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Best Merchant Accounts UK: Compare Leading Providers
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Best Merchant Accounts UK: Compare Leading Providers
Last updated 07/10/2026
Last reviewed: September 2026. Prices, products, and availability can change, so confirm all charges in your written quote before applying.
Which Is the Best Merchant Account in the UK?
There is no single best merchant account in the UK. Your choice depends on your card turnover, average transaction value, card mix, whether you sell in person, online, or both, contract preferences, settlement needs, integrations, and your business’s risk profile. Advertised rates may depend on eligibility, underwriting, and negotiated terms. Prices, products, and availability can change.
Best Merchant Accounts UK: Quick Comparison
Below is a table providing an overview of eight UK card-payment providers. This is not a ranking system; it simply provides a snapshot of key criteria for each provider, and your full cost may also depend on the product, card mix, and agreed terms.
| Provider | Best for | Provider model | In-person payments | Online payments | Pricing model | Contract | Settlement | Key strength | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barclaycard | Established businesses seeking in-person and online options | Acquirer | Yes | Yes | Mainly bespoke; contact for quote | Depends on product (no contract - 18 months) | Not verified publicly; confirm in quote | Broad payment range | Full costs and terms need a quote |
| Stripe | Ecommerce and subscriptions | Payment platform | Yes, via Terminal | Yes | Pay as you go; standard UK online cards 1.5% + 20p | No fixed term on standard pricing | Rolling, weekly, or monthly payout options | Online tools and integrations | Card type and additional services can raise costs |
| Takepayments | Small businesses wanting assisted setup | Reseller with a separate acquiring agreement | Yes | Yes | Bespoke; contact for quote | 12 months advertised for card machines; separate acquiring terms apply | Next working day for eligible card-machine transactions | Assisted setup and support | Separate agreements and fees require checking |
| Worldpay | Growing, multichannel businesses | Acquirer and payment platform | Yes | Yes | Bespoke; contact for quote | Not verified publicly; confirm in quote | Not verified publicly; confirm in quote | Connected in-store and online payments | Limited public price and contract detail |
| PayPal Point of Sale (formerly known as Zettle) | Simple, low-volume in-person selling | PSP and POS platform | Yes | Limited; see restrictions below | 1.75% for in-person card transactions | No contract or recurring fee for the stated POS offer | Typically minutes to PayPal Business account | Simple published card rate | Zettle Payment Links are unavailable to new sellers |
| SumUp | Start-ups and variable-volume sellers | PSP and POS platform | Yes | Yes | 1.69% in person, pay as you go; optional £19/month plan | Pay as you go; paid plan cancellable | By 7am next day to a SumUp Business Account | Low fixed entry cost | Lower 0.99% rate applies only to eligible in-person cards on the paid plan |
| Square | Retailers wanting payments and POS tools | PSP and POS platform | Yes | Yes | 1.75% for UK cards in person; +1.5% for non-UK cards | Plans can be cancelled | Free bank transfers in 1–2 working days | Broad POS and payment tools | Non-UK cards incur extra in-person fees |
| Dojo | Hospitality businesses wanting portable, integrated payments | Payments provider | Yes | Yes | 1.2% blended below £100,000 annual card turnover; custom rate above | Product and plan dependent | Next-day takings advertised | Portable hardware and EPOS integration | Hardware costs and contract terms need comparing |
Best Merchant Accounts by Business Need
Best for Start-Ups and Low-Volume Businesses
SumUp offers pay-as-you-go pricing with no monthly fees and portable card readers, making it well-suited if your card sales vary. PayPal Point of Sale and Square are alternatives, offering published card rates and flexible setups. As your turnover grows, compare the total costs with other providers, as flat-rate pricing may become less economical.
Best for Ecommerce Businesses
Stripe is a strong choice for ecommerce businesses, offering online checkout, integrations, subscriptions, and international payment options. However, these tools come with an added complexity not found with a basic payment setup. For a simpler approach to online selling, Square may be an option to consider.
Best for Higher-Volume Businesses
Worldpay and Barclaycard are worth comparing if you process a high volume of card payments and need in-store and online options. Ask both for written quotes based on the same transaction profile, then compare their total costs with a flat-rate provider. Their quote-led pricing makes costs harder to assess upfront, so check the full fees and contract terms.
