Best UK online payment for Shopify stores 2026
Compare the UK shortlist below, then get matched quotes from the acquirers most likely to approve you and beat your current pricing.
For UK Shopify storefronts: native Shopify Payments vs Stripe Checkout vs PayPal vs Klarna vs the Shopify-surcharge alternatives. The right choice depends on whether you want native checkout, ecosystem integration, BNPL, or want to avoid the Shopify 0.5% to 2% surcharge on non-Shopify-Payments gateways.
Based on MerchantHQ terminal reviews and our ranking methodology.
The ranking
Ranked on fit for this use case. The score beside each pick is that terminal's overall review score across all uses, so a lower-scored terminal can rank higher here when it suits this job better. The rate, hardware and contract lines come from the same terminal data as the comparison table below.
1. Stripe Reader S700
Review score 4.0 / 5Best for Shopify with omnichannel
Touchscreen handheld smart terminal, 5.5in display, Android 10 (no built-in printer; external receipt printer via the optional dock or hub) · 1.4% + 10p EEA cards, 2.9% + 10p non-EEA (Stripe standard Terminal pricing) · No contract (Stripe standard pay-as-you-go terms)
Stripe Checkout (1.5% + 20p UK online) paired with Stripe Reader S700 (£229 hardware) for in-person side runs as one merchant relationship across Shopify online + your physical shop. Shopify supports Stripe as a native gateway via Shopify Payments (which is Stripe under the hood). Avoids the Shopify alternative-gateway surcharge.
2. Square Terminal
Review score 4.1 / 5Best for click-and-collect Shopify retailers
All-in-one countertop terminal with receipt printer · 1.75% per transaction (UK) · No contract
Square Terminal (£149 + VAT) plus Square Online runs shared inventory between Shopify-like online store and in-person till. If you are already on Shopify but want a simpler in-person setup, Square Terminal pairs with Shopify via its POS app. 1.75% in-person, 1.4% + 25p online.
3. Adyen for Platforms
Review score 4.0 / 5Best for high-volume Shopify Plus
Range of Adyen terminals, usually supplied through a platform · Interchange-plus pricing, quoted per merchant · Quoted per merchant (not published)
Adyen for Platforms on bespoke interchange-plus pricing wins above £1m monthly card volume. Direct UK acquirer relationship, AMEX rate negotiable, best-in-class SCA exemption flagging. Available via the Shopify Plus enterprise tier. Best for Shopify Plus merchants doing serious volume.
Quick comparison
Headline rate, hardware cost, contract and form factor at a glance.
| Rank | Terminal | Rate | Hardware | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Stripe Reader S700 | 1.4% + 10p EEA cards, 2.9% + 10p non-EEA (Stripe standard Terminal pricing) | £229 excl. VAT | No contract (Stripe standard pay-as-you-go terms) |
| #2 | Square Terminal | 1.75% per transaction (UK) | £149 + VAT | No contract |
| #3 | Adyen for Platforms | Interchange-plus pricing, quoted per merchant | Quoted per merchant; usually bundled by the platform | Quoted per merchant (not published) |
FAQs
What is the best UK payment gateway for a Shopify store?
For most UK Shopify stores: native Shopify Payments (Stripe under the hood) is the default winner because it avoids Shopify's 0.5% to 2% alternative-gateway transaction surcharge. For tech-led merchants wanting omnichannel: direct Stripe Checkout (1.5% + 20p) paired with Stripe Reader S700 for in-person. For Shopify Plus enterprise: Adyen on interchange-plus.
Why does Shopify charge extra if I use a non-Shopify payment gateway?
Shopify monetises Shopify Payments by taking a cut of the acquiring spread. Using an alternative gateway (Stripe direct, PayPal Checkout, Klarna direct) cuts Shopify out of that revenue, so they recoup with a transaction surcharge: 2% on Basic plan, 1% on Shopify plan, 0.5% on Advanced. Shopify Payments has no surcharge because Shopify already earns from it.
Can I use multiple payment gateways on Shopify?
Yes. Shopify supports running Shopify Payments alongside PayPal Checkout, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Klarna, Shop Pay, and any third-party gateway approved on the Shopify gateway list. Most UK Shopify stores run 2-3 gateways: Shopify Payments for card, PayPal for the wallet-preference customer, Klarna for BNPL. Customer picks at checkout.
How do I switch from PayPal to Shopify Payments on a Shopify store?
Add Shopify Payments in Settings -> Payments, complete UK KYC (Companies House, beneficial-ownership, business banking confirmation), wait 1 to 3 business days for activation. Then disable PayPal as primary gateway. Old PayPal transactions still settle through PayPal but no new ones flow through it. Our switching guide at /switching-help/ covers the cutover.
How we rank
Rankings are built by desk research from each provider's published rates, upfront costs, contract lengths and settlement terms, held in a dated record per terminal (last-reviewed date shown on this page) and re-checked when published pricing changes. We do not hands-on test every device; specs are taken from provider documentation and cited. No provider pays for inclusion or position. MerchantHQ is an introducer. Quote enquiries go to one card-payments broker, Merchant Advice Service, which pays us a fee for each introduction; acquirers do not pay us commission on quote enquiries. That fee never affects a ranking. See our methodology and how we are funded.
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