Top 5 Shopify payment gateways in the UK in 2025

Shopify store owners in the UK have a range of payment gateways to choose from, each with its own pricing structure, features, and global reach. The right option depends on your business needs and whether you prioritise lower transaction fees, easy integration, or multi-currency support. 

What is a Shopify payment gateway?

A Shopify payment gateway is a service that enables your online store to accept and process payments securely from customers. It acts as the bridge between your Shopify store, the customer’s payment method (credit/debit card, digital wallet, or alternative payment option), and your bank account, ensuring that transactions are processed efficiently and securely.

Unlike traditional payment processors, Shopify payment gateways are designed to integrate directly with Shopify’s eCommerce ecosystem, providing easy checkout experiences, automation, and enhanced security.

Unlike general payment gateways, those specifically designed for Shopify offer:

Integration. Shopify-native gateways, such as Shopify Payments, eliminate the need for third-party processing, reducing friction and additional transaction fees.

Optimised checkout. Shopify’s ecosystem supports features like one-click payments (Shop Pay), auto-filled customer details, and subscription billing.

Multi-channel selling. They accept payments across Shopify, social media (Instagram, Facebook), and other marketplaces, providing a unified payment experience.

Shopify app compatibility. Many payment gateways offer dedicated Shopify plugins for easy integration and customisation.

Read more: Compare the top 5 eCommerce payment systems and solutions in UK in 2025

What should a Shopify payment gateway offer?

Choosing the right Shopify payment gateway depends on your business model, customer base, and international payment needs. A good Shopify payment gateway should provide:

Secure transactions

PCI DSS compliance, data encryption, 3D Secure authentication, and fraud prevention tools to protect your business and customers.

Multiple payment options

They should accept major credit and debit cards, as well as digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal, plus alternative methods like Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services (Klarna, Clearpay).

Fast payouts

The top gateways reduce cash flow delays with next-day or instant payouts.

Multi-currency support

This is essential for businesses selling internationally, allowing customers to pay in their preferred currency while you settle in yours.

Seamless integration

Easy setup with Shopify and API flexibility for businesses that require advanced checkout customisation.

How to choose the top payment gateway for your Shopify store

Selecting the right Shopify payment gateway will help with maximising conversions, minimising fees, and ensuring smooth transactions. The top option for your store depends on factors like pricing, security, integration, and international support. Here’s what to consider:

1. Transaction fees – what will you pay per sale?

Every payment gateway charges fees, but the structure varies. Look for transparent pricing to avoid unexpected costs.

Flat fees – A fixed cost per transaction (e.g., £0.25 per payment).

Percentage-based fees – A percentage of the transaction amount (e.g., 1.5% for UK cards, 3.5% for international).

Currency conversion fees – Extra charges if you accept payments in different currencies.

Monthly or setup fees – Some providers charge a monthly subscription, while others have no fixed costs.

Tip: Shopify Payments eliminates additional transaction fees for Shopify stores, making it cost-effective. Airwallex offers like-for-like settlement, reducing FX costs.

2. Security & fraud protection – protecting your business and customers

A secure payment gateway should include:

PCI DSS compliance – Ensures payment data is encrypted and protected.

3D Secure authentication – Extra verification for high-risk transactions (e.g., Verified by Visa, Mastercard SecureCode).

Fraud detection tools – AI-driven risk analysis, chargeback prevention, and real-time monitoring.

3. Payment methods supported – giving customers more ways to pay

A good payment gateway should support:

Credit and debit cards – Visa, Mastercard, American Express.

Digital wallets – Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal.

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) – Klarna, Clearpay, Afterpay for flexible payments.

Alternative methods – Direct bank transfers, eChecks, and crypto payments.

4. Ease of integration – how simple is it to set up?

Shopify-native gateways (Shopify Payments, PayPal) require minimal setup and work directly within your Shopify dashboard.

Third-party gateways (Stripe, Airwallex, Adyen) need API configuration but offer more control and customisation.

Tip: If you need multi-currency support, Airwallex provides a fully integrated Shopify plugin.

5. Multi-currency support – essential for cross-border sales

If you sell internationally, choose a gateway that:

Accepts multiple currencies (GBP, USD, EUR, AUD, etc.).

Lets customers pay in their local currency while you settle in your preferred one.

Minimises FX fees by offering like-for-like settlement instead of forced conversions.

6. Payout speed – how quickly do you get your money?

Some payment gateways hold funds for days before releasing them, affecting cash flow. Look for:

Instant or same-day payouts (Airwallex, Shopify Payments).

Standard payouts within 1–3 business days (Stripe, Adyen, PayPal).

Longer processing times (up to 7 days) for international transactions with some providers.