Best for Hospitality Businesses
Dojo is a strong hospitality merchant account provider, as it offers portable devices, EPOS integration, and advertised next-day takings. Takepayments offers portable machines, EPOS products, and support seven days a week; Square offers portable hardware and restaurant POS tools. Compare device costs and contract terms closely, particularly Takepayments’ separate acquiring agreement.
Best for Trades and Mobile Businesses
Square’s portable hardware, Tap to Pay, and payment link payment methods make it well-suited if you take payments on the go. SumUp is a strong alternative for portable payments and links, while PayPal Point of Sale should be considered for in-person sales. Not all devices offer physical receipts, so if this is important to your customers, always verify if your chosen provider supports this.
Best for Professional Services
Square offers invoices, payment links, and a virtual terminal in one setup. Stripe provides invoicing and recurring billing when those needs are more involved. Although Stripe offers virtual terminals, they are not an out-of-the-box feature and require an API setup. Confirm these capabilities if you take payments by telephone.
Best for Retail Businesses
Square is a solid choice if you want payment hardware alongside inventory tools and support for multiple locations. Dojo is worth comparing if integrating payments with an existing EPOS system matters more; Barclaycard may also be worth considering for its in-person and online options. Check which stock and reporting features come with the specific product you choose.
What About Higher-Risk Businesses?
None of the eight providers in this comparison is guaranteed to accept a higher-risk business. Approval can depend on your business model, processing history, chargeback exposure, and underwriting. Confirm eligibility before comparing rates, as you may need a specialist provider.
How We Compared Merchant Account Providers
When we compare UK merchant account providers, at Commercial Experts we go far beyond just the headline transaction rate. Our criteria include:
- Pricing transparency
- Monthly and conditional fees
- Contract length
- Cancellation terms
- Settlement speed and conditions
- Support for in-person and online payments
- Hardware
- Payment gateways
- Integrations
- Customer support
- Eligibility and underwriting
- Scalability, including higher sales volumes, additional locations, and new payment channels
We also cover whether a provider is an acquirer offering a traditional merchant account or a payment service provider with an aggregated account setup.
We use official provider pricing, product and hardware pages, published terms, fee schedules, contract and settlement information, and existing Commercial Experts provider research. Where relevant, we also check FCA records and independent regulatory or industry sources.
Our ‘best for’ recommendations are editorial judgements about comparative suitability, based on the criteria above.
Commercial facts were last checked in September 2026. Prices, terms, and availability may change, so confirm them with the provider. We did not conduct mystery shopping or hands-on product testing.
What Is a Merchant Account?
A merchant account is a bank account used to temporarily receive card and electronic payment funds before they settle into your business bank account. An acquiring bank or payment provider supplies the account or the equivalent payment functionality. Some payment service providers (PSPs) use an aggregated setup, allowing you to accept payments without the need for a traditional merchant account.
A merchant account differs from:
A payment processor, which handles the transaction.
A payment gateway, which passes payment information for authorisation.
A card machine, which accepts payments in person.
A business bank account, which receives the funds after settlement.
Some providers may bundle these services together, while others may only offer individual components, so check what your package includes.
To learn more, see our dedicated What Is a Merchant Account? guide.
Barclaycard Merchant Account
Best suited to: Established businesses that want traditional acquiring, in-person and online payment options, and tailored pricing.
Overview
Barclaycard is the credit card division of Barclays Bank offering acquiring merchant account services, card machines, and online payment options. Barclaycard may be worth considering if you already use Barclays business services or want to sell across multiple channels with customised pricing.
Pricing and Contract
Barclaycard offers both pay-as-you-go and contracted terminal options. Acquiring rates are tailored, meaning you need to request a quote based on your turnover, average card transaction value, and industry. Check transaction rates, monthly minimums, terminal purchase or rental, gateway charges, and PCI-related fees together. Contract length is determined by the card reader you choose, ranging from no contract to 18 months. Always check the notice period, cancellation charges, and whether equipment has separate terms. Likewise, confirm settlement times in your quote.
Key Strengths
- Established acquiring infrastructure.
- In-person and online payment options.
- Choice of readers, terminals, and integrated products.
- Tailored arrangements for larger businesses.
- Connection to wider Barclays business services.
Main Limitations
- Most acquiring rates require a quote.
- Contracts and cancellation terms vary by product.
- Terminal and service charges can increase total cost.
- Comparing plans takes more work than with flat-rate providers.
Verdict
Shortlist Barclaycard if you want traditional acquiring and can assess a complete written quote. Compare Square or SumUp if published flat rates and a simpler setup better suit your business.
