In today’s digital age, payment gateways are crucial for businesses operating online or offline. The UK, a leading hub for financial innovation, offers a range of advanced payment gateway solutions that ensure secure and seamless transactions for merchants and customers alike. In this article, we’ll explore the best payment gateways in the UK, highlighting their features, pricing, and services, as well as their role in supporting businesses of all sizes.
Stripe is one of the most popular payment gateways globally, with a strong presence in the UK market. Known for its ease of integration and developer-friendly API, Stripe supports a wide range of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Key Features:
- Highly customizable API for developers.
- Support for recurring payments and subscription models.
- Multi-currency support for businesses operating globally.
- Advanced fraud prevention and security tools.
Pricing: Stripe charges 1.4% + 20p for European cards and 2.9% + 20p for non-European cards per transaction.
Why Choose Stripe? Stripe is ideal for businesses looking for flexibility and scalability. It’s especially suited for eCommerce businesses, SaaS companies, and startups due to its powerful API and extensive features.
PayPal is a globally recognized name and one of the most trusted payment gateways. With a significant user base in the UK, PayPal offers both merchants and customers a seamless, secure, and familiar payment experience.
Key Features:
- Easy integration with eCommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.
- PayPal One Touch feature for faster checkout.
- Built-in fraud protection and buyer protection policies.
- Support for both business accounts and personal payments.
Pricing: PayPal charges 2.9% + 30p per transaction for domestic payments. International transactions incur a higher fee.
Why Choose PayPal? PayPal’s broad user base and reputation make it a top choice for businesses seeking a well-known and trusted payment solution. It’s especially beneficial for small businesses and eCommerce stores targeting a global audience.
- Worldpay
Worldpay, now part of FIS Global, is a leading payment processor in the UK, offering a variety of payment services for businesses of all sizes. It’s particularly known for its card payment services, both online and in-store.
Key Features:
- Support for credit cards, debit cards, and alternative payment methods.
- In-person payments with POS systems and card terminals.
- Global reach with multi-currency support.
- Extensive fraud screening and risk management tools.
Pricing: Worldpay offers customized pricing based on business needs, but typically charges a percentage per transaction plus a fixed fee.
Why Choose Worldpay? Worldpay is ideal for businesses looking for an all-in-one payment solution that covers both online and in-store transactions. Its extensive fraud protection and global reach make it a great choice for larger enterprises.
Square has gained popularity in the UK for its simple, user-friendly payment solutions. Known for its card readers and point-of-sale systems, Square is particularly popular among small businesses and retailers.
Key Features:
- No monthly fees or setup costs.
- Transparent pricing with a flat transaction rate.
- Integrated POS system with inventory management tools.
- Easy integration with eCommerce platforms for online payments.
Pricing: Square charges a flat 1.75% per transaction for chip and contactless payments and 2.5% for manually entered transactions.
Why Choose Square? Square’s simplicity and transparent pricing make it a great choice for small businesses, cafes, restaurants, and retailers looking for an easy-to-use payment gateway with no hidden fees.
- Barclaycard Payments
Barclaycard is a well-established financial institution in the UK and offers a range of payment solutions for businesses, including online, in-store, and mobile payments.
Key Features:
- Multi-channel payment processing (online, mobile, and in-store).
- Flexible pricing models based on transaction volume.
- Comprehensive fraud prevention and encryption.
- Dedicated customer support and account management.
Pricing: Custom pricing plans based on the size and needs of the business.
Why Choose Barclaycard? Barclaycard is best for medium to large businesses looking for a robust and reliable payment gateway with comprehensive customer support and advanced security features.
- Sage Pay (Opayo)
Sage Pay, rebranded as Opayo, is a trusted payment gateway solution in the UK, known for its reliable service and comprehensive payment solutions.
Key Features:
- Multi-channel support (online, phone, and in-store payments).
- Detailed reporting and analytics.
- PCI DSS compliance and fraud prevention tools.
- Flexible payment plans for businesses of all sizes.
Pricing: Opayo offers a tiered pricing structure based on transaction volume, starting at £25/month for up to 350 transactions.
Why Choose Opayo? Opayo is ideal for businesses seeking a trusted and secure payment gateway with a range of pricing options and detailed analytics to support growth.
- Checkout.com
Checkout.com is a UK-based payment processor offering advanced payment technology and solutions for online businesses.
Key Features:
- High-level customization with a robust API.
- Global reach with support for multiple currencies and payment methods.
- Advanced fraud prevention tools with machine learning.
- Real-time analytics and reporting.
Pricing: Custom pricing based on business size and transaction volume.
Why Choose Checkout.com? Checkout.com is perfect for large enterprises and businesses looking for global expansion, offering scalability, customization, and cutting-edge technology.
Klarna has become one of the most popular payment solutions, particularly for its Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options. It’s widely used in the UK, especially in the eCommerce sector.
Key Features:
- BNPL options to increase sales and customer retention.
- Integration with major eCommerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce.
- Low transaction fees and easy onboarding.
- Flexible payment plans for customers, improving conversion rates.
Pricing: Klarna charges a small percentage per transaction, typically around 2.49%.
Why Choose Klarna? Klarna is ideal for online retailers looking to offer flexible payment options to their customers, particularly for larger purchases.
- Amazon Pay
Amazon Pay allows businesses to offer their customers a fast and secure checkout experience using their Amazon account.
Key Features:
- Familiar payment process for millions of Amazon customers.
- Fast, secure, and reliable transactions.
- Easy integration with major eCommerce platforms.
- Advanced fraud protection and customer support.
Pricing: Amazon Pay charges 2.7% + 30p per transaction for domestic payments.
Why Choose Amazon Pay? Amazon Pay is best suited for businesses looking to leverage Amazon’s user base and provide customers with a trusted and familiar payment method.
Mollie is a relatively new player in the UK market but has quickly gained popularity due to its simplicity and transparent pricing.
Key Features:
- Quick and easy setup with no hidden fees.
- Support for a variety of payment methods including credit cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers.
- Real-time transaction reporting and analytics.
- Transparent and competitive pricing structure.
Pricing: Mollie charges 1.8% + £0.20 per transaction.
Why Choose Mollie? Mollie is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a hassle-free and affordable payment gateway with a variety of payment options.
UK in the World FinTech Map
The UK has long been a leader in financial services and innovation, and its role in the global FinTech landscape is significant. With London being one of the world’s top financial centers, the country has fostered an ecosystem that encourages financial innovation, particularly in payment solutions. The UK’s regulatory environment, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), promotes trust, while its open banking initiative has paved the way for cutting-edge financial products. As digital payments continue to rise, the UK remains at the forefront of developing secure, scalable, and innovative payment solutions for both local and global markets.
Conclusion
Choosing the right payment gateway for your UK business depends on several factors, including your business size, payment volume, and customer base. While Stripe and PayPal dominate the market, options like Worldpay, Square, and Opayo offer unique features tailored to specific business needs. As the FinTech industry continues to evolve, the UK’s payment gateway landscape is expected to grow, providing businesses with even more choices for secure and efficient payment solutions.