10 Ways to Accept Online Payments in 2025 (and What They Really Cost)

So you’ve got a takeaway. You’re probably already taking payments in person, maybe with a card machine on the counter and the odd phone order where you awkwardly ask for card details. But now you’re thinking about taking payments online. Whether it’s for a click-and-collect setup or full delivery, knowing your options is half the battle. This post lays it all out.

1. Card terminals for in-person payments

This is the traditional setup. You have a physical terminal at your counter, customers tap or insert their card, and you get paid. It’s simple, fast, and still widely used.

Typical costs:

• Monthly rental is usually between £15 and £30, depending on the provider
• Transaction fees range from 1.25 percent to 2.5 percent per payment
• Some providers charge extra for things like PCI compliance, paper rolls, or chargebacks

Who this suits:
Card terminals are a good fit for businesses that rely on collections or walk-ins. If most of your customers come into the shop, pay at the counter, and leave with their food, this covers what you need. Customers are already used to this process, especially those who prefer face-to-face service or are not interested in ordering online.

2. Taking card payments over the phone

Some regulars still like to call in their order. They give you their card details, and you type them into your terminal or a virtual terminal. It’s familiar but has a few risks and limitations.

Key considerations:

• These are classed as “card not present” payments, which usually carry a higher fee
• You may pay around 0.5 to 1 percent more than standard in-person card rates
• You need to be careful about PCI rules, especially if you’re writing details down or storing them at all

Who this suits:
This works well for businesses with loyal repeat customers who are used to calling in their orders. It’s also useful if your local customer base isn’t keen on using apps or websites. That said, it’s not scalable and becomes a bottleneck during busy times. For the customer, it offers a personal touch and the chance to ask questions, which is why it still sticks around.

3. White-label ordering platforms (TypeMenu)

TypeMenu gives you your own branded ordering website without needing to design or build anything yourself. You get a clean online menu, a checkout that works on any device, and a simple dashboard to manage orders. It’s your brand, your link, and your customers, but without the cost or complexity of starting from scratch.

What you’ll pay:

• Card payments are processed through Stripe, which gives you fast payouts and direct control over your balance, refunds, and reporting
• The total card processing fee is typically around 2 to 3 percent in most regions 
• Instead of paying thousands to build and maintain your own website, you pay a flat monthly subscription to use the platform

When this works best:
This is a great option for independent takeaways that want to own their customer relationships and offer direct ordering, but don’t want to manage the technical side. You can update your own menu, link from Google or social media, and start taking online orders in minutes. It suits businesses with repeat customers who are happy to order direct, and customers who want to support their favourite local spots without going through an app that also lists five other competitors down the road. Taking a best-in-class takeaway platform versus a point-of-sale addon typically means you benefit from features and flexibility you won't get elsewhere.

4. Sending payment links to customers

Instead of taking card details over the phone, you send the customer a payment link. They click the link, enter their card details on a secure page, and pay on their phone or computer.

How it works:

• You can generate these links using platforms like Stripe, Square, or Zettle
• The transaction fee is usually around 2.5 percent
• There are no setup fees or monthly charges in most cases

Who this suits:
Payment links are useful for small teams that take orders manually, especially through social media or phone. You avoid the need to handle card data, and the process feels secure for the customer. It’s also a good option for taking deposits on large orders or special items. Customers don’t need to download anything or create an account. They just click, pay, and get on with their day.

5. Listing on aggregator platforms like Just Eat or Deliveroo

If you want to get online quickly and tap into a ready-made audience, you can list your business on a delivery platform. These companies handle the ordering system, the payments, and often the drivers too.

What you’ll pay:

• Commission rates are usually between 18 and 35 percent of the full order value, including VAT
• Some platforms charge setup fees or monthly listing fees, though this varies
• You don’t usually get access to customer details like emails or phone numbers

Who this suits:
Aggregators are a strong option if you’re in a busy area and don’t have the capacity to run your own online system. They help you reach new customers, especially people searching for food nearby who don’t already know your brand. For the customer, these apps offer convenience and familiarity. The trade-off is that you give up margin and control in return for reach.

6. Using Stripe or Square on your own website

If you have your own website, or are thinking of setting one up, you can take payments directly using providers like Stripe or Square. This gives you full control over how customers order and pay.