Stripe Payments
Best suited to: Ecommerce businesses, subscription services, and companies selling internationally that need flexible payment integrations.
Overview
Stripe is a payment platform and PSP that offers merchant account functionality without requiring you to arrange a separate dedicated merchant account. Hosted checkout APIs and recurring billing make it a strong option if you sell online or offer a subscription service.
Pricing and Contract
Standard online payments cost 1.5% + 20p for standard UK cards, 2.8% + 20p for premium UK cards, 2.5% + 20p for EEA cards, and 3.15% + 20p for other international cards. Currency conversion adds 2% when required.
In-person payments through Stripe Terminal cost 1.4% + 10p for EEA cards or 2.9% + 10p for non-EEA cards.
Stripe card machines range from £49 to £229, excluding VAT. For portable devices, unlimited cellular data can be included for an additional £7 per reader per month. App usage on the device is capped at 10 GB.
Stripe charges £20 when a dispute is received; manually contesting it triggers another £20. If the dispute is won, the contestation fee is returned.
Stripe Billing’s pay-as-you-go plan adds 0.7% of billing volume for subscription management.
Standard payments pricing has no setup, monthly, or closure fee. Payout schedules can be rolling, weekly, or monthly, but Stripe does not publicly specify a universal timeline.
Key Strengths
- Ecommerce integrations and hosted checkout.
- APIs for customised payment flows.
- Subscriptions and recurring billing.
- International payment support.
- Fraud tools included with standard payments.
Main Limitations
- Custom integrations may need technical resources.
- Card type, conversion, and optional tools add costs.
- Terminal hardware and setup need separate consideration.
- Basic in-person merchants may not need its advanced tools.
Verdict
Shortlist Stripe if online payments are essential to your business. For simpler in-person selling, compare Square, SumUp, or PayPal Point of Sale; for supported terminal installation, assess a traditional acquirer.
Takepayments Merchant Account
Best suited to: Independent UK shops, cafés, and service businesses that want help selecting equipment and setting up card payments.
Overview
Takepayments supplies card machines and supports businesses through dedicated onboarding. As an independent sales organisation, Takepayments works alongside merchant acquirers that handle card processing. Under this model, you need to review both Takepayments’ arrangement and the separate agreement with its nominated acquirer.
Pricing and Contract
All Takepayments quotes are personalised to each business, and each quote should cover processing, terminal rental, monthly minimums, PCI-related charges, and any payment gateway or EPOS fees. 12-month contracts are standard, but you should still confirm the term of the acquiring agreement, renewal, notice, cancellation charges, and whether rented equipment must be returned.
Next-working-day settlement is available subject to acquiring approval and the machine’s banking-window cut-off. Online, payment-link, and virtual-terminal transactions may settle on different timescales.
Key Strengths
- Guided onboarding and terminal selection.
- Portable and mobile card acceptance.
- Online gateway and payment-link options.
- EPOS products for retail and hospitality.
- Seven-day support and conditional next-day settlement.
Main Limitations
- Transaction pricing requires a quote.
- The advertised card-machine contract has a fixed term.
- Separate acquiring terms add complexity.
- Rental and service charges can raise total costs.
Verdict
Shortlist Takepayments if personal assistance matters more to you than self-service signup. Compare Square or SumUp if you prefer published rates and no fixed card-machine contract.
Worldpay Merchant Account
Best suited to: Established or growing businesses seeking in-person, online, and international payment options.
Overview
Worldpay provides card acquiring and payment processing across in-person, online, and mobile channels. Its international and multicurrency products make it a strong contender if you sell outside of the UK.
Pricing and Contract
Worldpay pricing is quotation-based, with no standard transaction rate or a complete price range publicly listed. When requesting a quote, ask whether fixed or bespoke pricing is available for your proposed products, and confirm terminal rental, monthly minimums, gateway charges, and other fees. Also establish your contract length, renewal, notice, cancellation costs, and settlement timing in writing.
Key Strengths
- Acquiring and processing at scale.
- In-person and ecommerce acceptance.
- International and multicurrency capabilities.
- Scope to discuss tailored pricing.
- Products for more complex, multichannel payments.
Main Limitations
- A full cost comparison requires a quote.
- Multiple products may mean multiple charges.
- Contract and settlement terms need confirmation.
- The breadth may be unnecessary for a microbusiness.
