cigar Payment Processing
Premium
Merchant Accounts for
Cigar Retailers & Lounges.
High-ticket fraud protection, stable dedicated MIDs, and wholesale IC++ pricing — because premium products deserve premium payment infrastructure.
Cigars Processing, Built Right
Where Others See Risk, We See a Business.
Where Stripe says "No," we say "Let's make it work." As a direct ISO/TSP, we don't just accept high-risk merchants — we specialize in them. We use our direct relationships with acquiring banks to fight for your approval, build your case, and get you processing.
Our ISO/TSP status means we sit at the table with the banks. We can vouch for your business model, explain your compliance posture, and advocate for fair terms. That's the difference between a generic aggregator and a specialized payment partner.
Our ISO/TSP status means we sit at the table with the banks. We can vouch for your business model, explain your compliance posture, and advocate for fair terms. That's the difference between a generic aggregator and a specialized payment partner.
The Cigar Payment Problem
Cigar retailers face a unique combination of challenges: high average order values that trigger fraud flags, tobacco product classification that limits processor options, and a customer base that expects a seamless luxury buying experience.
Enterprise-Grade Processing
Cost+ provides payment processing specifically calibrated for the premium tobacco space. Our fraud prevention tools are tuned for high-AOV transactions — protecting you from chargebacks without blocking legitimate customers. And because we hold direct ISO/TSP status, your merchant account is managed by people who understand your business model, not an algorithm that flags every $300+ order.
Global Payment Backbone
Whether you're running an online cigar shop, a brick-and-mortar lounge, or both — we provide stable, compliant processing at fair IC++ rates.
NO HIDDEN FEES
No "High-Risk Surcharges." Just Transparent Pricing.
Cigar merchants often pay 3-4% in processing fees because they're lumped into a generic "tobacco" risk category. But premium cigar retail has different risk characteristics than mass-market tobacco — higher AOV, lower volume, and a loyal customer base with minimal chargeback activity.
Interchange
Card Networks
Scheme Fees
Visa/MC/Amex
Your Total Cost
Nothing else
Our Margin
Percent, %
Network
Access Fee
Access Fee
Euro, €
REGULATORY READY
Compliance Excellence
Industry-specific regulatory expertise built into your processing infrastructure.
TRUSTED & VERIFIED
Your Dedicated
Merchant ID. No Pooling. No Surprises.
Premium cigar retailers
can't afford
the embarrassment
of a
declined transaction
on a
$500 humidor
purchase — or the
business
impact of a
frozen
merchant account
during holiday
season. Your
MID
is
dedicated,
stable, and managed
through our
direct acquiring
relationships.
We understand the
seasonal patterns,
high-ticket
transactions,
and the
loyal
repeat customers
that define
your business.
SEE YOUR RATES
Get Your
Specialized Quote
Just because you're "high-risk" doesn't mean you should pay high prices. Let us show you what transparent Cost+ pricing looks like for Cigars.
CIGAR PAYMENTS
Frequently Asked Questions
Risk classification, multi-channel support, fraud protection, and tobacco MCC compliance for cigar retailers.
Does Cost+ provide payment processing for cigar retailers?
Yes. Cost+ processes card payments for approved cigar retailers and lounges, with dedicated merchant IDs and IC++ or blended pricing. The acquiring agreement specifies the business, products, sales channels and markets covered.
Is cigar e-commerce considered high-risk?
Cigar e-commerce is assessed as a specialized, higher-risk business. The product range, sales countries and age controls affect the review. The acquirer determines the account classification and terms; there is no single tobacco rate that applies to every business.
Can I use Cost+ for both online and in-person cigar sales?
Online sales can use Cost+ plugins or the payment API. In-store and lounge payments need an acquiring and terminal arrangement that supports that channel. Approval for an online checkout does not automatically enable in-person card payments.
How can Cost+ help protect high-value cigar orders from fraud?
Cost+ supports 3D Secure authentication and authorization followed by capture. For high-value orders, you can review the order before capturing an authorized payment. These controls help manage risk but do not guarantee that an order is free from fraud or disputes.
How is the correct merchant category set for a cigar business?
The acquirer reviews your products and sales model to assign the appropriate merchant category code (MCC). Provide an accurate catalogue and describe every sales channel. Your business remains responsible for age checks and legal sales requirements; processing conditions are agreed for the account.
CHECKOUT OPTIONS
