Crezco, one of the last providers offering free bank-to-bank payment solutions in the UK, has announced the end of its free product. For many small businesses and charities, this could be a big change and an even bigger cost.
What’s Changing?
Crezco’s Account Receivables feature allowed businesses to add a simple “Pay Now” button to invoices, enabling customers to pay directly from their bank account—fast, secure, and free. Payments were processed via the UK Faster Payments system, meaning funds usually arrived within minutes.
From February 2026, Crezco will introduce a £12 monthly fee for its basic plan. For some small businesses, this extra cost might feel like a step too far.
You can read here for our in-depth look.
Best Alternatives for Small Business Payment Solutions
If you’re looking for other UK payment providers, here are some popular choices:
1. Crezco – app.crezco.com
Features: Unlimited UK account-to-account payments, integrates with Xero and other platforms, customisable payment pages.
Pricing:
Collect Plus (Basic Plan): £10 + VAT/month
Send Plus – make up to 250 bills payments per month for £20.00 + VAT/month
Premium – the best of both worlds collecting customer payments, and paying suppliers seamlessly for £27.00 + VAT/month
Pros: Simple, fast, and secure.
Cons: No longer free, only bank to bank payments supported.
2. Stripe – stripe.com
Features: Card payments, BNPL options, bank payments, API for developers.
Pricing:
Credit/Debit cards: 1.5% + 20p
Premium cards: 1.9% + 20p
Pros: Extensive payment methods, easy integration.
Cons: Higher fees, fraud & chargeback risks. Charges for all types of payment, even bank transfers.
3. GoCardless – gocardless.com
Features: Direct Debit, instant bank payments, recurring billing.
Pricing: from 1% + 20p per transaction.
Pros: Great for subscriptions and recurring payments. Numerous account tools for automating regular payments
Cons: Chargeback risk, fees add up for small frequent payments. No ability to accept cards as a payment option. Direct Debit instructions are easily cancelled by the customer.
4. SumUp – sumup.com
Features: In-person card payments, online store tools, POS systems and business bank account.
Pricing:
In-person: 1.69%
Online: 2.5%
Pros: No monthly commitment, easy setup. Lending options.
Cons: Higher online fees, complex reporting for VAT businesses.
Other Payment Methods
Bank Transfers: Faster Payments, CHAPS, BACS—each with different speed and cost implications.
Card Acceptance: Traditional providers still exist, often with bespoke pricing for high-volume businesses.
Cash: Increasingly difficult and costly to handle, with fees and banking restrictions.
Fraud Risks to Watch
Chargebacks and disputes are rising, especially for online sellers. Protect yourself by:
Using tracked delivery.
Avoiding address changes after purchase.
Having clear terms and conditions.
Final Thoughts
Receiving payments is getting more complex—and potentially more expensive. Review your options carefully and factor fees into your pricing strategy. If you need help choosing the right solution, get in touch with us today and we can guide you to the best fit for your needs.