The 15 best online payment solutions in the UK in 2026 include Stripe, PayPal Business, Worldpay, Square Payments, Adyen, Paddle, Checkout.com, GoCardless, Revolut Business, Mollie, Braintree, Airwallex, Shopify Payments, SumUp, and Klarna. These platforms help UK businesses accept and manage customer payments through websites, ecommerce stores, mobile applications, payment links, digital wallets, bank payments, subscriptions, and other digital channels.
In 2026, online payment solutions for UK businesses provide capabilities such as online payment processing, card payments, digital wallets, payment links, hosted checkout, recurring billing, subscription payments, fraud prevention, multi-currency payments, payment APIs, invoicing, and international payment acceptance. Some platforms are designed for small businesses and growing ecommerce companies, while others provide enterprise payment infrastructure, global payment methods, advanced fraud management, subscription billing, or specialised payment services. Stripe, for example, currently supports 100+ payment methods and 135+ currencies, while Worldpay provides online payment processing across 135+ currencies and 60+ payment methods.
The right online payment solution for a UK business depends on factors such as business size, transaction volume, payment methods, ecommerce platform, customer locations, pricing, integration requirements, currencies, security, recurring-payment needs, scalability, and reporting requirements. Small businesses may prioritise simple setup and transparent transaction fees, while larger organisations may require APIs, global payment methods, advanced fraud controls, multi-currency processing, recurring billing, and enterprise-level payment infrastructure.
What Are Online Payment Solutions in the UK?
Online payment solutions are digital platforms that allow UK businesses to accept, process, manage, and track payments from customers through websites, ecommerce stores, mobile applications, payment links, invoices, and other digital channels. They can support payment methods such as credit and debit cards, digital wallets, bank payments, Buy Now, Pay Later services, and other local payment methods.
Depending on the platform, UK businesses can integrate online payment solutions through hosted checkout pages, payment gateways, APIs, ecommerce plugins, payment links, mobile SDKs, and embedded payment components. Many platforms also provide fraud prevention, payment authentication, recurring billing, refunds, reporting, settlement, and international payment capabilities.
A typical online payment solution may provide:
- Online card payment processing
- Debit and credit card acceptance
- Digital wallet payments
- Payment links and buttons
- Hosted and embedded checkout
- Recurring and subscription payments
- Payment APIs and ecommerce integrations
- Multi-currency payment processing
- Fraud prevention and transaction security
- Payment reporting and reconciliation
- Invoicing and payment collection
- International and local payment methods
How Do Online Payment Solutions Work?
Online payment solutions help UK businesses process customer transactions through several stages:
- Payment Initiation – Customers select products or services and choose an available payment method at checkout.
- Payment Details – Customers enter card information or authorise another supported payment method, such as a digital wallet or bank payment.
- Payment Authentication – The payment platform may use authentication and security checks to verify the transaction and reduce fraudulent activity.
- Transaction Authorisation – The payment provider sends the transaction through the relevant payment network or banking system for authorisation.
- Payment Processing – Once authorised, the transaction is processed and the payment information is recorded within the merchant’s payment platform.
- Settlement & Reporting – Funds are settled to the business according to the provider’s settlement schedule, while transaction data is made available for reporting and reconciliation.
Online payment solutions can also connect with ecommerce platforms, accounting software, CRM systems, subscription platforms, shopping carts, mobile applications, ERP systems, and other business software, helping UK organisations integrate payment processing into broader business workflows.
Key Functions of Online Payment Solutions
- Online Payment Processing – Processes customer payments made through websites, ecommerce stores, mobile applications, and other digital channels.
- Card Payment Acceptance – Supports major credit and debit cards and other card-based payment methods.
- Digital Wallets – Enables customers to pay using supported wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and other digital payment services.
- Payment Links – Allows businesses to create shareable payment links for collecting payments without requiring a complete ecommerce checkout.
- Hosted & Embedded Checkout – Provides checkout pages or embedded payment components that businesses can integrate into their websites and applications.
- Recurring Payments – Supports subscriptions, memberships, instalments, and other recurring-payment models.
- Payment APIs – Provides APIs and developer tools for businesses that require customised payment integrations.
- Multi-Currency Payments – Allows businesses to accept payments in multiple currencies and serve customers in international markets.
- Fraud Prevention – Uses fraud detection, authentication, risk management, and security tools to help protect transactions.
- Payment Reporting – Provides transaction records, payment reports, settlement information, and other financial data.
- International Payments – Supports international customers through global payment methods, currencies, and cross-border payment infrastructure.
- Ecommerce Integrations – Connects payment processing with platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and other ecommerce systems.
By bringing these capabilities together, online payment solutions enable UK businesses to accept payments more efficiently, provide customers with flexible payment options, simplify payment administration, support international sales, and manage digital transactions through centralised platforms. Stripe, for example, provides online and in-person payment capabilities through a unified infrastructure, while Square combines online and physical payment data within its broader commerce platform.
Benefits of Online Payment Solutions
- Faster Payment Collection: Businesses can accept digital payments from customers without relying on cash or manual payment processes.
