Top 35 Best Merchant Account Providers UK 2025

Opening a merchant account is one of the first steps to accepting payments from customers with credit and debit cards. They give you freedom to accept payments from more customers and in more currencies.

But, choosing a merchant account can be tricky. You have to consider fees, transaction fees, currencies accepted and conversion fees, and much more.

Plus, not every merchant account provider works with every kind of business. You’ll have to do your research to find a great solution.

Luckily, there are hundreds of merchant account providers in the UK. This list is our top 35 best picks for the UK this year, based on rates, reputation, service, and offerings. Ready? Let’s get started!

Merchant AccountMonthly FeeTransaction Fee (UK)SubscriptionRating
Square£0-£351.75%+Monthly4.5
PayPal BraintreeNone1.9% + 20pMonthly4.0
Shopify Payments£25-£2391.6%+ 25p+Annual4.5
AydenNone3% + 10pMonthly4.7
Amazon PayNone2.7% + 30PMonthly4.6
Checkout.comNone2.3% + 30p+Annual3.8
TideNone1.9%Monthly4.1
takepaymentsNone0.3%-3.3%Annual4.9
SumUp£0-£190.99%-2.5%Monthly4.5
ZettleNone1.7%Monthly4.6
Stax£79Interchange onlyMonthly3.3
Worldpay£19.95, £49.95+1.5% - 3.3%Annual4.2
PayPalNone1.2%+Monthly4.6
GoCardlessNone1%-1.5%Monthly4.0
FiServe£0+0.3-4.4%Annual3.5
Barclaycard Business£72.80 minimum0.70-2.75%+ 3pAnnual4.6
StripeNone1.5% + 20pMonthly4.7
Elavon£0+0.99%Annual2.8
Paymentsense Limited£35+0.33%+Monthly4.8
Handepay£19.952.29% + 1-4pVariable4.8
LLoyds Bank Cardnet£19.950.5% + (averaging 1.75%)Variable3.2
EVO Payments£35+1%+18-month3.3
NetpayNone0.39% + 2.5p+36-month3.2
Wonderful£9.99-£19.991pMonthly3.7
CashflowsCustom1.1%+Monthly4.2
CybersourceCustomCustom2 years3.5
Retail Merchant ServicesCustomCustom36-month4.5
Clover£15+0.3+10p +36-48-month3.8
NomupayCustomCustomMonthly4.7
VivaCustom1.69%+Monthly4.5
Tyl by Natwest£14.951.39%+5p-1.99% + 5pMonthly4.7
Dojo£151.2%Monthly or Annual4.6
PayrocCustomCustom6 years4.4
Trust PaymentsCustomCustomMonthly4.8

1. Square

Square is one of the big players in small business card transactions and payment gateway services. It also stands out for startups and micro businesses, with an all-in-one package that includes payment gateway, merchant account, and credit card processing.

If you make physical sales, Square can also handle point of sale with registers, kiosks, readers, and more. At the same time, with a maximum transfer limit of £3,500 per day, Square is not designed around big business.

  • No contracts
  • Full-service solution for accepting payments
  • Omnichannel payments and processing
  • Checking accounts available
  • Same-day payment processing available
  • Maximum £3,500 per day transfer limit
  • 75% per transaction for card present transactions, 1.4% + 25p for card-not-present transactions, and 2.5% + 25p for non UK cards

Website: https://squareup.com/


2. PayPal Braintree

PayPal Braintree is an enterprise merchant account solution offering a single integrated platform for accepting payments across cards, PayPal, PayPal Credit, digital wallets, local payments like bank transfers, and more. It’s also the only service that allows you to accept PayPal payments without the customer leaving your site.

Braintree offers end-to-end payment processing and acceptance. However, it’s geared towards larger businesses, especially those with internal teams to customize and set up Braintree. On the other hand, you get a complete solution from checkout to payment processing for every type of payment, simplifying your payment architecture.

  • No contracts
  • Full-service solution for accepting payments
  • Website-based payment solution
  • Checkout-to-payment processing available
  • No transaction limit
  • Fees from 1.9% + 20p for UK cards
  • Pass-through rates for American Express available

Website: https://www.paypal.com/uk/braintree


3. Shopify Payments

Shopify is one of the largest online sales platforms. In the UK, it also functions as a merchant account services provider, with payment processing, point of sale, and card processing.

