Buyer's Guide · United Kingdom
UK Payment Processing Software in 2026
By Rajat Gupta, Founder & Lead Reviewer
This guide ranks the 10 best Payment Processing Software options available in the United Kingdom as of 2026, ordered by SpotScore — a composite of ratings, verified reviews, and feature coverage. All tools listed support UK compliance requirements and are evaluated for suitability in the UK market.
Top Payment Processing Software in the United Kingdom: Quick Comparison
Ranked by SpotScore — a composite of ratings, reviews, and feature coverage
| # | Product | SpotScore | Rating | Pricing model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PayHere | — | — | — |
| 2 | Railsbank | — | — | Quotation Based |
| 3 | PayApp | — | — | Quotation Based |
| 4 | Paytia | — | — | Quotation Based |
| 5 | Axxonpay | — | 5.0/5 (1) | Quotation Based |
| 6 | Corefy | — | — | Subscription, Quotation Based |
| 7 | Verto Global Accounts | — | — | Quotation Based |
| 8 | Duffel Payments | — | — | Subscription |
| 9 | Songhai Exchange | — | — | Quotation Based |
| 10 | iwocaPay | — | 4.0/5 (1) | Freemium, Quotation Based |
1. PayHere
Streamline payments with ease and elegance.
- Availability
- Available in the United Kingdom
Experience seamless payments with PayHere, a powerful payment solution that streamlines the process of accepting both one-time and recurring payments. With quick and easy setup, users can share a link to their payment forms without any coding or website needed. Customize the UI, from colours to branding, for an integrated experience. Benefit from features such as Merchant admin, optimized dunning, and pay-as-you-go pricing models. All payments are securely processed through a dedicated Stripe account and users will receive notifications for every transaction. Trust PayHere to handle your payments efficiently with elegant forms and customer receipts. Setup and manage payments effortlessly in just a few clicks.
2. Railsbank
Revolutionize your financial services with ease.
- Pricing model
- Quotation Based
- Availability
- Available in the United Kingdom
Railsbank is an open banking platform that empowers businesses to create innovative financial products and services. With a comprehensive set of banking features, card solutions, and compliance capabilities, Railsbank simplifies the process of building and testing financial use-cases. It also offers real-time transaction control and monitoring to ensure compliance with policies and detect potential fraud. Businesses can issue their own Mastercard debit cards and manage ledgers for easy fund transfers. Plus, users can seamlessly convert value between different assets held in ledgers and pull funds from bank accounts or cards. Railsbank is the ideal solution for businesses looking to scale their financial services.
3. PayApp
Streamline payments, boost profits, and grow your business!
- Pricing model
- Quotation Based
- Availability
- Available in the United Kingdom
Simplifying payments for businesses around the world. With PayApp, business owners have the power to accept payments from customers on a secure platform. Plus, get actionable insights to reduce costs, increase acceptance rates, and manage payroll and overall cash flow with ease. PayApp makes the process of payments simple and efficient.
4. Paytia
Safe and secure payments made simple.
- Pricing model
- Quotation Based
- Availability
- Available in the United Kingdom
Paytia is a secure, cloud-based service providing card payment over the phone for customers, in full compliance with data protection regulations like PCI DSS, CCPA, and GDPR. No unwanted penalties or fees. Easy to deploy and configure to suit specific needs. Keeps card information safe and secure, by preventing sellers from seeing or hearing data - customers enter their own details direct to the seller's bank via keypad. Paytia has integrated all major payment providers, allowing
5. Axxonpay
Securely process global payments with ease.
- User rating
- Pricing model
- Quotation Based
- Availability
- Available in the United Kingdom
Axxonpay is an all-in-one payment processing platform created to help businesses of any size to securely accept payments. Its portfolio of payment solutions includes IBANS and card services, even for high-risk merchants. Customers can take advantage of its easy-to-use tools to quickly and reliably process global payments with over 260 payment gateway options. And with its organization-specific customization, users can set up their accounts in mere minutes, selecting from a variety of supported currencies and fees
6. Corefy
Streamlining payments, bridging gaps.
- Pricing model
- Subscription, Quotation Based
- Availability
- Available in the United Kingdom
Corefy is an efficient and streamlined payment orchestration platform that enables digital businesses and payment institutions to effortlessly integrate with providers and acquirers globally. Our software promotes a straightforward checkout process that elevates customer experience and maximizes conversions. Corefy makes payments and payouts more accessible and secure while enabling you to process them cost-effectively. We partner with more than 200 PSPs to provide support in any region - no matter what currency, payment method or flow you use. Corefy bridges
7. Verto Global Accounts
Global payments, simplified.
- Pricing model
- Quotation Based
- Availability
- Available in the United Kingdom
Verto Global Accounts provides a streamlined payments infrastructure for cross-border operations, enabling businesses to scale globally. Our software gives you the tools you need to seamlessly manage payments for imports and exports, e-commerce, digital marketplaces, and both small and large businesses, so you can take your business to the next level.
8. Duffel Payments
Streamline your business and increase profits effortlessly.