- More Payment Options: Businesses can offer cards, digital wallets, bank payments, PayPal, Buy Now, Pay Later and other supported methods.
- Improved Customer Experience: Digital checkout options allow customers to complete purchases through convenient payment methods.
- Greater International Reach: Multi-currency and international payment capabilities help UK businesses sell to customers in overseas markets.
- Reduced Manual Administration: Automated payment processing, receipts, reporting and reconciliation can reduce repetitive financial tasks.
- Improved Security: Payment providers can provide encryption, authentication, fraud monitoring and other security measures.
- Recurring Revenue Support: Subscription and recurring-payment tools help businesses automate regular customer charges.
- Flexible Integration: APIs, plugins, hosted checkout and payment links allow businesses to select an integration method suited to their technical requirements.
- Better Payment Visibility: Transaction dashboards and reports provide businesses with information about payments, refunds, settlements and other activity.
- Scalable Payment Infrastructure: Cloud-based payment platforms can support businesses as transaction volumes, products and international markets expand.
- Omnichannel Payments: Some platforms allow businesses to connect online and in-person payment activity, helping maintain more consistent customer and transaction data.
- Simplified International Payments: Global payment providers can give businesses access to local payment methods and multiple currencies through a single integration.
Top 15 Best Online Payment Solutions in the UK in 2026
Here is a selection of 15 leading online payment solutions for UK businesses in 2026, selected based on their payment capabilities, supported payment methods, integrations, pricing, security features, scalability, international coverage, recurring-payment functionality, and suitability for different types and sizes of UK businesses:
- Stripe
- PayPal Business
- Worldpay
- Square Payments
- Adyen
- Paddle
- Checkout.com
- GoCardless
- Revolut Business
- Mollie
- Braintree
- Airwallex
- Shopify Payments
- SumUp
- Klarna
1. Stripe — Best for Customisable Online Payment Integration in the UK
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2010 |
| Country | United States |
| Software Type | Online Payment Processing & Payment Platform |
| Core Features | Online Payments, Checkout, Payment Links, Subscriptions, Fraud Prevention & International Payments |
| Deployment | Cloud-Based |
| Pricing Model | Pay-As-You-Go |
| Starting Price | 1.5% + £0.20 per successful standard UK card transaction |
| Supported Platforms | Web, iOS & Android |
Stripe is one of the leading online payment solutions for UK businesses, offering flexible tools for accepting and managing online payments. Businesses can use Stripe to process card payments, digital wallets, bank-based payment methods, subscriptions, and other online transactions through different checkout and integration options.
The platform is particularly suitable for UK ecommerce businesses, SaaS companies, marketplaces, and digital businesses that require flexible payment infrastructure. Stripe provides customisable checkout options, payment links, recurring billing tools, fraud protection, and support for international payments, allowing businesses to create payment experiences around their specific requirements.
Key Features
- Online Payment Processing: Allows businesses to accept major credit and debit cards, digital wallets, bank payments, and various other supported payment methods.
- Customisable Checkout: Provides hosted and embedded checkout options that businesses can adapt to their branding and customer journey.
- Payment Links: Enables businesses to create and share payment links for products, services, subscriptions, and other transactions without building a complete checkout system.
- Subscription Billing: Supports recurring payments and subscription models, making it suitable for SaaS, membership, and other recurring-revenue businesses.
- Fraud Prevention: Provides automated fraud detection tools designed to identify suspicious transactions and help businesses reduce payment-related risks.
- International Payments: Supports multiple currencies and payment methods, helping UK businesses accept payments from customers in international markets.
Pricing
- Standard UK Cards: 1.5% + £0.20 per successful transaction for standard UK cards.
- Premium UK Cards: 2.8% + £0.20 per successful transaction for premium UK cards.
- European Cards: 2.5% + £0.20 per successful transaction for standard European Economic Area cards.
- Pay-As-You-Go: Standard payment processing does not require a monthly subscription, with businesses paying transaction-based fees according to the payment methods and services they use.
2. PayPal Business — Best for Quick Setup and Global Reach
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1998 |
| Country | United States |
| Software Type | Online Payment Processing & Digital Payments Platform |
| Core Features | Online Payments, PayPal Checkout, Payment Links, Invoicing, Digital Wallets & Instalment Payments |
| Deployment | Cloud-Based |
| Pricing Model | Pay-As-You-Go / Transaction-Based |
| Starting Price | £0/month |
| Supported Platforms | Web, Mobile, Ecommerce Platforms & APIs |
PayPal Business is one of the best online payment solutions for UK businesses that want to accept online and in-person payments through a widely recognised digital payments platform. PayPal enables businesses to accept payments from 200+ markets and 130 currencies, making it suitable for both domestic and international sales.
The platform supports small businesses, freelancers, ecommerce stores and larger companies with tools for checkout, payment links, invoicing, instalment payments and point-of-sale transactions. Businesses can choose different payment options depending on their sales channels and customer requirements.
Key Features
- Online Payment Processing: Accept PayPal, cards and other supported payment methods through online checkout.
- PayPal Checkout: Add a PayPal-powered checkout experience to an ecommerce website and allow customers to choose supported payment methods.
