Best International Payment Gateways for UK Businesses: 7 Options Compared

An international payment gateway allows businesses to accept online payments from customers in different countries. For UK businesses, the right choice depends on transaction fees, supported currencies, local payment methods, ecommerce integrations, and settlement options.

The importance of online payments in UK retail is shown in the data. More than a quarter of retail spending in Great Britain now happens online. The Office for National Statistics puts the online share at 28.8% in August 2026, up from 28.4% in July.

This guide compares seven international payment gateways for UK businesses based on fees, features and international payment capabilities to help you choose the right solution for your business..

Key Takeaways

• An international payment gateway enables UK businesses to accept online payments from customers in different countries.
• Payment gateway fees vary by provider and may include transaction charges, international card fees, and currency conversion costs.
• Choose the best international payment gateway by comparing total costs, including transaction fees, international card charges, currency conversion fees, and payout fees, rather than relying on the headline processing rate alone.
• Accepting a currency isn’t the same as settling in it. Check which currencies you can hold and convert, not just which ones customers can pay in.
• Manage international payments beyond checkout with WorldFirst, which helps businesses receive, hold, convert and send funds across borders, including payments to overseas suppliers.

What Is an International Payment Gateway?

An international payment gateway is a technology that enables businesses to accept and process online payments from customers in different countries. It securely transmits payment details for authorisation and works with payment processors to complete transactions. Depending on the provider, it may support multiple currencies, international cards, local payment methods, and ecommerce platform integrations.

What Should UK Businesses Look for in an International Payment Gateway?

The best payment gateway depends on where your customers are, how they prefer to pay, and what you’ll pay to process and convert their money. Compare these factors to find a provider that fits your business needs:

• Transaction fees: Compare per-transaction charges, monthly fees, and any additional costs for international cards.
• Currency support: Check which currencies the provider accepts and whether it supports settlement in those currencies.
• Payment methods: Look for international cards and relevant local payment methods used by customers in target markets.
• Ecommerce integrations: Check compatibility with platforms such as Shopify and WooCommerce.
• FX costs: Review currency conversion fees and the exchange rate applied when converting sales revenue.
• Settlement times: Find out how quickly funds reach your account and whether you can select settlement currencies.
• Customer support: Compare support availability, response channels, and help with payment issues.

7 Best International Payment Gateways for UK Businesses

Payment providers differ in how they handle international transactions. The table below compares seven options, covering six payment gateways and WorldFirst as a multi-currency international payments solution, based on their fees, payment methods, currency support, and suitability for UK businesses.

Rates and fees correct as of 21 October 2026

1. WorldFirst

WorldFirst is an international payments solution for UK businesses that need to receive, hold, convert, and send money across borders. It’s served over 1.5 million businesses around the world and processed more than $500 billion in transactions since 2004. Businesses can manage funds in multiple currencies, receive international sales proceeds, and pay overseas suppliers. 95% of payments arrive the same day, with tracking available at every step.

Key features

• Multi-currency account: Hold and manage funds in 20+ currencies.
• World Card: Pay for eligible business expenses, including software subscriptions, advertising, and supplier purchases, using a multi-currency virtual card. The card offers up to 1.2% cashback on eligible spending, subject to terms.
• Pay business partners: Make international payments to overseas business partners and suppliers.
• Pay Chinese suppliers: Send payments to suppliers in China in supported currencies, with payment options designed for cross-border trade.
• Marketplace collections: Receive sales proceeds from supported marketplaces and payment gateways into your World Account.
• FX tools: WorldFirst offers several tools to help businesses manage currency fluctuations, including spot contracts for immediate currency conversion, forward contracts to fix an exchange rate for an eligible future payment (if the rate later moves in your favour, you won’t benefit), and firm orders to target a preferred exchange rate

Best for

UK ecommerce sellers paid out by Amazon, Shopify, PayPal and other platforms, who need somewhere for that money to land, especially if it’s heading to suppliers in China and Asia.

Open a WorldFirst account to receive, hold, convert, and send international payments for your business.

