PCI compliance, and fast funding.
- Works for high-risk, e-commerce, and global subscription merchants.
What Is an International Merchant Account?
An international merchant account lets you accept payments from customers outside your home country in their local currencies.
Unlike domestic accounts, it supports:
Global card brands (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, UnionPay, JCB)
Multi-currency acceptance and settlement (USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD)
Cross-border routing to reduce declines
Local payment methods and wallets
It’s perfect for e-commerce, SaaS, travel, digital goods, and subscription-based businesses serving international buyers.
How can my business accept payments worldwide—safely and reliably?
If your customers are international, you need more than a basic U.S. processor. Cross-border payments add multi-currency, compliance, fraud prevention, and local acquiring challenges most providers can’t handle.
Durango Merchant Services helps businesses open international merchant accounts and connect to a global payment gateway so you can accept cards and digital payments in over 100 countries — all while keeping your funds secure and settlements predictable.
How does the international payment gateway route cross-border transactions?
Our international payment gateway connects your website or app to acquiring banks worldwide.
Here’s how it works:
Customer pays online in their local currency.
The gateway securely encrypts and routes the transaction to the best acquirer.
Currency conversion & settlement happen automatically to your chosen currency.
You monitor sales, refunds, chargebacks, and payouts in one global dashboard.
We support multi-currency payments, recurring billing, mobile SDKs, and full PCI compliance so you can process payments confidently anywhere.
How Does an International Merchant Account Benefit Businesses?
With Durango’s international merchant account and gateway, you can:
Accept payments in 100+ countries and currencies
Offer localized checkout to increase conversions
Lower transaction declines through local routing
Simplify cross-border compliance and reporting
Access real-time global analytics
Fund directly in USD or local currency
Whether you’re scaling a Shopify store, managing SaaS subscriptions, or expanding into new markets, Durango helps you process payments reliably and grow faster.
What common challenges block international merchant account approvals—and what are the solutions?
Even strong international businesses face hurdles when applying for global merchant accounts. Here are the top issues — and our solutions.
Challenge 1: Limited Approval Options
Most banks and processors won’t underwrite high-risk or cross-border merchants.
Durango’s Solution: We partner with global acquiring banks that specialize in international and high-risk verticals — meaning more approvals and faster setup.
Challenge 2: Currency Conversion & Settlement Delays
Cross-border payouts can be slow or unpredictable.
Durango’s Solution: We offer settlement in your choice of USD or local currency, typically within 1–3 business days.
Challenge 3: Fraud and Chargebacks
International transactions often see higher fraud rates and chargeback disputes.
Durango’s Solution: Built-in fraud scoring, 3-D Secure 2.0, AVS checks, and real-time chargeback alerts help protect your revenue.
Challenge 4: Compliance & Regulations
Each region has unique card rules, tax laws, and Know Your Client (KYC) requirements.
Durango’s Solution: Our compliance team stays current with Visa, Mastercard, and global banking standards — so your account stays safe and active.
Challenge 5: Technical Integration
Many merchants struggle with complex gateway or API setups.
Durango’s Solution: Our team can recommend pre-built plugins, hosted checkout pages, or recommend direct developer support for a smooth launch.
How does Durango handle security, PCI DSS compliance, and fraud prevention?
Every Durango account includes:
PCI DSS Level 1 certification (highest standard of payment security)
3-D Secure 2.0 authentication for cardholder identity
AI-driven fraud detection and risk scoring
Chargeback prevention tools and dispute management
Adherence to Visa, Mastercard, and international banking standards
We monitor evolving rules like Visa’s Integrity Risk Program (VIRP) and Mastercard’s BRAM program so you stay compliant worldwide.
What integration options support my e-commerce platform and tech stack?
Durango supports all major integration types:
Hosted checkout pages (no coding required)
REST API for custom integrations
Shopping cart plugins (Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, BigCommerce)
Mobile SDKs for iOS and Android apps
Recurring billing APIs and subscription tools
Batch file and virtual terminal options
If you are in need of a developer to help integrate payment processing into your web app, ecommerce shop, subscription service, or mobile app, Durango may be able to recommend a trusted developer if you don’t already have one.
