Payment Services UK | Merchant Accounts & Card Machines

Expertly Reviewed by Rav Bains, Senior Consultant and Founder | Updated: October 2025

Payment Services UK — Built Around Your Business

We Tranxact Ltd delivers specialist payment services across the UK and Europe as a Visa-approved payment consultancy. From merchant accounts and card machines to high-risk payment solutions and e-commerce payment gateways — we compare the full UK market on your behalf so you always get the right solution at the lowest possible cost. Most businesses are up and running within 24 to 48 hours.

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Our UK Payment Services

Card payments now account for over 80% of UK retail transactions, with less than 3% of in-store purchases made by cash, according to UK Finance. If your business is not set up to accept card payments efficiently and cost-effectively, you are leaving money on the table. Our UK payment services connect businesses of all sizes with the right solution — fast, compliant and at the best rates available.

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

Learn More About Merchant Accounts

Card Machines and 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

Learn More About Card Machines

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

Learn More About High-Risk Payments

Virtual Terminal and 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

Learn More About Virtual Terminals

Mobile Payments and 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

Learn More About Mobile Payments

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

Learn More About E-Commerce Payments

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

Learn More About Open Banking

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

Learn More About Marketplace Payments

What is Included With Every We Tranxact Payment Service

Hundreds of UK businesses rely on We Tranxact for payment services that are fast, compliant and cost-effective. Every solution we arrange includes these benefits as standard.

PCI DSS Compliance: All our solutions are fully compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. Non-compliance can cost businesses up to £100 per month — we make sure you are protected from day one.
Same Day and Next Day Settlement: Where available, we arrange same day or next day settlement — ideal for restaurants, bars, car dealerships and high-volume businesses that need fast access to funds.
Dedicated UK Support: You are never passed to a call centre. You get direct, personal support from a UK-based payment specialist throughout your setup and beyond.
Full Market Comparison: We compare the entire UK payment processing market on your behalf — that is how we consistently save businesses up to 45% on their current processing costs.
Fast Approvals: Most accounts are approved within 24 to 48 hours. Many within 2 hours. We know your business cannot afford to wait.

Why UK Businesses Choose Our Payment Services

Visa-Approved Payment Consultancy: We are a fully Visa-approved UK payment consultancy — one of a small number to hold this status. That means complete peace of mind for your business.
Save Up to 45% on Processing Costs: Our whole-of-market approach means we consistently find businesses significantly lower rates than they are currently paying.
High Approval Rate: Even if you have been declined by your bank or a mainstream processor, our specialist network means we can almost always find a solution. Learn more about our high-risk merchant account services.
Independent and Unbiased: We are not tied to any single provider. We recommend what is genuinely right for your business — nothing else.
UK Based, UK Focused: We are a UK business working with UK businesses. Find out more about us.

Payment Services Across the UK and Europe

We Tranxact provides payment services across the UK — from London, Birmingham and Manchester to Leeds, Bristol, Edinburgh and beyond. Whether you operate a physical premises, an online store or a mobile business, we have the right solution for how you work.

Our specialist high-risk payment services extend across Europe, supporting businesses in industries that struggle to find backing from traditional UK banks and processors. Whatever your sector or location, our UK payment services are designed to get you taking card payments quickly, compliantly and at the lowest possible cost.

From a sole trader in Manchester needing their first card machine, to an e-commerce business in London scaling internationally with a payment gateway, to a high-risk operator in Europe needing a specialist acquirer — We Tranxact has the connections, the experience and the approval rate to deliver.

Ready to Find the Right UK Payment Service?

Tell us about your business and we will match you with the best UK payment service available — no obligation, no jargon, just straight honest advice from specialists who are firmly on your side.

Get Your Free Quote Call Us: 0121 792 5367

Frequently Asked Questions About UK Payment Services

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.

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