2. Wise Business

Wise Business is an international business account designed to help UK businesses manage money across borders. Businesses can receive payments using local account details in supported currencies, hold and convert funds, and pay overseas suppliers. Its upfront fee structure helps businesses understand the cost of international transfers and currency conversion before making a payment.

Key features

• Multi-currency account: Hold and manage money in multiple currencies from one account, making it easier to handle international income and expenses.
• Local account details: Get account details for supported currencies to receive payments from customers and business partners in different markets.
• International transfers: Send money to suppliers, contractors, and business partners overseas, with fees and exchange rates shown before you confirm the transfer.
• Currency conversion: Convert funds using the mid-market exchange rate, with a separate conversion fee that varies depending on the currencies involved.
• Business integrations: Connect with supported accounting tools, including Xero, to help manage transactions and reconcile business finances.
• Wise Business debit card: Pay eligible business expenses using a Wise card, subject to availability and account terms.

Best for

UK businesses that need to manage international revenue, convert currencies and pay overseas suppliers, particularly ecommerce sellers and businesses working with international clients.

Learn more: Wise Business multi-currency account: fees, features and limits

3. Airwallex

Airwallex helps businesses accept payments from international customers and manage cross-border finances through one platform. Its international payment gateway supports cards, digital wallets and local payment methods, while its multi-currency account lets businesses hold and manage funds in different currencies.

Key features

• Global payment acceptance: Accept payments from customers in 180+ countries, with supported card networks and local payment methods varying by market.
• Multiple payment methods: Support card payments, Apple Pay, Google Pay and 160+ local payment methods, depending on business location and eligibility.
• Multi-currency accounts: Hold funds and access local bank details in 20+ currencies, subject to account availability.
• Ecommerce integrations: Connect payment acceptance with platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce and Magento, or build a custom checkout using APIs and SDKs.
• FX fees: 0.5% above interbank rates for major currencies and 1% for all other currencies.

Best for

UK ecommerce businesses and growing companies that need to accept international payments, offer local payment methods and manage sales revenue and supplier payments across multiple currencies.

Learn more: 10 Best Airwallex Alternatives for UK Businesses

4. Revolut Business

Revolut Business is a digital business banking service that helps UK businesses manage everyday finances, international transfers and multiple currencies. In March 2026, Revolut officially became a fully authorised bank in the UK through Revolut Bank UK Ltd, regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Its business services include managing funds, paying overseas suppliers, and accepting customer payments through supported payment tools.

Key features

• Business bank account: Manage business finances, receive payments using local and international account details, and make transfers to suppliers and business partners.
• Multi-currency accounts: Hold and exchange funds in 25+ currencies, with separate currency accounts to organise international income and expenses.
• International transfers: Send payments to 150+ destinations, with transfer fees depending on the plan and payment method.
• Payment acceptance: Accept customer payments through Revolut Pay, payment links, QR codes, online checkout and in-person payment tools, subject to availability and fees.
• Expense management: Issue physical and virtual company cards, set spending controls and track employee expenses.
• FX fees: Exchange currencies at the interbank rate within the plan’s monthly allowance during market hours. A 0.6% fee applies to exchanges above the allowance, while a 1% fee applies outside market hours.

Best for

UK businesses looking for an all-in-one business banking platform to manage everyday finances, international transfers, multiple currencies and customer payments.

Learn more: Revolut Business Review 2026: Is it the right bank for you?

5. PayPal

PayPal is an online payment provider that helps UK businesses accept payments from customers in the UK and overseas. Customers can pay using their PayPal accounts, major debit and credit cards, and supported digital wallets. PayPal is available in more than 200 markets and supports 140 currencies.

Key features

• Multiple payment methods: Accept PayPal payments, major debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and eligible Buy Now, Pay Later options.
• International payment acceptance: Reach customers across 200+ markets and let them pay in supported local currencies.
• Multi-currency processing: Accept payments in different currencies and settle funds in supported currencies, helping businesses serve international customers without needing a local bank account in every market.
• Ecommerce integrations: Integrate PayPal with supported ecommerce platforms, including Shopify and WooCommerce.
• Buyer and seller protection: Eligible transactions may benefit from PayPal’s protection programmes, subject to the applicable terms.

