When will I be approved?

Last updated: January 19, 2026

If you're business is in high-compliance verticals (eg. CBD, THC, Kratom, Nicotine, or Alcohol, Gaming, Gambling etc) your application requires additional review by our banking partner. This page explains why and what you can do to speed things up.


How Long Does Approval Take?

Merchant Type

Estimated Timeline

Standard merchants

1-3 business days

High-Compliance merchants (CBD/THC/Kratom/Nicotine/Alcohol)

3-5 business days

(assuming all requirements completed)

High-compliance applications take longer because they require manual review by both Frame's underwriting team and our banking partners.


Why High Compliance Takes Longer

Unlike standard e-commerce, verticals such as like CBD, THC, Gambling, and Healthcare are heavily regulated. Banks that process payments for these products face additional legal and financial risk, so they review each merchant carefully.

Your application is reviewed for:

  • Product compliance (no prohibited items)

  • Proper documentation (COAs, business docs)

  • Processing history (chargeback rates)

  • Website compliance (age verification, required disclosures)

  • State and federal regulatory compliance


Top Reasons Applications Are Delayed

Most delays happen because something is missing or incomplete. Check these common issues:

1. Prohibited Products on Your Store

If our system detects prohibited products on your store URL, your application will be paused until they're removed.

Fix it: Check the Prohibited Products List and remove any flagged items.


2. Missing COA Links on THC/CBD Products

Every THC and CBD product needs a Certificate of Analysis (COA) link in the product description.

Fix it: Add COA links to all applicable product listings on your store's URL


3. Incomplete Processing History

We need 6 months of processing statements from your previous payment processor. Incomplete or unclear statements cause delays.

Fix it: Submit statements that clearly show monthly volume, dates, and chargeback history.


4. Missing Business Documents

Applications stall if we're missing your Bank Letter/Voided Check or Articles of Incorporation/Processing History Statements.

Fix it: Upload all required documents to your application.


5. Incomplete Product Catalog

Your store should show your complete product catalog before applying. If products are hidden or missing, it delays review.

Fix it: Make sure all products you plan to sell are visible on your URL.


How to Check Your Application Status

  1. Log in to your Frame dashboard

  2. Navigate to Application Status

  3. Check for any alerts or requests for additional information

If we need something from you, you'll see a notification there or receive an email.


What Happens During Review?

Here's what's happening behind the scenes:

Stage

What Happens

Timeline

1. Submitted

Application received, initial review begins

Day 1

2. Document Review

Frame team reviews your documents, COAs, and product catalog

Days 1-2

3. Bank Underwriting

Application sent to banking partner for compliance review

Days 3-4

4. Final Approval

Bank approves, your account is activated

Day 4

NOTE: If we request additional information at any stage, the timeline pauses until you respond.


How to Speed Up Your Application

The best way to get approved faster:

Complete the entire High Compliance Merchant Setup Checklist before applying

Respond to any requests for information within 24 hours

Double-check that all COA links work and documents are legible

Remove any prohibited products before submitting


Still Waiting?

If it's been more than 5 business days and you haven't heard from us:

  1. Check your email (including spam) for requests from Frame

  2. Log in to your dashboard to check for alerts

  3. Email support@framepayments.com with your business name and application date


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