Banks are becoming my enemy...
 

Hi all,

I'm fresh meat in the adult content industry. A friend told me about this website the other day, and this is my first post. Please excuse me if it's improperly parked.

Over the past year I've created and worked on a niche adult content studio that hasn't seen the light of day yet. I've worked day in and day out creating the website. I have several loyal models on contract right now. I've spent thousands on content that I haven't began making a dollar on yet (haven't launched). Filmed, edited, graphics design, the whole solo-preneur shebang. I acquired a high-risk merchant provider willing to work with me. I've filed with the state, and so on. All things that I'm sure many of you have done.

But I'm beginning to feel it's all for nought.

Because of the recent happenings with Pornhub, Onlyfans, and Mastercard (so I've read), it seems like every bank I've checked out disallows anything pertaining to adult content. I've been rejected from about five I've applied to so far, mostly automatically.

I'm not about to give up on everything I've done because of this, but I am a little stressed. I've heard from a couple people they made "fake business fronts" to apply to the banks with. And if that's the only way, I will. But I'd hate to be dishonest. Funny thing is, I know of some direct competitors who sell the same type of video products as I do, and they don't seem to have any trouble selling on a clearnet website for 10+ years. Funny enough, they are even using STRIPE somehow, which clearly forbids adult content.

I'm at the end of my wits. The merchant provider that is thankfully working with me is waiting for me to get a business checking. How am I to proceed when I can't get a business account because of my industry?

I'm sure someone out there has been where I'm at. Please help me.

Thank you.

You already know the answer. No one wants to work with a porn studio. You're a marketing agency.

banks suck but It has always been like this. I'm surprised there are actually some people who managed to get a bank account while mentioning adult.
A fake front is a big word. Just don't mention the word adult.
Advertisement/marketing/design you can always describe it without mentioning adult.
Not that difficult and most who I know have done it like that

Let me tell you a little story... Gather round, and I promise that it wont involve poo...

There was a time back in around 07/08 when wordpress had just become easily available, and a glut of people who used to install WordPress, put a single banner up that they acquired from a sponsor, and then rush to GFY to proudly state 'How do I tell my family, that I'm 'In Porn' ?

They were no more 'In Porn' than someone who went to the cinema to watch 'Top Gun' was actually 'In a film with Tom Cruise' but that didn't stop them from wanting to tell everyone that they were in porn...

I used to tell them that they were not 'In Porn' & that they were simply internet marketers...

Well you appear to actually be 'in porn' - So I offer the same advice... But in reverse... You say that you do internet marketing promotions for companies that require your services...

That's ALL you need to say... No need to mention porn x

Media/publishing/marketing/management etc. Those are your industries, or related.

Set up multiple bank accounts if you like. Not just Fortune 500s, but regional banks and credit unions. Smaller banks and credit unions are happy to get money.

Set up a marketing website for your company if you want it to look more "legit." Possibly get some mainstream revenue if you are really paranoid.

Absolutely this. :2 cents::2 cents::2 cents:

Imagine the welcome/reception you get from:
IFuckYourMotherForALiving LLC vs Smith's Marketing LLC

Say "online advertising" watch their eyes glaze over, get bank account. Done

Thank you all very much. I've acquired my first business checking. Every post here was helpful.

You are in the wrong industry, dude. If you wants the banks to like you and happily work with you, you need to do drugs, weapons, human trafficking, etc...don't show them a nude body, thats a no no!

Internet architecture.

This.

And if you are truly concerned set up a Wordpress template on a neutral domain.


bargainlugspades.com etc.

LOL

definitelynotporn.biz

Yes, always have a 'vanilla' site ready with your corp address. info etc

Send me a pm, and there's got to be a way for the merchant provider to get the money to you.

you are overthinking it. we have 3rd party billers in this industry exactly for the reasons you mentioned. if you are starting out, use a 3rd party biller.

i have a few listed on my billing info page that have been around long enough to trust.

https://www.porncms.com/billing.php

for your site, start at the bottom - Verotel and Epoch. you need to use a 3rd party biller for a year and then you can get a merchant account with better rates.

follow the path thousands have walked :thumbsup

#

Sure there are always more options available... I can help send me pm

One lesson I learned a long time ago is that you don't have to know everything about this industry - but you sure as hell need to know those who do. Network out and find those who've been around for advice and growth to get over these hurdles. Read, read and read more off of people who've written articles to gain more knowledge.

If you're wanting to vent or even ask questions for help I am also here - hit me up on skype and ask away. If I don't know I'll put you in contact with someone or company that does.

Good luck - you already have been given some great wisdom. Nothing wrong with being in porn - the problem is perception and naïve people who drool about the fantasy