The UK business owner's guide to online payment solutions in 2025

For UK businesses, the right online payment solution isn't just a convenience; it's a critical decision that directly impacts your bottom line. As digital transactions in the UK surpass £2 trillion annually, your choice of payment solutions can significantly impact your profit margins. Complex pricing structures and unexpected add-ons can quietly erode your earnings, transforming what appears to be a standard cost into a significant financial drain. 

This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of online payments for 2025. We'll cut through the noise and explore the top 14 UK online payment solutions, providing essential insights on their pricing, features, and ideal use cases. By the end, you'll be able to make an informed decision and find the perfect fit for your business.

Cutting through the noise: Your online payment solutions explained

Here, we'll demystify what online payment solutions actually are and explain how these advanced systems go far beyond simple card processing. We'll also cover who stands to benefit the most from modern payment solutions and the real, tangible advantages they bring alongside cutting costs and enhancing security.

So, what actually is an online payment solution? 

At its core, an online payment solution is the digital engine that securely handles electronic transactions between your business and your customers. Far beyond a simple card machine, these sophisticated systems combine payment processing, smart fraud detection and automated settlement, delivering a seamless payment experience to your customers. Today’s online payment solutions have evolved from being simple card-only services. They are comprehensive and versatile ecosystems that can support a range of payment options, methods, currencies, and business models and can be integrated smoothly into your day-to-day operations, making your workflows more efficient and enhancing customer satisfaction.

Who is a modern online payment solution for? 

A robust online payment solution isn’t just for eCommerce giants. Every UK business sector can benefit from these modern solutions. For online retailers, a smooth checkout process is crucial for addressing cart abandonment rates, which plague online stores. Service providers rely on reliable payment services to maintain their credibility and secure prompt payments. Subscription-based companies, with their specific challenges around recurring billing and failed payments, need specialised online payment services for predictable and sustainable growth. Even traditional high-street retailers are using omnichannel strategies, while freelancers and sole traders find that modern online payment options help them sidestep the inconvenience of cash transactions.

Beyond just payments: The real business benefits

Choosing the right online payment solution offers numerous advantages that go beyond simply getting paid. By providing customers with their preferred online payment options and a frictionless checkout, modern payment solutions can significantly enhance revenue by improving conversion rates. 

Cost efficiency: While card fees can vary, innovative options like Open Banking payments offer dramatically lower costs. Instead of paying percentage-based card processing fees (typically 1.4% to 3.5%), you can often pay a flat fee of just a few pence per transaction, offering a huge saving for many UK businesses.

Cash flow improvement: Modern online payment solutions are a game-changer for cash flow. Instead of waiting 2 to 3 business days for card payments to settle, many services offer same-day or instant settlement. This provides faster access to your money, improving your working capital. 

Security enhancement: Sophisticated fraud protection is now standard. Advanced systems use machine learning to detect suspicious activity in real-time, while reducing false positives that can inconvenience genuine customers.  

Operational efficiency: Automated reconciliation is another massive benefit. It saves hours of manual bookkeeping, and integrated reporting gives you real-time insights into business performance.

Understanding online payment solutions is the first step, but with multiple options available in the market, how do you know which type is the right fit for your specific business? In this section, we'll break down the different types of online payment services available in the UK, providing you with the information you need to start narrowing down your options.

From high street to online: Your UK payment services explained

Not every payment solution is the same. In this section, you will discover information about the different kinds of payment services, including in-store and remote options, as well as options designed specifically for eCommerce. You’ll also learn about the various methods your customers may want to use to make payments and how they can be integrated to create a seamless customer experience.

Keeping up with in-person payments

The way people pay in person has undergone a radical shift. New technologies have moved payments beyond just cards. Businesses now have a variety of options for providing innovative online payment solutions to their customers at their physical locations. For many brick-and-mortar businesses, mobile POS solutions have become essential, turning a standard smartphone or tablet into a modern payment terminal. This keeps hardware costs down and offers flexibility. For larger operations, modern retail POS systems combine payment solutions with advanced inventory management, customer relationship tools, and analytics. Finally, QR code payments are a hardware-free option where customers simply scan a code with their phones to make the payment. These transactions are secure and create a clear digital paper trail.