Top Shopify payment gateways in the UK in 2025

1. Airwallex 

Airwallex is a multi-currency payment gateway designed for Shopify merchants with global operations. It enables businesses to accept over 60 local and international payment methods, settle in multiple currencies, and benefit from market-leading FX rates.

Key features

Accepts 60+ currencies with competitive exchange rates

Supports multi-currency checkout (customers pay in their currency)

Direct integration with Shopify for a seamless checkout experience

No setup or monthly fees

Transaction fees

UK cards: 1.30% + £0.20 per transaction

EU/EEA cards: 2.40% + £0.20 

International cards: 3.15% + £0.20

See Airwallex’s pricing plan and fee schedule here.

Availability

UK, EU, US, Australia, Asia, and 50+ countries

Currencies

GBP, EUR, USD, AUD, and more

Security

PCI DSS Level 1 compliant

FCA-authorised

3D Secure for fraud prevention

2. Stripe 

Stripe is a developer-friendly payment gateway offering extensive API integrations for Shopify stores. It supports over 135 currencies and numerous local payment methods, making it ideal for businesses needing a custom checkout experience.

Key features

Supports 135+ currencies and multiple local payment methods

One-click checkout with Apple Pay and Google Pay

Customisable API for tailored checkout flows

Advanced fraud detection with Stripe Radar

Transaction fees

UK consumer cards: 1.5% + £0.20

EEA Cards: 2.5% + £0.20 per transaction​

International cards: 3.25% + £0.20

Currency conversion: +2% per transaction

Availability

45+ countries, including the UK, US, EU, and Australia

Currencies

135+ supported currencies

Security

PCI DSS Level 1 compliant

3D Secure and AI-driven fraud prevention

Read more: Top 5 Stripe alternatives: compare fees, features & benefits

3. Shopify Payments 

Shopify Payments is the built-in payment gateway for Shopify, eliminating the need for third-party providers and extra transaction fees. It offers a fully integrated experience, including Shop Pay, which speeds up checkout for returning customers.

Key features

No need for third-party gateways

Supports major credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay

Shop Pay for faster checkouts and higher conversion rates

No additional Shopify transaction fees

Transaction fees

UK card rates:

Basic Plan: 2% + £0.25 per transaction

Shopify Plan: 1.8% + £0.25 per transaction

Advanced Plan: 1.6% + £0.25 per transaction

Availability

Available in 20+ countries, including the UK, US, Canada, and most of the EU

Currencies

100+ supported currencies

Security

PCI DSS compliant

3D Secure for Strong Customer Authentication (SCA)

4. PayPal

PayPal is one of the most recognised payment gateways, allowing Shopify merchants to accept payments from millions of global users. It provides a trusted checkout experience, supporting multiple payment options, including PayPal Wallet and Pay in 3.

Key features

Supports PayPal balance, bank payments, and credit/debit cards

Instant access to funds in your PayPal Business account

One-click checkout with PayPal Express

Global buyer protection for dispute resolution

Transaction fees

UK transactions: 2.90% + £0.30

International transactions: 4.19% + £0.30

No setup fees

Availability

200+ countries

Currencies

25+ supported currencies

Security

PCI compliant

3D Secure and chargeback protection for eligible transactions

5. Adyen 

Adyen is a payment gateway used by large enterprises that require a unified global payment solution. It supports numerous payment methods, including local bank transfers, digital wallets, and BNPL services.

Key features

Supports 100+ local payment methods and global credit cards

Omnichannel payment capabilities (online, in-store, and mobile)

Advanced fraud detection and chargeback management

Customisable checkout and recurring billing

Transaction fees

Pricing varies by card type and region

Typically ranges from 1.5% – 3.5% per transaction

No setup or monthly fees

Availability

30+ countries, including the UK, US, EU, and Australia

Currencies

150+ supported currencies

Security

PCI DSS Level 1 compliant

AI-driven fraud detection

6. Klarna

Klarna is the leading Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) provider that enables Shopify merchants to offer flexible payment options, increasing conversions and average order values.

Key features

Offers Pay in 4, Pay in 30 days, and long-term financing

Customers get an instant credit decision at checkout

Merchants receive full payment upfront, Klarna handles repayments

Available as a direct Shopify integration

Transaction fees

4.99% + 35p

No setup or monthly fees

Availability

20+ countries, including the UK, US, Germany, and Australia

Currencies

USD, GBP, EUR, SEK, AUD, and more

Security

PCI DSS compliant

Klarna assumes fraud and credit risk for merchants

7. Square 

Square is a versatile payment processor that is ideal for Shopify merchants with both online and physical stores. It syncs with Square POS, allowing unified inventory and reporting.

