Opayo

Opayo, formerly known as Sage Pay, is a UK-based payment gateway that has been operating for over 20 years. Now part of the Elavon group, it serves tens of thousands of merchants across the UK and Europe, offering a reliable, secure, and scalable solution for accepting online and in-person payments.

The platform supports a wide range of payment methods, including card payments, digital wallets, recurring billing, and point-of-sale transactions. Integration is seamless, with plugins available for platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento, as well as robust API and SDK options for custom setups.

Security is one of Opayo’s strongest features. The gateway is PCI DSS Level 1 certified, and it uses SSL encryption, MD5-hashed message verification, 3D Secure, and address verification to ensure secure transactions. Fraud prevention is further enhanced with behavioural analytics and real-time risk scoring.

With 24/7 customer support, transparent pricing, and flexible integration options, Opayo is a trusted choice for businesses looking for a dependable payment processing solution that meets regulatory standards and customer expectations.

CharacteristicDetails
RegionsUK, Europe
Getting startedOnline signup, plugins, API
Setup FeeFrom £0
Commission per transactionFrom £0.80
Payment methods acceptedCards, wallets, recurring payments
Fraud & Risk management3D Secure, AVS/CV2, analytics
Accepted CurrenciesGBP, EUR, others
Set up typeHosted form, plugins, API
Onboarding time1–3 business days
Recurring BillingYes
Charges on RefundsPaid by merchant
SDK StacksPHP, Java, .NET, JS, mobile SDKs
Settlement time~3 business days
Payouts supportYes
RegionsUK, Europe
Getting startedOnline signup, plugins, API
Setup FeeFrom £0
Commission per transactionFrom £0.80
Payment methods acceptedCards, wallets, recurring payments
Fraud & Risk management3D Secure, AVS/CV2, analytics
Accepted CurrenciesGBP, EUR, others
Set up typeHosted form, plugins, API
Onboarding time1–3 business days
Recurring BillingYes
Charges on RefundsPaid by merchant
SDK StacksPHP, Java, .NET, JS, mobile SDKs
Settlement time~3 business days
Payouts supportYes

Pros

  • High-level security and fraud protection
  • Quick integration with plugins or API
  • Transparent pricing structure
  • Supports recurring billing
  • Reliable UK-based support

Cons

  • No support for split payments
  • Payouts take 2–3 days
  • Limited built-in analytics
  • Refund fees apply

Key Benefits of Using Opayo Payment Solutions

Opayo offers a combination of high security, ease of use, and strong support, making it a preferred choice for UK and EU businesses. Its infrastructure is built around PCI DSS Level 1 compliance, using advanced fraud prevention tools such as AVS/CV2 checks, 3D Secure, SSL encryption, and MD5-hashed messages. The system includes real-time risk scoring based on behavioural patterns, providing an extra layer of protection against fraudulent transactions.

Merchants can manage payments efficiently through the MyOpayo dashboard, which offers real-time transaction monitoring, configurable security settings, reporting tools, and refund management. Opayo’s compatibility with major e-commerce platforms and accounting tools allows businesses to automate financial operations and minimise manual input, improving speed and accuracy.

How to Accept Payments with Opayo: Setup & Integration

To start using Opayo, merchants first complete a registration process through the Opayo or Elavon website. Once approved (typically within 1–3 business days), they can select a setup method: hosted payment pages, prebuilt CMS plugins, or custom API integration.

Integration is simple with available SDKs in PHP, Java, .NET, JavaScript, and mobile environments. Merchants can test their configuration in a secure sandbox before going live. All transaction activities can be tracked and managed through the MyOpayo dashboard, including settlement monitoring, fraud rules, and billing configurations.

User Reviews of Opayo: Customer Experience with the Platform

Opayo receives consistently high praise from UK merchants, particularly for its ease of use, dependable customer support, and robust security framework. Many reviews highlight the simplicity of integrating Opayo into websites and its suitability for small and mid-sized businesses that need stability without heavy development costs.

While larger enterprises may find the lack of advanced analytics or multi-party split payments limiting, Opayo’s clear pricing model and focus on security make it a strong contender in regulated markets. Its reputation has remained solid since its Sage Pay days, and its integration into Elavon has brought even more stability to the platform.

