Many small businesses have a great product to sell online, but lack the technical knowledge to implement a Payment Service Provider (PSP), allowing them to take credit card and other online payments from potential customers.
We reccommend the following 3 services, each of which should be a perfect solution for you depending on your payment requirements:
Protx
Protx is an ideal solution for companies who already have (or plan to get) an Internet merchant account with an acquiring bank. A merchant account is an agreement with a bank that allows you to accept payment by credit and debit card. This is a separate account from your business bank account and because not all banks are acquiring banks, you can have an Internet merchant account at a different bank from the one where your business bank account is located. Protx works with all major UK acquiring banks and can normally be setup within 7 days.
Protx is a Payment Gateway, providing the secure link between your site and the bank to ensure that your customers' card details are kept secure throughout the transaction process. Protx is the largest independent PSP. Prices range depending on your requirements but small businesses can typically benefit from their £20/month Flat rate service (no transaction, subscription or setup fees). Visit Protx for more info.
NoChex
The NoChex Merchant account enables your online business to accept and process all major credit and debit card payments, whilst maintaining affordable pricing, no ongoing fees and providing you with real, UK customer service who you can reach by phone.
There are no fixed monthly fees - you just pay as you go (transaction fees start at 2.9% plus 20p). Unlike other PSPs, you do NOT need to have a merchant account with an acquiring bank, and you get instant access to your funds giving you improved cashflow. Visit NoChex for more information.
Paypal
A Paypal business account is a quick and easy way to start accepting credit cards on your website with minimum fuss and money. There are no start-up or monthly fees, and their transaction fees are lower than most merchant accounts (starting at just 3.4% plus 20p).
Paypal is recognised the world over, with most large online stores accepting it as a means of payment. Your customers will probably already be using Paypal elsewhere, so make it easy for them to buy from your website by integrating Paypal today - it takes just minutes! Visit Paypal for more information.
