Payments
![Choosing the right payments API: a beginner's guide](https://images.ctfassets.net/40w0m41bmydz/2FhVARDiirl5isxeeN5yP2/a81101c6f67d1e472e8333af447595cb/guides_images_post-thumbnails_api-guide.jpg?w=634&h=374&fl=progressive&q=50&fm=jpg)
You’ve probably heard the term 'API' mentioned often. But what do APIs actually do and why are they so important? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics.
![Taking payments in Europe with SEPA - an introduction for US businesses](https://images.ctfassets.net/40w0m41bmydz/zk8IEeB9zI4tA77u1qlQc/9773842ccfc131cffeb67c5b05f02228/guides_images_post-thumbnails_currencies.jpg?w=634&h=374&fl=progressive&q=50&fm=jpg)
With different cultures, languages and regulations, expanding your business across Europe may feel rather daunting. Help is at hand.
![Boosting charities with Direct Debit, technology – and more millennial donors](https://images.ctfassets.net/40w0m41bmydz/2IllcmhALKc7XoXt4tQfDx/b9cb4edd2e4846eb5a049ed814eea753/Abonnement_digital.jpg?w=680&h=401&fl=progressive&q=50&fm=jpg)
Many fundraising methods are old-fashioned, ignoring digital technology’s innovative methods of raising awareness and collecting cash. Greater use of tech-enhanced payment systems, including Direct Debit, could encourage more young people to donate.
![Direct Debit: Powering up accounting software so businesses get paid on time](https://images.ctfassets.net/40w0m41bmydz/4rUSAQAbMslzW6suP6uHW4/c9af0a86c69aded123c48ba5dd4ce77c/guides_images_post-thumbnails_dd-accounting.jpg?w=634&h=374&fl=progressive&q=50&fm=jpg)
Avoid late payments by leveraging the combined power of Direct Debit and your favourite accounting software, for better cash flow every time
![Bacs Processing Calendar 2017](/content-platform/static/816e9048c2a134da3e79b8677556ad0f/c3dac/gocardless-hero.png)
![What’s the deal with PSD2?](/content-platform/static/816e9048c2a134da3e79b8677556ad0f/c3dac/gocardless-hero.png)
![10 reasons why Direct Debit makes standing orders look SO last century](https://images.ctfassets.net/40w0m41bmydz/466Wn7fGh0qCwfD67UB15B/bdbfc8ea5aa82e4612d3984009d12801/guides_images_post-thumbnails_calculator.jpg?w=634&h=374&fl=progressive&q=50&fm=jpg)
Discover the answer to your late payment problems
![Automating Direct Debit payments for UK local authorities](https://images.ctfassets.net/40w0m41bmydz/4aq4FfePBHIUarz093GhCJ/d5248e1d22fc2275a87505719acaf266/guides_images_post-thumbnails_automation.jpg?w=634&h=374&fl=progressive&q=50&fm=jpg)
Harness the power of Direct Debit automation via GoCardless
![Small firms should learn that debt is not a dirty word](https://images.ctfassets.net/40w0m41bmydz/687GEaNuZAaF5lGHbawpYZ/8b42112c1ccbd307d937fd567bbdc264/guides_images_post-thumbnails_debt-dirty.jpg?w=634&h=374&fl=progressive&q=50&fm=jpg)
Why are so many firms shunning debt, and should they?
![Garden bin collection doesn’t have to be taxing](https://images.ctfassets.net/40w0m41bmydz/12KAc1YY003jPWtaR98CDW/022220e5348bc8ab47c44d3c0d338510/guides_images_post-thumbnails_garden-bin.jpg?w=634&h=374&fl=progressive&q=50&fm=jpg)
Garden waste collection charges have sparked controversy across the UK. But local authorities can prevent ‘bin tax’ protests by communicating openly and making the transition easy for constituents.
![Solving UK council tax challenges for vulnerable customers](https://images.ctfassets.net/40w0m41bmydz/4azadpoJo7YIOEeyTmtFfP/fb1a44572943007445787ba427082ee0/guides_images_post-thumbnails_housing.jpg?w=634&h=374&fl=progressive&q=50&fm=jpg)
Citizens’ Advice has seen a 33% increase in requests for help with UK council tax debts over the last 3 years. This makes it the number one debt issue for the charity.
![Direct Debit for the Food & Drink Sector](https://images.ctfassets.net/40w0m41bmydz/FOJZxCycFBoANkfXrGrsh/6e1c98247f157eae1c7051cde17a22da/guides_images_post-thumbnails_hospitality.jpg?w=634&h=374&fl=progressive&q=50&fm=jpg)
GoCardless has helped businesses in the hospitality sector like Bookatable and Zenchef. Here’s how.
![Direct Debit: from low tech to digital](https://images.ctfassets.net/40w0m41bmydz/4b7YVV0o3hE9cRPU0KCJFO/99ae8e7763b1385d41d29b22b28317c7/guides_images_post-thumbnails_cancel.jpg?w=634&h=374&fl=progressive&q=50&fm=jpg)
2016 was another record breaking year for Direct Debit in the UK. Find out how flexible Direct Debit solutions have opened up the system to businesses of all sizes
![How FinTech can help accountants & business advisers: free e-Guide](https://images.ctfassets.net/40w0m41bmydz/3ZA0ZAM0xVFOMEA5QYiL6v/ea98896fd81d3c68b9eb20e53b8d60ab/guides_images_post-covers_hero-standard.jpg?w=680&h=383&fl=progressive&q=50&fm=jpg)
Have you ever stopped to think how software could improve your accountancy practice? Our free e-Guide discusses how FinTech add-ons can help your practice become efficient.
![Bacs Processing Calendar 2016](/content-platform/static/816e9048c2a134da3e79b8677556ad0f/c3dac/gocardless-hero.png)
![Secure payments: How to safely take payments online](https://images.ctfassets.net/40w0m41bmydz/LwhNySC8nKU5R7FMw5LzN/33450b4b0b07de26d9bb8d21c1519e24/guides_images_post-thumbnails_feedback.jpg?w=634&h=374&fl=progressive&q=50&fm=jpg)
Customers need to be able to trust you with their payment info. Here's how.
![Sort code checkers: A complete guide](https://images.ctfassets.net/40w0m41bmydz/LwhNySC8nKU5R7FMw5LzN/33450b4b0b07de26d9bb8d21c1519e24/guides_images_post-thumbnails_feedback.jpg?w=634&h=374&fl=progressive&q=50&fm=jpg)
A guide to sort code checkers walking you through what a sort code checker is and how it works before looking at how effective they are.
![What is a Payment Gateway and how does it work?](https://images.ctfassets.net/40w0m41bmydz/1aYFAZ0ab45unDKKLMzLgD/d386add60697ae895aa8f288a3abc212/guides_images_post-thumbnails_onlinepayments.jpg?w=680&h=401&fl=progressive&q=50&fm=jpg)
What is a payment gateway? And how do you find the right one for your business?
![Bacs approved bureaus](https://images.ctfassets.net/40w0m41bmydz/5imfEUKwddLxIdCGDtwKGS/926628cf2a747f221ab652bb945b41a8/guides_images_post-thumbnails_dd.jpg?w=634&h=374&fl=progressive&q=50&fm=jpg)
This guide walks you through what a Bacs approved bureau is and the benefits and reasons for using one.