Which recurring payments option is right for you will depend on the size of your business and how quickly you need to start taking payments.
Credit cards
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Do it yourself
Setting everything up yourself from scratch + ![]() ![]() |
Do it yourself
Setting up a merchant account can be a long and complex process - you should expect a pretty comprehensive review - particularly if you're a new or small business going through the process for the first time. Most payment gateways do offer help setting up a merchant account but it usually still takes around 3-4 weeks to be approved.
3-4 weeks
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Do it yourself
Direct Access: To start collecting Direct Debit payments yourself you'll need to apply to your sponsor bank for an SUN. The application process involves several stages and will generally take around 4-12 weeks. You'll also need to prepare your processes and staff to manage Direct Debit payments. This usually takes 3-6 months. For more details see our guide to preparing your business for Direct Debit. Direct Debit bureau: Using a Direct Debit bureau can significantly speed up the process, taking around 4-8 weeks (including getting a SUN).
4-9 months
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Do it yourself
Managing everything yourself through a bank or a bureau + ![]() ![]() |
Payments service provider
A full service payment provider + ![]() ![]() |
Payment Service Providers
Setting up to collect payments through a Payment Service Provider is generally quite a quick process but can take up to a few weeks depending on the provider you choose:
Varies
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Direct Debit Management Software
Getting set up to collect Direct Debit payments using management software is generally quite a quick process. However, you will need to get an SUN and train your staff to use the software:
4-9 months
Including getting an SUN
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Management software
A full featured software suite + ![]() ![]() |
Payment processor
A combined merchant account and payment gateway + ![]() ![]() |
Payment Processors
With a full service payment processor, set up is usually very quick:
Varies
Instant for Stripe
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Instant
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The UK's leading Direct Debit provider + |
Credit cards
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Do it yourself
Setting everything up yourself from scratch + ![]() ![]() |
Do it yourself
Merchant Account For start-ups, small or home-based businesses, it's not always a given that you'll be granted a merchant account. You'll need to speak to your bank and will usually be asked to provide:
Difficult
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Do it yourself
Direct Access: Getting your own SUN can be very challenging and the application process can take up to 6 months. You'll need to speak to your bank and will need:
Direct Debit bureau: While using a Direct Debit bureau makes the whole process much easier, you will still need to get an SUN (unless you choose to use the bureau's SUN).
Difficult
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Do it yourself
Managing everything yourself through a bank or a bureau + ![]() ![]() |
Payments service provider
A full service payment provider + ![]() ![]() |
Payment Service Providers
It is generally quite simple to get set up with a Payment Service Provider but it may take from a few days to a few weeks before you can start taking payments:
Varies
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Direct Debit Management Software
While Direct Debit management software is typically very simple to set up you'll need to have already started the process of obtaining your own SUN before getting started. For more information on getting an SUN see our guide to becoming a Direct Debit originator.
Varies
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Management software
A full featured software suite + ![]() ![]() |
Payment processor
A combined merchant account and payment gateway + ![]() ![]() |
Payment Processors
With fully stacked payment processors, how easy it is to get started varies considerably between providers:
Easy
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GoCardless
Getting set up to take payments with GoCardless is incredibly easy. You can get signed up and start taking payments within minutes. You just need a UK bank account, an email address, your account details and to answer a few quick questions about your business.
Easy
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The UK's leading Direct Debit provider + |
Some recurring payment providers deceive you by offering low transaction costs with hidden extras. Be sure to compare fully-loaded costs: setup costs + transaction costs + admin costs.