Pricing details:

• Stripe charges 1.4 percent plus 20p for UK cards
• Square charges 1.75 percent per card payment
• Hosting and setup costs can vary. You might pay £10 to £30 a month for web hosting, plus additional costs for setup or development work if you’re hiring someone to help
• If you're using a plugin or platform like WooCommerce or Shopify, expect to pay extra for themes, features, or monthly app fees

Who this suits:
This is a strong choice for takeaway businesses with a loyal customer base, or for those ready to invest in long-term growth. You get full access to your customer data and full control over the experience, from menu layout to payment process. It’s a flexible option, whether you’re offering delivery, collection, or both. For customers, it can feel more direct and trustworthy, especially when they’re ordering from your own website rather than a third-party platform.

7. Click and collect

This is the halfway point between offline and online. Customers place an order online, pay up front, and then come and collect it in person. There’s no delivery to manage and no drivers to worry about.

What to expect

• Payment fees are the same as online setups. Stripe will charge 1.4 percent plus 20p for UK cards
• You’ll still need a basic ordering system or platform to support this
• It cuts down no-shows since customers prepay

Who this suits:
Click and collect is ideal for businesses with a predictable flow of regulars. If you’re a bakery with a lunchtime rush, or a fish and chip shop with regular evening traffic, this helps move orders faster without phone calls or queues. It also reduces human error, since the customer controls what they order. Customers get convenience and a faster experience, especially during peak hours.

8. POS systems with built-in ordering

Some till systems let you bolt on online ordering as a feature. You manage your menu in one place, and orders go straight to your kitchen screen or printer. It means you don’t need a separate tool to handle online sales.

Costs and setup

• Providers like Square and Lightspeed offer this
• Transaction fees are usually higher than Stripe alone, often around 2.5 percent to 2.9 percent
• Some providers charge an extra fee each month to enable online ordering

When this works well:
This setup is best for shops already using one of these POS systems and want everything under one roof. You don’t get as much flexibility as a standalone website or custom setup, but it’s low effort. You update your menu once and it applies to both in-store and online. For customers, it feels like any other ordering website. They won’t know what tool you used, and that’s the point.

9. Bank payment gateways

If you ask your bank how to accept online payments, they’ll probably offer you a merchant account and a payment gateway. These services are older and more rigid, but still used in some sectors.

What’s involved

• Expect to pay a gateway fee each month, often £10 to £25, plus transaction fees of 1.5 percent to 2 percent
• Contracts are more formal, and setup can take longer
• These systems often need developer help to integrate properly

Who this suits:
It’s mostly suitable for larger businesses that already deal with their bank for other financial services. Sometimes franchise groups or corporates prefer to keep payments under the same roof as their banking. But for smaller independents, it’s often too much cost and hassle for too little benefit. Customers won’t see a difference, but you might find yourself stuck with an outdated dashboard or poor support.

10. QR code ordering with payments

QR codes became common during the pandemic, and some businesses kept them. Customers scan a code at the table, browse the menu on their phone, place an order, and pay. It’s fully self-service.

How it works

• Most systems use Stripe, Square, or another processor underneath
• You still pay the same 1.4 percent plus 20p or similar per card
• You’ll need a system that supports live menus, time slots, and order tracking

When it fits:
This works best in dine-in or hybrid environments. Think pubs, cafes, or street food stalls where you don’t want to take every order manually. It also helps small teams work more efficiently, especially in places where people are used to doing everything on their phone. Customers get control and speed. No queues, no waiting for a server, and no awkward bills at the end.

Recap: Choosing the right payment setup for your takeaway

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best option depends on how your business operates, how your customers like to order, and how much control you want over the process.

Here’s a quick summary:

• Card terminals are simple and familiar. Great for collections and in-person orders, but come with rental and transaction fees.
• Phone payments still work for some loyal customers, but carry higher fees and more risk.
• White-label platforms like TypeMenu give you your own branded ordering site with low setup cost and full ownership of customer data. You pay standard payment fees plus a small platform fee, but you don’t have to build anything yourself.
• Payment links are good for manual orders through phone or social media. No setup required, but not ideal for scale.
• Aggregator platforms like Just Eat and Deliveroo bring reach but take a big commission and limit your control.
• Stripe or Square on your own site gives you full control, but comes with setup, hosting, and maintenance costs.
• Click and collect reduces complexity by skipping delivery. Good for busy shops with local customers.
• POS systems with online add-ons are convenient if you're already using one, though they tend to be less flexible and more expensive.
• Bank gateways are better suited to larger or more traditional businesses. They work, but often feel outdated.
• QR code ordering works best for casual or dine-in environments where self-service improves efficiency.

Whichever option you choose, make sure you understand the total cost of each order and not just the percentage on paper, but the impact on your time, margins, and customer experience. If you're just starting with online payments or looking to switch, it helps to start with what your customers actually want, and build from there.