Short version: mainstream processors (Stripe, PayPal, Square) don't allow adult content. Your options are high-risk card processors built for adult merchants, crypto gateways, creator platforms like Patreon and SubscribeStar, or a store that handles payments for you. Most creators combine two or three.
The four routes
| Route | Examples | Good | Hard |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-risk card processor | CCBill, Segpay, Verotel, Epoch | Cards worldwide, built for adult | Company + KYC, higher fees, reserves, strict content review |
| Crypto gateway | NOWPayments, CoinPayments, BTCPay Server (self-hosted) | Fast setup, works in almost every country, no chargebacks | Fewer buyers pay in crypto; tax and accounting |
| Creator platform | Patreon, SubscribeStar | Zero setup, recurring income | Subscriptions only, policy risk |
| Store that pays you | DLsite, adult-friendly stores, DuskPlay | No merchant account needed, built-in audience | Store's cut and rules |
What high-risk processors ask for
- A registered company, with documents and a business bank account. Requirements on where the company and its owners are based vary by processor.
- ID verification (KYC) for the owners.
- A compliant website: terms, privacy policy, refund policy, 18+ notice, support contact.
- Proof that all characters are adults, and content that respects card network rules.
- Expect higher fees than mainstream processors and a rolling reserve held for a few months.
Never do this
Don't run adult sales through a mainstream processor under a different business description. When it's discovered (and it is), accounts get closed, funds frozen, and you can end up on industry blacklists that block you from every processor.
A setup that survives
- Patreon or SubscribeStar for ongoing development income.
- Crypto checkout on your own site, especially for international players.
- One or more stores that handle card payments for finished games.
- Your own email list, so a payment change never cuts you off from your players.
That's what we're building DuskPlay for: checkout with cards and crypto handled by the store, so creators don't need their own merchant account. Apply as a founding creator.
FAQ
Can I use Stripe for an adult game?
No. Stripe's restricted businesses list includes adult content. Accounts selling it get closed.
Can I use PayPal for an adult game?
Generally no. PayPal's acceptable use policy prohibits most sexually oriented digital goods.
What is a high-risk payment processor?
A processor that specialises in industries mainstream providers avoid, like adult content. They accept the category but charge more and review merchants closely.
Is crypto a good option for adult games?
It's a good complement: easy to set up and works in almost every country. But most buyers still pay by card, so it rarely replaces card payments entirely.
Do I need a company to get paid?
For high-risk card processors, yes. For Patreon, SubscribeStar, crypto gateways and stores, you can usually start as an individual.