Running a business in the UK today means handling payments from every direction — card at the till, Apple Pay on the go, PayPal for online checkouts, and now Pay by Bank through Open Banking. With so many options, it’s no surprise most business owners end up asking the same question: What’s the best digital payments solution for me?
The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. What works for a high-street café isn’t the same as what an e-commerce brand or subscription platform needs. Some businesses care about cutting card fees, others want faster payouts, and many are now looking for simpler reconciliation with their accounting software.
In this guide, we’ll break down the providers that UK businesses actually use in 2025 from household names like Stripe and PayPal to emerging players in Open Banking. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of the best digital payments solution for your business model, not just a long list of names.
Comparing Digital Payment Solutions for UK Businesses
| Provider | Best For | Payment Methods | Settlement Speed | Typical Costs* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stripe | Online businesses | Cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, wallets | T+2 (UK) | ~1.4%–2.9% + fee |
| PayPal | Customer trust | PayPal wallet, cards, bank transfers | T+1 to T+3 | ~2.9% + fee |
| Square | Small retailers & cafés | Cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay | Next day (T+1) | ~1.75% per transaction |
| Zettle | Affordable card readers | Cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay | Next day (T+1) | ~1.75% per transaction |
| SumUp | Mobile businesses | Cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay | Next day (T+1) | ~1.69% per transaction |
| Revolut Business | SMEs & multi-currency accounts | Cards, bank transfers, multi-currency wallets | ~1–2 days (varies) | From ~1% per transaction |
| Finexer | Collecting payments in the UK | Bank-to-bank via Open Banking | Real-time (instant) | 0.5-0.1% per transaction |
| Adyen | Global brands | Cards, wallets, local methods worldwide | T+2 (varies by region) | Custom |
| Checkout.com | Modern e-commerce | Cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, wallets | T+2 (UK, varies globally) | ~1.5%–2.9% + fee |
| Shopify Payments | Shopify stores | Cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay | ~2–3 business days | ~1.7%–2.9% + fee |
* Fees and settlement times are indicative and vary by business model, volume, card type, and risk. Confirm exact pricing with each provider.
The 10 Best Digital Payments Solutions in the UK
We’ve broken down the most relevant providers for UK businesses in 2025. Each one has different strengths, so the best digital payments solution depends on what you’re selling, how you get paid, and how fast you need the money in your account.
1. Stripe – Best for Online Businesses
Stripe is often chosen as the best digital payments solution for online stores. It supports all major cards, wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and has hundreds of integrations. While fees can add up, its flexibility makes it ideal for e-commerce growth.
2. PayPal – Best for Customer Trust
PayPal remains one of the best digital payments solutions for building customer trust. Almost every UK shopper recognises it, which helps with conversions. It’s easy to add to any checkout, though businesses should note the higher transaction costs.
📚 PayPal vs Stripe for UK Businesses
3. Square – Best for Small Retailers
Square is considered the best digital payments solution for small retailers and cafés. It offers affordable card readers, simple setup, and extras like invoicing. For businesses that want to start taking payments quickly, Square is a reliable choice.
4. Zettle – Best for Affordable Card Readers
Zettle is another option seen as one of the best digital payments solutions for UK retailers. It’s cost-friendly, portable, and especially popular with independent shops, events, and pop-up businesses.
5. SumUp – Best for Mobile Businesses
SumUp positions itself as the best digital payments solution for mobile businesses. With low-cost card readers and simple pricing, it works well for food trucks, market stalls, and mobile services.
6. Revolut Business – Best Multi-Currency Accounts
Revolut Business is emerging as the best digital payments solution for SMEs that operate both locally and internationally. It offers business accounts, multi-currency wallets, corporate cards, and payment acceptance. For startups and growing firms, it’s a cost-effective way to manage payments and expenses in one place.
7. Finexer – Best for SMEs in the UK
Finexer is tailored for businesses that want to collect payments faster and improve cash flow. As one of the best digital payment solutions for the UK SMEs, it uses Open Banking to let customers pay directly from their bank accounts, avoiding card fees and enabling real-time settlement. For companies issuing invoices, managing subscriptions, or handling high-volume customer payments, Finexer makes collecting and reconciling payments faster, easier, and more cost-effective.
8. Adyen – Best for Global Brands
Adyen is considered the best digital payments solution for global enterprises. It supports multiple payment methods across regions, making it ideal for UK businesses with international customers. Though not always the cheapest, it delivers scale and reliability.
9. Checkout.com – Best for Modern E-commerce Platforms
Checkout.com is a fast-growing option and is often highlighted as one of the best digital payment solutions for e-commerce. Its developer-first platform, global reach, and speed make it a favourite for online businesses looking to expand quickly.
10. Shopify Payments – Best for Shopify Stores
Shopify Payments is the best digital payments solution for merchants already using Shopify. It keeps everything under one roof, simplifies reporting, and makes it easier to manage transactions, though standard card fees still apply.
Why Finexer Stands Out in the UK
Finexer isn’t just another payment provider. Here’s why it’s one of the best digital payment solutions for UK businesses:
- No setup costs – You can get started without paying heavy upfront fees.
- Save up to 90% in transactional costs with Finexer’s Paybybank feature
- Fastest integration in the UK – Developer-friendly APIs mean you can plug it into your systems quickly.
- 3–5 weeks of hands-on onboarding – Dedicated support helps your team go live smoothly.
- Instant settlement – Payments land in your account in real time.
- Lower transaction costs – By avoiding card networks, you keep more of your revenue.
- 99% UK bank coverage – Almost every customer’s bank is already supported.
- FCA regulated – Built with compliance and security from the ground up.
Do digital payments in the UK support refunds?
Yes. Cards and wallets allow refunds in a few days, while Open Banking providers like Finexer often return funds instantly, making it a best digital payments solution for customer trust.
How can I choose the best digital payments solution for my business?
Identify your main need: online sales, POS, recurring billing, or instant cash flow, then pick from the providers in our table to find the best digital payments solution for you.
How does Pay by Bank compare to cards in the UK?
Pay by Bank is often the best digital payments solution for instant settlement and lower fees, while cards remain more common but involve higher costs and delays.
Start accepting Payments with Finexer and save upto 90% in transactional costs!