Making remote payments a breeze 

For businesses that handle remote or over-the-phone transactions, these online payment services are a huge benefit. Instead of sending invoices and waiting, Pay by Link services let you send secure payment links instantly via email, SMS, or messaging apps. For taking payments over the phone, virtual terminals enable businesses to process card transactions directly through a web browser, turning any computer into a secure payment tool. These payment solutions are perfect for service-based companies, consultants, or anyone taking orders remotely.

Building a powerful eCommerce checkout

Your checkout is the most important part of your online store. A smooth payment process keeps customers from dropping off at the final step, so the right payment solution needs to integrate seamlessly with your website. If you’re using WordPress, WooCommerce payment plugins make setup quick with ready-made modules. For Shopify users, native payment apps come built in, offering reliable functionality straight out of the box. 

The payment options your customers actually want

Beyond the solutions themselves, you also need to be aware of the different payment options your customers expect to see.

Open banking payments: These secure, direct bank-to-bank payments are a game-changer. They are significantly cheaper than processing card payments, with some open banking online payment services charging a flat fee of just a few pence per transaction. They also offer faster settlement times.

Traditional card processing: Credit and debit cards are still the backbone of online payments. Today’s payment solutions support contactless technology and multiple currencies, making them as convenient for international shoppers as they are for local customers. But while cards remain dominant, they’re now just one part of a much broader payment landscape.

Alternative payment methods: Digital wallets and Buy Now, Pay Later options are transforming online checkouts. Services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal use tokenisation to give customers a faster and more secure way to pay. Meanwhile, BNPL providers such as Klarna and Clearpay have surged in popularity, particularly among younger UK shoppers, helping retailers boost both conversion rates and average order values.

With a clear understanding of the different types of online payment services and the options they support, you’re now in a great position to evaluate individual options. But how do you decide which UK payment solution is the right one for you? In the next section, we’ll dive into the top 14 online payment solutions in the UK for 2025, comparing their features, pricing, and suitability for different business models.

Taking payments, UK-style: A look at the top payment solutions for 2025

Ready to compare the payment services that could transform your business? This section is your no-nonsense guide to the top UK online payment solutions for 2025, from established payment solutions to cutting-edge fintech disruptors. We'll give you the need-to-know details on their features, pricing, and best-fit scenarios for in-store, online, and omnichannel trading, helping you make the right choice for your bottom line.

In-store and in-person: Solutions for face-to-face payments

Square: Simple hardware, powerful ecosystem
Square offers UK SMEs a simple way to take payments and manage their business. More than just card processing, its ecosystem combines inventory management, customer tools, and eCommerce into one integrated platform. Square is best known for its POS hardware, ranging from the lightweight Square Reader to full countertop terminals, so you can start taking in-person payments straight away, with no upfront device costs. As your business grows, its flexible solutions scale with you. And with clear, flat-rate pricing (1.75% for in-person payments and 2.5% for card-not-present), you can plan your cash flow with confidence.

myPOS: A banking and payment solution in one
myPOS stands out as a flexible option for UK businesses. Its key advantage is the seamless combination of a payment service with a built-in merchant account, particularly valuable for mobile traders and service providers. The hardware range covers everything from card terminals and touchscreen POS devices to the myPOS Glass app, which turns a smartphone into a contactless payment tool. Perhaps the biggest benefit is instant settlement into your myPOS account, giving businesses stronger control over cash flow.

Elavon: The reliable heavyweight for serious scale
Elavon is a strong choice for larger or fast-growing businesses that need enterprise-level reliability. Its offering spans everything from secure card processing to full online payment services. Hardware options include dependable countertop terminals for in-store sales and portable card readers for payments on the go, all supported by an omnichannel platform that unites physical and online transactions. For businesses that value transparency, Elavon’s interchange-plus pricing model provides a clear breakdown of costs.

