Best merchant service providers and credit card processing companies 2024

Overall, the best credit card machine provider and merchant service for SMEs is Worldpay. The brand offers a scalable all-in-one solution with top-notch support features; ideal if you run a brick-and-mortar business and aren’t familiar with payment technology.

Worldpay is just one of the reliable merchant services available to choose from. Each has different benefits, fees, and features for a small business to consider. Here’s our roundup of the best merchant services and credit card processing companies:

Of course, amid rising business costs and high pressure conditions for small business owners, it’s never been more important to choose a provider that offers the best value.

You can save yourself time and effort by using our handy 🔍merchant service cost comparison tool. It only takes minutes to use, and can give you bespoke pricing for your business.

Remember, the credit card fees you’ll encounter differ significantly depending on the need and scale of your business. For a full breakdown of the typical costs and features each merchant provider offers, see our handy table below, or read on for our full verdict on each provider.

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BEST OVERALL
Provider Worldpay	Provider Square	Provider Stripe	Provider SumUp	Provider Barclaycard
Best for Service-based businesses like salons or cafes	Best for Mobile businesses like food trucks	Best for Online businesses	Best for Businesses needing instant access to funds	Best for Seasonal businesses (such as pop-up stores)
Our Review Score 4.7	Our Review Score 4.3	Our Review Score 4.2	Our Review Score 4.1	Our Review Score 3.2
Dedicated or Aggregated Dedicated	Dedicated or Aggregated Aggregated	Dedicated or Aggregated Aggregated	Dedicated or Aggregated Aggregated	Dedicated or Aggregated Dedicated
Pay monthly or pay-as-you-go Both	Pay monthly or pay-as-you-go Pay-as-you-go	Pay monthly or pay-as-you-go Pay-as-you-go	Pay monthly or pay-as-you-go Pay-as-you-go	Pay monthly or pay-as-you-go Both
Contract Length 12 months	Contract Length No contract	Contract Length No contract	Contract Length No contract	Contract Length 18 months

Use our free comparison tool to compare quotes from the best merchant service providers Compare Costs

*Prices correct as of March 2024

1. Worldpay: Best for service sectors like salons or cafes

4.7 out of 5

• Pricing
  3.7
• Features
  4.5
• Customer Support
  5
• Customer Score
  3.8

At a Nisa Local in South London, manager Kameron Patel described his experience with the Worldpay card reader, stating that “it has never caused me any hassle, and does what it is meant to do efficiently, with no problems”.

Worldpay is the UK’s most popular payment company, handling an estimated 40% of all card transactions in the UK. We recommend it to brick-and-mortar businesses such as salons, barbershops, and cafes.

Because you’ll almost certainly be based offline and lacking an in-house tech team, you’ll be less comfortable troubleshooting technical issues with card machines. Worldpay provides top-level assistance to fix any issues with taking payments, regardlesss of customer skill level.

What makes Worldpay a top provider?

Worldpay’s popularity is partly due to its excellent customer service features, including live chat, phone, and email support. While many of Worldpay’s competitors offer help over the phone, this function is usually only available during working hours. Worldpay is notable for offering 24/7 phone support, 365 days a year.

Worldpay also boasts the best value for money of any provider on this list. To start, it’s a very affordable option despite its status, charging low transaction, payment gateway, and virtual terminal fees.

In terms of features, Worldpay performs well. It is missing a training mode for onboarding new employees, but it does boast the highest number of reporting features (eight) which is helpful for service-based businesses that need to store, track, and analyse high volumes of sales.

As Worldpay is an all-in-one provider, online businesses can use both its payment gateway and virtual terminal. Plus, as a dedicated merchant account provider, it offers security and PCI-compliance through SaferPayments (for a one-time fee of £29.99). This is a set of 12 mandatory requirements designed to ensure all card companies process, store or transmit card information securely so customers can share their card details online with complete confidence.

Pricing

• Cheapest card terminal = £17.95 per month for Custom Plan
• Transaction fees = 0.75% for debit cards or 2.75% for credit cards
• Payment gateway fees = £19.95 per month 
• Virtual terminal fees = £9.95 per month

Read our full Worldpay review.

2. Square: Best for mobile businesses like food trucks

4.3 out of 5

• Price
  3.3
• Features
  4.6
• Customer Support
  5
• Customer Score
  4

Scooby’s Coffee in Wenlock, East London, uses the Square reader as it takes up very little space on the shop’s small counter.

