If you’ve tried to open a business bank account or get a payment gateway for your competition website, you’ve probably already faced the same challenge most new operators encounter:
“Sorry, we can’t support businesses linked to gambling or prize draws.”
It’s a frustrating reality. You’ve built a legitimate, skill-based business, your website is compliant, and you’re ready to start selling tickets—yet traditional banks and payment processors still flag your activity as “high-risk.”
So where does that leave you?
Why Competition Websites Struggle with Banking
The problem isn’t with your business—it’s how the financial sector categorises it.
Even if your site fully complies with UK ASA and RMG regulations, most banks automatically group “competitions and raffles” under gambling or high-risk e-commerce. Automated screening systems then block your account before it’s ever reviewed manually.
This leads to:
- Rejected applications with little explanation
- Merchant accounts being frozen mid-launch
- Delayed or withheld payouts
- Inconsistent approval for ad or payment integrations
We’ve seen this repeatedly—especially with major processors like Stripe, PayPal, and Revolut, which routinely decline or suspend competition websites once they identify the business model.
What You Actually Need
To run a competition website smoothly, you need two reliable components:
- A business bank that understands your industry so your account remains stable.
- A merchant service provider that supports competition payments so you can process entries securely and compliantly.
Both must integrate properly with your website platform, typically WordPress and WooCommerce.
UK Banks That Work with Competition Businesses
After building and managing competition sites across the UK, we’ve tested numerous providers. The following banks have shown consistent success for our clients.
Zempler Bank (formerly Cashplus)
Zempler is one of the most competition-friendly banks available in the UK. They offer quick setup times, debit card access, and simple integration with merchant partners such as Cashflows.
When applying, clearly explain that your site uses skill-based entry and offers a free-entry route—this transparency helps secure approval.
Clique Payment Tech
Clique specialises in high-risk sectors, including gaming and competitions. Their accounts include transaction monitoring and compliance tools, though onboarding can take slightly longer.
Extra Direct and RiskLink
Both provide high-risk business banking options suitable for competition or prize-draw models. They’re reliable alternatives if your primary choice declines your application.
Merchant Services That Accept Competition Websites
Even with the right bank, payment processing can still be a hurdle. Many gateways automatically block competition transactions due to perceived risk. Choosing the right merchant is critical to your success.
Cashflows – Our Recommended Partner
Over recent years, Cashflows has become the go-to merchant for UK competition and raffle websites. They are fully regulated, competition-approved, and integrate seamlessly with WooCommerce and the Giveaway for WooCommerce plugin.
Why Cashflows stands out:
- Approved for skill-based competitions and prize draws
- Supports Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and all major cards
- Fast onboarding and responsive UK-based support
- Next-day settlements and transparent pricing
- Proven reliability for high-volume ticket sales
Nera Marketing is an official Cashflows partner, which means we can introduce your business directly to their merchant onboarding team. This partnership allows us to fast-track your approval process and ensure your payment setup is configured correctly from day one.
We’ve seen countless businesses rejected by mainstream gateways, only to find stability with Cashflows and scale their operations confidently once integrated.
Other Merchant Options
If Cashflows isn’t suitable, these high-risk providers are worth exploring:
- Corepay – international processor for high-risk industries
- Radiant Pay – specialises in UK and EU gambling and competition payments
- Axcess Merchant Services – offers flexible online lottery support
- Modern World Business Solutions – works with startups needing quick approvals
While these can be viable alternatives, their pricing and service quality often vary.
The Winning Combination: Zempler + Cashflows
For most UK competition websites, the most stable and compliant setup is:
- Banking with Zempler for straightforward business account management
- Payment processing with Cashflows for dependable merchant handling
This pairing has consistently delivered reliable transactions, regulatory compliance, and long-term stability for our clients.
Compliance and Approval Essentials
When applying for banking or merchant services, ensure your site includes:
- A free-entry route
- A skill-based question
- Clear terms and conditions
- A responsible play policy
- Privacy and refund information compliant with UK ASA guidance
These measures demonstrate credibility and can dramatically increase your chance of approval.
Nera Marketing can provide compliant templates and connect you with a UK-based RMG solicitor if needed.
How Nera Marketing Can Help
We’ve launched and supported dozens of competition websites across the UK, and every successful brand we work with has one thing in common—strong financial foundations.
As partners of Cashflows, we can:
- Introduce you directly to a competition-approved merchant team
- Configure your banking and payment gateway setup
- Build or optimise your competition website
- Ensure full compliance across every part of your platform
If you’re launching a new competition business or struggling to get approved by banks or merchants, contact Nera Marketing for guidance. We’ll help you establish a compliant, stable, and growth-ready financial setup from the start.
Key Takeaway
Most banks and payment providers don’t fully understand the competition industry. But the right ones do.
With Zempler Bank and Cashflows, supported by Nera’s expertise, you can operate a legitimate, trusted competition business without the financial roadblocks.
