6 Best Embedded Payments APIs in the UK: A 2025 Comparison Guide

Bringing payments inside your product is no longer a “nice to have”; it’s the new standard for B2B platforms looking to improve user experience, increase margins, and own the full financial journey.

Whether you’re building an accounting platform, ERP tool, procurement system, or custom workflow for contractor payouts, embedded payments let your users send, receive, or request money without switching tools or logging into external systems.

The result? Fewer drop-offs, faster processing, and better visibility across the payment lifecycle.

In this blog, we’ll explore six trusted APIs that enable embedded payments for UK businesses. These tools support use cases like:

• Supplier disbursements within finance software
• Pay-by-bank checkouts in B2B marketplaces
• Instant payouts to gig workers or contractors
• Recurring or one-time client billing inside a dashboard

Each API offers different strengths, from Open Banking coverage and integration time to white-labelling options and payment flows. Let’s dive in.

Comparing the UK’s Top 6 Embedded Payments API

Provider	Best For	UK Bank Support	Developer Experience	Pricing
Finexer	UK platforms embedding Pay by Bank into B2B/B2C workflows	99% of UK Banks via Open Banking	Fast onboarding, sandbox, branded flows	Saves upto 90% in transactional costs; Usage-based, no setup fees, custom startup discounts
Modulr	EMI-backed real-time payments and account creation	Yes, Faster Payments and Bacs	Advanced; supports programmable logic	Custom pricing based on use case and volume
XplorePay	Card + terminal-based embedded payments for ISOs/aggregators	Yes, card-based; not Open Banking	Modular APIs for cards, terminals, pay-by-link	Custom pricing depending on modules used
OpenPayd	BaaS-style embedded payments, IBANs, FX services	Yes, including FPS, SWIFT, SEPA	Single API for all financial services	Custom pricing by volume and currency type
Mollie	Simple online payments with pay-as-you-go pricing	Yes, but more EU-focused	Prebuilt plugins + custom APIs	EEA cards: 1.8% + £0.21; Non-EEA: 3.25% + £0.21
Stripe	Full-stack global embedded payments with APIs	Yes, includes FPS, Bacs, Open Banking (via addon)	Highly flexible with extensive SDKs	UK cards: 1.4% + £0.20 (EU), 2.9% + £0.20 (non-EU)

1. Finexer

Best for:

UK platforms that want to embed Pay by Bank transfers directly into their B2B workflows, without building complex payment infrastructure.

Overview:

Finexer is an FCA-authorised Open Banking provider built specifically for UK businesses. Its embedded payments API enables platforms to send and receive account-to-account (A2A) payments directly from their own interface, whether it’s for supplier disbursements, salary payments, or customer checkout flows.

Unlike traditional gateways or PISP-only providers, Finexer offers a full suite of payment features with developer-friendly APIs, instant settlement visibility, and customisable flows. Most clients go live in days, not months, making it ideal for fast-scaling SaaS platforms, fintech tools, and B2B marketplaces.

Key Features:

• Pay by Bank with no redirects or logins
• Works with 99% of UK banks via Open Banking
• Batch payments, payment links, and QR code options
• White-labelled flows for brand consistency
• Instant payment status updates via webhooks
• No setup or cancellation fees

Pros:

• Rapid integration (2–3x faster than typical providers)
• Saves up to 90% on transaction Cost
• Scales from startup to enterprise-level volumes
• Built-in compliance and strong FCA alignment
• Ideal for platforms needing embedded, branded payments

Cons:

• Focused only on UK payments (no international transfers)

Pricing:

Transparent, usage-based pricing with no monthly minimums. Custom discounts are available for high-volume or startup customers.

No setup Fee, No Cancellation fee required

What UK Companies Really Think About Finexer

“We were looking for a partner that could not only meet our current needs but also anticipate and support our growth. Finexer delivered exactly what we needed, from compliance-ready software to seamless integration with our existing systems.”
— David Kern, CEO, VirtualSignature ID

“Our business isn’t about the volume of consents, it’s about delivering high-quality services to some of the biggest names in the industry. We needed a partner who understood the importance of providing business-focused solutions, and Finexer joined us on that journey.”
— Penny Phillips, Chief Commercial Officer at Sysynkt

2. Modulr

Best for:

Businesses needing embedded payments with direct access to a licensed e-money infrastructure in the UK and Europe.

