E-commerce

Who this is for / not for

This page is for e-commerce businesses selling physical or digital goods online and needing a company, banking, and payment processing with clear chargeback and logistics handling. It is not for marketplaces or high-risk categories (e.g. certain supplements) without extra planning.

Decision summary

  • Chargebacks and return policies matter to processors and banks; have clear terms and evidence of delivery (e.g. tracking).
  • Logistics evidence (shipping, tracking, delivery confirmation) supports approval and dispute resolution.
  • Shortlist jurisdictions that are bankable and processor-friendly for your product category; then choose partner type and request introductions when ready.

Banking & payments reality

Banks assess business model and turnover; processors focus on chargeback risk and delivery evidence. Clear return and refund policies, tracking, and low chargeback ratios help. High chargebacks or restricted product categories hurt. See Payment processors readiness and Bank account opening checklist.

Costs & timeline

Typical ranges depend on jurisdiction and volume; formation and banking 1–3 months. Processor setup can be quick if docs and policies are ready. See Costs, timelines, hidden fees and Compare jurisdictions.

Docs & KYC checklist

Banks want: ID, proof of address, company docs, business narrative (what you sell, where you ship, expected volumes), and source of funds. Processors want similar plus website, return/refund policy, and evidence of delivery (e.g. tracking). Use Bankability checklist.

Common failure points / red flags

Common failures: no or weak return policy; high chargeback rate; restricted product category without disclosure; no tracking or delivery evidence. Address policies and evidence before applying.

Alternatives

Alternatives: different jurisdictions (e.g. UK, Ireland, UAE) or selling via a platform that handles payments. See Compare jurisdictions.

FAQ

What evidence do processors want for physical goods?
Tracking numbers, delivery confirmation, and a clear return/refund policy. Keep records for disputes.
Are some product categories restricted?
Yes. Processors publish prohibited or restricted lists (e.g. certain supplements, replica goods, CBD). Check before applying.
How do I reduce chargebacks?
Clear billing descriptor, terms, and return policy; good customer service; fast shipping and tracking. Respond to chargeback requests with evidence.
Which jurisdictions suit e-commerce?
UAE, Hong Kong, Singapore, UK, Ireland, Estonia are often shortlisted. Compare banking and processor availability for your entity and product type.

Next steps