Why two rulebooks apply
A site can break two different sets of rules: the builder's acceptable use policy, which governs what you host, and the payment processor's list, which governs what you can charge for. A niche can pass the first and fail the second. Policies were read on 30 October 2026; they change, so recheck before you build. This is a summary, not legal advice. [1][3][4][5][7][8]
Builder policies compared
"Not named" means the category does not appear in the policy text we read, not that it is allowed. Every policy also bans unlawful content generally. [1][2][3][4][5][6]
| Topic | Carrd | Framer | Webflow | Shopify | systeme.io |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sexual content | Pornography generally not permitted; adult artwork allowed on the artist's own site | No content "adult in nature" | No sexually explicit or obscene content | Not named in the AUP summary; follow law and payment terms | Prohibits content related to pornography |
| Gambling | Not named | Not named | Not named | Not named | Prohibited |
| Weapons | Not named | Weapons of mass destruction named under illegal use | No selling weapons, firearms or ammunition | Not named | Not named |
| Counterfeit or fraudulent goods | Infringing content prohibited | Infringing content prohibited | No hazardous, counterfeit, stolen or fraudulent goods | Fraud leads to account action | Fraud prohibited |
| Spam, phishing, malware | Not detailed | Prohibited | Prohibited | Spam leads to account action | Not detailed |
| Thin affiliate sites | Not permitted | Not named | Not named | Not named | Not named |
What each builder's policy emphasises
Carrd calls itself "fairly permissive", but its content policy prohibits unlawful, threatening, defamatory, privacy-invading, pornographic and infringing content, and "does not permit thin affiliate sites": sites with little original content, excessive affiliate links or automated content may be taken offline. Its terms also bar content that includes sensitive personal information such as social security numbers. [1][2]
Framer's AUP (version 2.0, effective 9 April 2026) bans adult content, spam, phishing, malware, impersonation and storing sensitive data such as passwords and card numbers. Webflow's AUP bans hazardous, counterfeit, stolen or fraudulent goods, weapons including firearms and ammunition, sexually explicit content, malware and spam. [3][4]
Shopify's AUP is principle-based: nothing illegal where you do business, no threats of violence, no products that facilitate intentional self-harm, and you must follow payment and channel terms such as Shop's product eligibility rules. Shopify says it gives notice and enforces at the product level first. systeme.io's terms prohibit content related to pornography, gambling, illegal products, violence, exploitation and fraud, with bans "without notice". [5][6]
Payment processor lists: often the stricter rule
Stripe's prohibited list includes illegal drugs, adult content and services, games of chance including sweepstakes with a prize, illegal weapons, cannabis dispensaries, CBD over the local legal THC limit, unsafe nutraceuticals and "get rich quick" schemes. Online dating is a restricted category that needs extra due diligence. [7]
PayPal's acceptable use policy (last updated 29 October 2022) bans narcotics, steroids, drug paraphernalia, cigarettes, stolen goods and obscene items, and requires pre-approval for gambling and contests, cryptocurrency, prescription items, telemedicine, mature audience content, online dating and charities. [8]
On Shopify, if Shopify Payments does not support your business category, you need a third-party payment provider instead. [9]
| Niche | Stripe | PayPal |
|---|---|---|
| Sweepstakes or paid contests | Prohibited (games of chance with a prize) | Pre-approval required |
| CBD products | Prohibited above local legal THC limits | Not named in the summary we read; ask PayPal |
| Online dating | Restricted: extra due diligence | Pre-approval required |
| Crypto products | Check the full list | Pre-approval required |
| Supplements with health claims | Unsafe or harmful-claim nutraceuticals prohibited | Products presenting a consumer safety risk prohibited |
Checklist for a gray-area niche
- Read the builder's AUP and the processor's list on the day you start, and save dated copies.
- Check the processor before the builder: a site you cannot charge on is a hobby site.
- If PayPal pre-approval applies, apply before launch and keep the approval email.
- On Carrd, make sure an affiliate page has original analysis, not a list of links. [1]
- Avoid collecting sensitive identifiers such as social security numbers in forms. [2][3]
- Have a fallback plan: an export of your content and a second processor you have already checked.
- If you are unsure, ask the vendor in writing before you build; do not rely on a category being "not named".
Questions before you decide
Does Carrd allow affiliate sites?
Carrd's content policy says it does not permit thin affiliate sites: pages with little original content, excessive affiliate links or automated content may be taken offline. Sites with substantial original content are not described as banned.
Can I sell sweepstakes entries with Stripe?
Stripe's prohibited list includes games of chance such as gambling, sweepstakes and contests with a monetary or material prize. PayPal requires pre-approval for gambling, prize draws and contests.
Does Webflow allow selling firearms?
No. Webflow's acceptable use policy says not to sell weapons or products primarily intended as weapons, including firearms, restricted devices or ammunition.
What does systeme.io prohibit?
Article 11 of systeme.io's terms prohibits content related to pornography, gambling, illegal products, violence, exploitation, or activities promoting illegal acts or fraud, with offending users banned without notice.
Sources & verification
Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.
- Carrd: content policy Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Carrd: terms of use Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Framer: acceptable use policy Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Webflow: acceptable use policy Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Shopify: acceptable use policy Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- systeme.io: terms and conditions Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Stripe: prohibited and restricted businesses Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- PayPal: acceptable use policy Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Shopify help: supported countries for Shopify Payments Accessed 30 Oct 2026
Sources link directly to providers. Product buttons may use separately labeled affiliate links. Read our disclosure.