Shopify Payments is only available as part of a Shopify subscription. That means you’ll get website building, checkout, and store linked to inventory management with the service, whether you need it or not.

Shopify Payments is also designed around omnichannel sales with support for up to 3 markets in the basic plan and 10 inventory locations.

  • Yearly contracts
  • Full-service solution for accepting payments
  • Omnichannel payment processing
  • Accept cards, bank, digital wallets, Klarna, and iDeal
  • Maximum transaction limit of £4,000
  • Fees from 1.6% +25p
  • Monthly fees from £25

Website: https://www.shopify.com/uk/


4. Ayden

Ayden is a London-based merchant account services provider with an all-in-one payment platform complete with financial management, finance data, and payment processing.

Once an up-and-coming small business merchant account solution, Ayden has expanded into delivering payment processing and data to some of the largest businesses in the UK.

It’s still small but business friendly, complete with all-in-one payment processing across omnichannel sources, flexible payouts, and no monthly fees.

  • Monthly contracts
  • Full-service payment processing and gateway
  • Omnichannel payment processing
  • Accept cards, bank transfer, iDeal, Klarna, Afterpay and more
  • No transaction limit
  • Fees averaging 10p + 3% but pass-through and interchange available

Website: https://www.adyen.com/


5. Amazon Pay

Amazon Pay is one of the largest payment gateways in the UK. It’s also available exclusively online, making it a best fit for small to mid-size retailers and eCommerce stores.

Amazon Pay also integrates directly into most major shopping carts, making it ideal for building trust and reducing barriers to checkout for customers that already use the service. According to Statista, that’s 21% of all digital payment holders!

Amazon Pay also offers flat-rate payment processing fees across all cards and payment methods, making for very predictable costs.

  • Monthly contracts
  • Online payment processing and gateway
  • Payment button and checkout page branded with Amazon
  • Accept Amazon digital wallet including all payment methods accepted by Amazon
  • No real transaction limit
  • Fees start at 2.7% + 30P + 0.4-1.5% for cross border fees outside the UK

Website: https://pay.amazon.co.uk/


6. Checkout.com

Checkout.com is one of the largest merchant account providers in the United Kingdom. It focuses on delivering online payment and card processing, complete with unified payments, payment pages, and payment links for a versatile solution for businesses of every size.

Checkout.com also offers banking with virtual and physical cards. Plus, with an interface designed around international currency exchange, it’s ideal for eCommerce.

Also, if you’re a registered charity in the UK, you can use Checkout.com for free.

  • Annual + contracts
  • Online payment processing gateway
  • Accepts 150+ currencies across all major payment methods
  • Full API and developer tools
  • No real transaction limit
  • Minimum billing fee
  • Custom pricing with no transparent fees but fees average 2.75% + 30p

Website: https://www.checkout.com/


7. Tide

Tide is a merchant payment services solution offering banking, invoicing, transaction data, and merchant account services. The merchant account also includes options for a card reader.

Plus, with options for online payments including all major UK cards, Tide is a great choice for small and medium businesses. Tide also offers simple transaction fees with flat rates for most payment options.

What else? You’ll have to use a Tide bank account to use Tide merchant services.

  • Monthly contracts
  • Omnichannel payment processing
  • Accepts most major cards
  • No checkout solution
  • Physical card readers
  • 5% transaction fee
  • Accounts from Free to £49.99 p/month

Website: https://www.tide.co/


8. takepayments

takepayments is a Stockport-based merchant account solution specializing in accepting and processing card payments.

The system supports omnichannel, with card machines, online payments, and point of sale available. That makes takepayments a great choice for small business.

However, all fees are custom to your business, which means you’ll always want to shop around to ensure you’re getting the best rates.

  • Annual contracts
  • Omnichannel payment processing
  • Accepts most major cards
  • Physical card readers
  • Rates range from 0.3% to 3.3% but averaging 2.5%

Website: https://www.takepayments.com/


9. SumUp

SumUp is a merchant account services and payment processor designed for small businesses. The merchant account stands out with fees starting from 0.99%.

Plus, with card readers, point of sale solutions, checkout pages, and mobile solutions, it’s everything most small business owners need.