While these in-person solutions are powerful, many modern UK businesses also need to accept payments remotely. In the next segment, we'll explore the best online payment services for handling transactions over the phone, via email, or through messaging apps.

Taking payments from a distance: Top solutions for remote payments

Card payments for remote transactions

Stripe: The developers and online retailers' favourite
Stripe is a go-to option for online-first or fast-scaling businesses. As a global leader, it supports eCommerce, subscriptions, and billing in more than 135 currencies, making international growth far easier. Security is built in, with machine learning-driven fraud prevention to protect online transactions. Stripe is also known for its flexible remote payment tools, from customisable embedded checkout forms to simple payment links that can be shared by email or SMS. Pricing is transparent, starting at 1.4% plus 20p for UK cards, with bespoke rates available for high-volume businesses.

Take Payments: Securely taking payments over the phone
For businesses that rely on phone orders, Take Payments offers a highly secure, PCI-compliant telephone payment solution. It enables you to process card details over the phone without storing sensitive information, thereby helping you meet compliance requirements and maintain customer trust. With multi-currency support, it's also a strong contender for companies serving a global customer base. They are known for their transparent and competitive rates, which include no setup fees, making cost management simple for companies of all sizes.

The new era of bank transfer payments

GoCardless: The go-to for UK recurring and remote payments
GoCardless has long been a leader in automating recurring payments for UK businesses via Direct Debit. They simplify remote payments by allowing businesses to send secure online forms or links to customers, who then authorise a payment mandate directly with their bank. The recent addition of Instant Bank Pay, an Open Banking feature, means you can collect instant, one-off payments and offer customers the choice between instant transfers and recurring Direct Debits. At 1% plus 20p per Direct Debit transaction (and different rates for instant payments), it's a cost-effective alternative to card processing.

TrueLayer: The open banking solution for developers
For those seeking pure Open Banking infrastructure, TrueLayer is a prominent API-first service. It enables instant, secure, bank-to-bank payments for remote transactions via a payment initiation service. This allows customers to pay online directly from their bank account, bypassing card networks and offering significant cost reductions. Its high-performance infrastructure is particularly well-suited for businesses with high transaction volumes or developers looking to build bespoke payment experiences. Pricing is transparent, featuring clear per-transaction fees, rather than percentages, which appeals to businesses wanting to avoid variable transaction costs.

While these remote payment solutions are powerful, many UK businesses operate primarily or exclusively online. Their customers expect a seamless, secure, and intuitive checkout experience built directly into their website. In the next segment, we'll explore the best online payment solutions specifically designed for eCommerce, helping you convert more customers and grow your online business

Selling Online? The UK's best eCommerce payment solutions

If your business relies on eCommerce, your checkout is your most powerful sales tool. In this section, we review the leading UK online payment solutions designed with retailers in mind. From flexible card options for high-growth businesses to trusted specialists for platforms like WooCommerce and Shopify, these providers help you deliver a seamless and secure checkout experience for your customers.

Powerful card-based solutions for online scaling

Checkout.com: The high-growth, tech-focused payment solution
Checkout.com offers a sophisticated, single API online payment solution that can manage complex payment requirements with ease, allowing you to accept a wide range of payment methods through a single, streamlined integration. Its standout payment orchestration capabilities intelligently route transactions along the most efficient path, which can boost your authorisation rates and lower costs over time. With competitive pricing starting at 2.9% plus 20p, they also offer negotiable rates for businesses handling high volumes, making it a powerful choice for scaling operations.

Planet (formerly Worldpay): Expertise for the international player
Planet builds on the heritage of Worldpay to offer a comprehensive, expert-led payment service. It covers the full range of merchant needs, from fraud prevention to streamlined settlements. Advanced machine learning powers real-time risk management, providing UK businesses with strong protection against fraud. With its global reach and strong local expertise, Planet is a compelling payment solution for companies planning to expand into international markets.

