The 15 Best Credit Card Processing Software in the UK for 2026 include Square, Stripe, PayPal, Worldpay, Adyen, SumUp, Shopify Payments, GoCardless, Revolut Business, Amazon Pay, Cybersource, Zettle by PayPal, Opayo, Cashflows, and Stax. These platforms help UK businesses accept card payments, process online and in-person transactions, manage payment operations, support recurring payments, and monitor transaction activity.
In 2026, UK credit card processing platforms offer capabilities such as card payments, online checkout, POS payments, contactless payments, payment links, digital wallets, recurring billing, invoicing, fraud prevention, refunds, reporting, and multi-currency payments. Some are designed for small businesses and startups, while others provide advanced payment infrastructure and global processing for larger organisations.
The right credit card processing software depends on factors such as business size, transaction volume, payment channels, processing fees, online or in-person sales, supported currencies, POS requirements, e-commerce integrations, security features, and reporting needs. Small businesses may prioritise simple setup and transparent pricing, while larger businesses may need international payments, advanced fraud protection, recurring billing, and scalable payment infrastructure.
What Is Credit Card Processing Software in the UK?
Credit card processing software is a digital payment system that enables UK businesses to accept, authorise, process, and manage credit and debit card transactions. It connects merchants with payment gateways, processors, banks, and card networks to securely transfer transaction information and complete payments.
Depending on the platform, businesses can accept payments through websites, online stores, POS terminals, mobile devices, payment links, and invoices. Many solutions also support digital wallets, recurring payments, refunds, fraud prevention, and transaction reporting.
A typical UK credit card processing platform provides:
- Card and debit payment processing
- Online and in-person payment acceptance
- Secure payment gateways and checkout
- Payment links and invoicing
- Fraud prevention and payment security
- Transaction and settlement reporting
How Does Credit Card Processing Software Work in the UK?
Credit card processing software manages payment transactions through several stages:
- Payment Capture – Collects payment details through a website, card terminal, mobile device, or payment link.
- Payment Authorisation – Sends transaction details through the payment network to verify the card and obtain approval.
- Transaction Processing – Transfers payment information between the merchant, processor, acquiring bank, card network, and issuing bank.
- Security Checks – Uses authentication, tokenisation, and fraud detection to help protect transactions.
- Payment Settlement – Transfers approved funds to the merchant’s business bank account.
- Reporting – Records transactions, fees, refunds, and settlements for financial tracking and reconciliation.
Payment data is securely processed and stored through the payment platform, allowing businesses, finance teams, and authorised users to access relevant transaction information from different locations. Depending on the platform, software can automate payment collection, transaction processing, refunds, recurring billing, settlement tracking, reconciliation, fraud monitoring, and payment reporting, while giving businesses greater visibility into their sales and payment activity.
Key Functions of Credit Card Processing Software in the UK
- Card Payment Processing – Accepts credit and debit card payments from customers.
- Online Payments – Processes payments through websites, apps, and e-commerce stores.
- POS Payments – Supports in-person transactions through terminals and POS systems.
- Contactless Payments – Accepts contactless cards and compatible digital wallets.
- Payment Links – Creates shareable links for collecting payments remotely.
- Recurring Billing – Automates subscription and repeat payments.
- Fraud Prevention – Helps identify suspicious transactions and reduce payment risks.
- Refunds & Chargebacks – Supports refunds and payment dispute management.
- Reporting & Analytics – Tracks transactions, fees, settlements, and payment performance.
- Multi-Currency Payments – Supports international customers and multiple currencies.
- Integrations – Connects payment processing with accounting, e-commerce, CRM, and POS software.
By bringing these capabilities together with secure payment processing and automation, credit card processing software enables UK businesses to accept payments more efficiently, improve payment visibility, simplify transaction management, support secure online and in-person sales, and reduce administrative workloads.
Benefits of Credit Card Processing Software in the UK
- Accept Payments Easily: UK businesses can accept card payments online, in-store, or through mobile devices.
- Faster Checkout: Automated processing reduces manual payment handling and speeds up transactions.
- Better Customer Experience: Customers can use cards, contactless payments, and supported digital wallets.
- Improved Security: Encryption, tokenisation, authentication, and fraud tools help protect payment data.
- Reduced Administration: Automated transactions, refunds, reporting, and reconciliation reduce manual work.
- Better Payment Visibility: Businesses can monitor sales, fees, settlements, and refunds from one platform.
- Support Online Sales: Payment gateways make it easier to accept secure card payments through websites and online stores.
- International Payments: Many platforms support multiple currencies and international card transactions.
- Scalable Processing: Businesses can choose payment solutions that support increasing transaction volumes and expanding operations.