What else? SumUp’s fees are significantly lower than many major merchant account services, which means you can save money as well.

  • Monthly contracts
  • Omnichannel payment processing
  • Take all major cards + digital wallets, payment links, and gift cards
  • Physical card readers and point of sale available
  • Rates start at 2.5% but drop to 0.99% with a £19 per month subscription

Website: https://www.sumup.com/


10. Zettle by PayPal

Zettle by PayPal is a merchant account solution with point of sale and online payment solutions.

The service is designed for in-store payment processing. It also accepts contactless cards and digital wallet payments in addition to all major cards. However, payouts go directly to your PayPal account which can be a detractor.

On the other hand, Zettle allows you to accept card payments from any phone. You can also rent or buy card readers and point of sale equipment depending on your needs.

  • Monthly contract
  • Accept all major payment types
  • Point of sale machines and card readers available
  • Inventory and product management available
  • 7% card transaction rate across all major cards

Website: https://www.zettle.com/


11. Stax

Stax is a payment processor and merchant services provider specializing in digital payments.

The service is also one of the few merchant account services geared towards accepting payments from and inside of software platforms. Plus, you can use Stax as an all-in-one provider to accept, bill, invoice, and process payments or as a processor as part of your technology stack.

Keep in mind, Stax is easily confused with StaxPay, the UK-based lending company.

The most important thing? Stax doesn’t charge on top of credit card scheme’s interchange rates. You’ll pay rates provided by the card scheme, plus £99 per month.

  • Monthly contracts
  • Accept all major cards and payment types
  • Flexible payment platform with unique features
  • Integration and developer tools available
  • Direct interchange transaction fees
  • £79 per month subscription fee

Website: https://staxpayments.com/


12. Worldpay

Worldpay is one of the largest merchant account service providers in the UK. That makes them a top choice for big business.

However, Worldpay also has a range of small business services including card readers, point of sale machines, and online payment gateways. That makes it a flexible payment processing solution, backed by some of the largest businesses in the UK.

Plus, with a presence across 146 countries, you can accept payments anywhere.

  • Annual contracts
  • Accept all major cards and payment types
  • Payment gateways, Point of sale, and card readers are divided into different contracts and have different rates
  • Fees from 1.5%
  • £19.95+ monthly online gateway fee

Website: https://www.worldpay.com/


13. PayPal

PayPal allows you to accept and process card payments, integrate checkout, and purchase point of sale and card payment readers as an all-in-one service.

Like Zettle, payments are processed to your PayPal account and must be transferred to your bank account as a separate step.

In addition, with PayPal Merchant, you can enable guest checkout so customers don’t need a PayPal account to use the service.

  • Monthly contract
  • Accepts all major cards + Ideal, Bank, and more
  • Payment branded with PayPal
  • Payment gateways plus point of sale and invoicing
  • Direct integration into websites and apps with API
  • Card rates from 1.2% in the UK and up to 1.99% for international

Website: https://www.paypal.com/


14. GoCardless

GoCardless is a London-based card and bank payment processor.

This merchant account service provider specializes in bank and recurring transfers. That makes it ideal for small business looking to set up subscriptions, accept software platform payments, and send invoices.

However, it’s not a good fit for eCommerce or retail. Instead, this merchant account services provider is a best fit for services, custom goods, and software platforms.

  • Monthly contracts
  • Accepts all major cards and payment options
  • Designed for one-off and recurring payment requests
  • Supports 30+ countries
  • Fees start at 1% + 20p (UK) and 2% +20p
  • No monthly subscription fees, but increased transaction fees for additional features

Website: https://gocardless.com/


15. FiServe

FiServe was first established in 1971 and has been serving the UK ever since, primarily under the name First Data.

Today, the merchant account services provider delivers point of sale and online payment gateway payment processing. This means you can set up and accept card payments from all major card providers.

In addition, FiServe delivers an omnichannel solution, with integration across web and physical retail locations. However, as one of the largest financial payment processors in the world, FiServe does not offer transparent pricing.

