United Kingdom
Main Regional Figures
Population
Internet users
Bank population
Gateway UK: All The Nuances You Should Know
The UK e-commerce market has grown in recent years. It is driven by changes in consumer preferences and advances in technology. Let’s look at some main facts that can characterize the current situation:
- E-commerce market size. The UK retail e-commerce sector can reach billions of euros by 2027.
- Growth in mobile transactions. Today, it exceeds 10 million users.
- The popularity of e-wallets. In 2023, digital wallets were involved in 38% of all United Kingdom e-commerce transactions by value. That number will rise to 50% in 2027.
- Consumer preferences. In 2023, 34% of Britons used mobile contactless transactions at least once a month.
- B2B market. The B2B e-commerce market in the United Kingdom is also growing rapidly. Although, the exact data on its size and dynamics require further research.
In the context of such market development, payment gateway providers are becoming an important part of e-commerce.
What Exactly Is a Payment Gateway?
A payment gateway is a technology that provides secure data transfer between a merchant, a buyer and a bank to make online payments. Businesses rely on payment gateway solutions to accept a variety of options.
What Exactly Is a Payment Gateway?
A payment gateway is a technology that provides secure data transfer between a merchant, a buyer and a bank to make online payments. Businesses rely on payment gateway solutions to accept a variety of options.
Payment Gateway in the UK: What You Should Consider
The best gateway is an important decision for any United Kingdom business. There are a few factors to take into consideration before choosing payment providers UK.
Fees and rates
Check what fees the provider charges. For example, transactions, refunds, and international payments.
Platform compatibility
Ensure gateway integrates with your website, CRM, or CMS. For example, Shopify, WooCommerce, Mogento.
Security
Check for encryption, fraud protection, PCI, and DSS compliance.
Payment methods
The gateway should support credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers.
Payment processing speed
Some gateways offer quick transfers. For others, the delay in transactions can be up to several days.
Customer service
Availability of customer service, and quick response to customer inquiries.
International payments
If your business operates outside the United Kingdom, you should check for multi-currency support.
Stripe
Stripe is one of the most popular online payment providers that has gained popularity due to its flexibility and powerful APIs. It supports over 135 currencies and offers a wide range of features.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Method | Processor |
| Registration documents | Business registration, ID |
| Settlement period | 2-7 business days |
| Mobile app | Yes |
| Onboarding time | 1-3 days |
| Customer service | 24/7 |
| E-commerce platform | Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento |
| Other compatible apps | CRM, ERP |
| Dashboard | Yes |
| MethodProcessor | |
| Registration documentsBusiness registration, ID | |
| Settlement period2-7 business days | |
| Mobile appYes | |
| Onboarding time1-3 days | |
| Customer service24/7 | |
| E-commerce platformShopify, WooCommerce, Magento | |
| Other compatible appsCRM, ERP | |
| DashboardYes |
Pros
- User-friendly and scalable
- Extensive integration options
- Support for a large number of currencies
Cons
- For non-technical users, it can be difficult to set up
- Customer service is primarily via email
PayPal
PayPal is the best payment gateway in the UK and one of the most recognized and widely used gateways in the world. It offers easy integration and a high customers confidence.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Method | E-wallet, hosting, integration with various platforms |
| Registration documents | Personal ID, Business registration |
| Settlement period | Instant – 3 days |
| Mobile app | AES-256 |
| Onboarding time | Instant |
| Customer service | Online chat, phone, forum |
| E-commerce platform | Shopify, Magneto, WooCommerce |
| Other compatible apps | CRM, ERP |
| Dashboard | eBay, Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, BigCommerce |
| MethodE-wallet, hosting, integration with various platforms | |
| Registration documentsPersonal ID, Business registration | |
| Settlement periodInstant – 3 days | |
| Mobile appAES-256 | |
| Onboarding timeInstant | |
| Customer serviceOnline chat, phone, forum | |
| E-commerce platformShopify, Magneto, WooCommerce | |
| Other compatible appsCRM, ERP | |
| DashboardeBay, Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, BigCommerce |
Pros
- High level of trust from users
- Easy to navigate and use
- Extensive international support
Cons
- Higher fees compared to some competitors
- Cases of freezing accounts without prior notice
Worldpay
Worldpay is one of the best card payment providers in the UK. It serves both small and large businesses. The company offers reliable solutions for online and offline payments.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Method | Integration with POS, e-commerce platforms |
| Registration documents | Personal ID, Business registration |
| Settlement period | 2-5 days |
| Mobile app | Available |
| Onboarding time | 7-14 days |
| Customer service | Chat, phone, email |
| E-commerce platform | Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce |
| Dashboard | Yes |
| MethodIntegration with POS, e-commerce platforms | |
| Registration documentsPersonal ID, Business registration | |
| Settlement period2-5 days | |
| Mobile appAvailable | |
| Onboarding time7-14 days | |
| Customer serviceChat, phone, email | |
| E-commerce platformShopify, Magento, WooCommerce | |
| DashboardYes |
Pros
- Wide opportunities for scaling business
- Support for online and offline transactions
- Reliable fraud protection
- Flexible tariffs
Cons
- Long connection
- Some hidden fees
