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

With 2.71 billion¹ people shopping online, the potential for your eCommerce business is immense. But navigating cross-border checkouts, managing transaction costs, and earning customer trust while competing in a crowded marketplace isn’t easy.

One decision that can directly drive your growth? Choosing the right payment provider. 

The best payment providers go beyond processing payments. They help you connect with customers through local payment methods, display local currencies to reduce friction at checkout, and boost profitability with lower FX conversion fees and like-for-like settlements. The right partner ensures that you can expand your global reach effortlessly.

So how do you find a payment provider that fits your needs? This guide breaks down the top providers and their key features, so you can make the right choice to take your business to the next level.

Summary at a glance

• Opt for a payment provider that offers a wide range of payment methods, including local options, to meet diverse customer needs and boost conversion rates.

• Assess fees thoroughly to protect profit margins. Look for features such as interbank rates and like-for-like settlements in multi-currency accounts to minimise hidden conversion costs.

• Choose a provider that integrates easily with your platform, with low- or no-code solutions and seamless integration with existing tools like marketplace platforms and accounting software.

What is an eCommerce payment system?

An eCommerce payment system is a type of financial software that lets online businesses accept payments. They act as a secure bridge between a purchase and the funds transfer to your bank.

How does an eCommerce payment processing system work?

eCommerce payment processing systems work by securely transmitting payments from the customer's purchase to your merchant account. The process begins when a customer enters their payment details at checkout, which are then securely transmitted via a payment gateway to a payment processor. The processor verifies the transaction and seeks authorisation from the customer's bank. On approval, the funds are transferred from the customer's bank to the merchant's bank, and both parties receive a transaction confirmation.

The top eCommerce payment systems in 2025

• Airwallex: an end-to-end financial operations platform specialising in cross-border payments, offering no-code, low-code, and fully-customisable payment solutions. It offers comprehensive solutions, including multi-currency accounts, FX and transfers, and spend management tools.

• Stripe: a popular, developer-friendly platform offering customisable payment solutions for online businesses. It supports various payment methods and currencies.

• Amazon Pay: a payment service for Amazon customers. It allows Amazon customers to pay using their Amazon accounts on external websites.

• PayPal: a widely-recognised pioneer in digital payments, offering secure and convenient transactions for both consumers and businesses.

• GoCardless: focuses on recurring payments, providing a simple and efficient way to collect direct debit payments. It’s ideal for subscription-based businesses and invoicing.

Top features to look for in an eCommerce payment solution

Choosing the right eCommerce payment solution is crucial for your business. Here are the top features to consider:

• Breadth of payment methods: To boost conversion rates, the platform should support credit/debit cards, digital wallets (like Apple Pay and Google Pay), bank transfers, and local payment methods. 

• Cost: Beyond transaction and setup costs, features such as like-for-like settlement and multi-currency accounts can eliminate unnecessary currency conversion and forced settlement fees. This helps your business preserve profit margins, maintain competitive pricing, and reinvest in growth.

• Ease of integration: Look for low-code, no-code, and fully-customisable solutions with integrations to popular marketplaces (such as Shopify, WooCommerce, and Amazon) for smooth operations. 

• Advanced security measures: Look for real-time monitoring, risk assessment, and compliance with PCI DSS standards. These features protect your business and your customers from fraudulent activities.

• Infrastructure that supports long-term growth: Look for platforms with robust solutions that can grow with your business. Some providers offer additional value, such as multi-currency support, FX and transfers, and spend management tools.

Compare the top eCommerce payment systems and solutions

Source: Airwallex, Amazon Pay, GoCardless, PayPal, and Stripe as of 27 November 2024. See Airwallex’s pricing plan and fee schedule in detail.

The top eCommerce payment systems: key features and fees

eCommerce payments systems like Airwallex, Stripe, Amazon Pay, PayPal, and GoCardless are all great options, but they each have their unique strengths. Our platform, Airwallex, stands out from the rest with our end-to-end financial operations features and global reach. It’s a strong option if you’re looking to scale your financial operations domestically or internationally.

Below, we summarise the key features and fees of each. For full product and fee information, including other charges, please visit each provider’s official website.

Airwallex

Best known as: a global, end-to-end financial operations platform

Airwallex is a global payment solution that lets you accept payments in more than 160 payment methods across 180 countries. No-code to fully-customisable integration options make it easy to get started quickly, and you can save your business a tonne of fees with like-for-like settlement into multi-currency accounts. In other words, you can settle payments in the same currency that your customers pay in, saving you on costly exchange rates. It’s easy to open an account with local bank details in Airwallex, without having to go to a bank or complete any complicated paperwork. The platform also offers FX and transfer solutions, with competitive interbank fees. Other features like virtual cards, accounts payable, and expense management, make it ideal for growing businesses.

