Payment providers in United Kingdom

Payment service providers in the United Kingdom

The UK combines a mature card market with one of the most developed open banking ecosystems in the world. This page lists {count} payment gateways, acquirers, EMIs and payout providers that accept or send GBP, or onboard UK-registered companies.

How people pay in the UK

• Cards and Apple Pay remain the default online, with SCA (3-D Secure) required for most card-not-present payments.
• Open banking pay-by-bank via Faster Payments: instant, no card fees, no chargebacks — popular for top-ups, bills and iGaming deposits.
• Bacs Direct Debit for subscriptions and utilities; SEPA and SWIFT for euro and cross-border flows.

Regulation: FCA and beyond

Payment institutions and e-money institutions are authorised by the FCA; ask whether a provider is directly authorised, an agent, or a registered small PI. Gambling operators serving UK players need a UK Gambling Commission licence, and credit cards cannot be used for gambling. Crypto firms must register with the FCA for AML. See legal and licensing in the UK.

High-risk and specialised verticals

Licensed gambling, forex/CFD brokers, dating, adult and subscription businesses can get UK acquiring, but expect enhanced due diligence, reserves and tighter chargeback thresholds. High-risk merchants and requests from UK merchants are listed separately.

Choosing a UK PSP

• Interchange++ pricing vs blended, FX markup on non-GBP cards
• Open banking coverage (share of UK banks), refund flows
• Settlement timing, safeguarding of client funds
• Payout options: Faster Payments, push-to-card, multi-currency IBANs

Related hubs: UK banks and EMIs, UK liquidity and FX, cross-border payments. Check the Offers tab or post a request.