Best for

UK businesses that want a widely recognised payment option for international ecommerce sales, with multiple payment methods and support for customers across different markets.

Learn more: 10 Best PayPal Alternatives for UK Businesses in 2026

6. Stripe

Stripe is an online payment processing platform that helps UK businesses accept payments through websites, mobile apps and ecommerce stores. It supports card payments, digital wallets and a wide range of local payment methods, making it suitable for businesses selling to customers in different countries. Stripe also provides tools for recurring billing, fraud prevention and payment management.

Key features

• Global payment acceptance: Accept payments from international customers using supported card networks and local payment methods.
• Multiple payment methods: Offer credit and debit cards, digital wallets, and local options such as Alipay, iDEAL, and Klarna, subject to eligibility.
• Multi-currency processing: Display prices and process payments in different currencies, allowing customers to pay in their preferred currency.
• Ecommerce integrations: Integrate with platforms such as Shopify and WooCommerce, or build custom payment experiences using Stripe APIs.
• Recurring payments: Manage subscriptions, recurring billing, and automated payments for ongoing services.

Best for

Ecommerce retailers, online service providers and subscription-based businesses that need flexible payment processing, multiple payment methods, and tools to manage international transactions.

Learn more: How do I receive money from Stripe?

7. Checkout.com

Checkout.com is a global payment processing platform designed for businesses that need to accept and manage online payments across international markets. It supports card payments, digital wallets, and local payment methods, helping businesses offer customers familiar ways to pay. Its unified API allows businesses to integrate payment processing, manage transactions, and access payment performance data through one platform.

Key features

• Global payment acceptance: Accept online payments from international customers using major card networks and supported local payment methods.
• Multiple payment methods: Support credit and debit cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, and alternative payment methods, depending on the market.
• Multi-currency processing: Process payments in different currencies and settle funds in supported currencies, depending on the business’s account and settlement setup.
• Ecommerce integrations: Connect with major shopping carts or build a customised checkout experience using its API.
• Fraud prevention: Use machine-learning-powered fraud detection and authentication tools to help identify suspicious transactions and protect payments.
• FX fees: Currency conversion fees depend on the currency pair and the pricing agreed with Checkout.com. Businesses should check their individual pricing schedule for applicable rates.

Best for

Large ecommerce businesses, digital platforms and enterprises that need scalable payment infrastructure, international payment processing and greater control over transaction performance and fraud management.

How Much Do Payment Gateways Cost in the UK?

Payment gateway fees vary depending on the provider, payment method, card type and transaction currency. Businesses should look beyond the headline processing rate and consider additional charges, including currency conversion, international card fees and monthly subscriptions.

The main costs to compare include

• Transaction fees: A percentage of each payment, often combined with a fixed fee per transaction.
• International card fees: Additional charges may apply when customers pay using cards issued outside the UK.
• Currency conversion fees: Providers may charge for converting payments into the currency your business receives, or apply an exchange-rate markup.
• Monthly or setup fees: Some providers charge subscription or setup fees, while others offer pay-as-you-go pricing.
• Chargeback fees: A fee may apply when a customer disputes a transaction.
• Payout fees: Some providers charge for particular settlement methods or faster payouts.

How to Choose the Best Payment Gateway for Your UK Business

To choose a payment gateway, compare the total cost per transaction (processing, international card and currency conversion fees), the payment methods your customers use, which currencies you can accept and settle in, compatibility with your ecommerce platform, and how quickly funds reach your account.