Top 15 Best Credit Card Processing Software in the UK for 2026
Here is a selection of 15 leading credit card processing platforms in the UK for 2026 — selected for their payment processing capabilities, transaction fees, online and in-person payments, POS functionality, security, recurring billing, integrations, scalability, and suitability for businesses of different sizes:
- Square
- Stripe
- PayPal
- Worldpay
- Adyen
- SumUp
- Shopify Payments
- GoCardless
- Revolut Business
- Amazon Pay
- Cybersource
- Zettle by PayPal
- Opayo
- Cashflows
- Stax
1. Square – Best Overall Credit Card Processing Software in the UK for Small Businesses
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2009 |
| Country | United States |
| Software Type | Credit Card Processing, Point-of-Sale (POS), Online Payments & Business Management Software |
| Core Features | Card Processing, POS, Online Payments, Payment Links, Invoicing, Tap to Pay, Digital Wallets, Fraud Protection |
| Deployment | Cloud-based |
| Pricing Model | Free software with transaction-based pricing |
| Starting Price | £0/month for Square POS, with payment processing fees |
| UK Availability | Yes |
| Supported Platforms | Web, iOS and Android |
Square is a cloud-based credit card processing platform that helps UK businesses accept card payments in person and online. It combines payment processing with POS, invoicing, payment links, digital wallets, and business management tools within one platform.
Square is particularly useful for small businesses, retailers, restaurants, salons, and service providers in the UK that want straightforward credit card processing without a monthly fee for its core POS software. UK businesses can accept contactless and chip and PIN payments, process online transactions, use Tap to Pay, and choose from Square’s range of payment hardware.
Key Features
- UK Credit Card Processing: Accept credit and debit card payments from customers in the UK through in-person and online channels.
- Point-of-Sale: Manage payments, sales, products, refunds, and customer information through Square POS.
- Online Payments: Accept card payments from UK customers through online checkout and eCommerce tools.
- Payment Links: Create payment links and QR codes for collecting payments without a full online store.
- Invoicing: Create and send invoices and allow UK customers to make online payments.
- Tap to Pay: Accept contactless payments directly through compatible iPhone and Android devices in the UK.
- Digital Wallets: Support digital wallet payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Payment Hardware: Offers Square Reader, Terminal, Register, and other payment devices for UK businesses.
- Fraud Protection: Provides payment security, dispute management, and tools to help protect UK transactions.
Pricing
- Free: £0/month for the core Square POS software in the UK, with transaction fees applying to processed payments.
- In-person payments: 1.75% per UK card transaction.
- Online payments: 1.4% + 25p for UK cards and 2.5% + 25p for non-UK cards.
- Manually entered payments: 2.5% per transaction.
- Custom pricing: Available for eligible UK businesses with higher payment processing volumes.
2. Stripe – Best Credit Card Processing Software for Growing UK Businesses
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2010 |
| Country | United States |
| Software Type | Credit Card Processing, Payment Gateway & Financial Infrastructure Software |
| Core Features | Online Payments, Checkout, Payment Links, Billing, Invoicing, Fraud Prevention & Global Payments |
| Deployment | Cloud-based / Web-based |
| Pricing Model | Pay-as-you-go, transaction-based pricing |
| Starting Price | 2.9% + 30¢ per successful transaction for domestic cards |
| UK Availability | Yes |
| Supported Platforms | Web, iOS, Android & POS |
Stripe is a global payment processing and financial infrastructure platform that enables UK businesses to accept credit and debit card payments online and in person. It provides payment processing, checkout, billing, invoicing, fraud prevention, and other financial tools through one cloud-based platform.
Stripe is suitable for UK startups, eCommerce businesses, SaaS companies, online marketplaces, and growing enterprises that need flexible payment infrastructure. UK businesses can accept cards and digital wallets, support multiple currencies and payment methods, create customized checkout experiences, and manage recurring payments.
Key Features
- Credit Card Processing: Accept credit and debit card payments from UK and international customers through online and in-person channels.
- Global Payments: Supports 195+ countries, 135+ currencies, and 100+ payment methods.
- Checkout: Provides pre-built and customizable checkout interfaces for UK websites and online businesses.
- Payment Links: Create no-code payment links to collect payments without building a complete checkout system.
- Billing & Invoicing: Manage subscriptions, recurring payments, usage-based billing, and professional invoices.
- Fraud Protection: Stripe Radar uses machine learning to detect and block fraudulent card transactions.
- Stripe Connect: Helps UK marketplaces and platforms onboard sellers and manage multi-party payments.
Pricing
- Standard: 2.9% + 30¢ per successful transaction for domestic cards.
- International cards: Additional 1.5% applies to international card transactions, while currency conversion adds another 1% when required.
- Other payment methods: ACH Direct Debit costs 0.8% per transaction, capped at $5, while Klarna starts at 5.99% + 30¢.
- Custom pricing: Available for businesses with large payment volumes or unique business models, including volume and multi-product discounts.
