Worldpay

Open

Worldpay, part of FIS Global, is one of the world’s largest payment processing platforms. It supports both online and in-store payments, enabling merchants to accept credit cards, debit cards, mobile wallets, and alternative local payment methods across more than 100 countries.

The platform is designed for flexibility — offering API-based integrations, hosted checkout pages, and POS terminals for physical businesses. Worldpay’s global reach and advanced fraud protection tools make it a trusted solution for medium and large enterprises that handle high transaction volumes or operate internationally.

While it provides robust functionality and strong compliance standards, merchants often mention hidden fees, long-term contracts, and customer service delays as recurring drawbacks.

CharacteristicDetails
RegionsGlobal
Getting startedOnline registration + KYC verification
Setup FeeDepends on plan
Commission per transaction~1.3% + £0.20 (UK) / 1.9–3.49% + fixed fee (US)
Payment methods acceptedVisa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Fraud & Risk managementPCI DSS, 3D Secure, AI-based monitoring
Accepted Currencies120+ currencies
Set up typeHosted checkout, API, SDK, POS
Onboarding & Approvals time1–3 business days
Recurring BillingSupported
Charges on RefundsPossible fee depending on contract
SDK StacksAPI & SDK available
Settlement time~24 hours (standard)
Payouts supportYes
Split paymentsSupported for marketplaces
RegionsGlobal
Getting startedOnline registration + KYC verification
Setup FeeDepends on plan
Commission per transaction~1.3% + £0.20 (UK) / 1.9–3.49% + fixed fee (US)
Payment methods acceptedVisa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Fraud & Risk managementPCI DSS, 3D Secure, AI-based monitoring
Accepted Currencies120+ currencies
Set up typeHosted checkout, API, SDK, POS
Onboarding & Approvals time1–3 business days
Recurring BillingSupported
Charges on RefundsPossible fee depending on contract
SDK StacksAPI & SDK available
Settlement time~24 hours (standard)
Payouts supportYes
Split paymentsSupported for marketplaces

Pros

  • Global coverage and multi-currency support
  • Strong compliance and fraud prevention
  • Split payments and recurring billing supported
  • Flexible integration via API or hosted checkout
  • Scalable for enterprise-level merchants

Cons

  • Complex and sometimes unclear fee structure
  • Early termination and contract issues
  • Mixed customer service reviews
  • Monthly fees for some business accounts
  • Overhead setup for small merchants

Merchant Account Features and Offers

Worldpay’s main advantage lies in its global scalability. Businesses can accept payments in over 120 currencies and manage settlements through a unified platform. The gateway offers tools for subscription billing, multi-seller payouts, and fraud detection, which are particularly valuable for SaaS and marketplace models.

Its API-first approach allows seamless integration with eCommerce platforms, CRMs, and financial software. The dashboard provides detailed analytics for revenue tracking, chargebacks, and settlement performance. For growing companies, Worldpay’s infrastructure can scale without the need to switch providers — making it suitable for long-term operations.

Getting Started with Merchant Services

Getting started with Worldpay is straightforward but involves a verification process. Merchants register through the official website, submit KYC documentation, and choose a pricing plan. Once approved, they receive credentials to integrate via API, SDK, or a hosted checkout page.

After setup, businesses can customize their payment flow, set up recurring billing, monitor transactions, and automate payouts. The merchant dashboard allows full visibility into transaction history, refunds, and daily settlements, while developers can use the Worldpay Developer Portal for API testing and sandbox access.

Worldpay Review — Customer Feedback and Service Quality

Worldpay is a powerful but complex payment gateway. It excels in coverage, features, and reliability but can be difficult for small merchants due to contract rigidity and pricing opacity.

Reviews on platforms like G2 and Trustpilot often praise its security and stability, yet highlight issues such as hidden charges, customer service delays, and confusing billing cycles. Businesses that take time to negotiate their contracts and monitor fees tend to have more positive experiences.

In 2025, Worldpay remains a major global processor — best suited for businesses that value security, compliance, and scale over simplicity or cost savings.

Worldpay Payment Solutions and Data Protection

Worldpay follows strict PCI DSS and 3D Secure protocols, using encryption, tokenization, and machine-learning fraud detection.

However, its history includes a major breach in 2009 under the RBS WorldPay division, when cybercriminals stole approximately $9 million by exploiting processing vulnerabilities. Since then, the company has completely rebuilt its infrastructure with modern encryption, real-time monitoring, and risk scoring systems.

Today, Worldpay actively publishes merchant security guides, encourages two-factor authentication, and maintains strong internal compliance to prevent data leaks and unauthorized access.

Worldpay Fees and Account Charges

Worldpay’s pricing varies by region and merchant type. Typical transaction rates range from 1.3% + £0.20 (UK) to 3.49% + fixed fee (US).

Additional charges may include:

  • Monthly account or service fees
  • PCI compliance fees
  • Refund processing charges
  • Early termination penalties

For high-volume merchants, Worldpay often negotiates custom rates based on processing volume and industry risk. Always request a full fee breakdown before signing a contract to avoid unexpected charges.

Worldpay Merchant Account for Enterprises

Worldpay is ideal for medium and large enterprises, especially those with international clients. It supports global eCommerce, travel platforms, SaaS billing, and subscription services that require flexible payment routing and recurring transactions.

Its infrastructure also allows for split settlements, making it a strong choice for marketplaces and aggregators. Enterprise clients benefit from advanced analytics and dedicated account management.

Using Worldpay for Different Merchant Needs

Worldpay best serves companies that:

  • Process high monthly transaction volumes
  • Operate internationally or across multiple currencies
  • Require marketplace or platform-style fund distribution
  • Need recurring billing and advanced fraud control

It’s less suitable for freelancers or micro-merchants, due to the onboarding complexity and minimum monthly costs.

Card Machines and In-Store Payment Solutions

For in-store merchants, Worldpay provides POS terminals, mobile card readers, and tap-to-pay hardware. These devices integrate with its backend system, giving physical stores the same access to analytics, reporting, and fraud tools as online businesses.

However, terminal rental and setup costs can be relatively high for small retailers. The service shines for established retail chains that want unified reporting for both online and in-person transactions.

In the MAP

Connect with us

FAQ

How long does settlement take with Worldpay?

Standard settlement occurs within 24 hours of transaction completion, though international transfers or new accounts may take 2–3 business days. Delays can occur during fraud checks or compliance reviews.

Are there hidden fees in Worldpay’s pricing?

Some merchants report extra charges such as PCI fees, monthly service costs, or statement fees. Always request a detailed pricing schedule before signing to avoid surprises.

How secure is Worldpay for online businesses?

Worldpay is PCI DSS Level 1 compliant and uses tokenization, 3D Secure, and fraud detection algorithms. Following its 2009 breach, it reinforced all systems with multi-layered encryption and constant monitoring.

What happens when issuing refunds?

Refunds are supported but often include a small processing fee. Fixed transaction fees are typically non-refundable, and refunds usually take 1–3 business days to process.

Can I close my Worldpay account easily?

Contract cancellation must be submitted in writing. Some users reported ongoing billing after closure, so it’s crucial to obtain written confirmation from Worldpay support and verify the final settlement before termination.