Top Payment Gateways in the UK

Whether you’re a small startup or a large enterprise, choosing the right payment gateway is crucial for the success of your business.

With numerous options available, understanding the features, benefits, and compatibility of different gateways can seem daunting.

Here, we are exploring the top payment gateways in the UK and covering:

• Key features & benefits,
• UK transaction fees,
• A detailed comparison,
• Usage statistics,

and a lot more insights to shed some light on the best payment solutions and service providers for ecommerce companies in the United Kingdom.

7 Best Online Payment Gateways in the UK

Here are the top payment gateways in the UK:

Stripe

Stripe is a robust payment gateway that facilitates payments for businesses of all sizes, including start-ups, enterprises, SaaS, ecommerce platforms, marketplaces, crypto, global businesses, and more.

Designed to help businesses manage financial processes and grow their revenue, it offers a flexible and developer-friendly platform known for its ease of integration and customization capabilities.

Key Features & Benefits:

• Global Payments: Accepts and optimizes payments across the world, supporting over 135 currencies and various payment methods and business models.
• Integrated Financial Services: Includes billing, invoicing, capital financing, and revenue operations within a unified suite. Customization and Flexibility: Offers customizable solutions like Stripe Checkout, Elements, and Terminal to cater to specific business needs.
• Advanced Fraud Prevention: Utilizes Stripe Radar for sophisticated fraud management and prevention.
• Developer-Friendly Tools: Provides extensive APIs and developer tools for seamless integration and customization.
• Multiple Payment Methods: Supports credit cards, digital wallets, and direct debits, accommodating a wide range of payment preferences.
• Scalable Solutions: Capable of supporting businesses from startups to large enterprises, with features like Stripe Connect.
• Advanced Security: Features enhanced security protocols and fraud detection systems to ensure safe transactions.
• Financial Automation: Automates financial operations with products like Stripe Billing and Invoicing, simplifying recurring billing and revenue management.
• Additional Tools: Provides financial reporting, invoicing, and subscription management services to streamline business operations.

Best For:

• Startups and Tech Innovators: Stripe’s developer-friendly environment, with extensive APIs and no-code options, makes it ideal for startups and tech companies that need to integrate payments quickly and scale efficiently.

• Global Ecommerce Businesses: Companies that operate on an international scale will find Stripe’s support for over 135 currencies and various payment methods invaluable for accepting payments globally and optimizing checkout conversions.

• Platforms and Marketplaces: Stripe Connect is specifically designed for businesses that handle payments on behalf of third parties, making it perfect for marketplaces, on-demand services, and platform-based business models.

• Subscription-Based Businesses: With tools like Stripe Billing and Invoicing, businesses that rely on recurring revenue models can manage subscriptions, reduce churn, and automate billing processes effectively.

• Businesses Seeking Customized Payment Solutions: Companies looking for a tailored payment experience can benefit from Stripe’s customizable UIs and in-person payment solutions, allowing them to maintain brand consistency and meet specific customer needs.

UK Transaction Fees:

A 1.5% fee plus a £0.20 charge applies to all card and wallet payments. Please see here for more details.

Worldpay

Worldpay is regarded as one of the best payment gateways in the UK, offering a comprehensive range of payment processing services suitable for businesses of all sizes.

Worldpay’s payment gateway is particularly known for its broad international reach and flexibility, supporting over 300 payment methods and transactions in 126 currencies.

Key Features & Benefits

• Extensive Payment Options: Accepts all major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, Amex, as well as digital wallets, and features unique methods like Pay by Link and a virtual terminal.
• Global Transaction Capability: Connects with a variety of global banks and partners, making it possible to handle international payments efficiently.
• Flexible Pricing Plans: Offers customizable pricing options to suit different business needs, including variable pricing and no joining fees.
• Advanced Security Features: Includes robust security measures such as FraudSight™ and 3DS Flex™ to protect against fraud and ensure PCI DSS compliance.
• Customizable Integration: Provides both hosted payment page and API-hosted website integration options.
• Next-Day Settlement: Offers next-business-day fund settlement at no extra cost, enhancing cash flow management.
• 24/7 Customer Support: Dedicated support available around the clock to assist with any issues or inquiries.
• Comprehensive Business Dashboard: Features a user-friendly dashboard for managing settlements, tracking invoices, and accessing real-time insights.

Best For:

• Large Businesses and High-Turnover Enterprises: With its ability to handle a high volume of transactions and support for various complex payment methods, Worldpay is ideal for large businesses that require a robust, scalable payment solution.