- Payment Links: Create shareable payment links, buy buttons and shopping cart buttons without requiring a full ecommerce website.
- Invoicing: Send digital invoices and allow customers to make payments through PayPal’s business payment tools.
- Instalment Payments: Offer eligible customers options such as Pay in 3, subject to merchant and customer eligibility.
- Fraud & Seller Protection: Access security, fraud-management and Seller Protection features subject to applicable terms and eligibility.
Pricing
- Monthly Fee: £0/month with no monthly or setup fees for standard PayPal payment solutions.
- Domestic Commercial Transactions: 2.9% + £0.30 for standard commercial transactions received in the UK.
- International Payments: An additional 1.29% for EEA transactions or 1.99% for other international markets may apply.
- Payment Links: No monthly or setup fees; businesses pay applicable transaction fees when they receive payments.
3. Worldpay — Best for Large UK Retailers and Enterprises
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1989 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Software Type | Online Payment Processing & Payment Gateway |
| Core Features | Online Payments, Flexible Checkout, Payment Links, Recurring Payments, Fraud Prevention & Multi-Currency Payments |
| Deployment | Cloud-Based |
| Pricing Model | Custom Pricing |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing |
| Supported Platforms | Web, Mobile & Ecommerce Platforms |
Worldpay is an established online payment solution for UK businesses, providing payment processing tools for retailers, ecommerce businesses, and enterprises. Its eCommerce platform supports major cards, digital wallets, and other payment methods through hosted and embedded checkout options.
The platform is designed to support businesses as they grow, offering flexible checkout, payment links, recurring payments, fraud protection, and multi-currency acceptance. Worldpay states that its eCommerce solution can accept payments in more than 110 currencies, while its broader online payments offering supports 135+ currencies and 60+ payment methods.
Key Features
- Online Payment Processing: Allows businesses to accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, digital wallets, and other supported payment methods.
- Flexible Checkout: Provides hosted checkout and embedded payment components, allowing businesses to choose how payments are integrated into their websites.
- Payment Links: Lets businesses create and share secure payment links through email, SMS, social media, invoices, and QR codes.
- Recurring Payments: Supports recurring transactions and subscription payments through its subscriptions API.
- Fraud Prevention: Includes AI-powered FraudSight and 3DS Flex to help protect online transactions and reduce payment fraud.
- Multi-Currency Payments: Enables businesses to accept payments in more than 110 currencies, allowing international customers to pay in their preferred currency.
Pricing
- Custom Pricing: Worldpay provides tailored pricing for businesses with large transaction volumes.
- Payment Links+: Included with Worldpay eCommerce at no additional cost.
- Pay-As-You-Go: Payment Links+ charges 1.3% + 20p for Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards.
- American Express & Corporate Cards: Payment Links+ charges 2.9% + 20p for American Express and corporate cards. There is no monthly charge or setup fee for this plan.
4. Square Payments — Best for Omnichannel and Small Business Payments
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2009 |
| Country | United States |
| Software Type | Payment Processing & Point-of-Sale Platform |
| Core Features | Online Payments, In-Person Payments, Payment Links, Invoicing, Point of Sale, Tap to Pay |
| Deployment | Cloud-Based |
| Pricing Model | Pay-As-You-Go |
| Starting Price | 1.4% + 25p per UK card transaction for online payment products |
| Supported Platforms | Web, iOS & Android |
Square Payments is one of the best online payment solutions for UK businesses that want to accept payments online, in-store and remotely through a single platform. It supports online checkout, payment links, invoices, card payments and digital wallets, while also connecting online and in-person sales through Square’s payment ecosystem.
It is particularly suitable for small businesses, retailers, restaurants and service providers that need flexible payment options without complex payment-processing setups. Square also provides integrations with ecommerce platforms and supports tools such as Tap to Pay, Square Online and payment links for different selling channels.
Key Features
- Online Payments: Accept online card payments through Square Online, Online Checkout and ecommerce integrations.
- In-Person Payments: Process contactless, chip and PIN payments using Square POS and supported hardware.
- Payment Links: Create and share checkout links so customers can pay without requiring a full ecommerce website.
- Invoicing: Send digital invoices and allow customers to pay electronically.
- Tap to Pay: Accept contactless payments using compatible iPhone or Android devices.
- Integrated POS: Connect online and physical sales with Square’s point-of-sale tools, inventory and customer data.
Pricing
- Online UK card payments: 1.4% + 25p per transaction for Square’s online payment products.
- Online non-UK cards: 2.5% + 25p per transaction.
- In-person payments: 1.75% per contactless, chip and PIN or swiped card-present transaction.
- No monthly processing minimum: Square states that processing fees are charged when payments are processed, with no unnecessary setup fees for its standard payment processing.
5. Adyen — Best for Enterprise and International Payments
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2006 |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Software Type | Global Payment Processing & Financial Technology Platform |
| Core Features | Online Payments, In-Person Payments, Global Payment Methods, Recurring Payments, Risk Management & Multi-Currency Payments |
| Deployment | Cloud-Based |
| Pricing Model | Pay-As-You-Go |
| Starting Price | £0.11 processing fee + payment method fee per transaction |
| Supported Platforms | Web, Mobile & Ecommerce Platforms |
Adyen is one of the best online payment solutions for UK businesses that need a unified platform for accepting and managing payments across online and physical channels. Its platform supports cards, digital wallets, local payment methods, recurring payments, and international transactions through a single payment infrastructure.
