The following categories of businesses and business practices are restricted from using the Xpence (“Restricted Businesses”).
Restricted Business categories may be imposed through Network Rules or the requirements of our financial services partners.
In certain cases, businesses listed below may be eligible using the Services with explicit prior approval from Xpence. Note, however, that businesses that offer illegal products or services are never eligible to use the Xpence. The types of businesses listed in the right column are representative, but not exhaustive. If you are uncertain as to whether your business is a Restricted Business, or have questions about how these requirements apply to you, please contact us.
By registering with us, you are confirming that you will not use the Services to accept payments in connection with the following businesses, business activities, or business practices, unless you have received prior written approval from Xpence.
1. Financial and Professional Services
1.1 Investment and Credit Services
Securities brokers; mortgage consulting or debt reduction services; credit counselling or repair; real estate opportunities; lending instruments.
1.2 Money and Legal Services
Money transmitters, check cashing, wire transfers, money orders; currency exchanges or dealers; bail bonds; collections agencies; law firms collecting funds for any purpose other than to pay fees owed to the firm for services provided by the firm (e.g., firms cannot use Xpence to hold client funds, collection or settlement amounts, disputed funds, etc.).
1.3 Virtual Currency or Stored Value
Virtual currency that can be monetized, resold, or converted to physical or digital products and services or otherwise exit the virtual world (e.g., Bitcoin); sale of stored value or credits maintained, accepted and issued by anyone other than the seller.
2. IP Infringement, Regulated or Illegal Products and Services
2.1 Intellectual Property or Proprietary Rights Infringement
Sales, distribution, or access to counterfeit music, movies, software, or other licensed materials without the appropriate authorization from the rights holder; any product or service that directly infringes or facilitates infringement upon the trademark, patent, copyright, trade secrets, or proprietary or privacy rights of any third party; use of Xpence intellectual property without express consent from Xpence; use of the Xpence name or logo including use of Xpence trade or service marks, or in a manner that otherwise harms Xpence or the Xpence brand; any action that implies an untrue endorsement by or affiliation with Xpence.
2.2 Counterfeit or Unauthorized Goods
Unauthorized sale or resale of brand name or designer products or services; sale of goods or services that are illegally imported or exported.
2.3 Gambling
Lotteries; bidding fee auctions; sports forecasting or odds making; fantasy sports leagues with cash prizes; internet gaming; contests; sweepstakes; games of chance.
2.4 Regulated or Illegal Products or Services
Marijuana dispensaries and related businesses; sale of drugs; sale of alcohol; sale of tobacco, e-cigarettes, and e-liquid; online pharmacies; age restricted goods or services; weapons and munitions; gunpowder and other explosives; fireworks and related goods; toxic, flammable, and radioactive materials; products and services with varying legal status on a state-by-state basis; goods or services, the sale of which is illegal under applicable law in the jurisdictions to which your business is targeted or directed.
2.5 Adult Content and Services
Pornography and other obscene materials (including literature, imagery and other media); sites offering any sexually-related services such as prostitution, escorts, pay-per view, adult live chat features.
3. Unfair, Predatory, or Deceptive Practices
3.1 Get Rich Quick Schemes
Investment opportunities or other services that promise high rewards.
3.2 Mug Shot Publication or Pay-to-Remove Sites
Platforms that facilitate the publication and removal of content (such as mug shots), where the primary purpose of posting such content is to cause or raise concerns of reputational harm.
3.3 No-Value-Added Services
Sale or resale of a service without added benefit to the buyer; resale of government offerings without authorization or added value; sites that we determine in our sole discretion to be unfair, deceptive, or predatory towards consumers.
4. Products or Services that are Otherwise Restricted by our Financial Partners
4.1 Aggregation
Engaging in any form of licensed or unlicensed aggregation of funds owed to third parties, factoring, or other activities intended to obfuscate the origin of funds.
4.2 Drug Paraphernalia
Any equipment designed for making or using drugs, such as bongs, vaporizers, and hookahs.
4.3 High Risk Businesses
Bankruptcy lawyers; computer technical support; psychic services; travel reservation services and clubs; airlines; cruises; timeshares; prepaid phone cards, phone services, and cell phones; telemarketing, telecommunications equipment and telephone sales; drop shipping; forwarding brokers; negative response marketing; credit card and identity theft protection; the use of credit to pay for lending services; any businesses that we believe poses elevated financial risk, legal liability, or violates card network or bank policies; any business or organization that a. engages in, encourages, promotes or celebrates unlawful violence or physical harm to persons or property, or b. engages in, encourages, promotes or celebrates unlawful violence toward any group based on race, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other immutable characteristic.
4.4 Multi-Level Marketing
Pyramid schemes, network marketing, and referral marketing programs.
4.5 Pseudo Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceuticals and other products that make health claims that have not been approved or verified by the applicable local and/or national regulatory body.
4.6 Social Media Activity
Sale of Twitter followers, Facebook likes, YouTube views, and other forms of social media activity.
4.7 Substances Designed to Mimic Illegal Drugs
Sale of a legal substance that provides the same effect as an illegal drug (e.g., salvia, kratom).
4.8 Video Game or Virtual World Credits
Sale of in-game currency or game items, unless the merchant is the operator of the virtual world.
4.9 Use of Xpence in a Manner Inconsistent with its Intended Use or as Expressly Prohibited in the Xpence Terms & Conditions.
Processing where there is no bona fide good or service sold, or donation accepted; card testing; evasion of card network chargeback monitoring programs; sharing cardholder information with another merchant for payment cross-sell product or service.
If you have any questions about supported businesses, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Last Update: January 2023