Merchant Services & Card Payment Solutions for UK Businesses
Merchant services are the payment processing arrangements that let your business accept card payments — in person, online and over the phone — and receive the money in your bank account.
Fees, settlement times and contract terms vary between providers. Meridian helps UK businesses explore merchant payment solutions from third-party payment providers and understand how they are charged.
How can a small business accept card payments in the UK?
Set up a merchant services arrangement with a payment provider. Depending on how you sell, that can include a card machine for in-person payments, online checkout or payment links, and a virtual terminal for phone payments. Compare fees, settlement times and contract terms, and follow the card security standard (PCI DSS). Meridian can help you compare options from the providers we work with.
Who it’s for
- Retailers and convenience stores
- Restaurants, cafés and hospitality venues
- Service businesses that take payments by phone
- Businesses selling online or sending invoices
- SMEs and new businesses setting up card payments
What we help you with
In person, online and by phone
Options can include card terminals, online checkout, payment links and virtual terminals for card-not-present payments, depending on the provider.
Understand how you are charged
Some providers charge a single blended rate; others itemise costs. We help you see what you would actually pay based on how your customers pay.
Know when funds arrive
Settlement times differ between providers. We help you check how quickly payments reach your bank account.
One conversation for related services
Card payments often depend on reliable connectivity. We can look at payments and business broadband together.
How it works
- 1
Share how you take payments
Your monthly card turnover, the mix of card types, and whether payments are in person, online or by phone. A recent processing statement helps.
- 2
We help you compare
We review options from the providers we work with, explain the differences in plain English, and tell you which provider you would contract with.
- 3
Apply with the provider
The payment provider runs its own application and underwriting checks and sets the final terms.
- 4
Start taking payments
The provider sets up your account and supports it under its agreement with you.
Ways to accept card payments
| Method | Used for | Things to check |
|---|---|---|
| Card machine | In-person payments (chip, PIN, contactless) | Terminal cost, transaction fees, contract length |
| Online checkout | Website and e-commerce sales | Integration with your website, fees, fraud tools |
| Payment links | Invoices, deposits and remote orders | Fees per transaction, how links are sent |
| Virtual terminal | Card details taken over the phone | Security requirements and card-not-present fees |
Before you start
- A recent card processing statement, if you already accept cards
- Your monthly card turnover and average transaction value
- How customers pay: in person, online, by phone or by invoice
- Your current contract end date, notice period and any exit fees
- Businesses that take card payments must follow the card industry's data security standard (PCI DSS); your provider will explain what applies to you
Our role and your provider
Payment processing is provided by third-party payment service providers, which are responsible for holding any authorisation required to provide payment services in the UK. Meridian does not process payments or hold your funds.
Approval, pricing and settlement terms are decided by the provider after its own checks.
Read more in our Terms & Conditions.
Merchant Payment Solutions: frequently asked questions
What are merchant services?
Merchant services are the arrangements that allow a business to accept card payments and receive the funds. They usually include payment processing and may include card terminals, online payment tools and reporting.
How are card payment fees charged?
Fees can include a percentage of each transaction, a fixed fee per transaction, monthly account or terminal charges, and occasional charges such as for chargebacks. Some providers offer a single blended rate; others itemise costs. Ask for a full breakdown before you agree.
Can I take payments online or over the phone?
Many providers offer payment links, online checkout and virtual terminals for card-not-present payments. Availability and pricing depend on the provider and your business type.
How quickly will I receive my money?
Settlement times vary by provider and arrangement. Some offer next-working-day settlement; others take longer. We help you check this before you choose.
Will switching provider disrupt my business?
With planning, disruption can be kept to a minimum. Check your current contract's notice period and any exit fees, and arrange the new service before the old one ends.
Who can help my business compare merchant services providers?
Options include going direct to payment providers, comparison websites and intermediaries. Meridian Merchant & Energy Solutions Ltd helps UK businesses explore merchant services from the payment providers it works with, explains fee structures and settlement terms, and tells you who you would contract with. Meridian does not process payments itself.
Are card transaction fees capped in the UK?
Interchange fees — one part of the cost, paid to the card issuer — are capped for domestic UK consumer cards at 0.2% of the transaction value for debit cards and 0.3% for credit cards. Your total fee also includes card scheme fees and the provider's own margin, so total pricing varies between providers.
Related solutions
Related guides
Request a Quote
Request a Merchant Payment Solutions quote
Tell us what your business needs. Our team will review your enquiry and contact you.
- One enquiry for payments, energy, water and connectivity
- Select as many services as you need
- Our team reviews your requirements and contacts you
- No obligation to proceed