Overview:

Modulr is an embedded payments platform that provides access to real-time payments via its API-driven infrastructure. As an authorised Electronic Money Institution (EMI), Modulr enables platforms to create accounts, move money, and automate complex payment workflows across B2B and B2C use cases.

It’s especially popular among fintechs, payroll platforms, and lenders who need custom payment journeys at scale, with support for Faster Payments, SEPA, and Bacs.

Key Features:

• Instant Faster Payments and scheduled Bacs support
• Embedded virtual accounts for payment tracking
• Automated payment flows with custom logic
• Access to unique account numbers and sort codes
• Card issuing and account creation options via API
• Regulated in the UK and EU

Pros:

• Comprehensive infrastructure for embedded finance
• Supports both inbound and outbound payments
• High reliability with bank-grade compliance
• Option to build custom workflows with programmable logic

Cons:

• More technical onboarding compared to plug-and-play APIs
• May require volume commitments for enterprise pricing tiers

Pricing:

Tiered subscription plans for Accounts Payable and Payroll Payments:

• Bronze: £30/month for 80 payments; £0.80 per additional payment.
• Silver: £110/month for 500 payments; £0.40 per additional payment.
• Platinum: £500/month for 3,000 payments; £0.32 per additional payment.

• FX Fees: From 0.5%.
• Additional Services: Includes features like AI-powered invoice extraction, unlimited approval workflows, and API access in higher tiers.

3. Xplor Pay

Best for:

UK platforms and merchant aggregators seeking a modular, embedded payments platform for card processing, pay-by-link, and point-of-sale integration.

Overview:

Xplor Pay is a UK-based payment provider designed to offer tailored embedded payment experiences for both online and offline B2B workflows. With API-first infrastructure it enables businesses to integrate card processing, payment links, terminals, and customer billing flows without relying on external gateways. Xplor Pay is also focused on ISO and PSP partnerships, making it suitable for platforms building payment offerings for other businesses.

Key Features:

• Embedded APIs for card payments, invoicing, and terminal management
• Supports eCommerce, mobile payments, and in-person POS transactions
• Pay-by-link and QR code-based billing tools
• PCI DSS Level 1 compliant with tokenisation and fraud tools
• White-labelled dashboards for merchants and ISOs

Pros:

• Modular setup tailored for various B2B workflows
• UK-based support and custom implementation help
• Suitable for ISO partners and payment facilitators

Cons:

• Not Open Banking-focused; mostly designed around traditional card rails
• May not support complex international currency flows out of the box

Pricing:

Custom pricing depending on transaction volume, risk profile, and chosen modules. Direct contact required for quotes.

4. OpenPayd

Best for:

UK-based fintechs and B2B platforms looking to embed multi-currency payments, virtual accounts, and FX services into their existing infrastructure via API.

Overview:

OpenPayd is a Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) provider offering a wide suite of financial services through one unified API. Businesses can embed payment processing, account creation, IBANs, FX, and wallet infrastructure into their own workflows without becoming a regulated entity. It’s particularly well-suited for platforms with international payment needs or those managing multiple customer accounts.

Key Features:

• Real-time SEPA, Faster Payments, and SWIFT support
• Create unique virtual IBANs for individual clients
• Multi-currency accounts with automatic FX conversion
• API-first design for easy developer integration
• Secure infrastructure aligned with UK and EU regulatory requirements

Pros:

• Suitable for platforms handling payments across multiple geographies
• Strong focus on compliance and enterprise-grade reliability
• Reduces the burden of building regulated financial infrastructure

Cons:

• Requires careful onboarding and may be too feature-heavy for smaller businesses with limited payment needs

Pricing:

• API Access Charges: Fees per successful API call for account information, payment initiation, or account verification.
• Monthly Platform Access: Fixed monthly cost covering access to live environment, usage reporting, developer tools, and support.
• Onboarding & Configuration: Potential one-time setup fee for API credentials issuance, regulatory status verification, and technical integration assistance.
• Transaction Fees: Vary based on transaction type (e.g., domestic payments, international payments, recurring payments, one-time payments, data-only sessions).

5. Mollie

Best for:

UK and European SMEs, e-commerce platforms, and SaaS businesses are seeking a transparent, developer-friendly payment solution with a wide range of payment methods.

Overview:

Mollie is a licensed payment institution regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Dutch Central Bank. It offers a robust, API-first platform that enables businesses to accept various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, digital wallets, and local payment options. Mollie’s emphasis on simplicity, scalability, and transparent pricing makes it an attractive choice for businesses aiming to streamline their payment processes.