• Compare transaction fees: Check processing rates, fixed transaction charges, international card fees and currency conversion costs. Consider how these fees affect your margins as sales grow.
• Check supported payment methods: Look for card payments, digital wallets and local payment methods that your customers already use.
• Review currency support: If you sell internationally, check which currencies you can accept, settle, hold and convert. These capabilities differ between providers.
• Check ecommerce integrations: Make sure the gateway works with your existing platform, such as Shopify or WooCommerce, or offers an API for a custom checkout.
• Consider security and fraud prevention: Look for encryption, authentication and fraud monitoring to protect transactions.
• Assess settlement times: Check how quickly funds reach your account and whether faster payouts incur additional fees.
• Evaluate support and scalability: Choose a provider with strong customer support and features that can scale with your transaction volume as the business grows.
• Check reporting and reconciliation tools: Choose a provider that gives you clear transaction records, downloadable reports and tools to match payments with orders and accounting records.

The best payment gateway fits your business model, customer needs, and budget. If you sell internationally, compare payment acceptance fees, currency conversion, and settlement costs to understand the total cost of receiving and managing your revenue.

How WorldFirst Can Help UK Businesses With International Payments

Accepting payments from overseas customers is only one part of running an international business. Businesses also need a practical way to collect sales revenue, manage different currencies and pay suppliers across borders.

WorldFirst helps UK businesses manage these tasks through a multi-currency business account. You can receive funds from supported marketplaces and payment gateways, hold and convert money in multiple currencies, and pay overseas suppliers from one account. This helps keep international income and expenses organised while giving businesses more control over when and how they convert currencies.

If your business uses an international payment gateway to collect customer payments, WorldFirst can help manage the funds after they arrive.

Open a WorldFirst account to receive, hold, convert and send international funds for your business.

FAQs

1. What is the best international payment gateway for UK businesses?

The best international payment gateway depends on your business needs, target markets, preferred payment methods, and budget. Compare transaction fees, currency support, ecommerce integrations, and settlement times to find the right fit for your business.

2. How much do international payment gateways charge in the UK?

Fees vary by provider and transaction type. Costs may include a percentage of each payment, a fixed transaction fee, additional charges for international cards, currency conversion fees, and chargeback fees. Check the provider’s current UK pricing and consider your typical transaction value and sales currencies before comparing options.

3. Can I accept payments in multiple currencies through a UK payment gateway?

Yes. Many providers support payments in multiple currencies, but accepting a currency doesn’t always mean you can settle or hold funds in that currency. Check which currencies are available for payment acceptance, settlement, and conversion in your account.

4. How long do international payment gateway payments take to settle?

Settlement times vary by provider, payment method, and transaction location. Some payments arrive within a day, while others take several business days. Check the provider’s settlement schedule and whether faster payouts incur additional fees.

5. Which payment gateway is best for ecommerce businesses?

The best option depends on your sales channels, target markets, customers’ preferred payment methods, and transaction fees. For UK ecommerce businesses selling across international marketplaces, WorldFirst connects with 130+ marketplaces and payment gateways, helping businesses receive sales proceeds and manage funds across multiple currencies.

Sources:

1. https://www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/retailindustry/bulletins/retailsales/august2026
2. https://www.worldfirst.com/uk/
3. https://www.worldfirst.com/uk/about-worldfirst/
4. https://www.worldfirst.com/uk/product/collect/
5. https://www.worldfirst.com/uk/product/collect/get-paid-by-marketplaces/
6. https://www.worldfirst.com/uk/pricing/
7. https://wise.com/gb/business/
8. https://wise.com/gb/pricing/business
9. https://wise.com/gb/business/ecommerce
10. https://www.airwallex.com/en-uk/solutions/ecommerce
11. https://www.airwallex.com/en-uk/pricing
12. https://www.airwallex.com/en-uk/payments
13. https://www.revolut.com/business/business-account-plans/
14. https://www.revolut.com/business/payment-gateway/
15. https://www.revolut.com/en-NL/news/revolut_launches_uk_bank/
16. https://www.paypal.com/uk/business/paypal-business-fees
17. https://www.paypal.com/uk/business/accept-payments
18. https://stripe.com/gb/pricing
19. https://stripe.com/gb/pricing/local-payment-methods
20. https://stripe.com/gb/payments/payment-methods
21. https://www.checkout.com/pricing