In today’s digital age, the need for reliable, efficient, and versatile payment processing solutions is paramount. When operating a business, it’s essential to choose a provider that suits your individual needs, ensuring smooth transactions and customer satisfaction. This article delves into a detailed comparison of two of the most popular payment processing providers in the UK, Handepay vs Worldpay.
Handepay vs Worldpay
| Features/Services | Handepay | Worldpay |
|---|---|---|
| Card machine options | Portable, Countertop, Mobile | Portable, Countertop, Mobile, Android-based Smart till system |
| Online Payments | Yes (Integrates with popular e-commerce platforms) | Yes (Advanced fraud screening tools available) |
| Telephone Payments | Yes (Secure payment with virtual terminal) | Yes (Advanced features like invoice management and recurring payments) |
| Customer Service | UK-based, responsive and helpful | 24/7 support, some users report longer response times |
| Contract length | 3 years (Early termination fees apply) | 3 years or pay-as-you-go plan (Early termination fees apply) |
| Setup Fees | Typically £0-£50 (Negotiable) | Typically £0-£100 (Negotiable) |
| Monthly Fees | Approximately £10-£20 (Based on volume of transactions and business type) | Approximately £15-£30 (Based on volume of transactions and business type) |
| Transaction Fees | Around 0.5%-1.5% per transaction (Based on transaction type and business type) | Around 0.6%-1.8% per transaction (Based on transaction type and business size and sector) |
Please bear in mind that this table provides a general idea of the fees you can expect. However, both Handepay and Worldpay offer tailored quotes based on individual business requirements, so the figures here might not match the exact quote you receive. Always consult directly with the provider for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Understanding the industry players – Handepay and Worldpay
Before we delve into the comparison, it’s crucial to have an understanding of who these providers are.
Handepay
Handepay, a UK-based provider, offers payment processing solutions to small and medium-sized businesses. They have a reputation for competitive pricing, reliable customer service, and a simple fee structure.
Offering services like card machines, online payments, and telephone payments, Handepay has a broad range of payment options to cater to various business needs.
Worldpay
Worldpay, on the other hand, is one of the largest payment processing companies globally. They offer an extensive range of payment solutions, including card machines, online payments, mobile payments, and phone payments.
Worldpay services a wide variety of businesses, from small local operations to large multinational corporations.
Comparing the services: from card machines to online payments
Card machine options
Both Handepay and Worldpay offer a range of card machine options suitable for different business environments.
Handepay provides portable, countertop, and mobile card machines.
On the other hand, Worldpay offers more options, including portable, mobile, countertop, and the latest Android-based Smart till system, providing a POS and payment solution in one.
Online payment solutions
Both providers cater to the rapidly growing e-commerce sector.
Handepay’s online payment gateway is straightforward to set up and integrates with most popular e-commerce platforms.
Worldpay’s online payment gateway is similarly easy to integrate and comes with the benefit of advanced fraud screening tools.
Telephone payments
Handepay and Worldpay both provide telephone payment services, allowing businesses to accept payments over the phone securely.
Both solutions come with a virtual terminal, with Worldpay offering a more feature-rich experience including invoice management and recurring payments.
Customer service comparison
In terms of customer service, Handepay has a solid reputation. They offer UK-based customer support, and their dedicated customer service team is known for being responsive and helpful.
Worldpay, due to its global scale, has a more complex customer service system. They offer 24/7 support, but some users have reported longer response times due to their larger customer base.
Pricing structures
When it comes to pricing, Handepay markets itself as an affordable option. They offer a Price Challenge, promising to save businesses money on their card processing fees or pay £1,000. Handepay’s pricing is transparent, with clear upfront costs.
Worldpay, on the other hand, has a more complex pricing structure, with variable transaction fees depending on the business’s size and sector. While this could potentially lead to lower costs for some businesses, it can make it harder for businesses to predict their monthly fees accurately.
Contract terms
Handepay contracts are typically for three years with an auto-renewal clause. Early termination fees apply but can be negotiated.
Worldpay’s standard contract length is also three years, with an automatic renewal clause. They do, however, also offer a pay-as-you-go plan, which provides more flexibility for some businesses. Early termination of the contract may also incur fees.
Concluding thoughts – Handepay vs Worldpay
Choosing between Handepay and Worldpay ultimately comes down to the specific needs and scale of your business.
If you’re a small to medium-sized business looking for a straightforward, cost-effective solution with excellent customer service, Handepay may be the best option.
However, if you are a larger business, or if you need a broader range of payment solutions and more advanced features, Worldpay might be the more suitable choice.
Remember that this decision is crucial for your business operation, so it’s always advisable to do thorough research and possibly consult with a business advisor before making a final decision.
FAQ
Both Handepay and Worldpay cater to a wide range of businesses, from small local businesses to large corporations. They provide various payment solutions suitable for different types of transactions, whether in-store, online, or over the phone.
Handepay is known for its responsive and helpful UK-based customer service. Worldpay, due to its larger scale, offers 24/7 support, but some users report longer response times.
Handepay generally offers more straightforward and competitive pricing, which may be more suitable for small businesses. However, Worldpay’s pricing can be potentially more affordable for some businesses based on their size and transaction volume.
Worldpay offers some more advanced features than Handepay, such as advanced fraud screening tools for online payments and features like invoice management for telephone payments.
Both Handepay and Worldpay typically offer contracts of three years. However, Worldpay also provides a pay-as-you-go plan, offering more flexibility.
Handepay provides portable, countertop, and mobile card machines. Worldpay offers these, along with an Android-based Smart till system, providing a POS and payment solution in one.
Yes, both Handepay and Worldpay offer online payment gateways that integrate with most popular e-commerce platforms.
Both Worldpay and Handepay have transaction fees that vary depending on the business’s size, sector, and transaction type. As of January 2025, these are typically around 0.5% to 1.8%.
Both Handepay and Worldpay strive for an easy and straightforward setup process. They provide support and instructions to help businesses integrate their systems.
Yes, both Handepay and Worldpay offer secure telephone payment services with a virtual terminal.
Both Handepay and Worldpay are compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), ensuring they provide secure payment processing systems.
Both providers offer mobile card machines. However, Worldpay also provides an Android-based Smart till system, which may offer more features suitable for mobile businesses.
Handepay supports recurring payments through their online and telephone payment solutions. Worldpay also supports recurring payments, particularly through its telephone payment services.
Yes, both Worldpay and Handepay can be integrated with a variety of POS systems. Worldpay’s Android-based Smart till system also provides an integrated POS and payment solution.
Both providers allow businesses to process refunds through their systems, though the exact procedures and possible fees should be confirmed with each provider.
Yes, both Handepay and Worldpay are open to discussions regarding fees based on the business’s specific needs and transaction volume.
Yes, both Worldpay and Handepay allow businesses to accept payments from international customers, though specific features and fees may vary.
Both providers require you to abide by the contract terms, and early termination fees may apply. It’s recommended to discuss this directly with each provider.
Both providers offer fraud protection measures. However, Worldpay offers advanced fraud screening tools for online payments.
Yes, businesses can switch providers, but it’s essential to consider the contract terms with your current provider as termination fees may apply. It’s also a good idea to ensure the new provider suits your business needs better.