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Banking Marketplace

Merchant Accounts

Compare international merchant account providers and payment processing solutions designed for businesses of every size. Accept card payments securely online, in-store and worldwide through trusted global payment providers.

Compare Merchant Accounts Speak to a Payments Adviser
Contactless card payment at a modern terminal
The Basics

What is a Merchant Account?

A merchant account enables businesses to accept card payments from customers — whether online, in person or on the move.

Merchant solutions vary widely and may support online payments, point-of-sale terminals, recurring billing, mobile payments and international transactions.

Choosing the right provider depends on your business model, expected transaction volumes, supported countries and industry sector.

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Account Finder

Find the Right Merchant Account

Side by Side

Compare Merchant Account Providers

Providers shown are illustrative sample archetypes with demonstration figures only — not specific named institutions or their actual terms. Live options, pricing and eligibility are confirmed by an adviser, and merchant approval is subject to underwriting and never guaranteed.

Global E-commerce Gateway

United Kingdom
Gateway
Settlement2–3 days
Currencies135+
Online POS Terminals Recurring Gateway
Monthly fee: £0 / month
Apply

UK Card Acquiring Bank

United Kingdom
Acquirer
SettlementNext day
Currencies20+
Online POS Terminals Recurring Gateway
Monthly fee: from £15 / month
Apply

High-Risk Specialist Processor

European Union
High-Risk Capable
Settlement3–5 days
Currencies30+
Online POS Terminals Recurring Gateway
Monthly fee: sample
Apply

Omnichannel Payments Platform

United Kingdom
Platform
SettlementNext day
Currencies45+
Online POS Terminals Recurring Gateway
Monthly fee: from £20 / month
Apply

European EMI Acquirer

European Union
Emi
Settlement2 days
Currencies25+
Online POS Terminals Recurring Gateway
Monthly fee: £0 / month
Apply

International Merchant Bank

United Arab Emirates
Acquirer
Settlement3–4 days
Currencies15+
Online POS Terminals Recurring Gateway
Monthly fee: sample
Apply

Subscription Billing Specialist

United States
Gateway
Settlement2 days
Currencies40+
Online POS Terminals Recurring Gateway
Monthly fee: from £10 / month
Apply

Asia-Pacific Acquirer

Singapore
Acquirer
Settlement2–3 days
Currencies20+
Online POS Terminals Recurring Gateway
Monthly fee: sample
Apply

Point-of-Sale Terminal Provider

United Kingdom
Pos
SettlementNext day
Currencies12+
Online POS Terminals Recurring Gateway
Monthly fee: from £12 / month + terminal
Apply

Irish E-commerce Acquirer

Ireland
Acquirer
Settlement2 days
Currencies50+
Online POS Terminals Recurring Gateway
Monthly fee: sample
Apply

Travel & Hospitality Processor

United Kingdom
High-Risk Capable
Settlement3–5 days
Currencies35+
Online POS Terminals Recurring Gateway
Monthly fee: sample
Apply

Offshore High-Risk Gateway

Hong Kong
High-Risk Capable
Settlement4–7 days
Currencies25+
Online POS Terminals Recurring Gateway
Monthly fee: sample
Apply

No sample providers match those filters. Our advisers can source suitable options — request payments advice.

The Benefits

Why Choose the Right Merchant Account?

Accept Card Payments

Accept Visa, Mastercard and other major payment methods.

Online & In-Store Payments

Support e-commerce and physical retail businesses.

International Processing

Accept payments from customers worldwide.

Multiple Currencies

Receive payments in a variety of currencies.

Secure Transactions

Industry-standard payment security and compliance.

Business Growth

Scale your payment infrastructure as your business expands.

Who It Suits

Browse by Business Type

E-commerce Stores

Professional Services

Retail Businesses

Restaurants & Hospitality

Subscription Businesses

Marketplaces

Travel Companies

High-Risk Industries
The Process

How It Works

1Complete Merchant Questionnaire
2Compare Providers
3Speak to Adviser
4Application
5Compliance Review
6Merchant Account Activated
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

A merchant account is a type of account that enables a business to accept and process card payments from customers. Funds from card transactions are settled into the account, typically before being paid out to your business bank account.
For online payments, a payment gateway securely transmits card details between your website and the payment processor. Some providers bundle a gateway with the merchant account; others let you connect your own. We can help you compare.
Many providers support cross-border card payments and multiple currencies. Availability depends on the provider, your business location and the customer markets you serve.
Most providers support Visa and Mastercard, and many add American Express, Maestro and local schemes. Supported card types vary by provider and region.
Timeframes vary by provider, business type and how quickly documentation is provided. Standard businesses are often faster than high-risk sectors. We cannot guarantee a specific timeframe, and approval is subject to underwriting.
Yes. Some providers specialise in higher-risk sectors such as travel, gaming and certain subscription models. Terms, pricing and reserves for high-risk merchants differ from standard accounts.
Typically business registration details, identification for owners and directors, bank account details and, in some cases, processing history or projected volumes. Requirements vary by provider and jurisdiction.
Most online-capable providers offer plugins, APIs or hosted checkout pages that integrate with common e-commerce platforms. We can highlight providers that support your setup.
Tailored Recommendations

Compare International Merchant Solutions

Answer a few simple questions and we'll recommend the merchant account providers best suited to your business.

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Global Commerce

Find the Right Merchant Account

Compare international merchant account providers through the Coutts Consultants marketplace and receive independent guidance from experienced payment specialists.

Compare Merchant Accounts Speak to an Adviser
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Related Pages

Compare Banking Options → Corporate Bank Accounts → Multi-Currency Accounts → Merchant Services → Offshore Banking → Banking FAQs →
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Coutts Consultants Ltd and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. Material on this page has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.