Airwallex payment acceptance fees²²:

• Domestic (UK cards): 1.30% + £0.20 per transaction

• International (EEA cards): 2.40% + £0.20 per transaction

• International: 3.15% + £0.20 per transaction

Stripe

Best known as: a well-known and trusted payment provider

Stripe supports payment acceptance in over 135 currencies globally. It offers cost-saving features like optimised FX rates and automated reconciliation, which can help cut down on operational costs. Stripe’s platform is very scalable and developer-friendly, with tools for managing subscriptions, invoices, and payouts.

Stripe payment acceptance fees²³:

• Domestic (UK cards): 1.5% + £0.20 per transaction

• International (EEA cards): 2.5% + £0.20

• International: 3.25% + £0.20 per transaction 

Amazon Pay

Best known as: a easy and convenient payment processing option for customers with Amazon accounts

Amazon Pay allows customers to pay with their Amazon accounts. Amazon’s brand trust and reach provide a smooth and reliable payment experience for its customers, while supporting multiple currencies and payment methods. While it might not have as many cost-saving features as others, the strong brand trust and easy integration can boost your customer conversion rates and simplify the checkout process.

Amazon Pay payment acceptance fees²⁴:

• Domestic: 2.7% + £0.30 per transaction

• International: An additional 0.4-1.5% per transaction, depending on region

PayPal

Best known as: a household name in online retail payments

PayPal is a familiar name in online payments, accepting multiple currencies and payment methods across the world. It provides cost-saving features like competitive FX rates and bulk payment discounts. PayPal’s platform includes tools for invoicing, subscription management, and merchant services, and its global network and brand recognition can help build trust and provide convenience for your customers.

PayPal payment acceptance fees²⁵:

• Domestic (UK cards): 1.2% + fixed fee per transaction

• International (EEA cards): An additional 1.29%

• International: An additional 1.99%

GoCardless

Best known as: a direct debit specialist

GoCardless is a specialist in direct debit payments, making it a cost-effective solution for recurring transactions. While it might not have as many payment methods as others, its focus on direct debit and automated payment collection works well for subscription-based businesses. GoCardless’s scalable platform and easy integration with various accounting systems ensure smooth operations for growing businesses.

GoCardless payment acceptance fees (Advanced Plan)²⁶:

• Domestic: 1.25% + £0.20 per transaction

• International: 2.25% + £0.20 per transaction

What questions should you ask when selecting an eCommerce processing provider?

Choosing the right eCommerce payments system can make all the difference in building customer relationships and increasing conversions. The right provider can ensure the smoothest possible checkout experience, with your customer’s preferred currency and payment methods always available at checkout. At the same time, it should be cost-effective, secure, and be able to grow with your business.

Here’s a list of questions to ask your provider that'll help you make an informed decision:

1. What payment methods do you support? Understand the range of payment methods the provider supports, including credit/debit cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, and any region-specific options. Offering your customers local payment methods is crucial to boosting checkout conversions, especially since 77% of shoppers are likely to abandon carts without their preferred option².

2. What currencies do you support? Find out if the payment provider supports the currencies your customers use most. Pricing products only in your home currency can cost you international sales, as 93% of consumers say that local currency pricing directly impacts their decision to purchase². A provider with multi-currency accounts can also help you accept and hold payments in different currencies, avoiding conversion fees.

3. What are your security measures and compliance standards? Ask about your potential new provider’s security protocols, such as how they conduct Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks, their encryption and fraud detection capabilities, and ensure they comply with industry standards like PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards). 

4. What are the fees and pricing structure? Find out all the potential costs associated with the service, including transaction fees, monthly fees, setup costs, conversion fees, and any hidden charges. It also could be useful to understand how the provider deals with chargebacks and whether they offer any support or protection that could save you money in the long run. Features such as like-for-like settlement into multi-currency accounts can also help reduce fees in the first place.

5. Do you offer multi-currency support? Payment providers with multi-currency support, such as like-for-like settlement in multi-currency accounts, let you receive and settle payments in the same currency, avoiding unnecessary currency conversions. You can use the same balances for international transfers and vendor payments, further cutting down on bank transfer and FX fees. Not all providers offer this feature, so it’s definitely something to keep in mind when choosing the right global payment solution.

