💳 Are You Paying Too Much for Card Payments?

(Why many UK businesses are overpaying — and how to fix it.)

Quick Summary

• Most UK businesses haven’t reviewed their card payment costs in years.
• Small, hidden fees often add up to hundreds or thousands per year.
• Modern card payment setups are simpler, faster and often cheaper.
• Faster settlements can significantly improve cashflow.
• A quick review can highlight savings without disrupting your business.

1 | The Cost Most Businesses Don’t Realise They’re Paying

 

If you accept card payments, there’s a good chance you’re paying more than you need to.

Not because you made a bad decision — but because:

• Contracts quietly roll on
• Pricing structures change
• New technology improves
• Fees increase gradually

Most business owners focus on running their business, not analysing merchant statements line by line — which is completely understandable.

 

2 | The Common Card Payment Fees That Catch Businesses Out

 

Card payment pricing isn’t always transparent, and that’s where unnecessary costs creep in.

Some of the most common include:

• Monthly terminal or service fees
• PCI compliance charges
• Extra costs for certain transaction types
• Fees for card-not-present payments
• Slower settlement times affecting cashflow

Individually these don’t always look huge — but over a year, they can seriously impact your bottom line.

 

3 | What a Modern Card Payment Setup Looks Like

Card payment technology has moved on significantly in recent years.

Many newer setups now offer:

• Next-day settlements
• Simpler, clearer pricing
• No unnecessary monthly minimums
• Reduced or removed compliance fees
• Flexible terminals for retail, hospitality and mobile businesses

For most businesses, upgrading doesn’t change how customers pay — it just improves what happens behind the scenes.

 

4 | Why Faster Payments Matter for Cashflow

Getting paid quickly is just as important as how much you’re paid.

Next-day settlements can:

• Improve working capital
• Reduce reliance on overdrafts
• Smooth out quiet trading periods
• Make forecasting easier

For many small businesses, cashflow matters more than headline rates.

 

5 | Is Your Business Worth Reviewing?

 

A card payment review is especially worthwhile if:

• You’ve been with the same provider for several years
• Your contract has rolled beyond its original term
• You’re paying monthly fees you don’t fully understand
• Your business has grown or changed
• You process a high volume of card payments

Retail, hospitality, trades, beauty, and service businesses are often the most affected.

 

6 | Is Switching Complicated?

 

In most cases — no.

A review usually involves:

• Looking at recent statements
• Understanding how you take payments
• Comparing like-for-like costs
• Highlighting potential savings

If switching makes sense, it’s normally:

• Planned around your business
• Minimal disruption
• Seamless for customers

The aim is improvement — not upheaval.

📞 Want to Check If You’re Overpaying?

 

There’s no pressure to switch. Sometimes a review simply confirms you’re already on a good deal.

If you’d like, we can:

• Review your current card payment costs
• Explain your fees in plain English
• Highlight unnecessary charges
• Show potential savings
• Let you decide what (if anything) to do next