3. PayPal – Best Credit Card Processing Software for Online UK Businesses
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1998 |
| Country | United States |
| Software Type | Credit Card Processing, Digital Wallet & Online Payment Software |
| Core Features | Online Payments, PayPal Checkout, Payment Links, Invoicing, Recurring Billing, Pay Later & Fraud Protection |
| Deployment | Cloud-based / SaaS & Mobile Apps |
| Pricing Model | Pay-per-transaction |
| Starting Price | Transaction-based pricing |
| UK Availability | Yes |
| Supported Platforms | Web, iOS, Android & POS |
PayPal is a widely used digital payment and credit card processing platform that allows UK businesses to accept card payments, PayPal transactions, and other online payment methods. Its tools cover checkout, payment links, invoicing, recurring billing, and transaction management.
The platform is particularly useful for UK eCommerce stores, freelancers, service providers, and small businesses that want to offer customers a familiar payment option. Businesses can also use PayPal’s fraud protection, Pay Later options, and international payment capabilities to support online sales.
Key Features
- Credit Card Processing: Accept credit and debit card payments from customers through online checkout and supported payment solutions in the UK.
- PayPal Checkout: Add a streamlined checkout experience that lets customers pay using PayPal or eligible card payment methods.
- Digital Wallet: Provides PayPal’s digital wallet, allowing customers to store payment details and complete transactions more conveniently.
- Payment Links: Create shareable payment links that UK businesses can send to customers without requiring a full online store.
- Invoicing & Recurring Billing: Create professional invoices and manage recurring payments for subscriptions, services, and repeat customers.
- Pay Later: Gives eligible customers flexible payment options while allowing merchants to receive payment according to PayPal’s applicable terms.
- Fraud Protection: Uses security and risk-management tools to help UK merchants identify and reduce potentially fraudulent transactions.
Pricing
- Standard card payments: 1.2% plus a fixed fee for eligible UK card-funded transactions, depending on the payment method and transaction type.
- QR code payments: 1.5% plus a fixed fee for eligible UK QR code transactions of £10.01 or more.
- International payments: Additional cross-border fees may apply to payments received from customers outside the UK.
- Chargebacks: £14 per eligible UK card transaction chargeback.
4. Worldpay – Best Enterprise Credit Card Processing Software in the UK
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1989 |
| Country | United States |
| Software Type | Credit Card Processing & Merchant Acquiring Software |
| Core Features | Card Processing, Online Payments, POS, Payment Links, Virtual Terminal, Fraud Protection & Recurring Payments |
| Deployment | Cloud-based, APIs, Hosted Payment Pages & POS Hardware |
| Pricing Model | Pay-as-you-go and Custom Pricing |
| Starting Price | From 1.3% + 20p for eligible UK domestic consumer card transactions |
| UK Availability | Yes |
| Supported Platforms | Web, Mobile, POS, Shopify, WooCommerce & Salesforce |
Worldpay is a global payment processing and merchant acquiring platform that helps UK businesses accept credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, and other payment methods across online and physical sales channels. Its infrastructure supports businesses ranging from small merchants to large enterprises.
The platform provides payment gateways, POS solutions, virtual terminals, payment links, fraud prevention, and tools for managing transactions across different channels. Worldpay is particularly suited to UK businesses with higher transaction volumes or more complex payment requirements.
Key Features
- Multi-Channel Payments: Accept credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, and other payment methods through online, mobile, and in-person transactions.
- Online Payment Gateway: Process UK eCommerce payments through hosted checkout pages, APIs, and integrations with popular commerce platforms.
- POS Payments: Supports card-present transactions through compatible payment terminals for UK retailers, restaurants, and other physical businesses.
- Virtual Terminal: Enter card details securely for telephone and manually processed transactions without requiring a physical card terminal.
- Pay-by-Link: Create payment links that businesses can send to customers through email, messaging, or other digital channels.
- Fraud Protection: Provides security and risk-management tools designed to detect suspicious transactions and help protect UK merchants from payment fraud.
- Platform & Marketplace Payments: Offers payment infrastructure for software platforms and marketplaces, including merchant onboarding, payment routing, and split-payment capabilities.
Pricing
- UK Pay-as-you-go: From 1.3% + 20p per eligible domestic consumer Visa or Mastercard transaction, with no monthly fee.
- Simplicity Gateway: Around 1.5% per online transaction plus a £19.95 monthly platform fee, depending on the selected plan.
- Custom Processing: Tailored interchange-plus pricing available for larger UK businesses based on transaction volume, payment types, and requirements.
- Hardware & Additional Fees: Separate fees may apply for payment terminals, account services, PCI-related services, or contractual requirements.
5. Adyen – Best Global Credit Card Processing Software in the UK
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2006 |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Software Type | Payment Processing, Merchant Acquiring & Financial Technology Platform |
| Core Features | Credit Card Processing, Online Payments, POS, Digital Wallets, Fraud Prevention, Recurring Payments & Embedded Finance |
| Deployment | Cloud-based / API-based |
| Pricing Model | Interchange++ and Custom Pricing |
| Starting Price | Transaction-based pricing with a fixed processing fee and payment-method costs |
| UK Availability | Yes |
| Supported Platforms | Web, Mobile Apps, POS & eCommerce Platforms |
Adyen is a global payment processing platform that gives UK businesses a single infrastructure for accepting credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, and local payment methods. Its unified system connects online checkout, mobile payments, and physical POS transactions within one platform.