How do international settlements, funding timelines, and rolling reserves work?
Funding: Typically 1–3 business days
Settlement currencies: USD or local (your choice)
Reserves (if high-risk): Rolling reserve with clear release schedules
Reporting: Batch-level details, FX logs, payout transparency
Why Choose Durango Merchant Services?
Durango specializes in high-risk and cross-border accounts where traditional processors often say no.
What you get:
🌎 Coverage in 100+ countries and multiple currencies
💵 USD or local-currency settlement options
🔒 Fraud protection with 3-D Secure 2.0, AVS, and velocity checks
🧾 Transparent pricing and clear reporting
🤝 Real people and real support — not offshore call centers
We match each business with the best global acquiring bank for its industry and region, so your payments flow smoothly from day one.
Durango Merchant Services Is Here To Help Secure Your International Merchant Account for Global Payments:
Our dedicated team has negotiated on behalf of more than 35,000 clients. We understand the back and forth and give and take of negotiating processing accounts for high risk merchants, including hundreds of international merchant accounts.
We know that there aren’t always easy answers. But remember, there is almost always a way forward and if you can make it through the first 3 years with a good track record, life will become much easier and your business will be better for it. Read our guide to how to apply for a International merchant account below.
Table of Contents
- Discount rates that range between 1.95% and 4.95%
- Authorization fees ranging from: $ 0.15 to $0.25
- Monthly installments: rates ranging from $15.00 per month to $60.00 per month
- Free Application Processing
- Rolling reserve requirements that range from: 0% to 10%
- Variable contract lengths including availability of month to month
- Direct financing with regular deposits
- Minimum processing: $5,000 minimum for US accounts, $50,000 if you are located in the EU or United Kingdom
How to Open an International Merchant Account
Applying for international merchant services, given the high-risk status of cross border transactions, requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to increase your chances of approval and start processing payments and selling internationally.
Required Documents:
Ensure Regulatory Compliance
Detailed Roadmap for Opening an International Merchant Account:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the difference between a domestic and international merchant account?
Domestic accounts only process payments within one country, while international merchant accounts support multi-currency and cross-border transactions.
Do I need a foreign bank account with an International Merchant Account?
No. We can deposit your funds in U.S. dollars or your local currency without opening an offshore account.
What are the fees associated with international merchant accounts?
The fees for international merchant accounts can vary depending on factors such as transaction volume, currency conversion rates, and the specific services offered by the provider. Common fees may include setup fees, monthly account fees, transaction fees, and currency conversion fees. It's essential to carefully review the fee structure provided by the merchant account provider to understand the costs involved and ensure transparency in pricing.
What industries qualify for international accounts?
We work with both low- and high-risk merchants — including travel, SaaS, digital goods, nutraceuticals, and e-commerce.
Call to talk to one of our account managers today!
How Do I Open An International Merchant Account?
Durango Merchant Services has written a detailed and straightforward guide to assist potential clients with understanding the process of applying for international payment processing. Our knowledgeable sales team and account managers are specialists in payment processing and are always available to provide support. Durango Merchant Services offers expert advice and clear explanations throughout the process, ensuring you have all the help you need. This comprehensive approach helps you improve your chances of successfully securing an international merchant account.
How Do I Configure My Payment Gateway For An International Merchant Account?
Durango Pay Gateway is perfectly suited to meet the specific needs of the international merchants. It’s incredibly versatile—whatever you need, chances are it can handle it. This gateway integrates seamlessly with over 150 shopping carts, from WooCommerce to Shopify, making it a breeze to use regardless of your platform. It’s also omni-channel ready right out of the box, which is ideal for travel businesses operating across multiple sales channels. Plus, it comes equipped with robust fraud detection and prevention tools as well as chargeback management features, helping you keep transactions secure and minimizing financial risks.
How do I increase my credit card processing limits?
Want to boost your credit card processing limits for your International business? Here’s the strategy: demonstrate a solid track record of consistent and reliable transactions, and ensure your business finances are robust and healthy. Minimizing chargebacks and maintaining a strong bank balance can significantly improve how transaction handlers view your business. We encourage you to have an open discussion with your account manager about your expansion plans—it might just be the key to securing more favorable terms.