How do I accept payments on my website?

Connect a payment processor (like Stripe or PayPal) to your website and add payment buttons or forms. Most website builders make this simple - you just connect your account and the integration is automatic.

What are the fees for taking payments online?

Most payment processors charge 1.4-2.9% plus 20-30p per transaction. Stripe charges 1.4% + 20p for UK cards. PayPal charges 2.9% + 30p. These fees are standard across the industry.

Do I need a full e-commerce site to take payments?

No. If you're a service business, you can add simple payment buttons for deposits, invoices, or fixed-price services without building a full shopping cart system. Full e-commerce is only needed if you're selling multiple products.

Payment Guide

How to Build a Website That Takes Payments

You don't need a full e-commerce store. Accept deposits, invoices, and card payments with simple integration.

Service Business? You Don't Need E-Commerce

Most service businesses don't need a shopping cart. Simple payment buttons for deposits and invoices work better and cost less to set up.

Different Ways to Take Payment Online

Service Deposits

Take deposits when customers book. Reduces no-shows and secures your time.

Invoice Payments

Let clients pay invoices online with a simple "Pay Now" link.

Product Sales

Sell physical or digital products with checkout and delivery info.

Donations

Accept donations for charities, creators, or community projects.

Subscriptions

Recurring payments for retainers, memberships, or monthly services.

Gift Vouchers

Sell gift cards for your services - easy revenue, especially around holidays.

What You Need for Online Payments

Payment Processor - Stripe, PayPal, Square, or Revolut handle the actual transactions
SSL Certificate - The padlock in the browser. Required for secure checkout (included with most builders)
Clear Pricing - Display what you charge before asking for payment
Terms & Refund Policy - Required for card processors. Can be simple.

Good news: SSL, payment integration, and policy templates are typically included with modern website builders.

Payment Options Compared

Provider	Transaction Fee	Best For
Stripe	1.4% + 20p (UK cards)	Most businesses - clean integration
PayPal	2.9% + 30p	Customers who prefer PayPal
Square	1.75% in-person, 2.5% online	Already use Square card reader
Revolut Business	1% + 20p	Lowest fees, modern interface

*Fees may vary. Check provider websites for current rates.

Simple Setup vs Full E-Commerce

Simple Payment Setup

• Pay buttons on service pages
• Deposit collection at booking
• Invoice payment links
• Fixed-price packages

Best for: Service businesses, consultants, tradesmen

Full E-Commerce

• Shopping cart
• Product catalog
• Inventory management
• Shipping calculations

Best for: Shops selling multiple products

Most service businesses only need the simple setup - don't overcomplicate it.

Step-by-Step: Add Payments to Your Website

Create Payment Processor Account

Connect to Your Website

Most website builders have one-click integration. Just enter your account details.

Add Payment Buttons or Forms

Place "Pay Now" or "Book & Pay" buttons where you want customers to pay.

Test With a Small Amount

Make a real test payment (you can refund yourself) to ensure everything works.

Go Live

Start accepting payments. Money typically arrives in your bank within 2-7 days.

Security and Trust

SSL Included

All modern builders include SSL. Look for the padlock icon.

PCI Compliance

Payment processors handle this. You never see card numbers.

Trust Badges

Display payment logos (Visa, Mastercard) to build confidence.

Refund Policy

Clear refund terms build trust and are required by processors.

Start Taking Payments Online

Simple payment integration included. Accept cards, deposits, and invoices from day one.

Start Building Now