Top 6 B2B payment gateways in the UK: Compare fees, methods, and key differences from B2C

Key takeaways

• B2B payment gateways handle bigger transactions, longer payment cycles, and more complex approval steps than B2C gateways. So, it’s vital to pick one that’s built for business buying.

• The right gateway should support many payment methods, link with your accounting and ERP systems, and manage cross-border payments in local currencies.

• Airwallex combines a B2B payment gateway with multi-currency accounts, competitive FX, and spend management in one platform. So, you can collect, convert, and pay out worldwide without juggling providers.

Globally, B2B payments are estimated to be worth £1.58 trillion per year. But the way businesses pay each other is changing fast. Manual bank transfers are being replaced by card payments, digital wallets, and open banking. And if you meet customers where they are, with the way they prefer to pay, that’s an easy win for B2B vendors.

This article explains what a B2B payment gateway is, how it differs from B2C, what to look for when choosing one, and compares six of the leading providers on the market for UK businesses.

What is a B2B payment gateway?

A B2B payment gateway is a system that securely processes card and digital payments between businesses. You can think of it as a digital card terminal. However, it’s built for business-to-business payments. That means it can handle higher values, longer payment terms, and more complex approval steps than a normal consumer checkout.

What’s the practical benefit? Your customers can pay the way they prefer, and you can get paid sooner. Instead of waiting for a bank transfer after you send an invoice, you can offer card payments, Direct Debits, or digital wallets. These options are all processed securely through one system.

How a B2B payment gateway works

When a business customer makes a payment, the gateway encrypts their payment details. It then routes those details to the right payment network. Next, the acquirer or processor authorises the transaction. In other words, it checks that funds are available and the payment is valid. Once approved, the funds settle into your merchant account. This is usually within one to three business days, although some gateways offer same-day settlement.

Because B2B payments are often higher in value, gateways may add extra checks. For example, they may use multi-factor authentication or stronger fraud screening to protect both sides.

How B2B payment gateways differ from B2C

The differences between B2B and B2C payments aren’t only about transaction size. They also change which gateway features matter most. Higher values mean fees can affect your margins more. Longer payment cycles mean invoicing, credit terms, and reconciliation matter more. And business buyers want payment options that match their buying process, not only a consumer-style checkout.

That’s why a gateway built for consumer payments can fall short for B2B. You need a solution that can handle the extra steps and detail in business buying. Next, let’s look at the benefits a B2B payment gateway can bring.

Benefits of using a B2B payment gateway

Moving on from manual invoice processing and bank transfers isn’t only about modernising. It can bring clear improvements to cash flow, day-to-day work, and customer relationships.

Faster payments and better cash flow

When you offer more ways to pay — cards, Direct Debit, and digital wallets — you reduce friction. Customers can pay right away, rather than waiting for their accounts payable team to set up a bank transfer. As a result, your days sales outstanding can drop, and your cash flow can be easier to predict.

Settlement speed matters as well. Some gateways hold funds for several days before sending them to your account. Others, like Airwallex, process about 95% of transfers within hours or the same day. That means you can access your money faster.

Fewer manual processes and errors

A payment gateway can automate reconciliation by matching incoming payments to invoices. So, instead of manually comparing bank statements with your records, your accounting software gets payment data directly. This cuts data-entry mistakes, saves time, and gives your finance team a clearer view of what’s paid and what’s still due.

A better experience for your customers

Business buyers now expect the same payment choice they get as consumers. In B2B eCommerce, credit card and digital wallet payments are preferred over traditional bank transfers. If you let customers pay the way they prefer, you reduce friction, speed up buying, and strengthen commercial relationships.

What to look for in a B2B payment gateway

Choosing a gateway depends on what your business needs and what your customers expect. As you compare options, focus on the key points below.

Supported payment methods

Invoicing and then waiting for a bank transfer is quickly becoming outdated. Today, there are hundreds of payment methods for businesses and consumers (Airwallex supports over 160 of them).

A gateway that lets customers pay using their preferred method can shorten payment times and simplify your accounts receivable work. In general, a gateway that can accept credit cards, debit cards, Direct Debit, digital wallets, and bank transfers is good for business.

Transaction fees and pricing

Payment gateways usually use one of two pricing models: interchange+ (or interchange++) or blended pricing. Interchange+ is a variable rate, while blended pricing is fixed.