• Global Companies: Worldpay’s support for over 300 payment methods and transactions in 126 currencies makes it perfect for businesses operating internationally, offering tailored payment solutions for different markets.

• Businesses Seeking Customizable Payment Solutions: The flexibility to customize the checkout experience through API-hosted integrations allows businesses to align the payment process with their brand identity, making Worldpay suitable for those who prioritize a tailored customer experience.

• Businesses with Diverse Sales Channels: Worldpay facilitates seamless payment processing across multiple channels—online, in-store, and via phone. This omnichannel capability is advantageous for businesses that interact with customers through various touchpoints.

• Companies Looking for Fast Settlements: The next-business-day settlement feature is particularly beneficial for businesses that rely on quick access to funds to maintain cash flow and operational efficiency.

UK Transaction Fees:

For Mastercard and Visa transactions, a 1.5% transaction fee applies. There’s also a separate monthly fee of £19.95 to cover the cost of the online gateway service.

Shopify Payments

Shopify Payments is the integrated payment gateway offered by Shopify, designed specifically for Shopify merchants to process payments with ease.

As part of the Shopify ecommerce platform, it eliminates the need for third-party payment processors for Shopify stores in the UK, integrating directly into the Shopify dashboard for ease of management.

Key Features & Benefits:

• Integrated Payment Solution: A payment system directly integrated with Shopify, offering a seamless payment experience from the Shopify dashboard.
• Multiple Payment Methods: Accepts a wide variety of payment methods including credit cards, digital wallets.
• Global Currency Support: Capable of processing international payments in multiple local currencies, enhancing the shopping experience for international customers.
• PCI DSS Compliance: Ensures the security of transactions and protection of sensitive financial data by adhering to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard.
• 24/7 Support: Provides around-the-clock customer support to address any issues or questions that may arise.
• Automatic Deposits: Facilitates the automatic transfer of funds from Shopify admin to your business bank account, simplifying the financial management process.

Best For:

• Shopify Store Owners: As it is exclusively available for Shopify users, Shopify Payments is most beneficial for merchants who have their online stores on the Shopify platform. It provides a seamless integration, eliminating the need for external payment gateways.

UK Transaction Fees:

Explore Shopify pricing for details, as pricing depends on the plan you choose.

PayPal

PayPal is one of the globally recognized leaders in online payments, providing a secure and versatile payment gateway that facilitates both online and in-person transactions.

With its broad acceptance and integration capabilities, PayPal allows businesses to process payments using a variety of methods, including major credit and debit cards.

Key Features & Benefits:

• Wide Payment Acceptance: Accepts all major credit and debit cards, PayPal balance, PayPal Credit, and local payment methods in over 100 currencies from 200+ markets.
• Enhanced Checkout Conversion: Reports an average 62% increase in checkout conversion among SMB merchants using PayPal, with PayPal users showing a 22% higher purchase frequency compared to other shoppers.
• Comprehensive Financial Tools: Offers financial services like PayPal Working Capital and PayPal Business Debit Mastercard® to support business growth and operations.
• Fraud Protection: Provides built-in fraud protection with buyer and seller protection programs, reducing the risk of fraudulent transactions.
• Seamless Integration: Easy integration with major ecommerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, and more.
• Developer-Friendly: Offers a developer-friendly API for custom integration and supports a simple setup with Web Payments Standard for those without advanced technical skills.
• Mobile-Optimized: Ensures a smooth mobile checkout experience, enhancing customer satisfaction and accessibility.
• No Surprise Pricing: Charges no monthly or setup fees, with businesses only paying when they receive payments.

Best Suited For:

• Ecommerce Businesses: PayPal is highly integrated with major ecommerce platforms, making it a convenient choice for online retailers looking to offer a seamless checkout experience.

• Small to Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs): With features like simple setup processes and no monthly fees, PayPal is particularly appealing to SMBs that need a cost-effective yet robust payment solution.

• Global Enterprises: PayPal supports transactions in over 100 currencies and operates in more than 200 markets, ideal for global businesses that require a payment gateway with extensive international capabilities.

• Businesses with High Transaction Volumes: The platform’s strong fraud protection and buyer and seller protection programs make it suitable for businesses with high transaction volumes, providing security and trust in high-stake environments.

