Stripe

Stripe is a leading payment processing platform in the UK, renowned for its developer-friendly API and comprehensive suite of payment products. It is particularly well-suited for technology-driven startups, online businesses focusing on subscription models, and scaling SMEs that require highly customisable payment experiences and robust back-end integration.

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Wholesale rates live for March 2026

Boost your business with Stripe

Many businesses struggle with inflexible payment solutions that limit customisation and integration with their unique workflows or products. Stripe solves this by providing a powerful, well-documented API that allows businesses to deeply embed payment processing into their applications, websites, and services, offering unparalleled control over the checkout experience, recurring billing logic, and data analysis.

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Pricing Structure

  • Standard Online Transaction Rate: 1.5% + £0.20 for standard UK cards.
  • Premium UK/EEA Cards: 2.5% + £0.20.
  • International Cards: From 3.25% + £0.20.
  • Monthly Fees: No monthly fees for standard processing. Additional fees apply for specific advanced features like Stripe Radar (advanced fraud protection) or Terminal.

Pros & Cons Of Stripe

Pros

Cons

Supported Platforms

WooCommerce, Shopify, Magneto (Adobe Commerce), BigCommerce, Wix, Squarespace, CRM Systems (Salesforce, Hubspot, Zoho), Custom API / SDK

Features

Virtual Terminal, Recurring Bill Support, Same-Day / Next-Day Payouts, Fruad Management Tools, Multi-Currency Support, Real-Time Analytics, Mobile App Management, Payment Links (Pay-by-link)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which is the best payment gateway for a small business in the UK?

There is no “one size fits all” answer, as the best provider depends on your specific transaction volume and whether you sell online or in person. Small businesses often prioritise low monthly overheads and transparent “pay-as-you-go” pricing. To find the most cost-effective provider for your specific turnover, use our bespoke comparison calculator today.

When comparing providers, you should evaluate transaction fees, settlement times (how quickly you get your money), and integration ease with your website or EPOS system. Reliability and UK-based customer support are also vital factors. To see a side-by-side breakdown of the top UK providers tailored to your sector, start your free comparison now.

Yes, many UK providers specialise in “Continuous Payment Authority” (CPA) or Direct Debit integrations, which are essential for subscription-based models . These gateways automate billing cycles to help reduce churn and administrative labour. To discover which subscription-ready providers offer the lowest rates for your business, run a quick calculation through our tool.

4. Are there specific QR code payment gateways for UK restaurants?

Modern hospitality businesses are increasingly adopting “at-table” ordering via QR codes to increase efficiency. This technology allows customers to scan, order, and pay without waiting for a physical terminal. If you are looking to modernise your restaurant’s checkout process, use our calculator to find the best mobile-integrated payment solutions.

While some platforms offer “free” builders, they often recoup costs through higher transaction fees on ticket sales . If you are organising an event, it is crucial to balance the cost of the software with the long-term processing fees. We can help you identify which platforms offer the best value for event-based payments—simply enter your estimated ticket volume into our comparison tool.

Many UK businesses remain on “standard” rates long after their volume has grown, meaning they are overpaying by hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds annually. Switching to a provider that offers volume-based discounts can significantly improve your margins. Discover your potential savings in less than two minutes by using our free comparison calculator.