Risk reviews don’t get talked about often, but they’re an important part of how payment processors keep your business and your customers protected. If you’ve ever received notice of a risk review or wondered what triggers one, you’re not alone.
The good news? A review doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong. Most of the time, it simply means the system noticed something outside your usual processing pattern and wants to double-check everything looks right.
With a little preparation and some simple best practices, you can stay ready if a review ever comes your way and move into 2026 feeling confident and informed.
Why a Risk Review Happens
A risk review is simply a way to confirm that the activity running through your account matches your business’s normal pattern. These reviews can happen to any merchant, and they’re usually resolved quickly.
Common triggers include:
- Larger-than-usual transactions: When a payment is noticeably higher than your typical ticket size, the system may ask for extra verification.
- Sudden volume spikes: A big sales day (or week) can look unusual compared to your regular processing rhythm.
- Heavy activity from a single cardholder: This often ties to subscription or repeat billing but can also raise chargeback concerns.
- A rise in chargebacks: If your ratio creeps toward the 1% mark, the system may pause to ensure everything checks out.
- Routine business validation: From time to time, processors confirm that your business model and transaction types still match what’s on file.
None of these are “bad.” They’re simply part of keeping your account healthy and protected.
If Your Account Is Reviewed, Here’s How Basys Has Your Back
If your account gets flagged, our Risk Team jumps in right away to keep the process clear and moving.
Here’s what that typically looks like:
- You’ll be notified: Usually through your banker or directly by a Basys Risk Analyst.
- We’ll request a few documents: Think receipts, invoices, order confirmations or anything that helps verify the transaction or trend.
- We submit and monitor your review: Our analysts advocate for you, follow up with the processing platform and track it until approval.
- We keep you updated: You’re never left wondering what’s happening. We communicate along the way until funding returns to normal.
Our goal is to make this as fast and low-stress as possible so you can stay focused on your customers.
Best Practices to Reduce Flags & Stay Prepared
A few simple habits can reduce unnecessary flags and help make any review smoother and faster if one ever does happen:
- Give us a heads-up about large transactions: If you know something big or unusual is coming, a quick call prevents surprises.
- Train or refresh your team on payment security basics: Even experienced staff benefit from reminders.
- Verify billing details every time: Matching card number, expiration, CVV, and address helps reduce fraud warnings.
- Keep documentation organized: Especially for high-ticket sales, new services or seasonal spikes.
These best practices help keep your account healthy and ensure you’re ready for a quick, smooth review if one is ever initiated.
A Stronger, Safer 2026 Starts Here
A secure payment process is one of the easiest ways to set your business up for a strong year. Risk reviews are simply part of that process, and with the right preparation and a partner who’s always looking out for you, you can move into 2026 with clarity and confidence.
Whenever you see something unusual, have a big transaction coming up or just want guidance, our Risk Team is here to help. You can always reach us at 800.386.0711 if you ever need support.
General Contact
"*" indicates required fields
