> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.mysorbet.xyz/sorbet/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.mysorbet.xyz/sorbet/currencies-and-countries/restricted-businesses-and-activities.md).

# Restricted Businesses & Activities

This page covers **what your business can do** and still hold a Sorbet account. For where we can open accounts, see [Country Eligibility](/sorbet/currencies-and-countries/country-eligibility.md). For what each currency and rail does, see [Supported Currencies & Payment Methods](/sorbet/currencies-and-countries/supported-currencies-and-payment-methods.md).

Most freelance, agency, consulting and software businesses will never run into anything on this page. It matters if your business handles other people's money, sells in a regulated category, or sits close to one of the industries below.

#### Tell us during onboarding

If your business does any of the following, you need to declare it when you apply. These aren't automatic rejections — they're assessed case by case, and plenty of them get approved. What gets an account closed is finding out later that it wasn't disclosed.

* Money services — cheque cashing, gift cards, ATMs, remittances
* Lending or banking
* Foreign exchange, virtual currency brokerage, or OTC trading
* Holding client funds, including escrow
* Investment services
* Safe deposit box rental
* Digital asset exchange
* Third-party payment processing

If you're unsure whether something you do counts, declare it and ask. Disclosing something that turns out not to matter costs you nothing.

#### We can't onboard these industries

We can't open or keep an account for a business operating in any of the following:

* Unlawful or abusive activity
* Fraud
* Unfair, predatory or deceptive practices
* Intellectual property infringement
* Investment or credit services
* Cheque cashing
* Bail bonds
* Charities and NGOs
* Collections agencies
* Counterfeit or unauthorised goods
* Drugs and drug paraphernalia, including pseudo-pharmaceuticals
* Substances designed to mimic illegal drugs
* Pharmaceuticals
* Marijuana, cannabis and related services
* Tobacco and nicotine products
* Gambling
* Adult entertainment, content and services
* Multi-level marketing
* Undisclosed money services
* Undisclosed money transmission
* Unlicensed third-party money transmission
* Precious metals and gemstones
* Weapons and firearms

**Charities and NGOs** are on this list, which surprises people. It isn't a judgement about the work — non-profit structures carry source-of-funds requirements we can't currently meet. If you're raising or moving money for a registered non-profit, contact support before applying.

**Note the two "undisclosed" entries.** Money services and money transmission appear in the declare-it list above *and* here. The difference is disclosure: tell us up front and it's a conversation, don't and the account gets closed.

#### Good to know

**We assess the business, not just the category.** Two businesses that describe themselves the same way can get different answers, depending on who their customers are, where they operate, and how money reaches them.

**Changing what you do means telling us.** If your business moves into one of the declare-it categories after your account is open, let us know then. An account approved on one business profile isn't approved for a different one.

**A rejection here isn't personal, and it isn't always permanent.** Some of these restrictions come from the licensing and banking relationships behind the platform, and those change over time.

***

Not sure which side of the line your business falls on? Contact Sorbet support — it's a faster conversation than a rejected application.