Verdict
Shortlist Worldpay if your volume or sales channels justify a detailed acquiring quote or you conduct a large amount of business overseas. If you need simple, low-volume card acceptance, compare a flat-rate provider such as SumUp or Square first.
PayPal Point of Sale (Formerly known as Zettle)
Best suited to: Small, mobile, and occasional sellers who want straightforward in-person payments and access to funds through PayPal.
Overview
PayPal Point of Sale (formerly known as Zettle) combines a card reader or terminal with a POS app for payments, inventory, and sales reporting. PayPal Point of Sale handles payments through PayPal Business, so you do not need to arrange a separate traditional merchant account.
Pricing and Contract
Card transactions cost 1.75%, including major cards and mobile wallets. The first reader costs £29 excluding VAT for eligible new business users; additional readers cost £69 excluding VAT, and the terminal starts at £149 excluding VAT. Delivery terms apply. There are no recurring POS fees, terminal rentals, or long-term contracts required.
Zettle Invoice and Payment Links are listed at 2.5%, but invoicing is restricted to sellers who signed up before 8 May 2023, and as of September 2026, those payment links are temporarily unavailable to new sellers.
Funds typically reach your PayPal Business account within minutes. Transferring to an external bank is a separate step and may take longer.
Key Strengths
- Published in-person card rate.
Reader, Terminal, and Tap to Pay options. - No traditional terminal rental or recurring POS fee.
- Inventory and reporting in the POS app.
- Fast access to funds in PayPal Business.
Main Limitations
- Flat-rate costs warrant comparison as volume grows.
- Custom rates are discretionary.
- Hardware and accessories cost extra.
- PayPal balance timing differs from bank arrival.
Verdict
Shortlist PayPal Point of Sale if simple face-to-face selling suits you. Compare Square or SumUp for other mobile and remote-payment options, or seek a negotiated acquiring quote if your card volume is substantial.
SumUp Merchant Account
Best suited to: Sole traders, start-ups, and mobile or lower-volume businesses that want published rates and flexible terms.
Overview
SumUp is a payment platform offering card readers, Tap to Pay, and online payment tools. It offers a simple way to accept payments rather than a traditional dedicated merchant account arrangement. It particularly suits businesses whose sales vary from month to month.
Pricing and Contract
Pay-as-you-go has no monthly fee and charges 1.69% for in-person card payments. Online payments, including payment links, cost 2.5%. Payments Plus costs £19 per month and reduces the in-person rate to 0.99% for domestic debit and credit cards; premium, international, and American Express cards remain at 1.69%. The plan can be cancelled at any time.
Hardware is bought separately. As of September 2026, the Solo Lite reader is advertised at £15 excluding VAT (£18 including VAT), reduced from £25. Hardware promotions change, so check the price when ordering.
Funds are accessible in your SumUp Business Account by 7 am the next day, including weekends and bank holidays.
Key Strengths
- Published rates and no pay-as-you-go monthly fee.
- Low-cost entry reader and mobile payments.
- Tap to Pay without a separate device.
- Flexible paid plan with no long-term commitment.
- Straightforward setup for occasional selling.
Main Limitations
- Flat-rate costs warrant comparison as turnover grows.
- The 0.99% rate excludes some card types.
- Hardware and advanced POS tools can add costs.
- Advertised payout timing is to
- SumUp’s Business Account.
Verdict
Shortlist SumUp if you want flexible, straightforward card acceptance. If you process £10,000 or more a month, request SumUp’s tailored quote and compare its total cost with other negotiated offers.
Square Merchant Account
Best suited to: Businesses that want card payments and day-to-day sales software in one platform.
Overview
Square combines payment acceptance with point-of-sale, online selling, booking and invoicing tools. It uses an aggregated payment model rather than a traditional dedicated merchant account. Square is well suited if you want omnichannel selling capabilities with a simple setup.
Pricing and Contract
In-person payments cost 1.75%, plus 1.5% for non-UK cards. Online payments and payment links cost 1.4% + 25p for UK cards or 2.5% + 25p for non-UK cards. Manually entered payments and invoices cost 2.5%, plus 1.5% for non-UK cards.
Square Reader costs £19 + VAT, and Square Terminal costs £149 + VAT. The free software plan has no monthly fee; optional paid plans add features. Square says there is no long-term contract and plans can be cancelled at any time.