Specialist payments for your eCommerce platform

PayPal: A trusted name for effortless payments
As a globally recognised online payment solution, PayPal is a go-to choice for millions of UK businesses and consumers. By offering the PayPal checkout, you immediately leverage extensive brand recognition and buyer protection, which can significantly enhance customer confidence and conversions. Integration with popular eCommerce platforms like WooCommerce is straightforward, thanks to robust plugins and developer support. PayPal's dispute resolution processes also help to mitigate merchant risk. With standard UK rates of 2.9% plus 30p per domestic transaction, and discounts available for higher volumes, this is a solid and reliable online payment option for merchants worldwide.

Shopify Payments: The seamless experience for Shopify stores
If your business runs on Shopify, Shopify Payments is a must-consider online payment solution. Being a native solution, it eliminates the need for third-party redirects, delivering a seamless and on-brand checkout experience. For UK merchants, the biggest advantage is that Shopify does not charge any additional transaction fees associated with using an external payment solution, making it a highly cost-effective option. It includes powerful built-in features like advanced fraud analysis and chargeback protection, while managing all PCI compliance and security requirements internally.

We've now covered the best online solutions for in-store, remote, and eCommerce payments. But many modern UK businesses need a solution that can process payments across all these channels from a single, unified platform. In the final segment of this block, we'll dive into the top omnichannel payment solutions that provide a truly integrated customer experience.

The full picture: Top UK omnichannel payment solutions

For businesses that need to connect their in-store, online, and remote payments, a dedicated omnichannel solution is a game-changer. This section covers the top UK payment solutions that offer a unified platform for a seamless customer journey, consolidated data insights, and streamlined operations across every touchpoint.

Global Payments: Enterprise-level unified commerce
Global Payments delivers robust online payment services for UK enterprises, backed by strong local market expertise. Their Unified Commerce solution is specifically designed to provide a truly integrated omnichannel experience, effortlessly synchronising online, mobile, and in-person transactions. This is especially valuable for larger retailers with multiple locations, franchises, or complex reporting needs. Their advanced data analytics deliver genuine insights into customer behaviour and overall business performance, helping to inform strategic decisions.

Adyen: The global solution for unified retail
Adyen is a prominent unified payment service, offering a single solution for online, mobile, and in-store payment options to its enterprise-level clients. Its core strength is enabling a consistent payment experience across every customer touchpoint, no matter where or how they transact. For UK businesses with a global presence, Adyen's ability to process payments via local acquiring in over 40 countries can lead to higher authorisation rates and reduced transaction costs. They provide real-time data and comprehensive reports, helping merchants optimise their payment strategy on the fly.

Wonderful: Open banking at the forefront for omnichannel 
Wonderful offers a compelling Open Banking-led omnichannel payment solution for UK businesses. They offer a fixed monthly fee that covers in-person, remote, and online transactions. For face-to-face payments, the One app generates QR codes for instant bank payments. For online checkouts, it offers robust integration with WooCommerce via a dedicated payment plugin. For remote payments, payment links can be generated and shared via SMS, email and messaging apps. This versatility, combined with almost instant settlement and significant cost savings compared to traditional card processing, makes it a powerful solution for businesses considering a unified, modern payment solution.

With a comprehensive overview of various types of online payment solutions available in the UK, from specialist online payment services to powerful omnichannel payment solutions, you can now begin evaluating your options. In the next section, we'll cover the most important criteria to consider for choosing the right payment solution for your specific business needs.

How to choose your perfect fit: The right payment solution for your business

Now that we’ve reviewed the leading online payment solutions in the UK, the next step is choosing the right fit for your business. This section provides a practical checklist of what to look for, including cost, security, scalability and technical compatibility. With these criteria in hand, you can make a confident and informed decision that supports both operational efficiency and long-term growth.

Costs: Going beyond the headline rate

Your total cost of ownership is more than just the transaction rate. Look at the bigger picture. Account for monthly fees, setup costs, overseas transaction costs, and any other hidden expenses that could quietly eat into your budget. Consider how your transaction volume affects pricing. Some payment services offer better rates for larger enterprises, while others use flat-rate pricing that is more transparent and predictable for smaller businesses.