Square has come a long way since its launch in 2009. Now, as well as neat cash registers and terminals, it also provides businesses with end-to-end payment processing to handle transactions from authorisation to settlement.

That said, Square still stands out for its light, compact reader, which has set the standard for modern card machines. We recommend it to mobile firms like small market traders or food trucks. Its ingenious design and extensive mobile app will assist you and your customers without getting in the way.

What makes Square a top provider?

Square marginally outperformed Worldpay in our research for features because its servers are fully PCI-compliant at no additional cost to the merchant (unlike Worldpay, which charges customers £29.99 for this privilege). The Square app also integrates with tonnes of third-party apps and POS hardware, meaning SME owners can create and scale the payment system in line with their needs.

Square does offer payment gateway services, but only if you sell through its own online platform, which is inconvenient if you operate on an ecommerce site like Shopify. However, it’s worth noting that Square has teamed up with WooCommerce to offer a payment gateway specifically for WordPress sites.

Antony is the owner of Scooby’s Coffee, a small café stall based in North London that uses a Square card reader. He told us: “The Square card reader is pretty easy to use and a nice bit of kit. Because it’s so small, it’s ideal for my setup because I have a limited amount of space.”

Pricing

• Cheapest card terminal = £16 + VAT for Square Reader
• Transaction fees = 1.75%
• Payment gateway fees = 1.4% + 25p for UK cards (2.5% + 25p for non-UK cards)
• Virtual terminal fees = 2.5%

Read our full Square card reader review

3. Stripe: Best for online businesses

4.2 out of 5

• Price
  3.4
• Features
  4
• Customer Support
  5
• Customer Score
  4.6

The Stripe Reader is similar to Square’s. Its modern-looking design takes up very little space on the counter.

Stripe began as a payment gateway, and this remains its USP. Online sellers can choose between Stripe’s integrated or hosted payment gateway to sell products, and then add features to their package such as additional security layers and local payment methods. By the end, ecommerce businesses will have built a bespoke payment solution that’s tailored exactly to your online sales process.

What makes Stripe a top provider?

On top of ecommerce functionality, Stripe also facilitates physical card payments if you download the Stripe Terminal app. This links with two Stripe card machines: the Stripe Reader (a compact solution that uses bluetooth to connect with the mobile app) and a BBPOS card reader (a bulkier, static option for countertops).

While Stripe offers some ‘off-the-shelf’ solutions, its software is primed for those wanting a specialist payment solution. You’ll be able to accept payments across multiple channels including social media links, marketplaces, and ecommerce shops.

That said, Stripe’s customisable elements, while useful, do require a knowledge of coding to set up. Yes, it gets full marks for its core customer service features. But without a web consultant or developer, more complex ecommerce operations will struggle with setup and require additional support that Stripe offers at a premium (over £1,000 per month for help from a developer).

Pricing

• Cheapest card terminal = £49 + VAT for Stripe Reader
• Transaction fees = 1.5% + 20p for UK cards (2.5%-3.25% for non-UK cards)
• Payment gateway fees = 1.5% + 20p
• Virtual terminal fees = 1.5% + 20p (+10p per contactless transaction)

Read our full Stripe payments review

4. SumUp: Best for businesses needing immediate access to funds

4.1 out of 5

• Price
  3.7
• Features
  3.9
• Customer Support
  3.2
• Customer Score
  4.7

Getting set up with SumUp is easy. Business owners can simply download the SumUp app onto their mobile device and wait to receive the mobile card reader, an ease-of-use that complements another great SumUp feature: next-day payments.

SumUp promises that all merchants will receive the money from a transaction in just 24 hours. That includes weekends and holidays, meaning it’s ideal for those businesses needing immediate access to funds such as small retailers with high operational expenses.

What makes SumUp a top provider?

SumUp performs well in terms of features, largely due to its ready-made integrations with over 11 business tools (as opposed to Stripe, which only comes ready to integrate with two – QuickBooks and Netsuite), including top accounting software QuickBooks and Xero. SumUp also offers three different reporting styles which make it easy for you to track and manage cash flow in real-time.