The platform is designed primarily for mid-market and enterprise businesses in the UK that process payments across multiple countries or sales channels. It also provides marketplace payments, embedded financial services, fraud prevention, and detailed payment data through a centralized platform.
Key Features
- Global Credit Card Processing: Accept major credit and debit cards along with digital wallets and numerous regional payment methods across international markets.
- Unified Commerce: Connect online, mobile, and in-store payments so UK businesses can manage transactions through a single payment infrastructure.
- Online Payment Gateway: Process eCommerce transactions through APIs, hosted payment pages, and customizable checkout experiences.
- POS Payments: Support in-person card and contactless payments through Android-based payment terminals and integrated point-of-sale solutions.
- Adyen for Platforms: Provides marketplace and platform businesses with merchant onboarding, KYC processes, split payments, and automated payouts.
- Embedded Financial Services: Offers financial products such as business accounts, card issuing, and financing solutions for eligible businesses.
- Fraud Prevention: Uses machine-learning-based risk tools to identify suspicious transactions while helping merchants maintain high payment approval rates.
Pricing
- Processing Fee: $0.13 per transaction plus a fee based on the selected payment method.
- Card Payments: Interchange++ + 0.60% for Mastercard transactions, with rates varying by card type.
- No Setup Fee: No setup or monthly fees, with costs based on transaction activity.
- UK Payment Methods: Additional fees may apply depending on the specific UK payment method used.
6. SumUp – Best Credit Card Processing Software for Small UK Businesses
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Software Type | POS, Mobile Payment & Credit Card Processing Software |
| Core Features | Card Processing, POS, Payment Links, Invoicing, Inventory, Business Account & Customer Loyalty |
| Deployment | Cloud-based, Mobile Apps & Payment Hardware |
| Pricing Model | Pay-as-you-go and Subscription-based |
| Starting Price | £0/month with transaction fees |
| UK Availability | Yes |
| Supported Platforms | iOS, Android, Web & SumUp Hardware |
SumUp is a payment processing and point-of-sale platform designed primarily for small UK businesses, sole traders, retailers, and service providers. It combines card readers, mobile payments, POS tools, invoicing, and business management features in one platform.
UK merchants can accept contactless and chip-and-PIN card payments without committing to complex payment infrastructure. SumUp also provides payment links, inventory management, digital invoicing, and optional subscription plans for businesses that need lower transaction rates or more advanced POS features.
Key Features
- Card Payment Processing: Accept contactless, chip-and-PIN, and digital wallet payments through SumUp card readers.
- Mobile POS: Turn compatible smartphones or tablets into convenient point-of-sale systems for UK businesses.
- Payment Links: Send customers secure payment links for remote and online transactions.
- Inventory Management: Track products, stock levels, prices, discounts, and product information from the POS system.
- Business Account: Manage business funds and receive SumUp payment payouts through an integrated business account.
- Invoicing: Create, send, and track digital invoices while allowing customers to pay electronically.
- Customer Loyalty: Use customer management and loyalty tools to encourage repeat purchases and build stronger customer relationships.
Pricing
- Pay-As-You-Go: 1.69% per standard UK in-person card transaction, with no monthly subscription.
- Online Payments: Around 2.5% per online or invoice payment, depending on the payment type.
- SumUp One: From around £19/month, reducing eligible in-person transaction rates to approximately 0.95%.
- POS Plans: Additional paid plans are available for advanced POS and business management features, with pricing varying by package.
7. Shopify Payments – Best Integrated Credit Card Processing Software in the UK
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2013 |
| Country | Canada |
| Software Type | Integrated Payment Gateway & Credit Card Processing Software |
| Core Features | Card Payments, Shop Pay, Digital Wallets, BNPL, Fraud Protection, Reporting & Shopify POS |
| Deployment | Cloud-based |
| Pricing Model | Pay-as-you-go processing through Shopify plans |
| Starting Price | Included with Shopify subscription; no separate Shopify Payments fee |
| UK Availability | Yes |
| Supported Platforms | Shopify Online Store, Shopify POS, Shop Pay & Shopify Sales Channels |
Shopify Payments is the built-in payment processing solution for Shopify stores, allowing UK merchants to accept credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, and other supported payment methods without connecting a separate payment gateway. Payments, refunds, fees, and payouts can all be managed from the Shopify admin.
It is particularly suitable for UK eCommerce businesses already using Shopify because payment processing works directly with the store, checkout, and Shopify POS. Merchants can also use Shop Pay, supported buy-now-pay-later options, fraud protection, and unified payment reporting.
Key Features
- Credit Card Processing: Accept major credit and debit cards directly through a Shopify-powered checkout.
- Shop Pay: Provides a faster checkout experience by securely storing eligible customer payment and shipping information.
- Digital Wallets: Supports convenient payment options such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Eligible UK merchants can offer installment-based payment options through supported Shopify services.