• Mobile and Social Media Marketers: PayPal’s optimized solutions for mobile and social media payments make it perfect for businesses that conduct sales through mobile apps or social media platforms.

• Subscription-Based Models: PayPal supports recurring payments and subscription models, which is beneficial for businesses that operate on a subscription basis or offer membership services.

UK Transaction Fees:

It charges 1.2% + £0.30 per transaction. See here for more details.

Revolut

Considered among the leading payment gateways in the UK, Revolut operates as a pioneering neobank, licensed in Lithuania and based in London.

For businesses, Revolut’s payment gateway offers a seamless and streamlined checkout experience, enhancing how merchants accept and manage transactions across various currencies and platforms.

Key Features & Benefits:

• Multi-Currency Transactions: Accepts payments in over 25 currencies, allowing businesses to receive funds in segregated currency accounts.
• Comprehensive Dashboard: Helps to manage all payment activities from a unified interface, simplifying the tracking and settlement of transactions.
• Rapid Settlement: Offers next-day settlement, ensuring quick access to funds.
• Diverse Payment Options: Supports a range of payment methods, including credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard), digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay), Revolut Pay, and innovative options like Tap to Pay on iPhone and QR codes.
• High Integration Capability: Easily integrates with major ecommerce platforms through APIs, widgets, and plugins.
• Security and Compliance: Ensures security with PCI DSS compliance and advanced fraud prevention systems that alert users to high-risk transactions.
• Ease of Integration: Features a ‘Hub’ for seamless integration of various business apps, enhancing financial management capabilities with minimal setup.

Best For:

• International Businesses: Companies that engage in global transactions will benefit from Revolut’s ability to handle payments in over 25 currencies, making it ideal for businesses with a diverse international customer base.

• Ecommerce Companies: With seamless integration capabilities with major ecommerce platforms like WooCommerce, Magento, and Shopify, Revolut is perfect for online retailers seeking to enhance their checkout experiences.

• Startups and SMEs: Startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will find Revolut’s streamlined financial management tools and next-day settlement feature particularly advantageous for maintaining cash flow and simplifying operations.

• Businesses Seeking Comprehensive Financial Tools: Companies looking for a holistic approach to financial management — including spending, saving, investing, and borrowing — will appreciate Revolut’s all-in-one platform, which combines banking and payment gateway services.

• Tech-Savvy Merchants: The availability of APIs, widgets, and plugins for customization and integration makes Revolut a strong choice for tech-savvy businesses that prioritize flexibility and ease of use in their payment systems.

UK Transaction Fees:

It charges 1% + £0.20 for UK consumer cards. Please see here for more information.

Adyen

Adyen is one of the top payment gateways in the UK that facilitates commerce for businesses by enabling them to accept payments in multiple currencies across various countries.

It is especially powerful for businesses focused on international sales, subscriptions, and those that operate across multiple channels.

Key Features & Benefits:

• Broad Payment Acceptance: Supports all major credit cards, digital payments, and numerous local payment methods, allowing merchants to cater to a global audience.
• Omnichannel Capability: Offers a seamless payment experience across all channels—online, in-app, and in-store—through a single integration.
• Advanced Fraud Protection: Utilizes an AI-powered risk analysis system to safeguard transactions and reduce the risk of fraud.
• Subscription Support: Specialized support for subscriptions and recurring payments, ideal for businesses with these models.
• Customizable Payment Solutions: Provides options like branded physical and digital cards, and flexible integration solutions including ready-made drop-ins, pre-built components, or full API customization.
• Developer-Friendly Tools: Extensive APIs and plugins ensure easy integration with over 34+ partners like Magento and Salesforce.
• Global Reach: Supports transactions in over 150 currencies, enabling businesses to operate on a global scale.

Best For:

• Large Enterprises: With its capacity to handle high volumes of transactions and support for various complex financial needs, Adyen is ideal for large businesses with high turnover. Its global reach and ability to process payments in over 150 currencies make it a top choice for multinational corporations.

• Businesses with a Global Presence: Companies operating on an international scale will find Adyen’s support for numerous local payment methods and currencies invaluable. This feature allows them to tailor their payment options to the preferences of customers in different regions, enhancing customer satisfaction and conversion rates.

• Ecommerce: Adyen’s seamless integration capabilities with popular e-commerce systems and its omnichannel support make it suitable for ecommerce businesses that operate both online and offline, providing a consistent payment experience across all platforms.

UK Transaction Fees:

£0.11 + payment method fee charged for each transaction. Please visit Adyen’s pricing page for more detailed information.