Business owners can either input their inventory into the SumUp app and use it like a stripped-down point of sale system, or buy SumUp’s specialist hardware. You can purchase either a basic card reader, or one with an integrated receipt printer to build a more comprehensive payment terminal.

SumUp also provides a virtual terminal and payment gateway services via its online sales offering. It is, however, the only mobile payment provider on this list with no live chat support function. This could be a barrier to business owners who don’t want to spend time on the phone or wait for email responses when they have a technical issue.

Pricing

• Cheapest card terminal = £39 + VAT for SumUp Air
• Transaction fees = 1.69% per transaction
• Payment gateway fees = 2.5%
• Virtual terminal fees = 2.5%

Read our full SumUp review

5. Barclaycard: Best for seasonal businesses like pop-ups

3.2 out of 5

• Price
  2.3
• Features
  3.6
• Customer Support
  2.3
• Customer score
  1.3

Barclaycard’s small business card reader can be used across multiple devices, including mobiles and iPads, for wait staff and managers to use.

Barclaycard is the only traditional merchant account provider that offers a pay-as-you-go contract, which makes it a smart choice for businesses selling seasonally, such as at Christmas or as a pop-up shop.

In this type of business model, your sales will often fluctuate, making it hard to commit to a fixed monthly fee. A pay-as-you-go contract helps you to avoid unnecessary charges when you’re not in operation.

What makes Barclaycard a top provider?

Barclaycard’s SME-specific product, Smartpay Anywhere, is able to integrate with accounting software like Freshbooks and Xero, which is useful for retailers. However, this strength pales in comparison to other providers such as SumUp and Square, which come ready to integrate with a more diverse range of software programs.

Barclaycard also provides a payment gateway and virtual terminal combo for SMEs with Smartpay Checkout, which costs £19 per month. But in terms of pricing, Barclaycard actually isn’t the most cost-effective option. Transaction fees are about average at 1.6%, however, the brand’s value-for-money is brought down by an extortionate setup fee of £150 + VAT.

When it comes to security, Smartpay Anywhere offers two solutions: a Data Manager add-on priced at £4.80 a month, and a Proactive Security Service add-on which costs £15 a month.

Pricing

• Card terminal = £29 + VAT for the SmartPay Anywhere mobile card reader 
• Transaction fees = 1.6% 
• Virtual terminal fees (includes payment gateway) = £19 per month

What types of businesses are merchant service providers suitable for?

Merchant service providers are necessary for any business that needs to take payments. That means they cater to both online and brick-and-mortar businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, ecommerce platforms, service-based companies, and more.

Small businesses and startups can benefit from merchant service providers as they offer affordable and scalable solutions, allowing them to accept electronic payments and compete with larger enterprises.

Businesses in industries such as hospitality, retail, healthcare, and e-commerce, where seamless payment experiences are crucial, can greatly benefit from the services offered by merchant service providers.

Buying guide: how to choose a merchant service provider

Choosing the right merchant service provider can significantly impact your operations and bottom line. Here are the essential factors to consider when evaluating potential providers:

Payment options

Consider the variety of payment methods the provider supports. Whether you take payments in person, over the phone, or online, your checkout needs to be where your customers are to ensure you are making it as easy as possible for them to spend their money with you.

That’s why signing with a versatile provider that offers multiple payment options can enhance customer convenience and satisfaction. For example, if an interested buyer finds your business online but has to visit your store to make a purchase, this might end up costing you a customer.

Transaction fees

Transaction fees can vary widely and often fluctuate so make sure you’re aware of how much you’re being charged when a customer makes a payment – it could impact your profit margin.

Look for transparent pricing models with competitive rates and keep an eye out for common hidden charges that might inflate costs over time, such as contract termination fees or penalties for having insufficient funds.

Contract lengths

Evaluate the flexibility of the provider’s contract terms. Some providers lock businesses into lengthy contracts, which could mean you are stuck paying higher fees if you spot a rival merchant provider with a more competitive rate.

Opting for a brand that offers reasonable contract lengths with the option for shorter terms or no long-term commitment can be a good way to keep your choices free if you’re unsure about a provider.

Accepted payment types

Ensure that the provider supports the payment methods your customers prefer. Whether it’s credit or debit cards, mobile payments, or newer technologies like contactless and digital wallets, a comprehensive range of accepted payment methods can broaden your customer base and increase sales opportunities.

