Selling research peptides online in the UK can be profitable — but payment processing is where most merchants struggle.
Because peptides are often classified as research-use only substances, Shopify Payments and Stripe will reject them.
So, which gateways can you actually use in 2025 without risking frozen funds or account bans?
This guide compares the most peptide-friendly payment options available to UK sellers.
Because peptides are often classified as research-use only substances, Shopify Payments and Stripe will reject them.
So, which gateways can you actually use in 2025 without risking frozen funds or account bans?
This guide compares the most peptide-friendly payment options available to UK sellers.
Why Peptide Merchants Need Special Payment Gateways
Peptides = high-risk category.
That means higher fraud monitoring, more documentation, and frequent restrictions.
Typical issues include:
- ❌ Shopify Payments & Stripe ban research-use products.
- 💸 High transaction fees (3–6%) with “high-risk” providers.
- ⚠️ Sudden payout holds or reserves.
- 🧾 Complex onboarding and compliance checks.
To stay online and compliant, you need a gateway that:
- Accepts research-use peptides legally;
- Supports Shopify or WooCommerce integration;
- Offers predictable fees;
- Doesn’t rely on card networks prone to chargebacks.
Why Pay by Bank Leads the Pack
Zero Chargebacks
Because transactions are authorised directly through the customer’s bank, there are no card disputes or chargeback fees.
Instant Settlements
Funds arrive in your bank account in seconds — no more waiting 3–7 days for payout cycles.
Compliant and Transparent
Supports research-use disclaimers, integrates with built-in age verification, and provides instant transaction records for audit trails.
Compliance Considerations for Peptide Sellers
To maintain processing access and avoid merchant bans:
- ✅ Add “For research use only. Not for human consumption.” on every peptide listing.
- ✅ Keep lab reports (COAs) visible and downloadable.
- ✅ Use an age-gate (18+ check) on checkout.
- ✅ Never make therapeutic or bodybuilding claims.
- ✅ Register a UK business entity (Companies House).
Gateways like Wallid Pay by Bank may request screenshots of these compliance steps before approval — this is normal and ensures long-term account safety.
How to Add Pay by Bank to Your Shopify Store
- Go to the Shopify App Store.
- Click Install Wallid Pay by Bank.
- Follow the onboarding steps.
- Enable Pay by Bank under Settings → Payments → Alternative Methods.
- Add your compliance policies and test the checkout.
Once active, customers will see “Pay by Bank” alongside PayPal or credit card — with faster checkout and no extra fees.
Final Thoughts
If you’re selling research peptides in the UK, your biggest challenges are:
compliance, payment approval, and cash flow.
Traditional gateways like Stripe, Shopify Payments, or PayPal won’t work — but Pay by Bank offers a low-fee, instant-settlement alternative built for regulated industries.
Pro Tip: Add visible lab reports and disclaimers to increase both approval rates and customer trust.
FAQ: Payment Gateways for Peptide Sellers
1. Can I use Shopify Payments for peptides?
No. Shopify Payments (Stripe) doesn’t allow peptide or research chemical transactions in the UK.
2. What’s the safest payment gateway?
Pay by Bank offers the lowest fees (~0.7%), instant payouts, and no chargebacks.
3. Why are peptides considered high-risk?
Because they fall under research-use or unapproved supplement categories regulated by the FSA.
4. Can I combine Pay by Bank with PayPal?
Yes. You can keep PayPal for existing customers and add Pay by Bank for compliant transactions.
5. Do I need to verify customer age?
Strongly recommended (18+). Wallid supports built-in age verification via Open Banking ID.
