How to Accept Payments Online in the UK - 2025 Guide
It’s increasingly important for UK businesses to be able to process payments online, to be able to connect with the biggest possible pool of customers...
Takepayments is one of the fastest-growing fintech companies in Stockport, United Kingdom. The company was formerly known as Payzone, and later rebranded to Takepayments when they sold their bill payments system to the Post Office in 2018.
It started with the motive of providing payment solutions to small businesses and sole traders. Given how ventures in the initial phases need low transaction fees, reliable help, and extensive support options, Takepayments comes with a user-oriented suite. They provide various services, including debit and credit card processing, online payment gateways, and fully integrated EPOS systems, branded as a “business in a box.”
But, does it truly deliver what it promises?
This review will look at Takepayment features, its services, pricing, and which businesses it fits with. Before moving on, it’s essential to note that there are other credible providers for UK companies, like Wise Business. Accepting card payments in 18+ currencies can be a breeze. With Wise Business you can send a payment link, invoice, or QR code, and let Wise handle the rest, freeing you from complex integrations.
💡 Learn more about Wise Business
Takepayments helps small businesses and sole traders accept card payments easily. It offers a range of tools like card machines, online payment options, and Point of Sale (POS) systems to make running a business smoother.
There are four card machines to choose from: countertop, portable, mobile, and the all-in-one Takepayments Plus device, which also works as a smart till with added features. Business owners can also use the Takepayments app to manage payments and track sales from their phone.
Below is a comparison of who it’s for and who should rather look for alternatives:
May be right for you if: | May not be right for you if: |
---|---|
You want custom pricing tailored to your business type and transaction volume. | You're a small business with low transaction volume and want to keep monthly costs minimal. |
You prefer a choice of card machines, including mobile or countertop options. | You can’t afford the Easy Deal plan's £150 + VAT setup fee1. |
You prefer fast payouts with free next-day settlement (via Barclaycard). | You prefer short-term or no-commitment contracts (standard is 18 months). |
You want to avoid monthly merchant account fees (when using Barclaycard). | You may need to cancel early and want to avoid termination fees. |
You value having an all-in-one POS system like Takepayments Plus. | You operate a business with low-ticket items where variable transaction fees can add up. |
You’d benefit from help with PCI compliance, even if it's a paid extra. | You rely heavily on seamless POS integration, and can’t risk technical issues. |
You manage your business on the go and would use the Takepayments app. | You want full access to all features without plan restrictions. |
At the end of the day, whether Takepayments is the right option for you depends on your business size, payment needs, and willingness to commit to a contract. Weigh these features against the costs to decide if the services and tools align well with your day-to-day operations.
The most popular Takepayment products and services are:
Takepayments offers a range of card machines to suit different business types. You can be a small-scale mobile trader or a brick-and-mortar store. The machine options to pick from are:
All machines accept major card types and offer next-day settlements. They are designed to be user-friendly, even for first-time users.
For businesses that sell online or need remote payment options, Takepayments provides flexible online payment tools, including:
These solutions are a good fit for e-commerce stores, service providers, or any business that needs to accept payments without face-to-face contact.
Takepayments also has complete Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) systems in its arsenal. These can enhance business efficiency as they go beyond processing payments. Using them, a business can:
If you run a busy café, salon, or retail store, the EPOS system will be like a smart control hub that can manage everything in one place.
Here, we take a look at the top competitors and how they stand against Takepayments:
Takepayments has custom pricing based on business type and volume. On the other hand, Square uses a flat rate, for per in-person payments the rate is 1.75% per transaction2. This makes it easy to understand and budget for.
Takepayments indeed has advanced equipment, but its 18-month contract and some upfront costs could be a turn-off for some small businesses. Square can be a good alternative for them. It doesn’t charge setup or monthly fees and includes a free POS system with useful features like sales tracking and inventory.
Note: Square works well for a simple, contract-free setup. Meanwhile, Takepayments suits businesses needing more support and flexible tools.
Zettle also keeps things simple with no monthly fees or contracts. It charges a flat rate of 1.75% per transaction, just like Square3. It also integrates with PayPal and e-commerce platforms, making it useful for a wider user base.
Takepayments, as we read, gives you more flexibility in terms of card machines and payment tools. On the contrary, Zettle’s card reader is cheaper as it has pretty basic features.
Note: Zettle works for easy, no-commitment payments. But if your business is growing and needs more features, Takepayments can be a smart upgrade.
Worldpay is one of the renowned names in payment processing. It mainly caters to large businesses with its advanced tools for online and in-person payments, as well as recurring billing and international transactions. Its pricing is one factor that could be complicated for small businesses to manage.
On the flipside, Takepayments is known for its transparency and customized plans. Their helpful customer service and next-day settlements are also worth appreciation.
Note: Worldpay suits bigger businesses with complex needs, while Takepayments is a smarter pick for smaller ones.
Takepayments is a strong option if you run a growing business that requires flexible card machines, next-day payouts, and solid support. Its custom pricing and easy-to-use tools usually align with the needs of shops, cafés, salons, and mobile setups. But if you're just starting out or prefer something commitment-free, providers like Zettle or Square might be more your style.
Complex payment gateway integrations are in the past, you can start accepting credit and debit card payments in 18+ currencies in minutes with Wise, no code required.
Just send a payment link, invoice, or QR code to your customers, and let Wise handle the rest, ensuring timely payments and improving your cash flow. This streamlined approach wipes out the technical challenges and time-consuming setup associated with traditional payment gateways, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
Say goodbye to high and complex payment processing fees. Wise Business offers a transparent, low-cost solution with just 1% fee for domestic cards and 2.9% for international and business cards.
And once the payment is done you can manage multiple currencies effortlessly, all in one account. Enhance your customer relationships and support your business's global expansion with a payment solution that prioritises simplicity and efficiency.
Get started with Wise Business 🚀
Yes, Takepayments is secure. It’s PCI DSS compliant, uses encrypted transactions, and offers fraud prevention tools. They also provide support to help your business stay compliant and protected.
Takepayments sets transaction fees based on your card type and sales volume. The more you sell, the lower your fees. It’s usually between 0.3% and 2.5% per payment.
If you want to cancel the service, you must inform Takepayments in writing within 30 days of the start date. Once they receive your written notice, they’ll refund your monthly or annual subscription within 7 business days.
Sources used in this article:
Sources last checked 30/06/2025
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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