- Service contract required
Adyen
Adyen is an international processor. It serves large enterprises and provides the best online payment providers UK for accepting transaction worldwide.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Method | Global payment processing |
| Registration documents | Personal ID, Business registration |
| Settlement period | 1-3 days |
| Mobile app | Yes |
| Onboarding time | 5-10 days |
| Customer service | Chat, email |
| E-commerce platform | Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce |
| Other compatible apps | Salesforce, Xero, QuickBooks |
| Dashboard | Yes |
| MethodGlobal payment processing | |
| Registration documentsPersonal ID, Business registration | |
| Settlement period1-3 days | |
| Mobile appYes | |
| Onboarding time5-10 days | |
| Customer serviceChat, email | |
| E-commerce platformShopify, Magento, WooCommerce | |
| Other compatible appsSalesforce, Xero, QuickBooks | |
| DashboardYes |
Pros
- Fast transaction processing speed
- Unified platform across regions
- Intuitive interface
- Support for multiple currencies
Cons
- High fees for small businesses
- Technical integration is required
Square
Square offers the best card payment providers in the UK for all types of businesses. It is easy to set up and has a wide range of integration options.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Method | POS, online payments, invoices |
| Registration documents | Personal ID, Business registration |
| Settlement period | 1-2 days |
| Mobile app | Yes |
| Onboarding time | 1-3 days |
| Customer service | Chat, phone, email |
| E-commerce platform | Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce |
| Other compatible apps | QuickBooks, Xero, QuickBooks |
| Dashboard | Yes |
| MethodPOS, online payments, invoices | |
| Registration documentsPersonal ID, Business registration | |
| Settlement period1-2 days | |
| Mobile appYes | |
| Onboarding time1-3 days | |
| Customer serviceChat, phone, email | |
| E-commerce platformShopify, Magento, WooCommerce | |
| Other compatible appsQuickBooks, Xero, QuickBooks | |
| DashboardYes |
Pros
- Easy to sign up and set up
- No monthly fees
- Great POS systems integration
Cons
- High fees for large transaction volumes
- Limited support for international transactions
Braintree
Braintree is a PayPal-owned system that provides advanced online patent processing solutions. It is one of the cheapest payment gateway UK.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Method | Mobile and online payments |
| Registration documents | Personal ID, Business registration |
| Settlement period | 2-3 days |
| Mobile app | Yes |
| Onboarding time | 5-10 days |
| Customer service | Chat, phone, email |
| E-commerce platform | Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce |
| Other compatible apps | Salesforce, Xero, QuickBooks |
| Dashboard | Yes |
| MethodMobile and online payments | |
| Registration documentsPersonal ID, Business registration | |
| Settlement period2-3 days | |
| Mobile appYes | |
| Onboarding time5-10 days | |
| Customer serviceChat, phone, email | |
| E-commerce platformShopify, Magento, WooCommerce | |
| Other compatible appsSalesforce, Xero, QuickBooks | |
| DashboardYes |
Pros
- Global coverage
- Multiple methods supported
- Easy integration
Cons
- High fees for small businesses
- Requires technical setup
Sage Pay
Sage Pay (Opayo) is one of the largest and most trusted online payment gateway UK. This system allows you to accept transactions through various channels.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Method | Opayo |
| Registration documents | Personal ID, Business registration |
| Settlement period | 1-3 days |
| Mobile app | Yes |
| Onboarding time | 2-5 days |
| Customer service | Chat, email |
| E-commerce platform | Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce |
| Other compatible apps | PayPal, Apple Pay |
| Dashboard | Yes |
| MethodOpayo | |
| Registration documentsPersonal ID, Business registration | |
| Settlement period1-3 days | |
| Mobile appYes | |
| Onboarding time2-5 days | |
| Customer serviceChat, email | |
| E-commerce platformShopify, Magento, WooCommerce | |
| Other compatible appsPayPal, Apple Pay | |
| DashboardYes |
Pros
- Reliability and security
- Ease of use
- Support for various currencies
Cons
- Limited availability in some countries
- High fees for some types of transactions
Authorize.Net
Authorize.Net is a free payment gateway UK that supports all types of businesses. The system allows you to accept transactions online and in mobile apps.
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Method | Online payment |
| Registration documents | Registered business, ID |
| Settlement period | 2-5 days |
| Mobile app | Yes |
| Onboarding time | 2-4 days |
| Customer service | Chat, phone, email |
| E-commerce platform | WooCommerce, Shopify |
| Other compatible apps | PayPal, Apple Pay |
| Dashboard | Yes |
| MethodOnline payment | |
| Registration documentsRegistered business, ID | |
| Settlement period2-5 days | |
| Mobile appYes | |
| Onboarding time2-4 days | |
| Customer serviceChat, phone, email | |
| E-commerce platformWooCommerce, Shopify | |
| Other compatible appsPayPal, Apple Pay | |
| DashboardYes |
Pros
- Wide range of methods
- High level of security
- Easy to integrate
Cons
- Some countries may have restrictions on availability
- The registration process may take longer
FAQ
Which is the best payment gateway in the UK?
It depends on your business needs, but Stripe, PayPal, and WorldPay are considered the leaders in functionality and usability.
What is the UK equivalent of Stripe?
Worldpay and Adyen are Stripe’s main competitors in the United Kingdom.
Is Stripe in the UK?
Yes, Stripe is available in the UK and supports transactions in pounds sterling. Yes, Stripe is available in the UK and supports transactions in pounds sterling.
What is the largest PSP in the UK?
Worldpay is the largest transaction service provider in the United Kingdom.