Technical integration: How much effort will it take?

Think about your team’s technical skills and your budget for implementation. A simple plugin for WooCommerce is a low-effort solution, but integrating a complex API requires more development time and resources. As you compare payment solutions, remember to factor in potential costs for ongoing maintenance, updates, and customisation. The goal is a smooth setup, not a future headache.

Security and compliance: Protecting your business and your customers

When it comes to handling customer payments, robust security is non-negotiable. Look for secure online payment services that handle PCI DSS compliance, offer sophisticated fraud protection, and protect sensitive customer data. Opt for solutions that take on the burden of compliance, so you don't need extensive internal resources for monitoring and maintenance.

Cash flow: Getting your money when you need it

The speed of payment processing and fund availability directly impacts your working capital. For UK businesses with tight cash flow cycles, the difference between instant settlement (available with some Open Banking solutions) and a three-day delay from traditional card payments can be significant. Evaluate each online payment solution based on its settlement time to make sure that it aligns with your operational needs.

Customer support: When things go wrong

Inevitably, you will run into payment issues. When that happens, the quality of customer support is everything. Evaluate payment solution providers based on their response times, the technical expertise of their support teams, and whether they offer UK-based support. For businesses that can't afford transaction downtime, look for a 24/7 service, as payment issues don't always happen during working hours.

Scalability: Is it future-proof?

Your online payment solution should grow with you. To avoid expensive migrations later, choose a service that can manage your future growth. Consider its capacity for increased volume, support for international expansion if that's on your roadmap, and its development plans to ensure it remains a modern solution that meets your business's evolving ambitions.

Business model fit: A solution that works for you

The best payment solutions feel like a natural extension of your business. As you evaluate your options, consider how well each one's features, like recurring billing, marketplace capabilities, or multi-location management, align with your unique business model. A good fit will enhance your existing processes, not disrupt them.

Making your choice and looking ahead

Online payment solutions are constantly evolving, but by making an informed choice, you can cut transaction costs, enhance your customer experience, and build a strong foundation for sustainable growth in the digital economy. 

The right decision isn't just about choosing the most popular or cheapest online payment solution. It's about selecting a service that perfectly fits your specific needs and can scale with your growth. The effort you invest in thoroughly evaluating and implementing the right payment solution will pay dividends in better efficiency, lower costs, and increased customer satisfaction. This is an investment for long-term success.

Online payment solutions: FAQs answered

What is an online payment solution and why is it important for you?

An online payment solution securely processes online transactions, from card payments to Open Banking transfers. It's crucial for managing cash flow, reducing costs, and offering a seamless checkout experience. 

How do you choose the best payment solution for a UK business?

Assess the business model and volume. Compare costs, integration, security, settlement speed, and growth alignment.

Which UK businesses need online payment solutions?

Any business that accepts digital payments benefits. This includes eCommerce, service providers, subscription companies, and omnichannel retailers. 

What are the key differences between card payments and Open Banking?

Card payments use card networks with percentage fees. Open Banking enables bank transfers, offering lower fees and faster settlements.

How can you add online payment options to a business?

Integrate pre-built plugins or use a payment API. Payment links and QR codes offer quick, low-tech integration. 

What is an omnichannel payment solution?

It's a single platform that unifies payments across in-store, online, and remote sales. This ensures a consistent customer experience and reporting.

How do you ensure online payment security and compliance?

Choose a secure service that offers fraud protection, encryption, and PCI DSS compliance to protect data. 

How can you negotiate better transaction fees?

Negotiate custom rates for high volumes. Open Banking offers fixed or lower-cost alternatives to card transactions.

What is the fastest way to get money from online sales?

Look for payment solutions offering instant or same-day settlement. Open Banking solutions credit funds almost instantly..

What should you do if a customer disputes an online payment?

Your payment solution provider should offer a clear dispute resolution process. Have strong records and evidence to address chargebacks.