Citadel Merchant Group, Inc. has been honored with the prestigious title of Best Veteran-Led Payment Technology Company in the US of 2026 by Best of Best Review. This recognition highlights Citadel's dedication to providing cutting-edge payment solutions, combined with the unique values instilled by their veteran leadership. As a veteran- and first responder-owned company, Citadel Merchant Group is redefining what it means to provide secure, efficient, and intelligent payment systems.

A Mission-First Approach

At the heart of Citadel Merchant Group is a commitment to service, an ethos cultivated through years of military and first responder experience. This foundation has shaped their approach to payment solutions, making them not just another processing company, but a true partner to businesses across the US. As a veteran-led organization, they bring a mission-first mindset to the table, which is evident in the way they work tirelessly to protect merchants, reduce risks, and help businesses scale. Their innovative use of AI-powered fraud detection, chargeback protection, and personalized solutions showcases how trust, precision, and performance drive their operations.

“Being veteran-led means we approach payments the same way we approached service, mission-first, accountable, and always prepared,” says Brett Hunt, CEO of Citadel Merchant Group. “This award reinforces that innovation and trust can, and should, coexist.”

Driving Innovation with AI-Powered Technology

One of the defining features of Citadel Merchant Group’s offerings is its ability to leverage advanced technology, particularly AI, to enhance the payment process. The company’s platform is built with intelligence at its core, providing merchants with real-time fraud detection and AI-integrated chargeback prevention. This allows businesses to stay ahead of potential threats, streamline transactions, and improve authorization rates, all while reducing friction for customers.

“Since switching to Citadel Merchant Group, our transaction efficiency has improved, chargebacks have dropped, and our customers experience faster checkouts,” said one satisfied client. “The merchant cash-back rewards were an unexpected bonus, but the real value is their hands-on support and forward-thinking technology.”

The AI-driven tools not only safeguard the financial health of businesses, but also provide actionable insights that enable smarter, data-driven decision-making. Whether it's fraud detection or predictive analytics for sustainable growth, Citadel's solutions are designed to evolve with a business's needs.

Trust and Accountability at the Core

Veteran leadership brings with it a deep understanding of trust, accountability, and precision, qualities that are essential when managing financial transactions. For Citadel Merchant Group, it’s not just about processing payments. It’s about creating long-term relationships built on reliability and service. As a partner to both veteran- and first responder-owned businesses, Citadel understands the unique challenges these companies face, and provides tailored solutions that align with their values and objectives.

“Citadel Merchant Group isn’t just a payment processor, they’re a true partner,” shared another client. “Their AI-driven fraud and chargeback protection gave us peace of mind we never had before. As a veteran-owned business, working with a team that understands trust, accountability, and mission-first leadership makes all the difference.”

Supporting Growth Through Innovation

What truly sets Citadel apart is their commitment to fostering growth for merchants. Citadel’s solutions are not one-size-fits-all; instead, they focus on personalized payment experiences that can evolve as businesses scale. From high-risk industries like adult entertainment and CBD to startups needing fast, hassle-free onboarding, Citadel delivers payment solutions that remove barriers and accelerate time to revenue.

Citadel’s ability to support high-risk and startup businesses is a testament to their flexibility and understanding of diverse merchant needs. “We were labeled ‘high-risk’ by other providers and kept hitting roadblocks, until Citadel,” said a high-risk merchant. “They built a solution specifically for our business, handled compliance seamlessly, and helped us scale with confidence. Citadel doesn’t treat you like an account number, they treat you like family.”

The Future of Payments Is Secure, Smart, and Scalable

As Citadel Merchant Group continues to lead the charge in payments technology, their commitment to innovation and service remains unwavering. With AI-powered systems that continuously evolve to counter emerging threats, Citadel ensures that businesses can operate securely and efficiently, all while maintaining a customer-first approach. Their dedication to transparency, honesty, and long-term partnerships is what makes them more than just a payment provider, they’re a partner invested in the success of every merchant they serve.

For more information about Citadel Merchant Group and their innovative payment solutions, visit Citadel Merchant Group.