6. How easy is the integration process? Most eCommerce payment services integrate with major accounting, CRM, and eCommerce platforms. Make sure you choose a provider that works with your existing software and assess the ease of integration (no- or low-code plugin options are the most popular).

7. What level of customer support do you offer? Find out what kind of support is available to you if something goes wrong. Be sure to ask about support hours, the type of support (email, phone, chatbot) and response times.

8. What analytics and reporting tools are available? Detailed transaction data and analytics can streamline reconciliation and accounting processes and give you valuable insights into your financial performance. Ask what reports are available and how easy they are to generate.

Boost your checkout with global eCommerce payment solutions

As global eCommerce continues to grow, it’s more important than ever that your payment solution is built with cross-border payments in mind. Sticking with outdated or traditional payment methods can limit your business’s growth and customer reach.

Airwallex provides a comprehensive end-to-end payment solution designed to tackle the complexities of cross-border trade, from currency fluctuations to fraud prevention. With our platform, you can accept payments in over 180 countries, tailor your payment options to meet local preferences, and process payments quickly and securely. Our platform helps you collect, hold, and disburse multiple currencies at competitive exchange rates, ensuring smooth cash flow without the usual delays or high fees associated with traditional payment providers.

With Airwallex, you’re not just managing payments. You’re growing your global business. Processing over US$100 billion in payments annually for more than 150,000 businesses worldwide, we’re a proven partner who can help your business grow across borders.

 We can help you: 

• Go global: Tap into new markets and collect payments in 180+ countries, with 160+ local payment methods that cater to your customers’ preferences.

• Save money: Protect your bottom line with like-for-like settlement, reducing the need for currency conversions. Convert funds only when you need to at market-leading FX rates.

• Gain visibility over your finances: Get a clear overview of your global cash flow in real-time and move money across borders with just a few clicks.

FAQs about eCommerce payment services

What is an eCommerce processing software?

‌eCommerce processing software connects an online store to payment processing systems. It helps online businesses accept payments by securely transferring customers’ funds to the merchant’s bank.

 What important factors should you choose when selecting an eCommerce payment processing solution?

The key factors to consider are support for global currencies and payment methods, fees and costs, security and compliance, integration capabilities, and scalability.

How much does it cost to onboard an eCommerce payment service?

Pricing varies between providers. Some offer subscription plans, while others operate on a per-transaction model. Don’t forget that there are often hidden fees for international payments, so look at the fine print.

How safe are eCommerce payment processing services?

Most major suppliers are considered safe. Look for fraud prevention systems, end-to-end data encryption, and compliance with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), the global security standard for organisations that store sensitive data. 

Sources & references 

¹ https://www.oberlo.com/statistics/how-many-people-shop-online

² https://www.airwallex.com/uk/ecommerce-campaign-2024

³ https://pay.amazon.eu/help/5BDCWHCUC27485L

⁴  https://pay.amazon.co.uk/help/SKX7JCY3G3SP73U

⁵ https://gocardless.com/blog/how-much-do-international-payments-really-cost/

 ⁶ https://gocardless.com/pricing/

⁷ https://www.paypal.com/uk/enterprise/payment-methods

⁸ https://www.paypal.com/uk/webapps/mpp/merchant-fees

⁹ https://stripe.com/payments/payment-methods

¹⁰ https://wise.com/us/blog/stripe-international

¹¹  https://pay.amazon.com/help/201810860

¹² https://pay.amazon.com/help/201212160

¹³ https://gocardless.com/en-au/international-payments/

¹⁴ https://stripe.com/en-sg/pricing

¹⁵ https://www.paypal.com/my/webapps/mpp/merchant-fees

¹⁶ https://stripe.com/en-my/resources/more/multicurrency-accounts-101

¹⁷ https://developer.amazon.com/docs/amazon-pay-checkout/multi-currency-integration.html

¹⁸ https://gocardless.com/

¹⁹ https://pay.amazon.com/help/201754640

²⁰https://pay.amazon.co.uk/help/201754650

²²  https://airwallex.com/uk/pricing

²³ https://stripe.com/gb/pricing

²⁴https://pay.amazon.com/help/201212280

²⁵https://www.paypal.com/uk/business/paypal-business-fees#fixed-fees-commercialtrans

²⁶ https://gocardless.com/pricing/

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. A reader should consider the specific requirements of their business when evaluating providers. If you would like to request an update, feel free to contact us at [email protected].

Related articles about payment services and solutions:

• Top Payment Processing Services & Companies in the UK

• Top Online Payment Systems & Providers in the UK

• Top Digital Payment systems & Solutions in the UK