The platform is particularly suitable for large UK businesses, ecommerce companies, marketplaces, and international enterprises that process payments across multiple markets. Adyen combines payment processing with risk management, reporting, authentication, and global payment methods, allowing businesses to manage different payment channels through one platform.
Key Features
- Online Payment Processing: Adyen enables businesses to accept cards, digital wallets, bank-based payments, and other local payment methods through online checkout.
- Global Payment Methods: Businesses can offer customers payment methods suited to different countries and regions through a single integration.
- Customisable Checkout: Adyen provides checkout options that can be integrated into websites and applications while supporting different payment flows.
- Recurring Payments: The platform supports recurring payment setups for subscription and repeat-payment business models.
- Risk Management: Adyen provides risk-management tools designed to help businesses prevent and respond to fraudulent transactions.
- International Payments: Businesses can accept payments across multiple markets and manage online and in-person payment channels through one platform.
Pricing
- Processing Fee: £0.11 per transaction is the fixed processing fee shown on Adyen’s UK pricing page, with a separate fee determined by the payment method.
- Payment Method Fee: The additional fee varies according to the payment method selected by the customer.
- No Setup Fee: Adyen states that businesses pay per transaction with no setup or monthly fees under its standard pricing model.
- Flexible Pricing: Other Adyen products and services can have separate pricing, while certain payment methods may have rates based on the payment method or transaction volume.
6. Paddle — Best for SaaS and Digital Product Payments
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Software Type | Merchant of Record & Digital Payments Platform |
| Core Features | Global Payments, Subscription Billing, Tax Compliance, Fraud Protection, Checkout & Revenue Recovery |
| Deployment | Cloud-Based |
| Pricing Model | Transaction-Based / Custom Pricing |
| Starting Price | 5% + $0.50 per Checkout transaction |
| Supported Platforms | Web, Mobile Apps, APIs & Digital Commerce Platforms |
Paddle is one of the best payment solutions for UK SaaS and digital product businesses that want to sell internationally while managing payments, billing, tax compliance and related administrative requirements through one platform. As a Merchant of Record, Paddle handles payments, taxes, compliance, fraud and billing for eligible digital businesses.
The platform is designed for SaaS companies, software businesses, mobile apps and digital product sellers serving customers in international markets. Paddle supports more than 200 countries and territories and provides local payment options, subscription management, tax handling and customer billing services.
Key Features
- Global Payments: Accept payments from customers across more than 200 countries and territories using supported currencies and payment methods.
- Merchant of Record: Manage payment processing, sales tax, VAT, compliance and related responsibilities through Paddle’s Merchant of Record service.
- Subscription Billing: Manage recurring subscriptions, billing cycles and customer payments through one platform.
- Tax Compliance: Calculate, collect and remit applicable VAT, GST and sales taxes across supported markets.
- Fraud Protection: Access fraud and chargeback protection as part of Paddle’s payment offering.
- Revenue Recovery: Use automated recovery tools, smart retries and other features designed to help recover failed subscription payments.
Pricing
- Pay-As-You-Go: 5% + $0.50 per Checkout transaction under Paddle’s standard pricing.
- Included Services: The standard fee includes payments, tax and compliance, fraud and chargeback protection, billing support and subscription management, with no monthly or migration fees.
- Custom Pricing: Rapidly growing and larger businesses can request tailored pricing based on their business model and products.
- Low-Value Products: Businesses selling products priced below $10 or requiring invoicing can contact Paddle for custom pricing.
7. Checkout.com — Best for Enterprise Digital Commerce
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Software Type | Digital Payments and Payment Processing Platform |
| Core Features | Online Payments, Payment Links, Checkout, Payment APIs, Fraud Management & Global Payment Methods |
| Deployment | Cloud-Based |
| Pricing Model | Custom Pricing |
| Starting Price | Custom quote based on business requirements |
| Supported Platforms | Web, Mobile, APIs & Ecommerce Platforms |
Checkout.com is one of the best online payment solutions for UK businesses that need flexible payment infrastructure for digital commerce. The platform helps businesses accept payments through websites, mobile applications and other digital channels while supporting cards, digital wallets and a wide range of local payment methods.
It is designed particularly for large ecommerce companies, marketplaces, digital businesses and international organisations that handle significant payment volumes. Businesses can use Checkout.com to manage payment acceptance, checkout experiences, refunds, payouts and payment-related operations through a connected platform.
Key Features
- Online Payments: Businesses can accept card payments and a variety of alternative and local payment methods through their digital sales channels.
- Payment API: Checkout.com’s API provides developers with tools for integrating payment acceptance and managing different payment operations within their own systems.
- Flexible Checkout: Businesses can create payment experiences that fit their website or mobile application while displaying suitable payment methods to customers.
- Payment Links: Companies can generate payment links and share them with customers through different digital communication channels without building a complete online store.