Key features

Accepts major credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay

Omnichannel solution with real-time inventory sync

Supports invoicing and virtual terminal payments

Chargeback protection up to $250 per month

Transaction fees

UK cards: 1.4% + £0.25

International cards: 2.5% + £0.25

No setup or monthly fees

Availability

UK, US, Canada, Australia, Japan, and parts of Europe

Currencies

GBP (localised support per region)

Security

PCI DSS Level 1 compliant

3D Secure and built-in fraud prevention

8. Amazon Pay 

Amazon Pay allows Shopify merchants to offer a smooth checkout experience using stored payment details from Amazon accounts.

Key features

Customers can pay using their Amazon account details

Supports major credit/debit cards and Amazon gift cards

Fast checkout with auto-filled shipping details

Trusted by millions of Amazon customers

Transaction fees

UK cards: 2.7% + £0.30 per transaction (for under 50,000 payments per month)

International cards: 3.9% + £0.30

No setup fees

Availability

17+ countries, including the UK, US, and Germany

Currencies

12+ supported currencies

Security

PCI DSS compliant

Amazon’s fraud detection and dispute resolution

Why use Airwallex as your Shopify payment gateway?

If you sell internationally, Airwallex helps you scale without the high fees and slow processing of traditional payment providers. You can accept payments in 180+ countries, settle in your preferred currency, and avoid unnecessary FX costs, all with a direct Shopify integration designed for global businesses.

Boost your checkout with global eCommerce payment solutions

As eCommerce expands worldwide, you need a payment gateway that supports international growth. Sticking with outdated providers can limit your reach and increase costs.

Airwallex gives you an end-to-end payment solution built for cross-border transactions. You can:

Go global. Accept payments in 180+ countries with 160+ local payment methods.

Save money. Reduce FX costs with like-for-like settlement and competitive exchange rates.

Gain visibility. Track your global cash flow in real-time and move money across borders seamlessly.

And you always get: 

Easy Shopify integration. Connect Airwallex to Shopify in minutes for a smooth checkout experience.

Fast payouts. Get access to your money faster with instant settlement options.

Enterprise-grade security. FCA-regulated and PCI DSS Level 1 certified to protect your transactions.

FAQs about Shopify payment gateways

Do I need a business bank account to use a Shopify payment gateway?

Yes, most Shopify payment gateways require a business bank account to receive payouts. While some may allow personal accounts, using a business account ensures compliance, simplifies tax reporting, and provides better financial management.

Can I use multiple payment gateways on Shopify?

Yes, Shopify allows merchants to enable multiple payment gateways simultaneously. This can help provide more payment options for customers, such as accepting credit cards via Shopify Payments, PayPal transactions, and  BNPL options like Klarna.

Can I charge customers in different currencies on Shopify?

Yes, but you need a multi-currency payment gateway. Shopify Payments supports multi-currency checkout for Shopify Plus users, while gateways like Airwallex, Stripe, and Adyen allow businesses to accept payments in multiple currencies and settle in their preferred one, reducing FX fees.

How do I know if a payment gateway is reliable?

A reliable Shopify payment gateway should have:

• PCI DSS compliance for secure transactions

• Fraud detection tools like 3D Secure authentication and AI-driven risk monitoring

• Regulatory approval (FCA, EU PSD2 compliance)

• Transparent pricing without hidden fees

What are the transaction fees for Shopify payment gateways?

Transaction fees vary depending on the provider. Shopify Payments charges 1.5% + £0.25 per UK transaction, while PayPal and Stripe typically charge around 2.9% + £0.30 per transaction. Airwallex offers lower FX fees for international transactions.

Does Shopify charge extra fees for third-party gateways?

Yes, Shopify applies an additional transaction fee (up to 2%) if you use a third-party payment gateway instead of Shopify Payments. This makes Shopify Payments the most cost-effective choice for many businesses.

Get started with Airwallex

The right payment gateway can enhance your checkout experience, reduce fees, and simplify global transactions. Airwallex offers multi-currency support, lower FX costs, and seamless Shopify integration to help your business expand internationally.

 Disclaimer: We wrote this article in Q1 2025. The information was based on our own online research and we were not able to manually test each tool or provider. The information is provided for educational purposes only. Consider the specific requirements of your business when evaluating providers. If you would like to request an update, feel free to contact us at [email protected].

Sources:

www.stripe.com/gb/pricing

www.shopify.com/payment-gateways

www.paypal.com/uk/webapps/mpp/merchant-fees

www.adyen.com/uk-pricing-calculator

www.support.stripe.com/questions/updates-to-klarna-prices-and-checkout#uk

www.squareup.com/gb/en/online-store/plans

www.pay.amazon.co.uk/help/SKX7JCY3G3SP73U