Merchant Accounts

A merchant account is the financial agreement between your business and a card acquirer that allows you to accept debit and credit card payments. As part of our payment services across the UK, we connect you with a trusted acquirer, manage your application and get you set up fast — often within 24 to 48 hours. We have helped hundreds of UK businesses from sole traders to established companies get the merchant account that suits them.

• All major cards accepted including Visa and Mastercard
• Competitive transaction rates — save up to 45%
• Fast setup with dedicated personal support
• Suitable for new and established businesses
• Available to sole traders and limited companies

Card Machines & Chip and PIN Terminals

From countertop terminals to portable and mobile card machines, we supply and support a full range of card payment hardware for UK businesses of all sizes. Whether you run a retail shop in Birmingham, a restaurant in Manchester or a mobile service across London, our UK payment services team will match you with the right terminal at the right cost.

• Countertop, portable and mobile options
• Contactless, Apple Pay and Google Pay ready
• No hidden rental costs or surprise fees
• Next working day settlement available
• Full UK setup and ongoing support

High-Risk Merchant Accounts

Declined by your bank or a mainstream processor? You are not alone. We Tranxact specialises in high-risk merchant accounts for businesses in complex industries. Where the high street banks walk away, we step in. Our specialist network of UK and European acquirers provides payment services across the UK for sectors that others refuse.

• Gambling, adult, CBD, vape and supplements
• Crypto and forex, travel and nutraceuticals
• UK and European processor network
• Visa-approved payment consultancy
• High approval rate — even after previous declines

Virtual Terminal & MOTO Payments

Need to take card payments over the phone or by mail order? A virtual terminal lets you process payments securely from any device with an internet connection — no physical card machine required. Ideal for home-based businesses, remote workers, accountants and solicitors across the UK. All transactions are processed in line with PCI DSS security standards.

• Take payments by phone, email or post
• No card machine or hardware required
• PCI DSS compliant and fully secure
• Works on any device — laptop, tablet or mobile
• Ideal for remote and home-based businesses

Mobile Payments & mPOS

Accept card payments on the move with a mobile card reader that pairs with your smartphone or tablet. Perfect for market traders, tradesmen, personal trainers, mobile hairdressers and anyone working away from a fixed premises anywhere across the UK.

• Works via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
• Pairs with iOS and Android devices
• Contactless, Apple Pay and chip and PIN
• Compact, lightweight and portable
• No fixed premises required

E-Commerce Payments

Sell online with a fully integrated e-commerce payment gateway built for your website. We set up secure, fast and reliable online payment processing for UK businesses — whether you are launching your first online store or scaling an established operation. We integrate with the platforms you already use.

• Integrates with WooCommerce, Shopify and more
• 3D Secure and advanced fraud protection included
• Multi-currency support for international sales
• Competitive online transaction rates
• Fast onboarding and full technical support

Open Banking Payments

Open Banking is one of the most significant shifts in UK payments in decades. Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and overseen by the Open Banking Implementation Entity, it allows your customers to pay directly from their bank account — instantly, securely and without card processing costs. No chargebacks. No card scheme fees.

• Lower transaction costs than traditional card payments
• Zero chargebacks
• Instant bank-to-bank transfers
• FCA regulated and fully compliant
• Growing rapidly across UK consumers

Marketplace Payment Gateway

Running a marketplace or multi-vendor platform? Standard payment gateways are not built for the complexity of marketplace transactions. We provide specialist marketplace gateway solutions designed for split payments, multi-vendor routing and scalable platform growth — fully compliant from day one across the UK and Europe.

• Multi-vendor payment routing
• Split payment functionality
• Scalable for growing platforms
• Fully compliant setup and onboarding
• Available across UK and Europe

What payment services UK businesses need most?

Most UK businesses need at minimum a merchant account and either a card machine or payment gateway. The right combination depends on how you sell — in person, online, over the phone or all three. We Tranxact assesses your business and recommends the most cost-effective UK payment service for your specific needs.

What is the difference between a merchant account and a payment gateway?

A merchant account holds and processes your card payment funds. A payment gateway is the technology that securely transmits payment data between your customer, your website and the card networks. For online payments you need both. For in-person payments via a card machine, the merchant account is typically sufficient.

How much do UK payment services cost?

Transaction fees in the UK typically range from 0.3% to 1.75% per transaction depending on your business type, monthly turnover and card type. Many businesses are significantly overpaying. We Tranxact compares the full market to find the lowest rates available — businesses switching through us save up to 45% on average. Get a free quote today.

Can a sole trader or new business access UK payment services?

Yes. Sole traders and new businesses can absolutely get a merchant account and start taking card payments. We Tranxact works with acquirers who are open to new businesses and sole traders across the UK, guiding you through the application to maximise your chances of quick approval. Find out more about merchant accounts for new businesses.

What happens if my payment service application is declined?

A decline from one provider does not mean you cannot get a payment solution. Different acquirers have different risk appetites. We Tranxact works with a wide network of UK and European processors including specialists for businesses declined elsewhere. Learn more about our high-risk merchant account solutions or contact us directly.

Which industries need specialist UK payment services?

Banks and processors classify certain businesses as high-risk based on industry type, chargeback rates and regulatory complexity. Common sectors requiring specialist UK payment services include gambling, adult content, CBD, vape, supplements, travel and crypto and forex. We Tranxact specialises in all of these.

What is interchange plus pricing?

Interchange plus pricing is a transparent fee structure where you pay the base interchange rate set by Visa or Mastercard plus a fixed markup from your processor. It is generally more cost-effective than blended rate pricing for higher-volume businesses. Talk to us today to find out if interchange plus is right for you.

How quickly can I get set up with a UK payment service?

Most standard merchant accounts are approved within 24 to 48 hours — many within 2 hours. High-risk accounts may take slightly longer due to additional underwriting. Card machines are delivered within 3 to 5 working days and virtual terminals can be activated immediately once approved.

What does PCI DSS compliance mean for UK businesses?

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard is mandatory for any business accepting card payments. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to £100 per month. All payment services arranged by We Tranxact are fully PCI DSS compliant as standard — protecting your business and your customers from day one.

Is We Tranxact a regulated UK payment service provider?

Yes. We Tranxact Ltd is a Visa-approved payment consultancy based in the UK. We work exclusively with FCA-regulated acquiring banks and payment processors, giving your business the protection and compliance it deserves. Learn more about We Tranxact.