- Shopify POS: Connect online payments with in-person transactions through Shopify’s point-of-sale system.
- Fraud Protection: Uses built-in security and risk analysis tools to help identify potentially fraudulent transactions.
- Payment Reporting: Manage transactions, refunds, processing fees, and payouts from the Shopify admin dashboard.
Pricing
- Shopify Payments: No separate monthly fee, but an active Shopify subscription is required.
- Starter Plan: Designed for lightweight selling, with higher transaction rates than full Shopify store plans.
- Basic, Grow & Advanced: Card processing rates vary by plan, with lower rates generally available on higher-tier subscriptions.
- Shopify Plus: Custom pricing and payment-processing terms are available for enterprise merchants based on business requirements and sales volume.
8. GoCardless – Best Bank Payment Processing Software in the UK
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2011 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Software Type | Bank Payment, Direct Debit & Recurring Payment Software |
| Core Features | Direct Debit, Open Banking, Recurring Payments, Instant Bank Pay, Payment Recovery & Fraud Prevention |
| Deployment | Cloud-based / API |
| Pricing Model | Pay-as-you-go and Custom Pricing |
| Starting Price | £0/month with transaction fees |
| UK Availability | Yes |
| Supported Platforms | Web, Mobile & 350+ Business Integrations |
GoCardless is a UK-based payment platform focused on bank-to-bank payments, direct debit, and open banking, rather than conventional credit card processing. It helps UK businesses collect recurring, subscription, invoice, and one-off payments directly from customers’ bank accounts.
The platform is well suited to subscription businesses, SaaS companies, membership organizations, and service providers that want to automate recurring collections and reduce reliance on card payments. Its integrations, payment recovery tools, and international collection capabilities make it useful for businesses managing regular payments.
Key Features
- Automated Direct Debit: Collect recurring and one-off payments directly from customer bank accounts across supported payment networks.
- Instant Bank Pay: Accept one-off account-to-account payments using open banking connections.
- Recurring Payments: Automate subscription, membership, installment, and invoice collections.
- Payment Recovery: Success+ uses intelligent retry technology to help recover failed payments.
- International Collections: Collect bank payments across multiple countries without requiring separate local bank accounts.
- Payment Integrations: Connect GoCardless with accounting, CRM, subscription, and business management platforms.
- Fraud Protection: Uses bank verification and mandate controls to help confirm payment details and reduce payment fraud.
Pricing
- Standard: From around 1% + £0.20 per UK transaction, with fees capped at £4 per transaction.
- Advanced: Around 1.25% + £0.20 per UK transaction, capped at £5, with additional payment recovery features.
- Pro: Advanced fraud protection and customization with custom pricing for eligible businesses.
- Enterprise: Volume-based pricing and customized payment arrangements available for larger UK businesses.
9. Revolut Business – Best Multi-Currency Business Banking Software in the UK
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Software Type | Digital Banking & Financial Operations Platform |
| Core Features | Multi-Currency Accounts, Business Cards, Expense Management, Payment Acceptance, International Transfers, Integrations & API |
| Deployment | Cloud-based SaaS |
| Pricing Model | Tiered Subscription Plans with Usage-Based Fees |
| Starting Price | From £10/month |
| UK Availability | Yes |
| Supported Platforms | Web, iOS & Android |
Revolut Business is a digital business banking and financial management platform that helps UK companies manage payments, employee spending, international transfers, and multiple currencies from one account. Businesses can hold and exchange 25+ currencies while issuing physical and virtual corporate cards.
It is particularly useful for companies operating internationally or managing distributed teams. The platform combines business banking, expense controls, payment acceptance, automated workflows, accounting integrations, and API capabilities in a single financial workspace.
Key Features
- Multi-Currency Accounts: Hold, exchange, receive, and transfer 25+ currencies with access to local account details.
- Corporate Cards: Create physical and virtual employee cards with spending limits and configurable controls.
- Expense Management: Track employee purchases, attach receipts, and create approval workflows for business expenses.
- Payment Acceptance: Accept customer payments through Revolut Pay, payment links, QR codes, and supported POS solutions.
- International Transfers: Send and receive business payments across multiple countries and currencies.
- Accounting Integrations: Connect with platforms such as Xero and QuickBooks to simplify financial administration.
- Business API: Use API capabilities to automate payments, financial workflows, and custom business processes.
Pricing
- Basic: From £10/month, with essential business banking and multi-currency features.
- Grow: From £30/month, offering higher transfer and foreign-exchange allowances plus additional business tools.
- Scale: From £90/month, designed for businesses with higher transaction volumes and larger exchange requirements.
- Enterprise: Custom pricing with tailored features and processing capabilities for larger organisations.