On top of that, you’ll usually pay a gateway fee. This can include the cost of fraud and security checks used on each payment.

We’ve written a detailed guide explaining these pricing models, if you’re interested.

Airwallex, for example, uses blended pricing. We charge:

• A transaction fee of 1.30%

• A gateway fee of £0.20

The right model for you will depend on many things. These can range from cost control to how much you need clear, easy-to-audit financial reporting.

Security and compliance

Your gateway will process a high volume and high value of transactions. So, security isn’t optional.

Any secure and reliable gateway should be able to show it follows schemes and protocols such as:

• PCI DSS

• SSL and/or TLS

• PSD2

• SOC1 and SOC2

• 3D Secure (or other multi-factor authentication methods)

• Chargeback and fraud protection policies

If you can’t find this info, ask the provider. And if they can’t show evidence, you should think very carefully before you commit.

Integration and API capabilities

A payment gateway should fit into your current systems with minimal effort. It shouldn’t feel like a clunky add-on.

Before you sign up, check that it integrates with your:

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system

• Accounting software

• Invoicing software (if separate)

• Any team, project, or workplace management systems

A payment API lets you connect payments across your business’s screens and tools. It can also make reporting and reconciliation easier.

Multi-currency and cross-border capabilities

If you work with customers abroad, your gateway should handle currencies, FX, and local settlement.

If it can’t, you may make payments harder for customers and more expensive for your business.

• Fine: Letting customers pay in local currency.

• Good: The above, plus local payment methods.

• Great: All of the above, plus multi-currency accounts, like-for-like settlement, and global spend management.

Payout and settlement speed

Your payment gateway holds funds in your merchant account and releases them once the payment clears. Some gateways offer near-instant or same-day payouts. Others may take several days.

So, if you need quick access to cash, payout timing could be a key factor when choosing a payment gateway.

6 best B2B payment gateways in the UK (2026)

There are dozens of B2B payment gateways. However, we’ve narrowed it down to six leading options for UK companies. Here’s how they compare at a glance:

Airwallex

• Key features: A unified, global financial platform that supports your spend, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, FX, and more ^1

• Transaction fees and pricing: 1.30% + £0.20 for UK cards ^2

• Availability (supported countries): 180+ countries ^3

• Supported payment methods and currencies: 130+ currencies ^4 in 160 payment methods ^5

• Security and compliance: GDPR, PCI DSS, SOC1, SOC2, 3D Secure ^6

GoCardless

• Key features: A bank transfer specialist that offers one-off A2A payments and Direct Debits

• Transaction fees and pricing: 1% + £0.20 ^7

• Availability (supported countries): 30+ countries ^8

• Supported payment methods and currencies: Eight currencies ^9, two methods (bank debit and instant pay) ^10

• Security and compliance: Fraud protection scales with your subscription. GDPR, ISO27001, SSL, Direct Debit Guarantee ^11

Stripe

• Key features: Many payment methods, including subscription billing, invoices, and card payments

• Transaction fees and pricing: 1.90% + £0.20 for corporate cards ^12

• Availability: 46 markets with local acquiring ^13

• Supported currencies: 135+ currencies ^14 and 100+ payment methods ^15

• Security/compliance: PCI Service Provider Level 1, MFA, and PCI DSS compliant ^16

BILL

• Key features: An all-in-one accounts payable and accounts receivable platform for businesses of all sizes

• Transaction fees and pricing: 2.9% for card payments ^17

• Availability (supported countries): 130+ countries ^18

• Supported payment methods and currencies: 106 currencies ^19

• Security and compliance: SOC1, SOC2, TLS, PCI DSS, and MFA ^20

Adyen

• Key features: A data-rich platform that gives businesses deep insight into their finances

• Transaction fees and pricing: Interchange rate + 0.60% + £0.11 for cards ^21

• Availability (supported countries): 91 countries ^22

• Supported payment methods and currencies: 200+ payment methods ^23, 150+ currencies ^24

• Security and compliance: PCI DSS, PIN, P2PE, and 3DS; SOC 2; and ISO 27001 ^25

NomuPay

• Key features: Dedicated high-risk merchant accounts

• Transaction fees and pricing: Not shown on website

• Availability (supported countries): 196 countries ^26

• Supported payment methods and currencies: 200 payment methods ^27

• Security and compliance: PCI DSS; email, IP, and device ID hotlists ^28; MFA and 3D Secure ^29

Why choose Airwallex as your B2B payment gateway

Digital payments are growing in popularity, while cash and cheques are moving in the other direction. At the same time, bank-payment innovations like Faster Payments, A2A, and open banking are picking up pace. So, if you’re still sending invoices with your bank details attached, you might be making things harder for your customers and for your cash flow.