Key Features:

• Support for major payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay, Klarna, SEPA Direct Debit, and more.
• Transparent, pay-per-transaction pricing with no hidden fees.
• Pre-built integrations with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Magento, and custom APIs for bespoke solutions.
• Real-time dashboard for transaction monitoring, refunds, and reporting.
• Advanced fraud detection tools and PCI-DSS compliance for enhanced security.

Pros:

• Quick and easy setup with no monthly fees or lock-in contracts.
• Comprehensive support for both online and in-person payments.
• Flexible payout schedules, including daily, weekly, or monthly options.

Cons:

• Limited support for certain geographic regions outside Europe.
• Advanced features like subscription billing may require additional configuration.

Pricing:

Mollie operates on a transparent pay-as-you-go model:

• EEA Consumer Cards: 1.8% + £0.21 per transaction
• EEA Commercial Cards: 2.9% + £0.21 per transaction
• Non-EEA Cards: 3.25% + £0.21 per transaction
• SEPA Direct Debit: £0.30 per transaction
• SEPA Bank Transfer: £0.21 per transaction

6. Stripe Embedded Payments

Best for:

UK SaaS platforms and fintechs that want to embed global payment capabilities, automate payouts, and offer custom billing workflows using Stripe’s extensive API suite.

Overview:

Stripe is a widely adopted payment infrastructure provider offering flexible embedded payments through its programmable APIs. While not UK-exclusive, Stripe is FCA-registered and deeply integrated with UK payment rails such as Faster Payments, Bacs Direct Debit, and Open Banking (via Stripe Financial Connections). With support for card payments, bank transfers, and wallets, Stripe enables companies to launch custom checkout, billing, and payout experiences across multiple channels.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive APIs for payments, subscriptions, invoicing, and payouts
• Accepts payments via cards, wallets, bank transfers, and BNPL options
• Embedded Financial Connections for real-time account verification and bank data access
• PCI DSS Level 1 certified with built-in fraud detection (Radar)
• Customisable hosted checkout or fully embedded frontend components

Pros:

• Developer-first design with extensive documentation and SDKs
• Supports over 135 currencies and a wide range of payment methods
• Real-time reporting and dashboard with granular controls
• Scalable for startups through to enterprises

Cons:

• UK businesses may face higher costs for certain non-domestic transactions
• Requires technical resources for integration and customisation

Pricing:

Card Payments:

• UK-issued cards: 1.4% + 20p per successful transaction.
• Non-UK (international) cards: 2.9% + 20p per successful transaction.

BACS Direct Debit:

• Standard rate: 1% + 20p per transaction, with a cap of £2.00.
• Note: Bacs Direct Debit is suitable for recurring payments and is integrated with Stripe’s billing services.

Open Banking (via Financial Connections):

• Pricing: Varies based on usage and integration.
• Note: Stripe’s Financial Connections allows businesses to access customers’ bank accounts for payments and data.

Currency Conversion:

• An additional 2% fee applies for currency conversions.

Custom Pricing:

• Available for businesses with large payment volumes or unique business models.

Choosing the Right Embedded Payments API for 2025

1. Finexer enables Pay by Bank transfers across 99% of UK banks, with white-labelled flows, instant payment updates, and no setup fees. Its FCA-authorised infrastructure and 2–3x faster deployment make it ideal for B2B platforms needing quick, affordable embedded payments.
2. Modulr offers a licensed e-money infrastructure, virtual accounts, and programmable payments across the UK and EU. It’s a strong fit for platforms that require regulated access and complex payment logic.
3. XplorePay provides embedded card payments, pay-by-link tools, and POS support tailored for ISO partners and B2B merchants. It focuses on flexibility across card-based payment experiences.
4. OpenPayd supports multi-currency payments, FX, and IBAN creation through a single API. Best suited for global-facing platforms that need embedded financial infrastructure without regulatory burden.
5. Mollie delivers developer-friendly card and alternative payment rails, including Klarna and Apple Pay. It’s ideal for SaaS and eCommerce platforms needing a wide range of local methods with simple pricing.
6. Stripe combines global reach with programmable APIs for payments, billing, and Open Banking data. Its deep documentation and modular setup make it a top choice for scaling SaaS companies with international operations.