The United Kingdom leads the way in Europe’s e-commerce market, thanks to its nearly 69 million population and widespread internet access in 97% of households, as per IBISWorld. In terms of online payments, PayPal and debit/credit cards are dominant, with broad acceptance among all demographics. Research by Marqeta indicates that 77% of UK consumers have adopted digital wallets and mobile payments, with PayPal being a top choice.
Popular offline payment methods in the UK
Direct Debit
Cash
Cheque
Bank Transfers
Postal Orders
Banker’s Drafts
Mobile Payments
Payment Cards
List of payment methods in the UK
Visa is widely accepted as a payment method in the United Kingdom. It can be used for various types of transactions, including in-store purchases, online shopping, and bill payments. Most retailers, restaurants, and service providers in the UK accept Visa cards.
Visa cards issued by banks and financial institutions around the world are generally accepted in the UK.
Visa cards issued by banks and financial institutions around the world are generally accepted in the UK.
Mastercard is one of the largest card schemes in the world and has a strong presence in the United Kingdom. It is widely accepted by merchants across the country and is a popular choice for consumers when it comes to credit card payments. In addition to its regular credit cards, Mastercard also offers a range of co-branded credit cards in partnership with various banks and financial institutions in the UK. These co-branded cards often come with additional benefits and rewards, such as cashback, airline miles, or loyalty points.
PayPal is widely accepted as a payment method in the United Kingdom. It is used by individuals and businesses for online purchases, as well as for sending and receiving money. Many online retailers and service providers offer PayPal as a payment option at checkout, making it convenient for customers to make secure transactions. Additionally, PayPal offers buyer protection and dispute resolution services, which can provide added peace of mind for both buyers and sellers.
American Express is widely accepted as a payment method in the United Kingdom. It can be used at most major retailers, restaurants, hotels, and online merchants. However, it is worth noting that American Express may not be accepted at some smaller establishments or businesses that have a lower volume of transactions.
BACS Direct Debit is a popular payment method in the United Kingdom. It allows individuals and businesses to make regular payments directly from their bank account to another bank account. This can be used for various types of payments, such as utility bills, subscriptions, and loan repayments. BACS Direct Debit offers several benefits for both payers and payees.
Diners Club International is a global payment network that offers credit cards to consumers and businesses. While Diners Club cards are accepted at millions of locations worldwide, including in the United Kingdom, they are not as widely accepted as other major credit card brands like Visa and Mastercard. Some smaller businesses or establishments may not accept Diners Club cards due to higher transaction fees or limited familiarity with the brand.
Discover is not widely accepted as a payment method in the United Kingdom. While Discover is a major credit card network in the United States, it has limited acceptance outside of the US. Some merchants in the UK may accept Discover, but it is not as commonly accepted as other credit cards.
Apple Pay allows users to make payments using their iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, or Mac devices. Users can add their credit or debit cards to the Apple Wallet app and then use their device to make contactless payments at participating retailers. Apple Pay is accepted at a wide range of retailers in the United Kingdom, including supermarkets, restaurants, clothing stores, and more. It can also be used for online purchases within apps and websites that support Apple Pay.
Maestro is a popular payment method in the United Kingdom. It is widely accepted by most retailers, both online and offline. Maestro cards are issued by various banks and can be used for making purchases, withdrawing cash from ATMs, and making online payments. In addition to physical cards, Maestro also offers virtual cards that can be used for online purchases. Maestro is a convenient and widely accepted payment method in the United Kingdom, offering customers a secure way to make purchases both online and offline.
Afterpay and Clearpay are both popular buy now, pay later payment methods that allow customers to make purchases and pay for them in installments. These payment options are available in the United Kingdom and are accepted by a wide range of retailers. They provide convenient and flexible payment options for customers in the United Kingdom, allowing them to make purchases and pay for them in installments without incurring interest or fees if payments are made on time.
UnionPayU is a popular payment method in the United Kingdom. It is widely accepted by merchants and retailers across the country. UnionPay cards can be used for various types of transactions, including online shopping, in-store purchases, and cash withdrawals from ATMs. Many major retailers, including department stores, supermarkets, and luxury brands, accept UnionPay as a form of payment. Additionally, UnionPay is accepted at a large number of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues in the UK. UnionPay provides a secure payment platform and offers various features such as contactless payments and mobile payments through its mobile app.
Klarna is a popular payment method in the United Kingdom. It allows customers to make purchases online and pay for them later in installments. Klarna offers flexible payment options, including the ability to split the cost into three equal payments or to pay in full 30 days after the purchase. Klarna also offers a mobile app that allows customers to manage their payments, view their purchase history, and make additional purchases using Klarna’s Pay later feature.
JCB is a popular payment method in the United Kingdom. JCB cards are widely accepted at various merchants, including retail stores, restaurants, and online platforms. JCB is known for its secure and convenient payment process, making it a preferred choice for many consumers in the UK. Additionally, JCB offers various benefits and rewards programs to its cardholders, further enhancing its popularity as a payment method in the country.
Alipay, the popular Chinese mobile payment platform, is now accepted as a payment method in the United Kingdom. This means that Chinese tourists and residents in the UK can use Alipay to make purchases at participating merchants.
In addition to making payments, Alipay also offers other services such as money transfers, bill payments, and even booking flights and hotels.
In addition to making payments, Alipay also offers other services such as money transfers, bill payments, and even booking flights and hotels.
Amazon Pay is a popular payment method in the United Kingdom. It allows customers to make purchases on various websites using their Amazon account information. This means that customers can use their saved payment methods and shipping addresses from Amazon to complete their purchases quickly and securely.
Google Pay is a popular digital wallet and payment method that allows users to make purchases and send money using their mobile devices. In the United Kingdom, Google Pay is widely accepted at various retailers, online merchants, and service providers. It can be used for in-store purchases at supermarkets, restaurants, shops, and other businesses that accept contactless payments. It can also be used for online purchases on websites and apps that support Google Pay as a payment option. In addition to making payments, Google Pay also allows users to send money to friends and family members.
WeChat Pay is a popular mobile payment method in China, but it is not widely accepted in the United Kingdom. While some businesses may accept WeChat Pay as a form of payment, it is not as commonly used or supported as other payment methods like credit cards or mobile payment apps such as Apple Pay or Google Pay.
PaySafeCard is a popular prepaid payment method in the United Kingdom. It allows users to make online purchases without the need for a bank account or credit card. PaySafeCard vouchers can be purchased at various retail locations, such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and petrol stations. It is accepted by a wide range of online merchants in the UK, including gaming sites, online retailers, and digital service providers. In addition to online payments, it can also be used to top up e-wallets and prepaid cards, making it a versatile payment option for UK consumers.
Samsung Pay is a mobile payment service that allows users to make payments using their Samsung smartphones or smartwatches. It is widely accepted at most major retailers and businesses that accept contactless payments. Samsung Pay also supports loyalty cards and gift cards, allowing users to store and use these cards digitally within the app. This eliminates the need to carry physical cards and makes it easier for users to earn rewards and redeem offers.
Trustly is a popular payment method in the United Kingdom. It allows users to make secure online payments directly from their bank accounts. Users can easily transfer funds from their bank accounts to pay for goods and services, without the need for credit cards or other payment methods.
