Quick Answer: An ecommerce payment gateway is the technology that securely captures, encrypts and processes card payments on your website, passing transaction data between your customer's bank, the card schemes and your acquiring bank. We Tranxact Ltd is a Birmingham-based independent payment consultant and broker that connects UK and European businesses with ecommerce payment gateway providers offering secure online card processing, multi-currency support and high-risk ecommerce solutions.

Ecommerce Payment Gateway UK

Accept secure online card payments from customers across the UK and Europe

We Tranxact Ltd is a Birmingham-based independent payment consultant and broker serving businesses across the UK and Europe. We set up merchant accounts, payment gateways and checkout flows so UK and European businesses can accept Visa, Mastercard, digital wallets and alternative payment methods through trusted UK and European payment processors.

Whether you are launching a new online store, upgrading your existing checkout, expanding into European markets or need ecommerce payment support for a high-risk sector, We Tranxact delivers secure, compliant and conversion-optimised ecommerce payment solutions tailored to your specific business model.

What You Need for Ecommerce Payments

Accepting card payments online requires three core components working together. We Tranxact helps UK businesses put all three in place correctly from the outset.

Ecommerce Merchant Account

Your merchant account facilitates the transfer of funds between your customer's card and your business bank account. We connect you with merchant account providers and acquiring banks appropriate for your sector, transaction volumes and risk profile — including specialist providers for high-risk ecommerce businesses.

Payment Gateway

The payment gateway captures, encrypts and passes card details between the customer, the card schemes and your acquiring bank. It is the core of safe and reliable online payment processing. We work with leading UK and European gateway providers offering fast integration, high uptime and broad payment method support.

Compliant Website

Your website must meet processor and card scheme requirements before your ecommerce merchant account can go live. This includes SSL security, a clear checkout flow, and compliant returns, delivery, privacy and terms pages. We guide you through these requirements so your application is approved without unnecessary delays.

How a Payment Gateway Works

A payment gateway is software that transfers transaction details between the customer's bank, the card schemes such as Visa and Mastercard, and your acquiring bank. It encrypts card data, performs fraud checks and returns an approval or decline within seconds — invisibly to the customer during checkout.

We work with leading UK and European gateway providers supporting a wide range of payment methods including:

• Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards
• American Express
• Apple Pay and Google Pay
• PayPal
• UnionPay and JCB
• Open banking payments
• Buy now pay later options

Every gateway we recommend is PCI DSS compliant, ensuring card numbers and sensitive payment data are captured and transmitted securely in line with card scheme requirements.

Why Choose We Tranxact for Ecommerce Payments?

With online shopping continuing to grow across the UK and Europe, having the right payment gateway in place is essential to conversion, security and business growth. We Tranxact connects you with the right provider rather than a generic off-the-shelf solution.

High-Risk Ecommerce Specialists

We support merchants in sectors that mainstream payment providers decline — including supplements, CBD, adult content, pharmaceuticals, gaming and other high-risk categories. We match you with gateways and acquirers experienced in your specific sector and willing to support your business model.

UK and European Coverage

Accept payments across borders with multi-currency processing and localised checkout options. Our provider network covers the UK, EU and international markets, supporting businesses selling to customers across Europe and beyond.

Fast Gateway Setup

We streamline the onboarding and compliance process so your gateway goes live quickly. Most standard ecommerce gateway applications are approved and integrated within days of complete documentation being submitted.

PCI DSS Compliance Throughout

We only recommend gateways that meet PCI DSS requirements. Every provider in our network protects cardholder data and keeps your online payments secure and compliant with card scheme standards.

Recurring and Subscription Payment Support

We help you integrate recurring card payments for memberships, SaaS products, subscription boxes, content access and ongoing service billing. Automated renewal processing with proper Continuous Payment Authority frameworks built in.

Multi-Channel Integration

Your ecommerce gateway integrates with major UK e-commerce platforms including WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento, BigCommerce and custom-built websites. Unified payment processing across all online sales channels.

Recurring and Subscription Payments

Recurring payments — also known as subscription payments or Continuous Payment Authorities — charge a customer's card automatically on an agreed schedule. This works similarly to a direct debit but uses a card rather than a bank account, making it ideal for businesses selling ongoing access to products or services.

Subscription billing is appropriate for memberships, content access, SaaS products, subscription boxes, maintenance contracts, ongoing donations and any business model where customers pay regularly rather than in single transactions.

We help you integrate recurring card payments into your website with proper consent management, clear billing terms, cancellation processes and chargeback prevention systems — ensuring your subscription model meets card scheme requirements and minimises disputes.

