Top 6 UK Payment gateway providers and services in 2025

If you’re selling online, your payment gateway matters. It shapes the checkout experience, determines how quickly you receive funds, and impacts your ability to expand internationally.

In 2025, the UK payments landscape is changing. Open banking and Pay by Bank are gaining traction as lower-cost alternatives to cards. UK eCommerce fraud is rising, with returns fraud the top risk and remote access attacks up 8% year-on-year, making robust protection essential. And with cart abandonment hovering around 70%, offering fast, flexible checkout options is a no brainer.

Against this backdrop, the payment gateway you choose is a growth decision. This guide explains what a payment gateway provider is, how it works, the main types available, and which options stand out in the UK market in 2025.

What is a payment gateway provider or service?

A payment gateway provider is the company that gives your business the technology to accept payments online. It links your website or app, your customer’s chosen payment method, and your business bank account.

A payment gateway encrypts sensitive details, routes them securely, requests authorisation from the issuing bank, and ensures funds reach your account.

In the UK, gateways also manage Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) under PSD2. This means they handle extra checks such as one-time passcodes or biometric approval, keeping your payments compliant and secure.

How payment gateways work

Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes when a customer pays online? Maybe that’s just us. Anyway, here you go:

1. A customer selects a payment method such as card, wallet, or bank transfer.

2. The gateway encrypts and transmits the payment details.

3. The gateway requests authorisation from the issuing bank via the card network or scheme.

4. The bank confirms approval or declines the transaction.

5. The funds are transferred into your merchant account, usually within one to three business days.

Types of payment gateways

Different payment gateways impact how customers experience checkout, and how much control you have. Your options are:

Hosted or on-site

Hosted gateways keep customers on your website during checkout, giving you control over the experience.

Self-hosted

Self-hosted gateways let you collect customer data on your servers before passing it to the gateway. This offers flexibility but requires more compliance responsibility.

API or integrated

API gateways connect directly with your systems. They let you build custom checkout flows and integrate payments with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento.

Local bank integration

Bank-linked gateways connect directly with banks, including Pay by Bank via open banking.

Why use a payment gateway

As well as moving money, payment gateways create trust at checkout, speed up settlement, and support  your ability to sell across markets. Here’s why businesses like them.

Conversions. Gateways support cards, wallets, BNPL, and local methods that improve checkout completion.

Cash flow. Gateways release funds quickly, helping you reinvest in stock, ads, or operations.

Efficiency. Gateways centralise multiple payment methods in one integration.

Growth. Gateways support multiple currencies, making it easier to sell internationally.

Security. Gateways encrypt data and comply with PCI DSS standards to protect customer details.

Top payment gateway providers in the UK (2025)

A few providers stand out in 2025. Here’s what each one offers, and which businesses they suit best.

Airwallex

Airwallex (us) is a global financial platform that lets businesses collect, manage, and spend funds. Airwallex's Online Payments product lets businesses accept payments in over 160 methods across 180+ countries, settle in multiple currencies without losing margin to forced conversions, and plug directly into Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento, or use flexible APIs for custom checkouts. Above all, it gives you the scale, speed, and breadth to grow internationally without friction.

Best for: Online retailers with international customers and/or international suppliers, scale-ups who want to optimise FX and multi-currency cash flow, and SaaS companies needing fast multi-market settlement

Fees: UK cards 1.30% + 20p. EEA cards 2.40% + 20p. International cards 3.15% + 20p. See more

Settlement: Often within one business day.

PayPal

PayPal is a widely recognised global brand with high consumer trust. It offers PayPal Wallet, Pay in 3 instalments, and global buyer protection.

Best for: SME retailers who value customer trust over low fees

Fees: UK 2.90% + 30p. International 4.19% + 30p plus FX markups.

Settlement: Instant to PayPal balance, one to three days to bank account.

Adyen

Adyen is an enterprise-grade payment platform supporting 150 currencies and more than 100 payment methods. It handles online, mobile, and in-store transactions.

Best for: Enterprise retailers and marketplaces running large-scale global operations

Fees: €0.11 fixed plus method-specific charges, typically 1.5% to 3.5%.

Settlement: Two to three business days.

Worldpay

Worldpay is a long-established UK provider offering online and offline merchant services with strong local presence.