- Pricing model
- Subscription
- Availability
- Available in the United Kingdom
Duffel Payments, the newest offering from our SaaS Aggregator company, allows you to effortlessly sell flights and streamline your travel business. Gone are the days of complex and expensive upfront costs - Duffel Payments enables you to charge your customers directly through our easy-to-use API. And the best part? You can easily add your own markups to bookings. Simplify your sales process and maximize profits with Duffel Payments - the ultimate solution for hassle-free flight transactions.
9. Songhai Exchange
Efficient fund management for African trade
- Pricing model
- Quotation Based
- Availability
- Available in the United Kingdom
Introducing Songhai Exchange, the ultimate solution for efficient fund management and trade-related investments in Africa. With our innovative Pan-African payment network, users can easily access cash pick up, bank transfers, bill payments, and mobile money transfers across the continent. By eliminating intermediaries, we reduce costs and timelines, allowing businesses to connect with international organizations in real-time. Our platform also offers customizable foreign exchange rates and fees, enabling cost-effective payout connections all over Africa. With seamless integration for mobile money operators and banks, Songhai Exchange ensures constant and effortless remittance flows. Trust us to provide a seamless connection with trusted African banking partners, including FirstBank of Nigeria and First City Monument, for unified payments and transparent monetary practices.
10. iwocaPay
Secure payments made simple.
- User rating
- Pricing model
- Freemium, Quotation Based
- Availability
- Available in the United Kingdom
iwocaPay is a B2B payment solution used by UK small business owners and their trade customers to offer flexible payment terms — including buy-now-pay-later options — at the point of invoice or checkout. It solves the problem of business buyers who delay payment due to cash flow constraints by embedding deferred payment options directly into the checkout flow, with iwocaPay extending credit to the buyer. The deferred payment feature is the primary differentiator and is currently available primarily to UK-based businesses.
How to Choose Payment Processing Software in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, your business faces a complex landscape when selecting Payment Processing Software. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) are the primary governing bodies overseeing payment processing regulations. Compliance with the Payment Services Regulations 2017 and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is essential for your operations. These regulations mandate specific functionalities in your software to ensure secure transactions and protect customer data. The core challenge lies in navigating these requirements while choosing a solution that meets your business needs and avoids costly penalties for non-compliance.
Cyber Essentials is the UK government's baseline security certification, built on five controls — firewalls, secure configuration, security update management, user access control and malware protection — and a growing number of buyers require suppliers to hold it before bidding, payment processing software vendors included.1 The introduction of the Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) requirement in 2021 has further accelerated the adoption of compliant payment processing solutions.
Key Regulations
Payment Services Regulations 2017
This regulation requires your business to ensure that all payment transactions are processed securely and transparently. Your software must support features such as transaction monitoring and fraud detection to comply. Failure to comply can result in penalties up to £500,000 or revocation of your payment service license.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
GDPR mandates that your business must protect personal data during payment processing. Your software must include data encryption and user consent mechanisms. Non-compliance can lead to fines of up to €20 million or 4% of your annual global turnover, whichever is higher.
Anti-Money Laundering Regulations 2017
These regulations require your business to implement robust customer due diligence measures. Your payment processing software must facilitate identity verification and transaction reporting. Non-compliance can result in fines or imprisonment for responsible individuals.
Electronic Money Regulations 2011
If your business issues electronic money, this regulation requires compliance with specific operational and safeguarding measures. Your software must support features that ensure customer funds are protected. Non-compliance can lead to significant fines and restrictions on your operations.
Consumer Credit Act 1974
This act requires transparency in the terms and conditions of credit agreements. Your payment processing software must provide clear information about fees and charges. Failure to comply can result in enforcement actions and penalties from the Financial Conduct Authority.
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS)
PCI DSS requires your business to secure cardholder data during transactions. Your software must have features that ensure data encryption and secure storage. Non-compliance can lead to fines and increased transaction fees from card networks.
What to Look For
Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) compliance
SCA compliance is mandatory under the Payment Services Regulations 2017. Your software must support multi-factor authentication for online payments. Verify with vendors that their solution meets the SCA requirements to avoid transaction declines and customer dissatisfaction.
GDPR-compliant data handling
Your payment processing software must handle personal data in compliance with GDPR. This includes features for data encryption and user consent management. Ensure that vendors can demonstrate how their software protects customer data to mitigate legal risks.
Fraud detection and prevention tools
Fraud detection is essential under the Payment Services Regulations 2017. Your software should include real-time transaction monitoring and alerts for suspicious activities. Confirm with vendors that their solution has proven fraud prevention capabilities to protect your business from losses.
Automated reporting for AML compliance
Compliance with Anti-Money Laundering Regulations requires automated reporting of suspicious transactions. Your software must facilitate easy generation of reports for regulatory authorities. Check that vendors provide tools that simplify compliance reporting to avoid penalties.
Transparent fee disclosure mechanisms
Under the Consumer Credit Act 1974, your software must clearly disclose fees and charges associated with payment processing. Ensure that the vendor's solution provides transparent pricing information to maintain compliance and build customer trust.
