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Prohibited Businesses at Yoco

Thinking about signing up to get paid with Yoco? Check that your business doesn't fall under our list of prohibited categories.

Updated over 2 weeks ago

Our goal at Yoco is to help small businesses grow. However, there are certain products and services can’t be sold with Yoco.

Prohibited business types*

Yoco products and services may not be used to accept payments for the following types of businesses or transactions relating to:

  1. Any illegal products and services

  2. Confirmed pyramid selling/schemes

  3. MOTO (Mail Order Telephone Order)/Internet/prescription drugs

  4. Drug stores and pharmacies (card not present transactions)

  5. MOTO (Mail Order Telephone Order)/Internet/CNP Tobacconists

  6. Cannabis/marijuana products and related good and services

  7. Adult content and services

  8. Airline Companies

  9. Timeshare services

  10. Cash loan business

  11. Financial service providers and institutions

  12. Independent financial advisers

  13. Key entry telecom companies

  14. Stockbrokers or other investment merchants

  15. Online gambling/casino/gaming/lottery and betting companies

  16. Telemarketing companies/direct marketing

  17. Holiday clubs and their agents/sub-agents

  18. Bureau de change (foreign currency exchange services)

  19. Commodity Investments companies

  20. High-risk security investment schemes

  21. Weapons, firearms, explosives and dangerous materials and/or manufacturing.

*The above list outlines categories only and is in no way exhaustive. For a full breakdown of all businesses restricted by Yoco, please refer to our Prohibited Businesses T&Cs.

Please also refer to the Visa and Mastercard merchant rules for additional requirements.

❗ Please note: Any person or business involved in illegal activities or any of the prohibited services, businesses, or product types listed above will have their merchant services terminated immediately, in accordance with our Terms & Conditions.

Anything else you can’t do with Yoco?

❌ Take debit order payments

❌ Take offline transactions

❌ Sell electricity or airtime

❌ Make cash withdrawals

❌ Use in a loan business

❌ Charge your customers for card transaction fees (it’s illegal in South Africa)

❌ Deduct money after a transaction has been processed with your customer

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