Best for: Established retailers that want a single provider for both online and in-store payments

Fees: Contract-based, varies by business.

Settlement: Two to three business days.

GoCardless

GoCardless focuses on recurring and subscription payments via Direct Debit. It integrates with tools like Xero, Salesforce, and Chargebee.

Best for: Subscription businesses with predictable billing cycles

Fees: 1% + 20p in the UK. International 2% + 20p.

Settlement: Two to three business days.

Best for: Subscription businesses and recurring billing.

Revolut Business

Revolut provides SME-friendly digital banking and payment acceptance. It connects directly with Revolut Business accounts.

Best for: SaaS and subscription businesses with predictable billing cycles

Fees: From 1% + 20p for UK Visa and Mastercard consumer cards. FX rates vary by plan.

Settlement: One to two business days.

Other providers include Braintree for developer customisation, Klarna for BNPL, and Square for merchants combining online and in-person sales.

How to get a payment gateway 

Setting up a payment gateway may sound technical, but most providers make it straightforward. Here’s how to go from choosing one to accepting your first payment.

1. Choose a provider

Compare options such as Airwallex, PayPal, Adyen, Worldpay, or GoCardless. Review fees, settlement speed, currencies supported, and platform integrations.

2. Open an account

Apply online with company details, identity documents, and information about your products or services. Providers run checks for fraud and anti-money laundering.

3. Connect it to your site or app

Use plugins for platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento, or connect via API for custom builds.

4. Test the checkout

 Use the provider’s sandbox to run test payments before going live.

5. Start accepting payments

 Go live once approved and receive payouts according to the provider’s schedule.

How to choose the right provider

Ask these five questions before you decide:

1. What are the transaction fees for UK and international sales?

2. Does the provider support the payment methods my customers prefer?

3. How quickly will payouts reach my account?

4. Is the provider PCI DSS and SCA compliant in the UK?

5. Can the provider support my growth in new markets?

The Airwallex advantage

What sets Airwallex apart is not just a cost-effective global infrastructure or fast payouts, but that it combines global acquiring with multi-currency accounts, FX, and financial tools in one place. That means less margin lost to unnecessary FX and conversion charges, fewer systems to manage, and more control over how you run your business.

Airwallex is not just a payment gateway, but provides a complete end-to-end solution

Here’s what you get with Airwallex:

Higher conversions. Accept over 160 payment methods across 180+ countries, so international customers always find their preferred way to pay.

Lower FX costs. Settle sales in the same currency you collect them. Avoid forced conversions and keep more of every transaction.

Easy integrations. Plug straight into Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and other platforms, or use powerful APIs for custom checkouts.

Compliance and security built in. FCA-regulated in the UK, PCI DSS Level 1 certified, and equipped with advanced fraud prevention.

A full financial platform. Go beyond payments with business accounts, global transfers, FX, and corporate cards all in one dashboard.

Where other providers specialise (PayPal in trust, GoCardless in subscriptions, Adyen in enterprise) Airwallex brings it all together. It gives you the international reach, predictable multi-currency billing, and the scalability to handle global volumes.

FAQs about payment gateway providers 

How much do UK payment gateways charge?

Between 1.3% and 3.5% per transaction plus fixed fees. International payments often add FX charges.

How long do payouts take?

Most providers settle in one to three business days. Airwallex offers next-business-day settlement.

Can I use multiple payment gateways?

Yes, many businesses combine gateways to offer more choice to customers.

Sources:

• securitybrief.co.uk/story/uk-ecommerce-faces-rising-fraud-risks-as-regulations-tighten-for-2025

• statista.com/statistics/477804/online-shopping-cart-abandonment-rate-worldwide

• adyen.com/en_GB/pricing

• gocardless.com/blog/how-much-do-international-payments-really-cost

• paypal.com/uk/webapps/mpp/merchant-fees

• revolut.com/business/business-account-plans

• stripe.com/gb/pricing 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on our own online research in Q3 2025. Airwallex was not able to manually test each tool or provider. The information is provided for educational purposes only and a reader should consider the specific requirements of their business when evaluating providers. This research is reviewed annually. If you would like to request an update, feel free to contact us at [[email protected]]. This information doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs.