Paymentsense Review: Features, Pricing & Insights

Paymentsense is a UK payment service provider that helps small and medium-sized businesses accept card payments through different channels. Founded in 2010, it now serves over 60,000 UK businesses and stands as one of Europe’s largest merchant service providers.

While the company still trades under the Paymentsense name for legal reasons, most customer-facing services now run under the Dojo brand.

Paymentsense offers card machines, online payment gateways, and remote payment solutions with next-day settlement, 24/7 support, and no setup fees for businesses processing up to £150,000 annually.

The company uses a blended pricing model for smaller businesses and bespoke rates for larger ones. Every package includes access to the Paymentsense gateway, which comes with hosted checkout pages, Pay by Link, and virtual terminals for phone payments.

• Paymentsense provides card machines and online payment solutions for UK SMEs with next-day settlement and 24/7 customer support.
• The company uses blended pricing for businesses processing under £150,000 annually and offers bespoke rates for larger enterprises.
• Additional fees include terminal rental at £20 monthly, payment gateway at £9.95 monthly, and a £24.95 minimum monthly service charge.

Overview of Paymentsense UK

Paymentsense partners with Fiserv to process over £10 billion and 250 million transactions yearly, serving 70,000 UK businesses with card payment solutions.

Paymentsense operates as one of the UK’s largest independent sales organisations. It partners with Fiserv (formerly First Data) to deliver merchant services to over 70,000 businesses. The company handles more than £10 billion in card payments each year, processing around 250 million transactions.

Company Background and Growth

Two entrepreneurs started Paymentsense in 2010, aiming to help small and medium-sized businesses avoid high card machine fees and expensive merchant services. The company grew quickly from its London base and is now one of Europe’s largest merchant service providers.

In 2020, Paymentsense launched Dojo as its main customer-facing brand. By bringing processing and acquiring in-house, the company gained better control over its tech and enabled faster settlement times. The legal entity still operates as Paymentsense for corporate and regulatory matters.

Vitruvian Partners invested $190 million in Dojo during May 2025, giving Paymentsense a boost to accelerate its UK growth. The company now works with over 400 EPOS providers through integrated payment solutions. This helps reduce merchant churn and lets Paymentsense expand into high-value retail and hospitality sectors.

Key Features and Services

Paymentsense offers three types of card machines for in-person payments: countertop terminals for retail, portable devices with a 100m range for hospitality, and mobile terminals with built-in SIM cards for tradespeople. All support chip & PIN and contactless payments, with next-day settlement as standard.

The company also provides online payment solutions via its payment gateway. This includes hosted checkout pages, Pay by Link, and a virtual terminal for phone payments. Merchants can use plugins for major e-commerce platforms or custom APIs to take payments online.

UK-based customer support runs 24/7 on 0800 103 2959. Technical help is available for all devices and payment channels. Card machines get set up in three working days, while virtual terminals are ready in 24 hours.

Target Markets and Industries

Paymentsense targets UK small and medium-sized enterprises that want easy card payment solutions. It serves businesses with annual card turnover below £150,000 using blended pricing, and offers bespoke rates for larger enterprises processing more than £150,000 a year.

The service suits retail counters, cafes, restaurants, pubs, salons, delivery drivers, and mobile businesses. Paymentsense accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Dynamic Currency Conversion supports 40 international currencies for customer payments.

Paymentsense Card Machines and Terminals

Paymentsense offers countertop, portable (100m range, 10-hour battery), and mobile (3G/4G SIM) terminals with 3-day delivery and 400+ EPOS integrations.

Paymentsense provides three main types of card machines, covering everything from fixed countertop terminals to mobile devices for remote payments. Every terminal supports chip and PIN and contactless transactions. Delivery takes up to three working days, and there are no setup fees.

Countertop Card Machines Explained

Countertop terminals connect to the internet using Ethernet or WiFi. They stay in one fixed spot, which makes them perfect for retail shops, cafes, and businesses with a dedicated checkout area.

These machines have fast receipt printing and clear displays. The simple menus mean staff can learn to use them quickly – no need for lengthy training sessions.

Countertop card machines work best for businesses where customers pay at a till point. Shops, supermarkets, and restaurants with front counter service usually pick this option.

All countertop terminals accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Contactless works for payments up to the current UK limit.

Portable Card Machines for Business Flexibility

Portable card readers work wirelessly within a 100-metre range using WiFi or Bluetooth. The battery lasts up to 10 hours on a single charge, so staff can move around during busy times.

Restaurants, pubs, and salons get the most out of portable terminals. Staff can take payments at the table, by the bar, or at the styling chair, so customers don’t have to move to a fixed point.

The wireless range means the card machine needs to stay within 100 metres of the base station. This is fine for most single-location businesses, but not ideal for larger venues or places with several floors.

Portable card machines include all the same payment features as countertop versions. They process chip and PIN, contactless, and mobile wallet payments securely.

Mobile Card Machines for On-the-go Payments

Mobile card machines come with built-in SIM cards that connect via 3G, 4G, and WiFi. This lets them process payments anywhere there’s a mobile signal, not just at your business location.

Tradespeople, delivery drivers, and mobile businesses use these terminals most. Plumbers, electricians, and market traders can take card payments at customer locations without WiFi.

Mobile card readers are lightweight and easy to carry all day. They fit in a pocket or small bag, so they don’t weigh down a mobile worker’s kit.

Battery life and signal strength matter more with mobile terminals. If your business works in areas with poor mobile coverage, you might notice slower transactions or connection issues.

EPOS and Counter Integration

Paymentsense card machines connect to EPOS systems through Connect software. This integration syncs transactions automatically with your electronic point of sale, which cuts down on manual data entry and mistakes.

Integration works with over 400 EPOS providers. Retailers, hospitality venues, and service providers can link their existing tills to Paymentsense terminals without changing their setup.

Real-time transaction tracking appears in the Paymentsense Dashboard. Business owners can check sales, see transaction histories, and generate reports without logging into separate systems.

Integration is free, so you avoid extra software costs. Setup usually finishes within three working days, in line with terminal delivery.

Online and Remote Payment Solutions

Gateway plans start at £8.29/month (Starter, up to £50K/year), with virtual terminals live in 24 hours and Account on File recurring payments at £3.99/month.

Paymentsense offers several ways for businesses to accept payments without a physical card machine. These include a payment gateway with API integration, virtual terminal, Pay by Link, and support for recurring billing.

Payment Gateway and API Integration

Paymentsense runs its own payment gateway that connects to major e-commerce platforms through plugins. The gateway offers hosted checkout pages where customers complete transactions. Businesses can customise these pages to match their branding.

Developers can use API integration for fully custom websites and apps. The gateway supports real-time transaction monitoring, refunds, and reporting through a built-in dashboard. Merchants get next-day settlement as standard.

The gateway has three pricing tiers. Starter plans cost £8.29 per month for annual transactions up to £50,000. Regular plans are £12.45 monthly for up to £250,000 per year. Advanced plans run £16.62 per month for volumes up to £1.2 million annually.

All plans include hosted checkout, Pay by Link, and virtual terminal access. There’s a £9.95 monthly or £99.45 annual gateway fee for businesses using other payment channels.

Virtual Terminal for Phone Payments

The virtual terminal lets staff process card payments over the phone using a web browser. Employees log in, enter customer card details, and complete transactions instantly – no physical reader needed.

Setup takes 24 hours from approval. The virtual terminal uses the same security standards as other Paymentsense services, with end-to-end encryption for card data. Businesses pay standard transaction fees plus the gateway access charge.

Pay by Link and Payments by Email

Pay by Link creates secure payment URLs that businesses send to customers by email or messaging app. Customers click the link and pay through a hosted checkout page. This works internationally and includes payment tracking.

Businesses use payments by email for invoices, bookings, or one-off jobs. Each link can be branded with company colours and logos, and expires after a set time for security. The system sends automatic confirmation when customers complete payment.

Recurring Payment and Billing Features

Paymentsense supports recurring payments using tokenisation. The system stores card details securely after the first payment, letting businesses charge customers automatically on set dates.

Merchants can set up recurring billing for subscriptions, memberships, or instalments. The Account on File feature costs £3.99 monthly and enables stored card processing. Businesses must keep PCI DSS compliance for recurring payments, with Paymentsense charging £4.95 monthly for PCI support.