- Fraud Management: Checkout.com includes tools for monitoring transaction risks and helping businesses identify suspicious payment activity.
- International Payments: The platform supports 150+ currencies, helping businesses process payments from customers across multiple international markets.
Pricing
- Custom Pricing: Checkout.com does not rely on one standard public transaction price; costs are determined according to the business and its payment requirements.
- Flat-Rate Option: Businesses may be offered a customised flat-rate pricing arrangement depending on their circumstances.
- Interchange++: An Interchange++ pricing model is available, providing a separate view of underlying card-processing costs.
- Setup and Account Fees: Checkout.com states that it does not charge setup or account-maintenance fees under its published pricing information, while transaction costs depend on the agreed commercial terms.
8. GoCardless — Best for Direct Debit and Recurring Payments
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2011 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Software Type | Bank Payment and Direct Debit Platform |
| Core Features | Direct Debit, Recurring Payments, Pay by Bank, Payment Links, Payment Management & Payment Integrations |
| Deployment | Cloud-Based |
| Pricing Model | Pay-As-You-Go |
| Starting Price | 1% + 20p per UK transaction on the Standard plan |
| Supported Platforms | Web, Mobile, API & Business Software Integrations |
GoCardless is one of the best online payment solutions for UK businesses that regularly collect payments through Direct Debit and bank-based payment methods. The platform enables businesses to collect one-off and recurring payments directly from customer bank accounts through authorised payment mandates.
It is particularly suitable for subscription businesses, SaaS companies, professional services, membership organisations and other businesses with recurring billing needs. GoCardless provides tools for payment scheduling, customer mandates, payment links, automated collections and Pay by Bank payments.
Key Features
- Direct Debit Payments: Collect one-off or recurring payments directly from customer bank accounts after authorisation.
- Recurring Payments: Automate regular collections for subscriptions, memberships, instalments and other repeat-payment models.
- Payment Links: Create payment links that customers can use to provide their payment details and authorise payments.
- Pay by Bank: Accept one-off bank payments through open-banking technology, allowing customers to pay directly from their bank account.
- Payment Management: Manage payment schedules, mandates, collections and payment information from a central platform.
- Business Integrations: Connect GoCardless with accounting, subscription and business software or use its API for custom payment integrations.
Pricing
- Standard Plan: 1% + 20p per UK transaction, capped at £4, excluding VAT.
- Advanced Plan: 1.25% + 20p per UK transaction, capped at £5, excluding VAT.
- Pro Plan: 1.4% + 20p per UK transaction, capped at £5.60, excluding VAT.
- Custom Plan: Businesses with larger payment volumes or specific requirements can contact GoCardless for customised pricing.
9. Revolut Business — Best for Multi-Currency Business Payments
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Software Type | Business Banking, Payments & Multi-Currency Financial Platform |
| Core Features | Multi-Currency Accounts, International Payments, Online Payments, Payment Links, Invoicing & Business Cards |
| Deployment | Cloud-Based |
| Pricing Model | Subscription-Based with Transaction Fees |
| Starting Price | From £10/month for the Basic Business plan |
| Supported Platforms | Web, iOS & Android |
Revolut Business is one of the best online payment solutions for UK businesses that need to manage payments, currencies and international business finances from one platform. Businesses can hold, send and receive multiple currencies while using online payment tools to accept customer payments through cards, Revolut Pay and other supported methods.
The platform is particularly useful for UK businesses working with international customers, suppliers and marketplaces. Revolut Business provides multi-currency accounts, international transfers, online payment processing, payment links, invoices and payment gateway options, helping businesses manage cross-border transactions alongside their everyday business finances.
Key Features
- Multi-Currency Accounts: Businesses can hold, send and receive money in 25+ currencies, with separate currency balances managed from one account.
- International Payments: Revolut Business supports international transfers and allows businesses to manage cross-border payments from their Business account.
- Online Payments: Businesses can accept online payments through cards, Revolut Pay and supported digital wallets.
- Payment Links and Invoices: Businesses can create payment links and customised invoices to collect customer payments without requiring a complex checkout setup.
- Payment Gateway: Revolut provides a payment gateway with API and plugin options for ecommerce platforms such as Shopify and Magento.
- Currency Exchange: Businesses can exchange currencies using the interbank rate within their plan’s allowance, with additional fees applying after the allowance or outside market hours.
Pricing
- Basic Business Plan: Starts from £10 per month and includes core business-account features and a £1,000 monthly currency-exchange allowance.
- Grow Plan: Starts from £30 per month and provides a higher £15,000 monthly exchange allowance.
- Scale Plan: Starts from £90 per month with a £60,000 monthly exchange allowance and higher transfer allowances.
- Online Payment Processing: Online card payments start from 1% + £0.20 per transaction, while Revolut’s payment acceptance pricing varies according to the card and payment method used.