  • Annual contracts
  • Full-service payment processing
  • Card readers available through Clover
  • Online payment gateways
  • Monthly minimum sales applicable per contract, typically from £35
  • Transaction fees from 0.3%-4.4%

Website: https://merchants.fiserv.com/


16. Barclaycard Business

Barclaycard is the UK’s most popular domestic card provider. It makes sense Barclay also provides some of the most popular merchant services in the UK. As a large bank, you can expect security, high trust, and plenty of solutions. Barclaycard processes payments via online gateway, point of sale, and card reader, and in 40+ countries. At the same time, you’ll also have to meet more requirements than some financial institutions.

  • Annual + contracts
  • Card readers and online payment gateway available
  • Works with a Barclay business account
  • Minimum monthly transaction fees of £20 + £28 monthly fee per terminal per month + £20 per month fee for online payment gateway + £4.80 monthly PCI DSS service fee (minimum monthly fee of £72.80)
  • Accepts all major cards
  • Fees from 0.70% to 2.75%+ + 3p

Website: https://www.barclaycard.co.uk/


17. Stripe

Stripe started as a simple invoicing solution. Today, it’s risen to be one of the largest merchant services providers in the world.

The payment services gateway accepts 135+ currencies across most payment methods including bank, card, and iDeal. You can also integrate it directly into websites, applications, and platforms, for a completely flexible payment solution. However, Stripe does not offer point of sale.

  • Monthly contracts/no contract
  • Accept all major payment options including cards
  • Integrate into websites and apps + API options
  • Invoicing, billing, and checkout options
  • Fees from 1.5% + 20- for all standard UK cards and 2.5% + 20p for all EU cards

Website: https://stripe.com/


18. Elavon

Elavon has been one of the largest payment processors in the world for years. However, the company also purchased SagePay, one of the UK’s largest card payment processors.

Today, the merchant services provider delivers online payment processing, in-person payments, and integrated solutions across the UK. Plus, with custom solutions for small, medium, and large businesses, Elavon makes it easy to find a good fit for services for your business.

  • Annual contracts
  • Online and in person payment processing
  • Accept all major cards
  • 2-day payments automatically included
  • Fees from 0.99% – 1.75% + interchange
  • Monthly fee of £25 for online gateway, in-person payments from £0 per month

Website: https://www.elavon.co.uk/


19. Paymentsense Limited

Paymentsense Limited is a merchant services and payment processing company based in the UK.

The company offers both card machines and online payment gateways, including phone, email, and text payments. In addition, you can accept contactless and all common digital wallets.

Also, with integrated payment options, you can build Paymentsense right into your website or app. That makes it a great fit for everything from eCommerce to SaaS platforms and everything in between.

  • Monthly to 3 years
  • Omnichannel payments
  • Accepts all major cards and digital wallets
  • Card machine rental available
  • Monthly fee averages £35
  • Transaction fees average: 33% + interchange +4p

Website: https://www.paymentsense.com/


20. Handepay

Handepay is a card payment solution offering merchant accounts, card machines, and online payment gateways. This UK-based company is also local enough to offer local service and primarily serves the UK as part of the PayPoint Group.

Here, your largest reason to choose Handepay is that it’s geared towards smaller business and customer support. However, you can also get an all-in-one solution with no need for separate accounts, payment gateways, or card machines.

  • Variable contracts available
  • Full-service payment processing
  • Accept all major cards
  • Online payment gateway available for £19.95 per month
  • Fees up to 2.29% + 4p

Website: https://www.handepay.co.uk/


21. Lloyds Bank Cardnet

Lloyds Bank is one of the largest banks in the UK. Its merchant services account delivers on that service with a full range of solutions.

Lloyds offers merchant accounts complete with online, point of sale, and hospitality payments. In addition, you can rent card machines to round out your solution.

Plus, with options for hosted payment gateways and integrated payment pages, you can fully customize how your customers pay.

  • Annual contracts
  • Full-service payment processing
  • Accept all major cards and digital wallets + bank transfer
  • Multiple online payment options
  • Variable contracts with monthly rates or pay as you go
  • Transaction fees from 0.5%
  • Monthly subscription fees from £19.95

Website: https://www.lloydsbank.com/


22. Evo Payments

EVO Payments is a payment processor accepting all major payment methods. However, like some other options on this list, you’ll need your own bank account.