Customer Service and Support

Paymentsense provides 24/7 UK-based phone support on a freephone number, with businesses typically set up within 3 working days for terminals.

Paymentsense runs UK-based support centres with staff available 24/7 for terminal help. Customers often mention quick solutions and knowledgeable agents who handle technical problems efficiently.

UK-Based Customer Support

Paymentsense offers customer support through several channels: a phone line at 0800 103 2959 and an online help centre. The company runs UK-based call centres, and customers usually get through to a real person quickly.

Support is available round the clock for terminal issues. Customers like the easy access and the friendly, down-to-earth attitude of support agents. The main office sits at The Brunel Building, 2 Canalside Walk, London W2 1DG.

Small and medium-sized businesses appreciate the clear communication. Agents give step-by-step instructions and avoid technical jargon.

Technical Support and Expertise

The technical support team knows the products inside out, covering card machines, payment gateways, and EPOS integrations. Staff tackle complex technical issues, such as terminal connectivity or software updates.

Customers say agents guide them through troubleshooting with patience. For businesses needing payment gateways for eCommerce, Paymentsense can complete setup within 24 hours. The company aims to get new customers up and running within three days of sign-up.

Technical staff are good at spotting hardware and software issues. They offer advice to help businesses avoid the same problems in the future.

Case Studies and Staff Recognition

Several customers mention team members who went above and beyond. Darren Spence gets regular praise for his patience and professional approach. Emily, Claire Shaw, Trinity Stark, Noreen Meara, and Shauna also receive thanks for their knowledge and attentiveness.

One customer said Darren Spence made a card reader renewal easy with his thorough help. Another mentioned his skill in guiding EPOS system integration. Claire Shaw was called “a credit to Paymentsense” for her helpful service.

Trinity Stark earned positive feedback for patiently helping connect a new terminal. Customers value the team’s calm and supportive approach, especially when helping less tech-savvy users with tricky procedures.

Paymentsense Pricing and Fees Structure

Blended pricing applies below £150,000/year turnover, with terminal rental at £20/month, MMSC at £24.95/month, and £28 per chargeback.

Paymentsense uses a blended pricing model for smaller businesses and bespoke rates for larger operations. The fee structure covers transaction rates, monthly charges, and various per-transaction costs that businesses should consider when budgeting.

Overview of Pricing and Fees

Paymentsense uses a blended pricing model if your business processes up to £150,000 in card turnover each year. If you take more than that, you can ask for bespoke pricing, which usually means lower, tailored rates.

The pricing structure depends on your business type, your typical transaction size, and how much you process annually. For instance, a beauty salon with an average £25 sale and under £150,000 turnover gets different rates than a bustling restaurant.

All plans include access to the Paymentsense gateway at no extra cost. You get hosted checkout pages, Pay by Link, and a virtual terminal for phone payments.

Plugins for major e-commerce platforms and API integrations come as standard. Honestly, that’s handy if you want to avoid technical headaches.

Transaction Fees and Processing Costs

Card processing fees are the main cost of taking payments. Paymentsense charges a percentage rate plus a fixed 5p authorisation fee for every transaction, whether it goes through or not.

Key per-transaction costs include:

• Authorisation fee: 5p
• Refund fee: 50p per refund processed
• Chargeback fee: £28 for disputed payments

Online payment services use a tiered pricing system based on your annual transaction volume. The Starter tier is £8.29 monthly if you process up to £50,000 a year. Regular is £12.45 for up to £250,000, and Advanced is £16.62 for up to £1.2 million.

Minimum Monthly and Additional Charges

Beyond transaction costs, Paymentsense adds a few recurring monthly fees. The minimum monthly service charge is £24.95, which helps them cover basic service even if your card sales dip.

Monthly fees include:

If you fall out of PCI DSS compliance, expect an extra £35 (+VAT) monthly charge. The PCI DSS service fee is there to help you stay secure, but the non-compliance penalty is a real nudge to keep things in order.

They settle funds within 24 working hours as standard. Card machines usually show up within three working days, and you don’t pay a setup fee.

Contract Terms and Early Termination

Paymentsense works on long-term contracts, which is pretty common in the UK merchant services world. They don’t shout about contract lengths on the website, and terms vary depending on your business agreement.