10. Mollie — Best for UK and European SMEs
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2004 |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Software Type | Online Payment Processing & Financial Services Platform |
| Core Features | Online Payments, Payment Links, Recurring Payments, Invoicing, Checkout & In-Person Payments |
| Deployment | Cloud-Based |
| Pricing Model | Pay-As-You-Go / Transaction-Based |
| Starting Price | From 1.20% + £0.20 for UK domestic consumer cards |
| Supported Platforms | Web, Mobile, API, Ecommerce Platforms & Business Software |
Mollie is one of the best online payment solutions for UK businesses looking for a straightforward way to accept online and in-person payments. The platform provides online payments, checkout, payment links, recurring billing and invoicing through one payment platform.
It is particularly suitable for UK and European SMEs, ecommerce businesses and growing companies that want multiple payment options without a complicated setup. Mollie offers more than 35 payment methods and integrations with popular ecommerce platforms, while also supporting subscriptions and automated billing.
Key Features
- Online Payments: Accept card payments and a range of local and international payment methods through Mollie’s online payment platform.
- Payment Links: Create payment links without coding and share them through email, SMS, social media, invoices or other channels.
- Recurring Payments: Set up recurring billing and subscription payments for SaaS, memberships, services and other subscription-based businesses.
- Mollie Checkout: Provide a customisable checkout experience across mobile, desktop and tablet with support for numerous local and global payment methods.
- Invoicing: Create and manage invoices while adding payment options to help customers make faster payments.
- In-Person Payments: Accept face-to-face card payments using Mollie’s supported payment terminals.
Pricing
- UK Domestic Consumer Cards: 1.20% + £0.20 per successful online transaction.
- UK Commercial & European Cards: 2.90% + £0.20 per transaction.
- Other Cards: 3.25% + £0.20 per transaction.
- Pay-As-You-Go: No minimum costs or lock-in contracts under standard pricing; businesses pay for successful transactions, with volume pricing available for businesses processing more than £50,000 per month.
11. Braintree — Best for Online Payments and Mobile Apps
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2007 |
| Country | United States |
| Software Type | Online Payment Processing & Payment Platform |
| Core Features | Online Payments, PayPal, Card Payments, Digital Wallets, Recurring Billing & Fraud Protection |
| Deployment | Cloud-Based |
| Pricing Model | Transaction-Based / Custom Pricing |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing based on merchant requirements |
| Supported Platforms | Web, Mobile Apps, APIs & Ecommerce Platforms |
Braintree is one of the best online payment solutions for businesses that need flexible payment processing across websites and mobile applications. The PayPal-owned platform supports credit and debit cards, PayPal, digital wallets and various local payment methods through its payment infrastructure.
The platform is particularly useful for ecommerce businesses, digital companies and mobile applications that need APIs, recurring billing, payment storage, fraud protection and international currency support. Braintree also provides developer tools and SDKs for integrating payments into web and mobile experiences.
Key Features
- Online Payment Processing: Accept credit and debit card payments through Braintree’s gateway on websites and mobile applications.
- PayPal Payments: Integrate PayPal payments alongside card payments through Braintree’s payment platform.
- Digital Wallets: Support popular wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, along with other available payment methods.
- Mobile SDKs: Use Braintree’s developer tools and SDKs to integrate payment functionality into mobile applications.
- Recurring Billing: Create subscription plans and automatically charge customers on recurring billing schedules.
- Fraud Protection: Access fraud-protection tools designed to help merchants manage payment risk and protect transactions.
Pricing
- Transaction Pricing: Braintree’s fees depend on the applicable payment services, merchant agreement and pricing structure.
- Pricing Models: Eligible merchants may use blended pricing or an interchange-plus pricing model for card payments.
- PayPal Transactions: Braintree states that it does not add an additional Braintree processing fee to PayPal transactions; applicable PayPal rates still apply.
- Custom Requirements: Businesses with specific payment, volume or integration requirements can contact Braintree for applicable commercial terms.
12. Airwallex — Best for International and Multi-Currency Payments
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 |
| Country | Australia |
| Software Type | Global Payments & Financial Management Platform |
| Core Features | Multi-Currency Accounts, International Payments, Online Payments, Payment Links, Foreign Exchange & Corporate Cards |
| Deployment | Cloud-Based |
| Pricing Model | Subscription-Based / Transaction-Based |
| Starting Price | From £0/month on the Explore plan when eligibility requirements are met |
| Supported Platforms | Web, Mobile, API, Ecommerce Platforms & Business Software |
Airwallex is one of the best online payment solutions for UK businesses that regularly deal with international customers, suppliers and multiple currencies. It brings payment acceptance, foreign exchange, global accounts and international money transfers together within a single business platform.
For UK ecommerce companies, marketplaces and internationally focused businesses, Airwallex provides tools for receiving and managing funds in different currencies. Its payment infrastructure supports 160+ payment methods, local account details in 20+ currencies and international transfers to 200+ countries.
Key Features
- Multi-Currency Accounts: Manage funds in multiple currencies and access local account details in 20+ currencies from one business platform.
- International Payments: Send cross-border payments to businesses and suppliers across more than 200 countries.
- Online Payment Acceptance: Accept card payments and 160+ local payment methods for customers in different markets.
- Payment Links: Generate payment links without coding and send them to customers through invoices, email, social media or other channels.
- Foreign Exchange: Convert currencies through Airwallex’s foreign-exchange service, with UK pricing showing 0.5% above interbank rates for major currencies and 1% for other currencies.
