In 2023, the UK’s e-commerce landscape experiences a dynamic shift in payment preferences. Initially, card payments dominate, showcasing a strong allegiance to traditional payment networks.

Concurrently, bank transfers gain traction, propelled by innovative platforms like Volt and Vyne.

Remarkably, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) schemes soar, indicating a growing appetite for flexible payment solutions.

Additionally, digital wallets emerge as a favorite, simplifying transactions for both consumers and retailers.

Each payment method, with its unique merits, contributes to the vibrant, user-centric e-commerce ecosystem in the UK, fostering a conducive environment for digital commerce to thrive.

 

Payment by card in United Kingdom

In 2023, the UK’s e-commerce sector witnesses a strong inclination towards card payments. Predominantly, Visa and Mastercard lead the charge. Impressively, 98% of the top 500 online shops offer these payment methods, showcasing a strong trust in established card networks​1​. Debit cards, in particular, enjoy a significant share. They, along with online payment services like PayPal, top the list of common payment methods among UK consumers​2​.

Simultaneously, a notable rise occurs in card transactions. Specifically, from July 2022 to July 2023, debit card transactions jump by 4.9%. Additionally, the total spend escalates to £67.8 billion, marking a 4.4% increase​3​. Notably, despite the global shift towards digital wallets and other modern payment forms, card payments retain a strong foothold. They constitute 57% of the nation’s transactions, underlining their pivotal role in the e-commerce landscape​4​.

Previously, the UK housed domestic card schemes. However, international cards like VISA Debit and Debit MasterCard now replace them, phasing out local schemes​5​. Moreover, MasterCard and Visa operate a ‘four-party’ model, further entrenching their presence in the UK market​6​.

Interestingly, localized initiatives emerge to stimulate local spending. For instance, the High Street Scheme in Northern Ireland issues “Spend Local” cards, aiming to boost the regional economy​7​. This effort, although not a traditional card scheme, reflects a localized approach to encourage spending.

In summary, 2023 sees card payments continuing to play a central role in the UK’s e-commerce sector, facilitating a thriving digital marketplace. Through established international card schemes and emerging local initiatives, the UK maintains a dynamic, user-friendly e-commerce payment ecosystem.

 

Payment by bank transfer

In 2023, the UK’s e-commerce sector witnesses a surge in bank transfer payments. Notably, Volt and Vyne spearhead this movement.

Volt, a London-based entity, champions real-time, direct account payments, offering a suite of products for fraud management, real-time reporting, and cash cycle control​1​.

Meanwhile, Vyne, with a modern approach, covers 99% of retail banking in the UK, offering seamless transactions between consumers and online merchants​2​​3​.

Their collaboration with Wix expands payment options, promoting instant settlements and refunds​4​. Collectively, these platforms redefine payment processing, favoring swift, transparent transactions. Through innovation, they significantly contribute to the evolving e-commerce payment narrative, portraying a promising trajectory towards a streamlined digital commerce experience.

Furthermore, traditional payment schemes like Faster Payments, CHAPS, and BACS continue to play a pivotal role.

Faster Payments enables near-instant transfers, ideal for urgent transactions​5​.

CHAPS provides same-day processing, suiting high-value, time-sensitive payments​5​.

BACS processes payments over three working days, fitting non-urgent transactions​5​.

These schemes diversify the UK’s e-commerce payment landscape, catering to varying transaction needs.

Local actors: Bacs, Volt, Vyne, Faster Payments

Volt logo colorbg Faster-Payment logo

 

Payment by installment and BNPL

In 2023, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) flourishes in UK e-commerce. Remarkably, growth soars at 39% annually, doubling market share​1​. Transaction value escalates, showcasing consumer trust in BNPL​2​. Over 19 million consumers now embrace BNPL, with 40% being credit cardholders​3​. Klarna and Clearpay spearhead this trend, capturing a significant user base​3​. By 2024, BNPL expectedly accounts for 10% of all UK e-commerce sales, hinting at enduring popularity​4​.

On the B2B frontier, innovative firms like Hokodo and Tranch emerge. Hokodo, partnering with Lemonway, enhances BNPL offerings for B2B marketplaces​5​​6​. Tranch, targeting SaaS sellers, brings a fresh perspective to B2B BNPL, securing funding to fuel its mission​6​. These ventures depict a burgeoning B2B BNPL scene, paralleling the B2C sector’s growth.

Collectively, BNPL’s ascent transforms the UK’s e-commerce payment landscape, offering flexible, immediate payment solutions to consumers and businesses alike.

Local actors:

for B2C, AppToPay, Butter, Debite, Deko, DivideBuy, Divido, Duologi, FlyNowPayLater, Funding Circle, Curve, International Personal Finance, iwoсa, Leanpay, Mercuryo, Novuna, Payl8r, Playter

Butter logo Debite logo DivideBuy logo Divido Logo FlyNowPayLater logo FundingCircle logo iwoсa logo Mercurio logo Payl8r logo Playter logo

for B2B, Hokodo, Tranch, Tymit

Hokodo logo Tranch logo

 

Payment by digital wallet and X-Pay

In 2023, digital wallets redefine UK’s e-commerce, becoming a leading payment method. The previous year saw a 35% e-commerce transaction value from mobile wallet payments, indicating a growing trend​1​. Among these, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay dominate, with PayPal being the most used digital wallet​2​.

Over one-third of UK consumers now prefer digital wallets for online shopping, showcasing a significant shift in payment preferences​3​​4​.

Moreover, major UK retailers have adapted, now accepting digital wallet payments, further promoting their usage​3​. The projection for 2025 suggests digital wallets will represent 34.5% of all e-commerce spending, hinting at a continuous upward trajectory​4​.

This adoption streamlines online transactions, offering a secure, efficient payment alternative, positively impacting the UK’s e-commerce ecosystem.

Local actors: Neteller, Skrill, Sticpay

Neteller logo Skrill logo

 


 

Do payment methods in United Kingdom interest you?

Do you want more? Access to the #PayWorldTour library 

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!