Standard transfers to an external bank are free and take one to two working days. Instant transfers cost 1.5%, subject to eligibility and bank availability. Square does not charge dispute fees and helps manage the dispute process.
Key Strengths
- Payments, POS, retail and restaurant tools together.
- Appointments, invoicing, and ecommerce options.
- Portable and countertop hardware, with integrations.
Main Limitations
- Paid software increases total cost.
- Standard flat rates may cost more at higher volumes.
- Using several Square tools increases reliance on its platform.
- Its wider feature set may be unnecessary for basic card acceptance.
Verdict
Shortlist Square if you will use its software alongside payments. If you only need a reader, compare simpler options; at higher turnover, ask Square about custom pricing and compare negotiated acquiring quotes.
Dojo Merchant Account
Best suited to: Restaurants, cafés, pubs, and other customer-facing businesses that want supported card terminals connected to their EPOS.
Overview
Dojo is a payments provider focused on in-person checkout, although online and remote payment functionality is available. Its portable and countertop terminals can connect to existing EPOS systems, centralising payment amounts and transaction records.
Pricing and Contract
Dojo publishes a 1.2% blended transaction rate for businesses taking under £100,000 a year in card payments. Above that threshold, rates are tailored. Eligible higher-turnover businesses have a choice of a 12-month fixed plan or a 30-day rolling plan.
You can pay upfront for a terminal or choose a monthly hardware payment; for example, Dojo Go Max is listed at £25 per month. The Essential software plan is free, while Plus has a monthly charge per location. Dojo advertises next-day takings and a contract buyout of up to £3,000.
Universal minimum charges, separate PCI fees, online payment rates, cancellation costs, or terminal replacement fees are not advertised, so always check these in your written agreement.
Key Strengths
- Portable and countertop terminals for busy checkout.
- EPOS integrations and in-person features such as bill splitting and tips.
- Advertised next-day takings and UK-based support.
Main Limitations
- Rates above £100,000 turnover require a quote.
- Hardware payments and paid software add to the total cost.
- Contract and buyout conditions need checking.
- The published pricing is less useful for an ecommerce-first comparison.
Verdict
Shortlist Dojo if fast, integrated in-person payments matter to your business. If you sell mainly online or take few card payments, compare a provider with clearer pricing for your sales channels.
How Much Does a UK Merchant Account Cost?
UK merchant account pricing can vary based on a range of factors, including your provider, how many payments you take, the types of cards your customers use, and which services are included in your agreement. A flat-rate provider may bundle these costs into a single transaction rate, while tailored quotes may list several charges separately.
Main Merchant Account Fees
Percentage transaction charges: A percentage of each card payment. Rates may differ by card type and whether the customer pays in person or online.Â
Fixed authorisation charges: A set amount for checking a payment. This may include declined attempts.
Monthly account charges: A recurring fee for the account or associated services.
Minimum monthly service charges: A minimum amount payable when your transaction charges fall below an agreed level.
Terminal purchase or rental: An upfront price to purchase the device or ongoing monthly fees. Setup and installation may cost extra.
Payment gateway fees: Charges to accept online payments.
Virtual terminal fees: Monthly access charges, transaction charges, or both for taking payments over the phone or by entering card details remotely.
PCI-related charges: Fees for compliance support or, depending on the agreement, failure to complete required checks.
Refund fees: A charge for processing a refund. Confirm whether the original transaction fee is refunded.
Chargeback and retrieval fees: Charges connected with disputed payments or requests for transaction records. Check each fee separately.
Currency conversion: Any additional costs when a payment is converted between currencies.
Settlement charges: Check whether payouts or faster access to funds carry a fee.
Early termination: A possible charge if you leave before your agreed contract ends.
To learn more, read our Card Processing Fees guide.
Why the headline rate can be misleading
Just because the headline rate is low, it does not always mean that you pay less.
Transaction count and average transaction value affect the impact of fixed per-payment charges.
Monthly card turnover affects how fixed account, terminal, and gateway costs are spread.
Card and payment type mixes, including consumer and commercial cards, UK and international cards, and in-person and online payments, can also change the rates you’re charged.
Other conditional or service charges also need to be included in the comparison.
Below is the effective rate formula to apply when comparing providers:
Effective merchant account rate = total payment costs ÷ total processed card turnover × 100
For example, £100 of payment costs on £5,000 of card turnover gives an effective rate of 2%. Include the same relevant charges in every comparison and review exceptional costs, such as chargebacks, separately if they would distort a typical month.