- Corporate Cards: Provide business and employee cards for controlling company spending and handling expenses across international markets.
Pricing
- Explore Plan: £0/month when the business deposits at least £10,000 per month or maintains a minimum £10,000 balance; otherwise the listed price is £19/month.
- Grow Plan: £49/month, with additional business account, spending and payment features for growing companies.
- UK Card Payments: 1.30% + £0.20 for UK Visa and Mastercard cards; EEA cards are 2.40% + £0.20, while international cards are 3.15% + £0.20.
- Local Payment Methods: Pricing starts at £0.20 plus the applicable payment-method fee, while subscription management through the API is charged at 0.50% per successful transaction.
13. Shopify Payments — Best for Shopify-Based UK Stores
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2006 |
| Country | Canada |
| Software Type | Integrated Ecommerce Payment Processing |
| Core Features | Card Payments, Shop Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Local Payment Methods & Fraud Analysis |
| Deployment | Cloud-Based |
| Pricing Model | Shopify Subscription + Transaction-Based |
| Starting Price | From 2% + 25p per online standard card transaction on the Basic plan |
| Supported Platforms | Shopify Stores, Web, Mobile & Shopify POS |
Shopify Payments is one of the best online payment solutions for UK businesses running their ecommerce operations on Shopify. Because it is integrated directly into Shopify, merchants can handle payments, orders and related transaction information from their Shopify administration area.
The service is designed for UK online retailers, ecommerce brands and growing Shopify stores that want a built-in payment solution. Depending on eligibility, merchants can accept major cards, digital wallets and selected local payment methods without having to connect a separate primary payment provider.
Key Features
- Card Payments: Process major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and UnionPay.
- Shop Pay: Give customers access to Shop Pay for a faster and more convenient checkout experience.
- Apple Pay & Google Pay: Allow customers to use supported digital wallets directly during checkout.
- Local Payment Methods: Eligible UK merchants can activate supported payment options such as Klarna, Bancontact, iDEAL | Wero, MB WAY and Satispay.
- Shopify POS: Connect payment processing with Shopify POS for businesses that sell both online and in physical locations.
- Fraud Analysis: Use Shopify’s built-in fraud analysis and security measures, including encryption and 3D Secure where applicable.
Pricing
- Basic Plan: Online standard card rates start at 2% + 25p per transaction when using the Basic Shopify plan.
- Grow Plan: Online standard card rates start at 1.7% + 25p per transaction on the Grow plan.
- Advanced Plan: Online standard card rates start at 1.5% + 25p per transaction on the Advanced plan.
- Additional Fees: Shopify Payments has no separate setup or monthly payment-processing fee, although the Shopify subscription itself is charged. When Shopify Payments is the sole payment provider, Shopify says there are no third-party transaction fees.
14. SumUp — Best for Small Businesses and Card Payments
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Software Type | Card Payment Processing & Business Payments Platform |
| Core Features | Card Payments, Tap to Pay, Payment Links, Online Payments, POS & Invoicing |
| Deployment | Cloud-Based / Mobile |
| Pricing Model | Pay-As-You-Go / Subscription-Based |
| Starting Price | £0/month with Pay-As-You-Go |
| Supported Platforms | Web, iOS, Android, Card Readers & POS |
SumUp is one of the best online payment solutions for UK small businesses looking for an accessible way to take card and digital payments. Its services combine payment terminals, Tap to Pay, online payments, payment links, invoicing and point-of-sale functionality.
The platform can work well for independent retailers, cafés, freelancers, market sellers, hospitality businesses and other small companies. Businesses can choose pay-as-you-go processing or an optional subscription plan depending on their payment needs and transaction volume.
Key Features
- Card Payments: Take contactless, Chip & PIN and supported debit and credit card payments through SumUp’s payment devices.
- Tap to Pay: Accept contactless payments using a compatible iPhone or Android smartphone without a separate card reader.
- Online Payments: Process online payments using supported cards and digital wallets without a setup fee or monthly payment-processing charge.
- Payment Links: Send customers payment links so they can complete transactions remotely without visiting a physical checkout.
- Point of Sale: Manage products, orders, transactions and sales information through SumUp’s POS tools.
- Business Account: Receive payment proceeds through a SumUp Business Account, with SumUp stating that funds can be available by 7am the following day, including weekends and bank holidays.
Pricing
- Pay-As-You-Go: £0/month with a 1.69% transaction fee for standard in-person card-reader payments.
- Payments Plus: £19/month or £189/year, reducing eligible domestic consumer card fees to 0.99% for in-person payments.
- Online Payments: 2.50% per transaction with £0 monthly cost and no setup fee for standard online payment options.
- Custom Pricing: Businesses processing £10,000 or more per month can request bespoke transaction fees and commercial terms from SumUp.