Square

Square offers a user-friendly payment facilitation service that integrates with online platforms without the need for a dedicated merchant account.

Square’s simplicity in setup and operation makes it an attractive choice for merchants who may not have extensive technical support.

Key Features & Benefits:

• Comprehensive Payment Acceptance: Accepts a variety of payment methods including credit and debit cards (VISA, Mastercard, AMEX), Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Clearpay.
• Flexible Integration Options: Merchants can redirect buyers to a pre-built checkout page, use Square API hosted pages, or integrate via the Square Web Payments SDK for a custom, self-hosted checkout experience.
• Instant Payouts and Invoicing: Offers features like instant payouts and straightforward invoicing, enhancing the cash flow management for businesses.
• No Monthly Fees: There are no monthly, setup, or PCI compliance fees, making it cost-effective for smaller operations.
• Payment Links: Offers a fast and customizable way to accept payments for almost anything. Allows to create a payment link in seconds and reuse it for standard offerings.

Best For:

• Small to Medium-Sized Businesses: With its simple fee structure and no monthly fees, Square is ideal for SMBs that need predictable costs without high transaction volumes. Its affordability and straightforward pricing make it attractive for smaller enterprises.

• Businesses Without In-House Technical Support: Square provides easy-to-implement solutions that don’t require extensive technical skills. The availability of pre-built APIs and the option for more customized integration through SDKs means businesses can set up payment systems with minimal technical assistance.

• Mobile and In-App Sellers: Square supports mobile payments and can integrate with mobile apps, making it suitable for businesses that conduct sales through mobile devices or have their own apps.

• Startups and New Entrepreneurs: The quick setup process, coupled with no upfront costs, appeals to startups and new business owners looking for an easy entry into online sales.

• Businesses Needing Fast Access to Funds: With features like instant payouts, Square is beneficial for businesses that require quick access to revenue to maintain cash flow and operations.

UK Transaction Fees:

It charges 1.4% + £0.25 per transaction. See here for more information.

Comparing The Best Payment Gateways in The UK (2024)

Here is a quick look at the important points to compare the payment gateways in the United Kingdom:

Payment Gateway	Monthly Fee	UK Transaction Fee	Notable Feature
Stripe	None	1.5% + £0.20	135+ currencies supported
Worldpay	£19.95	1.5%	Next-day settlement at no extra cost
Shopify Payments	Depends on Shopify plan	Depends on Shopify plan	Built-in payment solution
PayPal	None	1.2% + £0.30	Wide payment acceptance
Revolut	None	1% + £0.20	Custom-made payment experience
Adyen	None	£0.11 + payment method fee	Various payment types supported
Square Payments	None	1.4% + £0.25	Instant payouts and invoicing

Choosing the Right Payment Gateway for Your Business

Selecting the ideal payment gateway for your business is crucial as it directly impacts the customer experience and your workflow.

It might not be easy to choose the best one for your business when you consider the quality and options provided by the payment gateways in the UK.

However, here are some key factors that you can take into account when choosing a payment service provider:

1. Consider Your Business Needs

• Transaction Volume: Consider the size and frequency of your transactions. Some gateways offer better rates for higher volumes, which can be more cost-effective for larger businesses.
• International Sales: If you’re selling internationally, look for a gateway that handles multiple currencies and offers global payment options.
• Integration Needs: Assess the compatibility of the payment gateway with your current ecommerce platform and other business tools.
• Payment Methods: Ensure that the gateway supports a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, and even local payment options.

2. Consider the User Experience

The payment process should be straightforward and secure for your customers. A cumbersome checkout can lead to abandoned carts, so a smooth, fast, and mobile-friendly gateway is preferable.

3. Review Security Measures

Security is non-negotiable. Opt for a gateway that complies with PCI DSS and offers additional security features like fraud prevention tools and secure customer data handling.

4. Analyze the Cost Structure

Transparent pricing without hidden fees is essential. Understand all potential costs, including transaction fees, monthly fees, setup fees, and any additional charges for services like chargebacks or international payments.

5. Test the Service

If possible, utilize any trial periods to test the gateway. This can help you gauge the integration process and the ease of use both from an administrative and a user perspective.

6. Customer Support

Reliable customer support is crucial. Ensure that the gateway provides accessible and helpful customer service to assist with any issues that may arise.

Statistics about Top Payment Gateways in the UK

Over 76.000 websites in the UK use Stripe as a payment solution.