Worked Example One: Low-Volume Café
This café takes £5,000 a month across 250 in-person card payments, averaging £20 per transaction. Its card mix is 80% consumer debit and 20% consumer credit, with a flat rate of 1.70%, no fixed transaction charge or monthly account fee, and a £5 monthly allowance for hardware bought upfront.
| Cost | Hypothetical calculation | Monthly total |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage charge | £5,000 × 1.70% | £85 |
| Fixed transaction charge | 250 × £0 | £0 |
| Hardware allowance | Assumed monthly allocation | £5 |
| Total monthly cost | £90 | |
| Effective rate | £90 ÷ £5,000 × 100 | 1.80% |
For a café with relatively low, variable sales, this pricing structure offers simplicity when it comes to budgeting. There is also no account fee or minimum monthly charge to pay during slower months.
Worked Example Two: Higher-Volume Retailer
This retailer takes £50,000 a month across 1,000 transactions, averaging £50 each. Its card mix is 80% UK consumer, 15% commercial, and 5% international cards; 80% of sales are in person, and 20% are online. The two models below use that same transaction profile.
| Cost | Hypothetical flat-rate model | Hypothetical negotiated model |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage charges | £50,000 × 1.70% = £850 | UK consumer: £40,000 × 0.90% = £360; commercial: £7,500 × 1.80% = £135; international: £2,500 × 2.50% = £62.50 |
| Fixed transaction charges | 1,000 × £0 = £0 | 1,000 × £0.03 = £30 |
| Hardware and monthly fees | £5 hardware allowance | £15 account + £50 terminals + £5 PCI + £20 gateway = £90 |
| Total monthly cost | £855 | £677.50 |
| Effective rate | 1.71% | 1.36% |
Here, the negotiated model saves £177.50 a month despite coming with fixed fees. The break-even point comes when savings from its lower percentage charges exceed the extra monthly and per-transaction costs. At lower turnover, those fixed charges could make the flat-rate model cheaper.
Every price and rate in these examples is hypothetical. They are not provider quotes or UK market averages.
How Much Does a UK Merchant Account Cost?
1. Calculate Your Transaction Profile
Start with your monthly card turnover and transaction count, then divide your turnover by transactions to find your average transaction value.
Then make a list of what types of payments you accept and highlight the most common. Look for consumer, commercial, UK-issued, and international cards and whether these were taken in person or remotely.
These details matter because a percentage charge, a fixed charge per payment, and card-specific rates affect businesses differently.
2. Identify Where You Take Payments
List all the ways you accept payment: countertop, table-side, mobile, online, telephone, invoice, and subscriptions. Check that shortlisted providers support every channel you use and any you plan to add. Confirm whether those channels require separate products, agreements or rates.
3. Compare Total Costs
Request a written breakdown of percentage transaction rates, fixed authorisation charges, hardware purchase or rental, and monthly account or software fees. Add conditional costs such as refunds, chargebacks, faster payouts, and cancellation.
Calculate a monthly total using your transaction profile and compare effective rates over the same period. An introductory discount may hide higher ongoing contract costs, so check the price after any offer ends.
4. Check Contracts Carefully
Before signing anything, confirm your minimum term, renewal process, cancellation notice, and early termination charges. Understand whether your terminal hire has a separate agreement from payment processing, who owns the equipment, who is responsible for its maintenance, and whether it needs to be returned at the end of your contract.
5. Review Settlement
Understand when you can expect your funds to reach your bank account, not just when a transfer is initiated. Do weekends and bank holidays affect payouts, and if the provider offers next-day settlements, does this come as standard or at a premium? If funds are held or reserved, ask what triggers this decision and how you will be notified.
6. Check Integrations
Identify if you already rely on systems such as EPOS, ecommerce, accounting, CRM, invoicing, and subscription software. Confirm that the product and plan you are buying connect to them and whether integration needs extra software, hardware, or fees.
7. Consider Support
If there’s a problem, you need access to a channel that works for you. Check support channels and hours, whether any service-level commitments apply, and how faulty terminals are replaced. Confirm what help you receive with installation, onboarding and troubleshooting.
If you’re a larger business, you may also want a dedicated account manager rather than generic support.
8. Check Eligibility and Future Growth
Explain your industry, trading history, expected volumes, and plans for more locations, terminals, or online sales. Approval and pricing can depend on underwriting. Ask how your agreement would change as you grow, particularly if you may qualify for negotiated rates later.