Ecommerce Payment Gateway Costs

Ecommerce payment gateway pricing varies depending on your business sector, monthly transaction volumes, average order values and risk profile. Understanding the cost structure helps you compare providers and budget appropriately.

Transaction Fees

A percentage plus fixed amount per successful transaction — typically 1.2% to 3.5% plus £0.20 to £0.30 for standard UK ecommerce businesses. High-risk sectors attract higher rates reflecting the additional compliance and risk management infrastructure required.

Gateway Monthly Fee

A fixed monthly fee for gateway access and account maintenance — typically £20 to £60 per month depending on provider and service level. Higher-volume businesses often negotiate reduced or zero monthly fees.

Setup and Integration Fees

One-time fees for account setup, technical integration and onboarding support. Many providers offer zero setup fees for straightforward integrations. More complex custom integrations or high-risk onboarding may incur setup costs.

Chargeback Fees

A per-dispute fee charged when customers raise card disputes — typically £15 to £25 per chargeback for standard ecommerce, higher for high-risk sectors. Keeping chargeback ratios below card scheme thresholds is essential to account stability.

Currency Conversion Fees

An additional percentage applied when processing payments in currencies other than your settlement currency. Multi-currency pricing varies by provider — relevant for businesses selling to European or international customers.

We Tranxact negotiates gateway pricing on your behalf based on your specific transaction volumes and business profile. Most businesses we work with achieve better rates than applying directly to providers.

Ecommerce Payments Across the UK and Europe

We help businesses throughout the United Kingdom and Europe set up ecommerce payment gateways and online card processing solutions regardless of sector, business size or trading history.

Whether you operate from Birmingham, London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cardiff, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle or anywhere across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, We Tranxact connects your business with the right ecommerce payment gateway provider for your specific requirements.

For businesses selling into European markets or based in EU territories, we work with gateway providers supporting cross-border payment processing, local payment methods and European regulatory compliance across France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands and other EU jurisdictions.

Ecommerce Payments — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start accepting online card payments?

You need a merchant account, a payment gateway and a compliant website. We Tranxact helps UK and European businesses put all three in place — from provider selection and application preparation through to gateway integration and go live.

Can high-risk businesses get ecommerce payment gateways?

Yes. We specialise in high-risk sectors and connect merchants with gateways and acquiring banks willing to support their specific business model, subject to underwriting and compliance requirements. Previous declines from mainstream providers do not automatically prevent approval through specialist channels.

Which payment methods can I offer on my website?

You can accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, UnionPay and JCB depending on your chosen gateway provider. Local European payment methods are available for businesses selling cross-border.

Is the payment gateway PCI DSS compliant?

Yes. We only recommend gateway providers that are PCI DSS compliant, ensuring cardholder data is protected and your online payments meet card scheme security requirements throughout the transaction process.

Do you support recurring or subscription payments?

Yes. We help businesses set up recurring and subscription card payments for memberships, SaaS products, subscription boxes, ongoing services and automated billing — with proper Continuous Payment Authority frameworks and consent management built in.

How long does gateway setup take?

Most standard ecommerce gateway applications are approved and integrated within days of complete documentation being submitted. High-risk applications typically take 5-10 business days depending on underwriting requirements.

Can I accept payments in multiple currencies?

Yes. Most gateway providers in our network support multi-currency processing across GBP, EUR, USD and other major currencies. Dynamic currency conversion allows international customers to pay in their home currency while you settle in GBP.

Which ecommerce platforms do your gateways integrate with?

Most providers in our network offer ready-built integrations for WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento, BigCommerce and OpenCart, as well as API access for custom-built websites and bespoke checkout flows.

What happens if a customer disputes an online payment?

When a customer raises a chargeback on an online transaction, the gateway provider notifies you and requests evidence — order confirmation, delivery proof, terms acceptance and communication records. We advise on evidence submission and chargeback prevention best practices to protect your account health.

Do I need a separate gateway for telephone orders?

Not necessarily. Many ecommerce gateways also support MOTO — Mail Order and Telephone Order — processing through a virtual terminal, enabling you to accept card payments taken over the phone using the same account and reporting infrastructure.

Related Payment Services

• Merchant Accounts UK
• High-Risk Merchant Accounts
• Marketplace Payment Gateway
• Virtual Terminal and MOTO Payments
• Same-Day Settlement
• Open Banking Payments

Ecommerce Regulations and Resources

• FCA — Payment Services and Electronic Money
• PCI Security Standards Council — PCI DSS Information
• GOV.UK — Online and Distance Selling Rules
• UK Finance — Card Payments Guidance

Ready to Set Up Your Ecommerce Payment Gateway?

We Tranxact connects UK and European businesses with the right gateway providers — fast approvals, competitive fees and dedicated Birmingham-based support