If you leave before your contract ends, early termination fees kick in. The amount depends on how long you’ve got left and what you signed up for.

Some customers worry about pricing clarity and the cost of leaving early. It’s smart to ask for full contract terms in writing, including exactly how they work out the exit fee.

Smaller businesses might find cheaper pay-as-you-go options elsewhere. But if you’re in it for the long haul, the stability and features of a contract can be a real plus.

Security, Compliance, and Fraud Prevention

Paymentsense is PCI DSS compliant with end-to-end encryption, fraud dashboard alerts, and Dynamic Currency Conversion supporting 40 international currencies.

Paymentsense puts several security layers in place to protect both merchant and customer data. They meet industry standards for data protection and offer tools to spot and stop fraudulent transactions.

PCI DSS Compliance

Paymentsense keeps all its payment processing services PCI DSS compliant. PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is the security rulebook for anyone handling card payments.

They handle the technical side of PCI compliance for you, including encrypting cardholder data when it’s sent or stored. If you use their gear and systems, you benefit from this built-in compliance.

Paymentsense monitors systems to keep them compliant as security standards change. They update their security protocols regularly to tackle new threats and keep certification up to date.

Fraud Screening and Secure Transactions

Paymentsense gives you fraud prevention tools to spot suspicious payment activity. Their system watches for odd patterns that could mean fraud, and merchants get alerts when something looks risky.

The gateway uses encryption to protect card details during online payments. Data travels through secure channels, blocking unauthorised access.

You can access security features via your payment terminals and online dashboard. If you see any tampering, Paymentsense says to stop using the equipment straight away. Their support lines are open for reporting security issues or anything dodgy.

Comparisons and Alternatives

Square, PayPal POS, and SumUp charge approximately 1.75% with no monthly fees – better for lower-turnover businesses than Paymentsense’s £24.95 MMSC.

Paymentsense competes with both old-school merchant service providers and newer fintechs in the UK. Next-day settlement and bundled gateway features give them an edge, but blended pricing isn’t ideal for everyone.

Major Competitors in the UK Market

Square, PayPal POS (formerly Zettle), and SumUp go after small businesses with simple, flat-rate pricing. They usually charge about 1.75% per transaction and skip monthly fees, which suits those with lower turnover. Their app-based systems are popular with sole traders and startups.

Worldpay, Barclaycard, Elavon, and Lloyds Bank Cardnet are the big traditional acquirers. They serve SMEs with multi-channel options and often negotiate better rates for high-volume businesses. You get that big-brand reassurance and years of experience.

Stripe and Checkout.com mainly target online businesses. These API-led options are perfect for e-commerce merchants who want flexible integrations and developer-friendly gateways. They’re more technical than Paymentsense, no question.

Dojo, which is Paymentsense’s customer-facing brand, has sat somewhere between these two camps since 2020.

Strengths and Limitations Compared to Alternatives

Paymentsense pays out faster than many traditional banks, with next-day settlements as standard. They offer 24/7 technical support and can integrate with over 400 EPOS systems.

Their bundled gateway gives you hosted checkout, Pay by Link, and virtual terminal features across the board. The blended pricing works for businesses under £150k annual turnover, but bigger merchants usually get better rates from providers like Worldpay or Elavon.

Extra fees add up, though. The £28 chargeback fee, £20 terminal rental, and £4.95 PCI DSS service fee can make a dent. Flat-rate options like Square skip most of those charges.

The £24.95 minimum monthly service charge means Paymentsense isn’t the best fit for tiny businesses or seasonal traders. International features are limited, too. Even though they accept 40 currencies via Dynamic Currency Conversion, settlement only happens in one currency.

Our Verdict

Related Merchant Account Guides

• Compare Merchant Account Options
• Best Credit Card Machines for Small Business UK
• Square UK Review: Costs, Features & Hardware
• SumUp UK Review: Card Readers, POS Systems & Fees Explained

Emma Clarke

Technology & Payments Specialist

Emma covers the full range of business technology, including EPOS systems, merchant accounts, telecoms, and web tools. Her experience as a retail systems consultant helps businesses choose the right digital solutions to improve efficiency and sales.

Reviewed by

Sarah Mitchell

B2B Commerce & Finance Reviewer