Our goal at Yoco is to help small businesses grow. However, there are certain products and services that 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:
Any illegal products and services
Confirmed pyramid selling/schemes
MOTO (Mail Order Telephone Order)/internet/prescription drugs
Drug stores and pharmacies (card not present transactions)
MOTO (Mail Order Telephone Order)/internet/CNP tobacconists
Cannabis/marijuana products and related good and services
Adult content and services
Airline companies
Timeshare services
Cash loan business
Financial service providers and institutions
Independent financial advisers
Key entry telecom companies
Stockbrokers or other investment merchants
Online gambling/casino/gaming/lottery and betting companies
Telemarketing companies/direct marketing
Holiday clubs and their agents/sub-agents
Bureau de change (foreign currency exchange services)
Commodity investments companies
High-risk security investment schemes
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.
Important: 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
💬 FAQs
Why are cash loans, financial services, and crypto traders prohibited? Merchants who operate cash loan businesses, provide financial services, or sell financial products are not permitted to use Yoco. This is clearly stated in Yoco's prohibited list, included both on the website and in our merchant agreements.
Why are cannabis and CBD products not allowed? CBD products fall under medicinal and prescription drugs, which are not permitted under Yoco's Terms. Cannabis is also not legal to sell in South Africa and is therefore a prohibited business type.
Need more help?
Start a conversation with a Yoco Support consultant via our in-app chat.