Get the best deal, avoid hidden fees, and choose a provider that works for your business.
Choosing a payment provider in the UK can feel overwhelming.
There are dozens of options. Each promises fast payouts, low fees, and great service. But not all providers deliver and some come with costly catches.
So how do you actually compare them?
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what to look for when comparing payment providers. Whether you run a café, salon, online shop, or takeaway business, this will help you make the right choice.
Let’s get started.
1. Understand Your Business Needs First
Before you compare providers, get clear on what your business actually needs.
- Are you mainly in-store or online?
- Do you need mobile card machines?
- How many transactions do you process daily?
- Do you want next-day settlements?
- Will you need tipping or split-bill features?
This will narrow your search. For example, a small café may need a portable PDQ machine, while an eCommerce store will prioritise a good online payment gateway.
2. Check the Transaction Fees (And What’s Hidden)
Not all providers charge the same.
Some offer simple flat-rate fees (like 1.75% per transaction), while others charge a percentage + fixed fee + monthly charges.
Ask questions like:
- Is there a monthly rental fee for the card machine?
- Are there different rates for debit vs credit cards?
- Are refunds or chargebacks charged separately?
Look beyond the headline rate. Ask for a full breakdown of all possible fees.
3. Settlement Speed: When Do You Get Paid?
Cash flow matters.
Some providers settle funds in 1–2 working days. Others may take 3–5 days. Some (like Paymentsave) offer next-day settlements as standard a huge bonus for small businesses.
Faster payouts = better cash flow = less stress.
4. Hardware Options and Features
Not all card machines are equal.
When comparing providers, ask about their hardware:
- Do they offer portable or mobile terminals?
- Does it support contactless, Apple Pay, and Google Pay?
- Is the battery life strong enough for a full shift?
- Does the machine support tips, split bills, and receipt printing?
Always choose a PCI-compliant provider with up-to-date hardware.
5. Customer Support and Uptime
Great support can save you when something goes wrong.
Look for providers with:
- 24/7 UK-based support
- Fast response times
- Good reviews from real businesses
Also, ask about system uptime. If your payment terminal goes down during peak hours, it hurts both sales and customer trust.
6. Contracts: Is There a Long-Term Tie-In?
Some providers lock you into 12–36 month contracts — and charge early termination fees.
Others (like Zettle, SumUp, and Square) offer contract-free setups.
If you’re just starting out or prefer flexibility, choose a provider with no long-term commitment.
7. Additional Features to Look For
When comparing, also consider:
- Do they offer virtual terminals or online checkout links?
- Can they integrate with your POS or inventory system?
- Do they support recurring payments or subscriptions?
- Can you manage everything from a mobile app?
The more your payment provider can do, the less third-party software you’ll need.
8. Reputation and Reviews
Always read real customer reviews before signing up.
Check Trustpilot, Google, or Facebook feedback to see what businesses say about:
- Fee transparency
- Customer service
- Reliability during busy periods
- Overall satisfaction
Avoid providers with frequent complaints about “surprise fees” or “slow support”.
Conclusion
Choosing the right payment provider isn’t about finding the cheapest one — it’s about finding the one that fits your business best.
Take your time. Compare the details. Ask questions.
And if you’re looking for a UK-based provider with low fees, portable machines, next-day payouts, and top-rated support, check outPaymentsave trusted by thousands of UK small businesses.