EVO delivers point of sale, card machines, online payment gateways, and mobile solutions. In addition, you’ll get global support and options to accept payments from 160+ countries.

EVO is also a part of Global Payments, which means you can get service almost anywhere in the world.

  • 18-month contract term
  • Accept all major cards
  • Card machines available
  • Flat-rate pricing for monthly turnover to £9,000
  • Rates from £35 per month
  • Interchange fees from 1%

Website: https://evopayments.co.uk/


23. Netpay

Netpay is a fintech startup offering a new approach to merchant services. While you’ll need your own bank, the provider delivers global card processing, including all major cards.

You can also set up local payment support for iDeal, Klarna, and more. NetPay is ideal for large, multi-national eCommerce and software companies rather than for small businesses.

  • 36-month contract
  • Accepts all major cards (globally)
  • Online-based with no card machine or POS
  • Full technology stack for online payments and processing
  • Not a merchant account
  • Transaction fees from 0.39% + 2.5p but averaging 2% + 2.5p

Website: https://www.netpay.com/


24. Wonderful Payments

Wonderful Payments is an open banking service offering one of the cheapest merchant account services in the UK. Of course, you will have to provide your own (UK) bank account.

Wonderful also offers point of sale with a card reader or integration into select websites with an online payment gateway. Plus, if you’re a registered UK charity, it’s free!

What’s the catch? Wonderful Payments relies on contactless cardless payments to cut out card fees. You save money, but you won’t sell to customers who want to pay by card.

  • Monthly contracts
  • Accepts cardless payments
  • Cardless point of sale payment app available
  • 1p per transaction
  • £9.99- £19.99 per month

Website: https://wonderful.co.uk/


25. Cashflows

Cashflows is an all-in-one payment processor and merchant account provider in the UK. The provider also offers card machines, payment gateways, and click to pay across most major payment services.

However, with no transparent pricing, it may be more important for you to compare more service providers before making a selection.

Otherwise, Cashflows is a great choice if you want a large merchant services provider but don’t want a traditional bank.

  • Monthly contracts
  • Full-service payment processing and merchant services
  • Online payment gateway and card machines available
  • Rates are custom per account
  • Interchange and scheme fees average 1.1-2.25% + 4p but vary per card used

Website: https://www.cashflows.com/


26. CyberSource, A Visa Solution

Cybersource is the merchant account solution provided by Visa, the world’s largest credit card scheme.

The solution delivers digital payment processing for all major cards. You also get buy now pay later. Plus, with wallets and online bank transfer supported, and you can link Cybersource to almost any payment method.

CyberSource does require that you have your own business bank account. In addition, it’s primarily aimed at larger businesses.

However, with sandboxing, API, and other custom development, it’s a great fit for large online stores looking for a flexible card processing solution.

  • 2-year contracts
  • Online payment processing and card processing
  • Accepts all major cards
  • Active in 160+ countries
  • Accepts all major currencies
  • Fees are negotiated per account but typically start at £20 per month

Website: https://www.cybersource.com/


27. Retail Merchant Services

Retail Merchant Services is a UK-based merchant account provider for small businesses. The provider delivers card machines, online payment gateway, and phone payments.

In addition, it offers eCommerce-specific support. You also get development and integration options to add your tech stack.

However, while Retail Merchant Services is UK-based, they aren’t transparent and you will have to compare quotes to make sure you’re getting the best rates.

  • 36-month contracts
  • Payment processing for all major cards and payment options
  • Card machines and point of sale machines
  • Online payment links or developer integrated payment gateway
  • Fees from 0.79% + 10p per transaction but negotiated per account

Website: https://retailmerchantservices.co.uk/


28. Clover

Clover has made a name for itself as Square’s largest competitor. In addition, Clover offers almost exactly the same services as Square.

However, Clover focuses on delivering point of sale and card machines. That makes this brand a perfect fit if you’re looking for merchant account services and card processing for physical retail stores.

However, that focus on POS machines means this isn’t a great fit if you don’t do physical stores.

  • 36-48-month contracts
  • Brick & mortar retail focus
  • Point of sale and card machines available
  • Rates from 0.3% + 10p to 2.75%
  • Monthly fees from £15 per month

Website: https://www.clover.com/


29. Nomupay

Nomupay is a global payment processor offering card processing from anywhere in the world. In addition, you can accept digital wallets, local payments like Klarna, and more. You can also set up online payments including checkout.