10. Amazon Pay – Best Credit Card Payment Processing Software for E-commerce in UK
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Seattle, United States |
| Software Type | Payment Processing, Digital Wallet & Payment Gateway |
| Core Features | Online Checkout, Digital Wallet, Recurring Payments, Fraud Protection, BNPL & E-commerce Integrations |
| Deployment | Cloud-based / API & Platform Integrations |
| Pricing Model | Pay-as-you-go Transaction Pricing |
| Starting Price | $0/month plus transaction fees |
| UK Availability | Yes |
| Supported Platforms | Web, Mobile & Voice |
Amazon Pay is an online payment service from Amazon that allows customers to pay on participating e-commerce websites using payment and delivery information saved in their Amazon accounts. This can reduce checkout friction while giving merchants access to a familiar payment experience.
The platform is suitable for online retailers and e-commerce businesses that want to add a streamlined checkout option. It supports recurring payments, multiple payment flows, fraud protection, and integrations with popular commerce platforms.
Key Features
- Frictionless Checkout: Uses customers’ saved Amazon payment and shipping information to simplify the checkout process.
- Multi-Channel Payments: Supports payment experiences across websites, mobile devices, and compatible voice-based experiences.
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Provides eligible customers with installment or deferred payment options.
- Fraud Protection: Uses Amazon’s payment security infrastructure and customer protection measures to help reduce payment-related risks.
- Flexible Payment Processing: Supports immediate authorization, delayed capture, split shipments, and recurring billing.
- E-commerce Integrations: Connects with platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento/Adobe Commerce, and BigCommerce.
- Payment Management: Provides tools and APIs for merchants to integrate Amazon Pay into their existing checkout and payment workflows.
Pricing
- Web & Mobile: 2.9% + $0.30 per successful US transaction.
- Alexa Payments: 4.0% + $0.30 per voice transaction.
- International Transactions: An additional 1% cross-border fee may apply to eligible international transactions.
- Chargebacks: $20 dispute fee may apply when a transaction results in a chargeback.
11. Cybersource – Best Enterprise Credit Card Processing Software in the UK
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1994 |
| Headquarters | Foster City, United States |
| Software Type | Payment Gateway & Fraud Management Platform |
| Core Features | Global Payments, Omnichannel Processing, Fraud Detection, Tokenization, Recurring Billing, Digital Wallets & Risk Management |
| Deployment | Cloud-based / SaaS |
| Pricing Model | Custom Quote-Based Pricing |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing based on business requirements |
| UK Availability | Yes |
| Supported Platforms | Web, Mobile & POS |
Cybersource is an enterprise payment management platform owned by Visa that helps mid-sized and large businesses process card payments, manage payment data, and reduce transaction fraud. It supports global payment acceptance across online, mobile, and physical sales channels.
The platform is designed for businesses with complex payment requirements, international operations, or high transaction volumes. Its payment gateway combines fraud management, tokenization, recurring billing, digital wallet support, and enterprise integrations within a unified infrastructure.
Key Features
- Global Payment Processing: Accepts credit and debit cards, ACH, direct debit, and eChecks across 160+ countries and territories.
- Omnichannel Payments: Supports both online and in-person transactions through web, mobile, and POS channels.
- Advanced Fraud Detection: Uses machine learning, behavioral data, and risk analysis to identify and prevent suspicious transactions.
- Payment Tokenization: Replaces sensitive card information with secure tokens to protect payment data and support PCI compliance.
- Recurring Billing: Helps businesses automate subscription payments, billing schedules, and recurring transactions.
- Digital Wallet Support: Integrates with payment options such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
- Enterprise Integrations: Connects payment infrastructure with business systems, APIs, and enterprise platforms to support customized workflows.
Pricing
- Custom Pricing: Pricing varies based on transaction volume, region, and selected services, with no fixed public pricing tiers.
- Gateway Fees: Enterprise gateway fees depend on the merchant’s processing requirements and contract.
- Fraud Management: Additional fees may apply for advanced fraud detection and risk-management services.
- Payment Frequency: Monthly platform charges may apply alongside transaction-based processing fees.
12. Zettle by PayPal – Best Mobile POS Credit Card Processing Software in the UK
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Software Type | Mobile Point-of-Sale (mPOS) & Payment Processing Software |
| Core Features | Card Payments, Tap to Pay, Inventory Management, Sales Tracking, Reporting, Payment Hardware & E-commerce Integrations |
| Deployment | Cloud-based SaaS & Mobile App |
| Pricing Model | Pay-as-you-go Transaction Pricing |
| Starting Price | £0/month for the software |
| UK Availability | Yes |
| Supported Platforms | iOS, iPadOS & Android |
Zettle by PayPal, now known as PayPal Point of Sale, is a mobile-focused payment and point-of-sale solution designed for small and medium-sized businesses. It allows UK merchants to accept card and contactless payments while managing sales, products, inventory, and business reporting from a single platform.
The solution is particularly suitable for retailers, market sellers, cafés, service businesses, and other merchants that need flexible in-person payment options. It supports dedicated card readers, smart terminals, and Tap to Pay, along with integrations that connect physical sales with online stores and accounting systems.