Whether you do business in the UK or overseas, Airwallex offers some of the most competitive rates on transactions and FX. At 1.30% + £0.20 per card transaction, we’re priced below most competitors on this list. Plus, with 130+ currencies across 160+ payment methods, your customers can pay the way they prefer.

The real advantage? You might not even need FX. With our multi-currency Global Accounts and like-for-like settlement, you can earn, hold, and spend money in each country and currency. This helps you avoid the double conversion trap that can eat into margins.

On top of that, we’ve got spend management tools, global Corporate Card issuance, and powerful APIs. That means you can build on, from, and with Airwallex. And you can do it all in one platform, instead of juggling multiple providers.

Save time and money as your business grows worldwide. Open an account with Airwallex today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can B2B payment gateways support cross-border payments?

Yes, many B2B payment gateways support cross-border payments, although coverage varies by provider. If you do business internationally, cross-border payments are vital. If you can, choose a gateway that also supports local-currency payments and like-for-like settlement.

How do B2B payment gateways integrate with accounting systems?

Most B2B payment gateways connect to accounting software through APIs, webhooks, or pre-built connectors. A good gateway will offer integrations so you can track payments and spend accurately and automatically.

For example, Airwallex integrates with eight popular accounting services. You can also build your own automations with tools like Zapier, and manage recurring billing and subscriptions directly.

What fees should I expect from a B2B payment gateway?

You’ll usually pay a mix of transaction fees, gateway fees, and sometimes a platform subscription. Fees vary by provider and pricing model, but you’ll often see some or all of the following:

• Transaction fees (e.g. Airwallex charges 1.30% for card payments)

• Gateway fees (e.g. Airwallex charges £0.20)

• Platform subscription (e.g. Airwallex charges from £0 to bespoke enterprise pricing)

• Chargeback and refund fees

• Setup fees (one-off)

• Termination fees (if you end a contract early)

What’s the difference between a B2B and B2C payment gateway?

A B2B payment gateway is built for higher-value payments, longer payment terms, and more complex approval steps than a B2C gateway.

While B2C gateways focus on fast consumer checkout with cards and digital wallets, B2B gateways often support bank transfers, Direct Debits, trade credit, and integrations with invoicing and ERP systems. Fee structures can also differ, as corporate cards are often charged at a premium compared to consumer cards.

Sources and references

1. https://airwallex.com

2. https://www.airwallex.com/uk/terms/fee-schedule

3. https://www.airwallex.com/uk/payments

4. https://www.airwallex.com/docs/payments__supported-currencies

5. https://www.airwallex.com/uk/payments

6. https://security.airwallex.com

7. https://gocardless.com/pricing/

8. https://gocardless.com/faq/merchants/international-payments/

9. https://gocardless.com/faq/merchants/international-payments/

10. https://gocardless.com/

11. https://gocardless.com/faq/merchants/security/#:~:text=Our%20financial%20data%20server%20is,27001%20certification%20for%20information%20security

12. https://stripe.com/gb/pricing

13. https://stripe.com/gb

14. https://stripe.com/gb

15. https://docs.stripe.com/security?locale=en-GB

16. https://docs.stripe.com/payments/payment-methods/overview?locale=en-GB

17. https://www.bill.com/product/pricing#business

18. https://help.bill.com/direct/s/article/360007172671

19. https://help.bill.com/direct/s/article/360007172671

20. https://www.bill.com/product/security

21. https://www.adyen.com/pricing/

22. https://www.adyen.com/en_GB/accept-payments

23. https://www.adyen.com/en_GB/payment-methods/

24. https://docs.adyen.com/account/supported-currencies/

25. https://help.adyen.com/knowledge/security/security-principles/what-are-the-adyen-security-certifications

26. https://nomupay.com/support/what-payment-methods-do-you-accept/

27. https://nomupay.com/support/what-payment-methods-do-you-accept/

28. https://nomupay.com/secure-payment/

29. https://nomupay.com/fraud-risk/