Nomupay also offers card machines and point of sale, with fully customizable e-terminals. Nomupay requires that you have your own business bank account to finalize card processing.

  • Monthly contracts
  • Accepts payments from all major card schemes
  • Accept bank and digital wallet payments
  • Global support
  • Integrate payment gateway or e-terminal
  • Pricing is custom per account

Website: https://nomupay.com/


30. Viva

Viva is a Europe-based payment processor and processing company. The solution focuses on e-Terminals, with support for hundreds of different devices.

In addition, it accepts 40+ payment schemes, including major cards, digital wallets, and Klarna. Plus, with full integration into platforms and marketplaces, Viva offers a flexible merchant solution.

  • Monthly contracts
  • Full-service payment processing
  • E-terminals and online payment gateways
  • SEPA-region wide support
  • Accepts all major cards
  • Fees from 1.69% for card present and 2.19% + 24p for online payments

Website: https://www.viva.com/


31. TYI by Natwest

If you work with NatWest, you can start taking card payments with your bank’s own merchant account services. The UK-based merchant service delivers card processing, card machines, and online payment gateways.

It’s also one of the only big banks with a monthly contract. You also get flat rates across all major cards.

Finally, with rental options for card machines, you can get everything you need right from Natwest.

  • Monthly contracts
  • Card processing, merchant account, and online payment gateway
  • Business banking options
  • £14.95 + VAT
  • Transaction fees range from 1.39% + 5p to 1.99% + 5p

Website: https://www.tylbynatwest.com/


32. Dojo

Dojo is a UK-based payment processor and merchant account service. The merchant account provider specializes in small business services including accounts, card readers, online payment gateways, and e-terminals.

However, Dojo is primarily designed around the needs of face-to-face sales including restaurants, shops, and more. You also have options to pay for a card terminal upfront or rent, and options to set an all-inclusive or choose a negotiated rate.

  • Monthly contracts
  • Point of sale based card processing
  • Online payments and gateway available
  • Card machines available
  • Rates from £15 per month
  • Transaction fees from 1.2%

Website: https://dojo.tech/


33. Payroc

Payroc is a payment processing platform designed to handle all aspects of accepting and processing payments.

The solution integrates a gateway, virtual terminal, banking, payment links, and more. You also get options for terminals and point of sale.

Plus, with API and options to fully integrate the payment solution into your site or apps, it’s a great choice for larger web-based businesses.

  • 6-year contracts
  • Full-service payment processing and merchant account
  • Payment terminals and eterminals available
  • Accepts all major cards and payment methods
  • Variable pricing schemes

Website: https://payroc.com/


34. Nochex

Nochex is an online payment gateway and merchant account service provider. It’s also based in the UK with guaranteed UK-based support.

The solution also allows you to accept all major cards and payment options. However, it’s one of the few on this list with a startup cost at £50.

In addition, it does not directly provide a card machine, but you can accept payments via an e-terminal.

  • Monthly contract
  • Accepts all major cards
  • Merchant account included
  • No card machines
  • UK-based support
  • No monthly fees
  • Startup fee of £50
  • Transaction fees of 2.9% + 20-

Website: https://www.nochex.com/


35. Trust Payments

Trust Payments is an all-in-one payment platform offering payment processing for most major cards and payment options. It also offers full eCommerce support including checkout and payment gateway.

Plus, with multiple point of sale options including self-checkout, Trust offers more solutions than almost any other provider on this list.

However, with no transparent pricing, Trust is not small business friendly. On the other hand, Trust Payments is one of the most popular merchant account services for online retailers and hospitality providers.

  • Monthly contracts
  • Full-service payment processing and gateway
  • Wide range of Point of Sale solutions and card machines
  • Custom monthly fee
  • Custom transaction rates

Website: https://www.trustpayments.com/


Compare Merchant Account Options and Choose the Best!

Choosing a merchant account service provider can be difficult. Often, many offer the same services and solutions, and the only differentiator is price. If you want the best deal on card processing, use the form below to request a custom quote, including all hidden fees and tariffs, so you can directly compare the best merchant account services for your business!

Leave a Comment