Key Features
- Payment Hardware: Supports PayPal card readers and smart POS terminals for accepting in-person payments.
- Tap to Pay: Lets merchants accept contactless cards and digital wallets directly through compatible smartphones.
- Inventory Management: Track stock levels, organize products and variations, and monitor inventory from the POS system.
- Multi-Channel Integrations: Connects with e-commerce and accounting platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, QuickBooks, and Xero.
- Sales Reporting: Provides sales insights and performance reports based on products, staff, and transaction activity.
- Flexible Payment Methods: Accepts chip-and-PIN, contactless cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and supported QR payment options.
- PayPal Integration: Connects in-person payment activity with the broader PayPal ecosystem for streamlined payment management.
Pricing
- Software: No monthly subscription fee; the core PayPal Point of Sale software is free to use.
- UK In-Person Payments: 1.75% per standard card or QR-code transaction.
- Card Reader: From £29 for eligible first-time purchases.
- Smart Terminal: Separate hardware option with pricing based on the selected device or bundle.
13. Opayo – Best Established Payment Gateway Software in the UK
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2001 |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Software Type | Payment Gateway & Merchant Services Software |
| Core Features | Online Payments, POS, MOTO Payments, Fraud Protection, Tokenization, Digital Wallets & Reporting |
| Deployment | Cloud-based / Web API |
| Pricing Model | Monthly Subscription + Transaction Fees |
| Starting Price | From around £25/month |
| UK Availability | Yes |
| Supported Platforms | Web, API, Virtual Terminal & Card Readers |
Opayo, formerly known as Sage Pay, is a UK-focused payment gateway that enables businesses to accept payments through online stores, physical point-of-sale systems, and telephone or mail-order transactions. It provides multiple integration options for businesses with different checkout requirements.
The platform is well suited to UK retailers, service providers, and established businesses that need secure payment processing alongside fraud controls and accounting integrations. Its connection with the Sage ecosystem can also simplify transaction reconciliation and financial administration.
Key Features
- Flexible Payment Integration: Offers hosted, embedded, direct, and API-based integration options for different checkout requirements.
- Multi-Channel Payments: Supports e-commerce, face-to-face card payments, and Mail Order/Telephone Order (MOTO) transactions.
- Fraud Protection: Includes tools such as 3D Secure, Address Verification, and CV2 checks to help identify potentially fraudulent transactions.
- Tokenization: Securely stores payment credentials through tokenization for recurring payments and streamlined future checkouts.
- Sage Integration: Connects with Sage accounting products to help automate transaction records and reconciliation.
- Digital Wallets: Supports popular payment options including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal.
- Transaction Reporting: Provides an online management portal for monitoring transactions, settlements, reports, and account activity.
Pricing
- Gateway Fee: From approximately £25/month, with higher tiers reaching around £49/month depending on the selected package.
- Transaction Fees: Vary by card type, transaction volume, and merchant agreement, with some UK debit rates starting around 0.99%.
- Custom Pricing: Tailored transaction rates are available for established and higher-volume businesses based on processing requirements.
- Settlement: Next-business-day settlement is typically available with an Elavon acquiring account.
14. Cashflows – Best UK Payment Processing Software for SMEs
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1997 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Software Type | Payment Processing, Merchant Acquiring & Payment Gateway Platform |
| Core Features | Online Payments, POS, Pay-by-Link, Virtual Terminal, Fraud Protection, Settlement & Reporting |
| Deployment | Cloud-based / SaaS & POS Hardware |
| Pricing Model | Custom Transaction Pricing + Hardware Rental |
| Starting Price | From around £15/month for selected terminal plans |
| UK Availability | Yes |
| Supported Platforms | Web, iOS, Android & Smart POS |
Cashflows is a UK-based payment processing and merchant acquiring platform that helps small and medium-sized businesses accept payments across online, in-person, and telephone channels. It combines payment gateway services with acquiring capabilities, reducing the need for separate payment providers.
The platform supports card payments, digital wallets, hosted checkout, payment links, virtual terminals, and smart POS solutions. Its settlement and reporting tools are particularly useful for UK businesses that want centralized payment management and faster access to transaction funds.
Key Features
- Omnichannel Payment Processing: Accepts major cards and digital payment methods across online, in-store, and other customer touchpoints.
- Fast Settlement: Provides settlement options designed to give eligible businesses access to funds within hours or by the next business day.
- Cashflows Portal & Go: Offers transaction monitoring, reporting, payment insights, and account management through its digital tools.
- Hosted Checkout & Pay-by-Link: Provides customizable online checkout pages and payment links for remote customer payments.
- Virtual Terminal: Enables businesses and support teams to securely process card payments taken over the phone.
- Fraud Protection & 3D Secure: Includes security controls, PCI support, and 3D Secure technology to help protect online transactions.
- Cashflows Advance: Provides financing options linked to eligible businesses’ card transaction revenues.
Pricing
- Terminal Rental: £15/month for selected Quick-Start POS packages.