15. Klarna — Best for Buy Now, Pay Later Payments
Company Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2005 |
| Country | Sweden |
| Software Type | Buy Now, Pay Later & Digital Payments Platform |
| Core Features | Pay Later, Pay in 3, Financing, Online Payments, In-Store Payments & Fraud Protection |
| Deployment | Cloud-Based |
| Pricing Model | Transaction-Based / Custom Merchant Pricing |
| Starting Price | Custom pricing based on merchant agreement and payment solution |
| Supported Platforms | Web, Mobile Apps, Ecommerce Platforms, APIs & In-Store |
Klarna is one of the best online payment solutions for UK businesses that want to give customers more flexible payment choices at checkout. Depending on the market and customer eligibility, merchants can provide options including Pay in 3, Pay in 30 days, Pay in full and Financing.
Klarna is particularly relevant to UK ecommerce stores, retailers and digital businesses seeking flexible payment options across online and mobile channels. Merchants can integrate Klarna through supported ecommerce platforms, payment providers or direct technical integrations.
Key Features
- Pay in 3: Let eligible UK customers divide a purchase into three interest-free instalments, subject to applicable terms and customer eligibility.
- Pay in 30 Days: Give eligible customers the option to receive their order before paying up to 30 days later, subject to Klarna’s applicable terms.
- Flexible Financing: Provide eligible customers with longer-term payment options for larger purchases.
- Online & In-App Payments: Add Klarna payment options to websites and mobile applications using supported integrations and APIs.
- In-Store Payments: Enable Klarna payment options through supported solutions for merchants accepting payments at physical locations.
- Merchant Protection: Klarna states that merchants can receive payment upfront while Klarna assumes credit and fraud risk for its payment options, subject to the applicable agreement.
Pricing
- Merchant Pricing: Klarna uses merchant-specific pricing based on the payment product, market, transaction characteristics and commercial agreement.
- Transaction Fees: Applicable charges can include a variable percentage and fixed transaction fee, with the exact rates determined by the relevant pricing arrangement.
- UK Pricing: Klarna’s official UK merchant pricing documentation states that applicable UK transactions can have a fixed fee denominated in GBP, while the variable rate depends on the merchant’s agreement and payment product.
- Custom Commercial Terms: Businesses can work with Klarna or an acquiring/payment partner to establish pricing based on their payment setup and transaction requirements.
Conclusion
Choosing the right online payment solution is important for UK businesses that want to accept payments securely, manage transactions efficiently, and provide convenient payment options to customers. The platforms covered in this guide offer different features for ecommerce, recurring payments, international transactions, digital products, and small business payments.
Solutions such as Stripe, PayPal Business, Worldpay, Square Payments, Adyen, Paddle, Checkout.com, GoCardless, Revolut Business, Mollie, Braintree, Airwallex, Shopify Payments, SumUp, and Klarna serve different business needs and payment models. When choosing a platform, consider transaction fees, payment methods, international coverage, integrations, security features, recurring billing, and compatibility with your existing systems.
The right choice will depend on your business size, sales channels, customer location, payment requirements, and budget. Comparing these factors can help you select an online payment solution that fits your business operations in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best online payment solution for UK businesses?
The most suitable solution depends on the business’s requirements, transaction volume, payment methods, integrations, and customer base. Platforms such as Stripe, PayPal Business, Worldpay, Square Payments, and Adyen offer different options for UK businesses.
Which online payment solution is best for small businesses?
Small businesses can consider platforms such as Square Payments, SumUp, PayPal Business, Stripe, and Mollie, depending on their preferred payment methods, pricing structure, and sales channels.
Which payment solution is best for international payments?
Platforms such as Adyen, Stripe, Airwallex, PayPal Business, and Revolut Business support international transactions and multiple currencies, although available features and fees vary.
Which online payment solution is best for recurring payments?
GoCardless, Stripe, PayPal Business, and Mollie provide tools for recurring or subscription-based payments. The appropriate option depends on the payment method and billing model required.
Are online payment solutions secure?
Reputable payment providers use security measures such as encryption, fraud monitoring, authentication, tokenisation, and compliance controls. Businesses should also follow appropriate security and payment-card compliance requirements.
How much do online payment solutions cost in the UK?
Pricing varies between providers. Some use transaction-based fees, while others offer custom pricing or additional monthly plans. Businesses should compare transaction rates, fixed fees, currency conversion charges, and other applicable costs.
Can online payment solutions accept international currencies?
Yes. Many online payment platforms support multiple currencies and international payment methods. However, the currencies available and any conversion or cross-border fees depend on the provider and account setup.
How do I choose an online payment provider for my business?
Consider factors such as transaction fees, supported payment methods, security, international payments, integrations, recurring billing, customer support, and ease of setup. Your choice should match your business model and expected payment volume.
What is the easiest payment gateway to use for a small business?
The easiest option depends on the business’s technical requirements and sales channels. Platforms such as PayPal Business, Square Payments, SumUp, and Stripe provide different levels of setup simplicity and payment functionality.
What payment methods should a UK online business accept?
Depending on the target customers, a business may accept debit and credit cards, digital wallets, bank payments, PayPal, direct debit, and Buy Now, Pay Later options. Offering several methods can accommodate different customer preferences.
Do online payment providers charge monthly fees?
Not necessarily. Some providers operate mainly on transaction fees, while others may charge monthly subscription or account fees. Businesses should review the complete pricing structure before selecting a provider.