Features

Assess the additional features offered by the provider beyond basic payment processing. There are all manner of helpful add-ons you might not be aware of that prove to be the difference between a happy or dissatisfied customer. Look for functions such as:

• Mobile payment/contactless card acceptance
• Fast processing times
• Robust security measures
• Invoicing features
• Inventory management
• Fraud protection
• 24/7 customer support
• Educational resources
• Marketing tools

Compliance measures

Verify that the provider adheres to industry regulations and standards for data security and compliance. PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliance is essential to protect sensitive customer information and maintain trust.

Help and support

Each merchant service provider offers varying levels of support, which can make all the difference if you run into a payment issue or emergency such as a signal error or transaction delay.

Look for providers with accessible customer service channels (such as email, live chat, and phone support) as well as customer forums to find out how a provider performs straight from the horse’s mouth.

Integrations

One of the most difficult tasks for modern business owners is keeping track of the myriad of tech products you need to operate with. That’s a lot easier if your business software can integrate, as you’ll be able to share data between each application and create one unified system to run things from.

For example, let’s say your merchant account integrates with accounting software like Xero. You’ll be able to:

• Simplify compliance with financial regulations by recording every transaction
• Generate accounting reports to gain insights, such as product sales
• Automate painstaking admin processes like account reconciliation
• Input data accurately to eliminate the risk of errors

So, look out for a merchant service provider that comes ready to integrate with the software your business uses, or is planning to use.

How much should I pay for a merchant service?

Throughout this guide we refer to several types of credit card processing fees that are charged by merchants. These can vary greatly depending on factors like your business size, industry, transaction volume, and chosen provider.

However, here’s a breakdown of the most common payment processing costs incurred by UK sellers and why you must pay them:

• Transaction fees = every time a customer makes a payment through your business (whether via card or online) you will need to pay a fee to the payment processor. This is usually between 1.5%-3.5%
• Card machine/reader fees = the cost of a card machine or, as they are often known today, card reader, varies with basic readers starting around £20 and advanced models reaching £300+. Some providers offer free readers with their plans
• Virtual terminal fees = virtual terminal fees are paid when you accept a customer’s payments through a virtual terminal (e.g., over the phone, via email, or online form). They are typically a percentage, and range from 2% to 4% per transaction
• Payment gateway fees = paid when your customers buy something online, this fee covers the cost of the gateway’s technology and services. It is usually around 0.5% to 1.5% per transaction. Some gateways charge a monthly subscription fee, ranging from £10 to £50+

You may also be charged additional fees such as chargeback fees (when a customer disputes a transaction) or settlement fees (usually £0.20-£0.50) for transferring funds to your bank account.

How we test card processing products and merchant services for small businesses

We tested 11 merchant account products and services to evaluate them in terms of functionality, usability, price, compliance, and more so we can make the most useful recommendations to small UK-based businesses.

Our rigorous testing process means these products have been scored and rated in six main categories of investigation and 25 subcategories – in fact, we covered 36 areas of investigation in total. We then gave each category score a ‘relevance weighting' to ensure the product's final score perfectly reflects the needs of our Startups.co.uk readers.

Our main testing categories for merchant account products and services are:

Compliance: the adherence of the merchant account product to relevant regulations and standards, such as data security, anti-fraud measures, and legal requirements.

Customer Support: the assistance and resources provided by the merchant account provider to users in resolving issues, answering questions, and providing guidance.

Customer Score: external customer opinion; the feedback and ratings given by customers who have used a particular merchant account. Also, the market position and reputation a merchant account holds.

Features: the functionalities and capabilities provided by the merchant account product, including online payment processing and payment gateway integration.

Taking Payments: the process and options available for accepting payments through the merchant account product.

Price: the cost associated with using the merchant account product, such as transaction fees, setup fees, monthly fees, and any additional charges.

The Startups product testing process

Next steps

While we’ve outlined some of the best credit card processing companies for you to compare, you should be 100% sure that you’re picking the right provider for your business – especially if there are long contracts involved.

To get an even clearer idea of the best merchant service provider for your business, it’s worth using our free, easy-to-use 🔍cost comparison tool. Instead of you digesting lots of information, the tool guides you to the right provider based on your answers to a few simple questions. Saving you time, and money.

If you have time too, check out our article on the best card readers for small businesses.