PCI DSS certification
Your payment processing software must be PCI DSS compliant to secure cardholder data. This includes features for data encryption and secure storage. Verify that the vendor can provide proof of PCI DSS certification to avoid potential fines and security breaches.
Common mistake: Many UK businesses overlook the importance of verifying SCA compliance in their payment processing software. This oversight can lead to transaction declines and customer dissatisfaction, impacting revenue. Before signing any contract, ensure that the vendor's solution explicitly meets SCA requirements to avoid operational disruptions.
Compliance Checklist
Does the software support Strong Customer Authentication (SCA)?
SCA is required under the Payment Services Regulations 2017. If the vendor cannot confirm this, you risk transaction declines and customer dissatisfaction.
Is the software GDPR-compliant?
GDPR compliance is essential for protecting personal data. A negative response means you may face significant fines and legal issues.
Can the software generate automated reports for AML compliance?
Automated reporting is necessary to comply with Anti-Money Laundering Regulations. If the vendor cannot provide this, your business may face penalties.
Is the software PCI DSS certified?
PCI DSS certification is critical for securing cardholder data. A negative answer indicates potential security risks and fines.
Does the software provide transparent fee disclosures?
Transparency is required under the Consumer Credit Act 1974. If the vendor cannot ensure this, you risk non-compliance and customer trust issues.
Does the software support real-time fraud detection?
Real-time fraud detection is essential for compliance with payment regulations. A lack of this feature could expose your business to financial losses.
Questions to Ask Vendors
- Is your software listed on the FCA's approved payment service provider list?
- How does your software ensure compliance with GDPR?
- What fraud detection mechanisms are integrated into your software?
- Can your software generate reports for AML compliance?
- What is your process for maintaining PCI DSS certification?
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, payment processing software must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the UK. This regulation requires businesses to protect personal data during transactions, including implementing data encryption and obtaining user consent. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to €20 million or 4% of your annual global turnover. Ensure that any software you consider has features specifically designed to meet GDPR requirements.
Non-compliance with the Payment Services Regulations 2017 can lead to penalties of up to £500,000 or the revocation of your payment service license. This regulation mandates secure and transparent transaction processing, making it crucial for your business to choose compliant payment processing software. Verify that the software includes necessary features to meet these regulatory requirements.
To ensure PCI DSS compliance, verify that your payment processing software has undergone certification by a recognized authority. The software should include features for data encryption, secure storage, and regular security assessments. Non-compliance can lead to significant fines and increased transaction fees from card networks. Always ask vendors for proof of their PCI DSS certification before making a purchase.
Payment processing software in the UK should include features for Strong Customer Authentication (SCA), GDPR compliance, fraud detection, and automated reporting for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance. These features ensure that your business meets regulatory requirements and protects customer data. When evaluating software, confirm that vendors can demonstrate how their solutions address these compliance needs.
Yes, real-time fraud detection is essential for compliance with payment regulations in the UK. It helps identify and prevent fraudulent transactions, protecting your business from financial losses. Ensure that any software you consider includes robust fraud detection mechanisms and verify their effectiveness with the vendor.
Transaction fees for payment processing software in the UK generally range from 1.5% to 3.5% per transaction, depending on the provider and payment method. Some providers may also charge a fixed fee per transaction, which can vary based on the volume of transactions processed.
Yes, payment processors in the UK must be authorized by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or operate under an exemption. This ensures compliance with the Payment Services Regulations and provides consumer protection.
Most payment processing software offers APIs and plugins compatible with popular e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento. Review the software's documentation for integration guidelines and consider a developer's assistance for a seamless setup.
UK businesses should consider offering a variety of payment methods, including credit and debit cards, PayPal, direct debit, and emerging options like digital wallets and cryptocurrencies. This variety can enhance customer experience and potentially increase sales.
The average setup time for payment processing software in the UK can range from a few hours to several days. Factors influencing this include the complexity of the software, required integrations, and the necessary compliance checks.
Payment processing software can help reduce chargebacks in the UK by offering fraud detection tools, secure payment gateways, and clear transaction records. Implementing these features can help identify and mitigate fraudulent transactions before they escalate.
UK-based payment processors often offer services tailored to local regulations, currencies, and customer preferences, while international providers may offer broader global reach and diverse payment options. Choosing the right provider depends on a business's target market and operational needs.
UK payment processing software providers typically offer customer support via phone, email, and live chat. Many also provide comprehensive online resources, including FAQs and knowledge bases, to assist users with common issues.
Payment processing fees can significantly affect a business's overall ROI by reducing profit margins on sales. It is essential to analyze these costs and choose a provider that balances competitive fees with reliable service and features that enhance sales.
Look for payment processing software that offers detailed reporting features, including transaction summaries, chargeback reports, and performance analytics. These insights can help you make informed business decisions and optimize your payment strategies.
Is There an UK Alternative to PayPal?
PayPal is not part of this ranking, which is scoped to payment processing software in the United Kingdom. Spotsaas tracks substitutes for PayPal on a dedicated page, which stays current as the payment processing software field moves and carries the ratings alongside each name.
- PayPal alternatives1
View Payment Processing Software by Country
Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].