Also confirm whether your sector or business model is restricted before comparing headline rates.
Merchant Account Checklist Before You Sign
Before you sign any merchant agreement, ensure you have the answers to the following questions in writing:
- What is the complete transaction pricing?
- What rates apply to UK, international, consumer and commercial cards across each payment channel?
- Are authorisation charges separate?
- Is there a minimum monthly charge?
- What are the PCI charges?
- How long is the initial contract?
- Does the agreement renew automatically?
- How much notice is required?
- Is there an early termination charge?
- Is the terminal bought or rented?
- Is the terminal agreement separate?
- Must rented equipment be returned?
- What is the standard settlement time? Where do funds arrive first, and under what conditions can they be held or reserved?
- Does faster settlement cost extra?
- What are the refund and chargeback fees?
- Are gateway and virtual-terminal charges separate?
- What support is included?
How quickly will faulty hardware be replaced? - Will the quoted price change after a promotional period?
- Does it integrate with my existing EPOS system, ecommerce platform or accounting software?
- Is approval subject to sector restrictions?
Merchant Accounts for Different Business Types
Merchant Accounts for Small Businesses
For smaller setups, look for simple fees, low fixed costs, easy setup, no long-term contracts, and flat transaction rates. As your business grows, compare your total costs with plans offering lower rates in exchange for a monthly charge. This may seem counterintuitive at first, but with your increased turnover, it can actually help you pay less in the long run.
Read our guide to merchant accounts for small businesses to learn more.
Merchant Accounts for Ecommerce
Start with a checkout that your customers will use and that connects to your current ecommerce platform. Then compare hosted checkout and gateway options, online transaction costs, fraud tools, international card acceptance, and currency-related charges. If you run a subscription service, always confirm how recurring payments and failed-payment follow-up work.
If online selling is key to your business, explore our ecommerce merchant accounts guide.
Merchant Accounts for Hospitality
Portable terminals for table-side payments, tipping prompts, and a reliable connection to an EPOS system are all key features of a restaurant, café, and pub merchant account. Understand how quickly funds appear in your account, the support type (especially during peak hours), and how faulty terminals are replaced. If a trial is available, test the terminal’s connection, EPOS connection and ease of use during a typical service.
Learn more about hospitality merchant accounts in our dedicated guide.
Merchant Accounts for Retail
For retailers, comparing countertop hardware with POS software is essential. Look for features that include stock tracking, sales reports, and straightforward refund handling. If you operate multiple locations, confirm whether products, staff access, and reporting can be managed together.
Check out our retail merchant accounts guide to learn more.
Merchant Accounts for Trades and Mobile Businesses
To take payments on the go, look for a provider that offers portable devices or Tap to Pay software, reliable mobile connectivity, and contract-free options. Invoices and payment links allow your customers to pay remotely or at a later date, which is useful if you complete work and bill in stages. Always confirm whether your device of choice prints physical receipts.
Explore our guide to mobile business merchant accounts to learn more about on-the-go payments.
Merchant Accounts for Professional Services
For consultants and other service businesses, your client experience is often more important than a card machine. Compare invoices and payment links for sending requests, a virtual terminal for telephone payments, and recurring billing for retainers or memberships. Check whether the provider bundles these features together or you have to pay separately.
Learn more in our professional services merchant accounts guide.
Merchant Accounts for Healthcare
Health professionals may need to take both in-person and remote payments, or at scheduled dates. Confirm that the payment product integrates with your existing systems, offers appropriate security features and comes with the support you need. Ask whether your type of healthcare business is eligible before comparing prices.
Read our dedicated healthcare merchant accounts guide to learn more.
Other Merchant Account Providers to Consider
Although the providers we covered above may be suitable for many businesses, they may not be the best fit for yours. Below are some alternatives that you may want to consider. Just because they were omitted from the main comparison table is not a reflection of their suitability.
Fiserv (Clover): Consider for merchant acquiring alongside Clover’s portable or countertop terminals.
Handepay: Consider its supported, quote-led setup if you’re comfortable reviewing separate acquiring and terminal-hire agreements.
Paysafe: Consider it for a tailored acquiring arrangement, particularly if you have online or international payment needs.
Teya: Consider it for in-person payments, smart terminals, and Tap to Pay.
Global Payments: Consider it if you need acquiring across in-person, online, and remote channels.