By 2027, digital wallet usage in UK ecommerce is expected to reach £203.5 billion, according to projections by Worldpay.

Revolut has over 26 million customers spread across 35 countries.

Stripe is used by businesses in 46 countries.

As of February 2024, PayPal leads global online payment processing with a 45% market share, followed by Stripe at 21%.

Payment gateways in Europe are expected to grow by 300% in market size from 2023 to 2030.

BONUS: Take a look at UK Ecommerce Statistics (2024) if you want to explore ecommerce in the UK.

FAQ: Leading Payment Gateways in the UK

Here are the most common questions about payment gateways in the UK:

What is a payment gateway?

A payment gateway is a technology used by merchants process payments from customers.

It acts as the intermediary between an ecommerce website and the payment processor that receives the payment from the customer and sends it to the merchant’s bank account.

It ensures that sensitive information, such as credit card numbers and billing address, is passed securely from the customer to the acquiring bank.

How do payment gateways work?

Here is how a payment gateway works:

• Initiating the Purchase: The process begins when a customer/cardholder takes action to buy something on a website. When the customer clicks “buy”, it initiates the purchase request.

• Payment Gateway Activation: Once the purchase is initiated, the payment gateway starts its operation by first checking with the issuing bank to ensure that funds are available for the transaction. The gateway verifies that the purchase amount doesn’t exceed the customer’s credit limit or bank account balance.

• Encryption and Data Transmission: The payment gateway encrypts the customer’s card information and sends this encrypted data to the card schemes (such as Visa or MasterCard) to process the transaction. Encryption helps secure the data during transmission, protecting sensitive information.

• Transaction Approval: The card schemes review the transaction details and either approve or deny the transaction based on the available funds and other security checks. Once approved, the card schemes send the authorization back through the payment gateway to the merchant’s website, which allows the transaction to proceed.

• Completing the Transaction: After receiving approval, the payment gateway forwards the transaction details to the acquiring bank. The acquiring bank then moves the funds from the customer’s issuing bank account into the merchant’s account. This final step completes the payment process, and the funds are settled.

These steps collectively ensure that payment gateways facilitate secure and efficient online transactions, from the moment a customer decides to make a purchase to the ultimate fund settlement in the merchant’s bank account.

Why do I need a payment gateway provider?

A payment gateway provider is essential for any business looking to process online transactions through their ecommerce platform.

It facilitates the secure transfer of payment information between the customer, the merchant, and the respective banks involved.

By integrating a payment gateway, you ensure that all financial transactions are conducted securely and efficiently, which is indispensable for maintaining customer trust and protecting sensitive data.

What matters in a payment gateway provider?

Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a payment gateway include:

• Security: Compliance with PCI DSS and additional security measures.
• Cost: Understanding all applicable fees—transaction, monthly, setup, etc.
• Payment Methods: Support for various payment methods preferred by your customers.
• Integration: Easy integration with your current e-commerce platform.
• Customer Experience: Offering a smooth and efficient checkout process.

What is the difference between payment gateway vs. payment processor?

A payment gateway is a tool that securely captures and transfers payment data from the customer to the acquirer.

In contrast, a payment processor actually processes the payment by transmitting data between the bank that issued the customer’s credit card, the merchant’s bank, and the payment gateway.

How do payment gateways in the UK secure online transactions?

Payment gateways use various security measures to protect sensitive financial information, including:

• Encryption: Securely encrypting data being transmitted between buyers, sellers, and banks.
• PCI DSS Compliance: Adhering to the standards set by the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard.
• Tokenization: Replacing sensitive payment data with unique identification symbols (tokens) that retain all the essential information about the data without compromising its security.
• Fraud Detection Tools: Implementing advanced tools like CVV verification and fraud scoring systems to detect and prevent suspicious activities.

What are the best online payment gateways for small businesses in the UK?

For small businesses in the UK, Stripe, PayPal, and Square are generally considered the best options due to their comprehensive features, ease of use, and strong security measures. These platforms also offer flexibility in payment methods, which can cater to a variety of customer preferences.

Conclusion: Top Payment Gateways in the UK

Choosing the right payment gateway is a pivotal decision for any business operating online.

It not only impacts your day-to-day operations but also plays a crucial role in securing transactions and enhancing customer satisfaction.

By browsing the best gateways in the UK and understanding the specific needs of your business you can make an informed decision that best supports your business goals.