- Transaction Fees: From 0.40% for consumer debit processing, depending on the agreement and payment type.
- Custom Pricing: Online and merchant acquiring rates vary based on transaction volume, business requirements, and pricing structure.
- Contract Terms: 12 to 36 months, depending on the selected package.
15. Stax – Best Payment Processing Software for High-Volume Businesses
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2014 |
| Headquarters | Orlando, Florida, United States |
| Software Type | SaaS Payment Processing & Financial Technology Platform |
| Core Features | Card Processing, Invoicing, Recurring Billing, ACH Payments, Surcharging, Reporting & API |
| Deployment | Cloud-based / Web and Mobile |
| Pricing Model | Monthly Subscription + Interchange-Plus Processing |
| Starting Price | From $99/month |
| Annual Processing Volume | Plans based on processing volume |
| UK Availability | Limited; primarily focused on the U.S. market |
| Supported Platforms | Web, iOS & Android |
Stax is an all-in-one payment processing platform designed primarily for established businesses with substantial transaction volumes. Formerly known as Fattmerchant, it combines payment acceptance, invoicing, recurring billing, reporting, ACH payments, and business integrations in one platform.
Its interchange-plus pricing model separates the subscription cost from card network fees, giving high-volume merchants more predictable processing expenses. Stax also provides tools for accounting reconciliation, payment automation, mobile transactions, and custom integrations through its API.
Key Features
- Interchange-Plus Pricing: Passes through underlying interchange costs with a fixed transaction markup rather than traditional percentage-based processor margins.
- Stax Pay: Supports in-person, online, virtual terminal, and mobile payment processing.
- Recurring Billing: Automates subscriptions, recurring invoices, and scheduled customer payments.
- ACH Payments: Enables businesses to accept electronic bank payments alongside card transactions.
- CardX Surcharging: Provides automated credit-card surcharging tools designed to help eligible merchants manage processing costs.
- Accounting Integrations: Connects payment activity with platforms such as QuickBooks for easier reconciliation and financial management.
- Developer API: Provides API capabilities for businesses that need customized payment workflows and integrations.
Pricing
- Growth: $99/month for businesses processing up to $150,000 annually, with core payment and reporting tools.
- Pro: $139/month for businesses processing $150,000–$250,000 annually, adding invoicing, API access, and accounting integrations.
- Ultimate: $199/month for businesses processing over $250,000 annually, with recurring billing and advanced reporting features.
- Transaction Fees: Interchange plus approximately $0.08 for card-present transactions and $0.15 for card-not-present transactions.
Conclusion
Choosing the right credit card processing software is important for UK businesses in 2026, whether you are a freelancer, small business, growing SME, or large enterprise. The right platform can simplify card payments, improve transaction visibility, support secure online and in-person payments, automate payment operations, and reduce administrative workloads.
Solutions like Square, Stripe, PayPal, Worldpay, Adyen, SumUp, Shopify Payments, GoCardless, Revolut Business, Amazon Pay, Cybersource, Zettle by PayPal, Opayo, Cashflows, and Stax offer different tools for payment processing, online checkout, POS payments, recurring billing, fraud prevention, payment links, reporting, and business integrations. These platforms help UK businesses accept customer payments, manage transactions, process refunds, and connect payment data with other business systems.
Ultimately, the best credit card processing software depends on your business size, transaction volume, payment channels, budget, customer location, e-commerce platform, security requirements, and integration needs. Choosing a platform that matches your specific requirements can reduce payment-related administration, improve customer checkout experiences, simplify reconciliation, strengthen payment security, and provide a scalable foundation as your business grows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why should I use credit card processing software in the UK?
Credit card processing software helps UK businesses accept and manage card payments online and in person. It can simplify transactions, refunds, reporting, reconciliation, and payment security.
Which credit card processing software is best for small businesses in the UK?
Square, SumUp, PayPal, and Zettle by PayPal are suitable options for many small businesses. They provide relatively simple payment acceptance, POS tools, and transaction-based pricing.
Which credit card processing software is best for large businesses in the UK?
Worldpay, Adyen, Cybersource, and Stripe can suit larger businesses with higher transaction volumes. They offer scalable payment infrastructure, advanced integrations, security features, and international payment capabilities.
Can I use credit card processing software for online payments in the UK?
Yes. Many platforms support online checkout through websites, e-commerce stores, payment links, APIs, and mobile applications. Some also support digital wallets and recurring payments.
Can credit card processing software process contactless payments in the UK?
Yes. Many UK payment platforms support contactless cards and digital wallets through compatible POS terminals, card readers, smartphones, and Tap to Pay solutions.
Does credit card processing software support refunds and chargebacks?
Yes. Most established payment processors provide tools for processing refunds and managing payment disputes or chargebacks. Available features and fees vary between providers.
Does credit card processing software integrate with accounting and e-commerce systems?
Many platforms integrate with accounting, e-commerce, POS, CRM, invoicing, and business management software. These integrations can reduce duplicate data entry and simplify transaction reconciliation and reporting.
