Prohibited Businesses
The following categories of businesses and business practices are prohibited from using the Shopify Payments Service (“Prohibited Businesses”). Prohibited Business categories may be imposed through network rules or the requirements of our financial services providers. 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 Prohibited Business, or have questions about how these requirements apply to you, please
contact us.
Financial and professional services
Investment & credit services Securities brokers; mortgage consulting or debt reduction services; credit counseling or repair; real estate opportunities; lending instruments
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 Shopify Payments to hold client funds, collection or settlement amounts, disputed funds, etc.)
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, quasi-cash or credits maintained, accepted and issued by anyone other than the seller
IP Infringement, regulated or illegal products and services
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 infringes or facilitates infringement upon the trademark, patent, copyright, trade secrets, or proprietary or privacy rights of any third party; use of Shopify intellectual property without express consent from Shopify; use of the Shopify name or logo including use of Shopify trade or service marks inconsistent with the
Shopify Trademark Usage Guidelines, or in a manner that otherwise harms Shopify or the Shopify brand; any action that implies an untrue endorsement by or affiliation with Shopify
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
Gambling Lotteries; bidding fee auctions; sports forecasting or odds making; fantasy sports leagues with cash prizes; internet gaming; contests; sweepstakes; games of chance
Regulated products and services Marijuana dispensaries and related businesses; alcohol or alcoholic beverages; sale of tobacco, e-cigarettes, or accessories including e-juice or e-liquid; online pharmacies or pharmacy referral services; 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
Adult content and services Pornography and other obscene materials (including literature, imagery and other media). Sites offering any sexually-related products or services such as prostitution, massage parlours, dating-services, companion/escort services; international match-making and mail-order brides; pay-per view, adult live chat or call features; child pornography, fetish gear and services including S&M paraphernalia; hard-core sexually oriented products and services; sex shows, sex clubs, topless bars, strip shows, and other adult entertainment; widgets that allow you to access pornography or pornographic ads