Security Features & Fraud Screening in Opayo

Throughout its history, Opayo has maintained a strong safety record. There have been no major public data breaches or system compromises. In earlier years, there were occasional delays in risk scoring during high-traffic periods, but these have been resolved with infrastructure upgrades and the implementation of real-time behavioural fraud analysis.

The platform is PCI DSS Level 1 compliant and enforces strict encryption protocols. All transactions are protected using SSL encryption, 3D Secure authentication, address verification, and MD5-hashed message verification. Opayo also conducts regular vulnerability scans and security audits to ensure merchant and customer data remains protected.

Account Fees

Opayo offers a transparent, volume-based pricing model with no setup or annual fees for most users. Transaction fees start from £0.80 and may vary based on processing volume and business type. Merchants are responsible for handling the costs associated with refunds and chargebacks, though these are competitively priced.

Additional premium features, such as dedicated account management or enhanced reporting tools, are available for a fee. For small and mid-sized businesses, Opayo’s cost structure is easy to forecast and typically more straightforward than tiered or commission-based competitors.

For Business

Opayo is designed to support businesses across a wide range of industries—particularly e-commerce, SaaS platforms, education services, and charities. It’s ideal for merchants looking to simplify their payment process while maintaining full control over transaction security and compliance.

Its ability to handle both online and offline payments through unified reporting makes it an attractive solution for hybrid retailers. Business owners also benefit from Opayo’s compatibility with popular platforms, allowing for quick setup and limited technical overhead.

Which Type of Business

Opayo works best for businesses that prioritise regulatory compliance, data security, and predictable pricing. It is especially suitable for small to medium-sized businesses such as retail stores, educational platforms, subscription services, and NGOs. Companies that do not require split settlements or instant payouts will find Opayo a robust and user-friendly option.

Merchants offering recurring services benefit from its tokenisation capabilities and automated billing, while retail companies appreciate the consistent integration between online and in-store transactions. For marketplace models or gig platforms, however, the lack of split payment support could be a limitation.

For Physical Clients

Opayo provides reliable support for in-person payments through chip-and-PIN and contactless POS terminals. These systems can be easily integrated with existing infrastructure and reconciled alongside online payments through a single merchant account.

The intuitive interface allows staff to be onboarded quickly, while the unified reporting system enables businesses to manage finances more efficiently. This makes Opayo especially valuable for businesses that operate both physical and digital storefronts and want to maintain consistency in payment processing.

In the MAP

FAQ

Is Opayo more suitable for small or large businesses?

Opayo is tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises that need a reliable, compliant, and affordable payment solution. Its plug-and-play functionality, transparent pricing, and strong security make it an excellent choice for startups and growing businesses. Larger companies can also benefit, but those with complex settlement needs or custom analytics requirements may need to integrate additional tools.

How does Opayo ensure transaction security?

Opayo applies multiple layers of security, including 3D Secure, address verification (AVS/CV2), SSL encryption, and MD5-hashed transaction data. It also uses adaptive behavioural analytics to assess transaction risk in real time. Merchants are guided through PCI DSS compliance, and the platform undergoes regular audits and penetration testing to safeguard all payment data.

Can I customise the checkout experience?

Yes. Opayo provides both hosted and direct integration options. Hosted payment pages can be styled with your branding, while full API integration allows for complete customisation of the checkout flow, error messaging, and customer interface. This gives businesses the flexibility to match the gateway with their unique customer journey.

How long does onboarding take?

Onboarding typically takes between 1 and 3 business days, depending on how quickly the merchant submits required KYC documentation. Once approved, setup can be completed in a matter of hours using available plugins or APIs. Businesses can also test their configuration in a sandbox environment before going live.

How are refunds and chargebacks handled?

Refunds can be initiated directly through the MyOpayo dashboard, with support for both full and partial refunds. Merchants bear the cost of processing refunds, and Opayo provides tools for managing chargebacks, including transaction evidence templates and alerts. While it doesn’t offer chargeback protection by default, it provides everything needed to dispute claims effectively.