Tyl by NatWest: Consider it if your UK business wants card machines alongside online and remote payment options from the merchant account wing of a well-established bank.
Adyen: Consider it for higher-volume, international, or multi-channel payments.
GoCardless: Consider it for B2B invoices and recurring bank payments. It is an alternative to card acceptance, not a merchant account.
Elavon: Consider it if you want a dedicated acquiring account with negotiated pricing.
LoPay: Consider it for simpler in-person payments as a smaller business or sole trader.
Final Recommendations: Which Merchant Account Should You Choose?
There is no universal “best” merchant account provider. Instead, think of finding the one that matches the way you accept payments and fits your budget.
If you process relatively few card payments, prioritise straightforward pricing, limited fixed costs, and flexible terms. At higher volumes, compare negotiated total costs against flat-rate plans using your own card mix and transaction count.
If you sell mainly online, compare gateway and checkout options, integrations, fraud controls and the full cost of online transactions. If you run a hospitality business, look for portable hardware, settlement conditions, support during your busiest hours, and whether it integrates with your current EPOS system. For mobile businesses, prioritise connectivity, portable hardware and flexible terms. If you’re growing, check the cost of adding terminals, locations and sales channels.
If you’re a higher-risk business, confirm eligibility before comparing prices, as underwriting may limit which providers can support you.
Request written, like-for-like quotes based on the same turnover, average transaction value, card mix, and payment channels. Then compare the total monthly cost, settlement terms, and contract obligations before choosing.
You can use our free quote comparison to start that process today with no obligation to commit.
FAQs
What is the best merchant account for a small UK business?
The best choice depends on your monthly card turnover, where you take payments, and how much setup or ongoing support you need. A flat-rate provider may suit a low-volume business with limited fixed costs. With steadier, higher turnover, compare a negotiated quote against that simpler option.
How do I compare merchant account providers?
Compare the total payment cost for your own turnover, transaction count, and card mix, then calculate an effective rate. Check contract length and cancellation, settlement conditions, supported in-person and online channels, integrations, and support hours. Confirm your business is eligible before treating any advertised price as achievable.
How much does a UK merchant account cost?
There is no universal price. You may pay a percentage of each transaction, a fixed authorisation charge, monthly account or minimum fees, and hardware purchase or rental. Online gateways and PCI-related services can add costs. Ask for a complete written quote based on your payment channels and card mix.
Can I get a merchant account without a long contract?
Yes. Some payment service providers offer pay-as-you-go arrangements without a long-term processing contract. Traditional acquiring packages or rented terminals may involve a fixed minimum term. Check whether equipment has a separate agreement, how much notice cancellation requires, whether fees apply, and when rented hardware must be returned.
How quickly will card payments reach my bank account?
Payout timing varies by provider, plan, and destination account. Next-working-day transfers may be available, but cut-off times, bank processing, weekends, and bank holidays can affect when money arrives. Ask whether faster settlement costs extra and whether eligibility checks, holds, or reserves can delay access to your takings.
Do I need a separate merchant account for online payments?
Not always. A traditional setup may have a separate acquiring agreement and payment gateway for online checkout, while a payment service provider may package both together. A gateway transfers payment details; it does not necessarily provide the acquiring service that processes and settles the card transaction.
What is the difference between a merchant account and a business bank account?
A merchant account is used to receive and manage card-payment funds during processing and settlement. Your business bank account is where the provider pays out the available proceeds for you to use. Some payment platforms use aggregated arrangements instead of giving every business a dedicated traditional merchant account.
Can a new or high-risk business get a merchant account?
New businesses can apply, but approval and terms depend on a provider’s underwriting. Businesses with elevated chargeback exposure or activities outside a provider’s accepted sectors may face restrictions, reserves, or higher charges. Confirm eligibility and any settlement conditions early; some businesses may need a specialist provider.
Is the cheapest transaction rate always the cheapest option?
No. A lower percentage can be outweighed by authorisation fees, monthly minimums, terminal rental, PCI or gateway charges, and cancellation costs. Compare the total costs of each offer against the same turnover, transaction count, and card mix. Divide those costs by card turnover to calculate an effective rate.
What information is needed to apply for a merchant account?
Providers commonly ask for your business identity, owners or directors, bank details, trading history, expected card turnover, average transaction value, and where you accept payments. They may also request identification, financial records, and information about refunds or delivery. Exact documents and approval requirements vary with the provider and business.
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