takepayments blog.
Friday, 22 December 2023
What is an acquirer? A guide to merchant acquirers for small businesses
Did you know that over 65 million debit card transactions are made each day in the UK? Whether it’s a quick contactless tap on public transport or an online purchase from an e-commerce retailer, an acquirer plays a role in every single one of those transactions. But what is an acquirer and how are they involved in card payments?
Thursday, 21 December 2023
9 bank cards explained: What are credit, debit, virtual cards and more
Bank cards are a staple in wallets all over the world. From a restaurant owner eyeing a speedy transaction solution to an online startup seeking a secure payment method, the choices are vast and varied. Lost your card? No worries, a virtual card has got your back. Managing business expenses? A corporate card might just be your new best friend. However, with such a wide range of choices, knowing the differences and understanding which option best suits your needs can be challenging.
Friday, 15 December 2023
What is a Bacs payment? An easy-to-understand guide for businesses
Transferring money between banks has never been easier in recent years thanks to digital payment methods, meaning you can send money to anyone, anywhere in the world, with the click of a button. But when a business sends money, the stakes are a little bit higher, especially when you’re sending large sums of money.
Monday, 27 November 2023
What is a CHAPS payment? A simple guide for businesses
In the fast-paced world of business, your company needs to be able to make quick, efficient and high-value payments as swiftly as possible. This is where the CHAPS transfer method steps in, offering a robust solution for those critical, larger-sum transactions. But what exactly is a CHAPS transfer, and is this payment option something that all businesses should consider using? We’ll deep dive into everything you need to know about CHAPS payments.
Friday, 17 November 2023
How to prepare your business for Christmas: 5 tips for the festive period
The festive season is creeping up on us – it’ll be here before we know it. As well as being an important commercial event and a cultural holiday, Christmas requires plenty of preparation. For many businesses, performance over the festive season can determine whether they make a profit that year. As the retail landscape grows more competitive, it’s crucial to get it right and plan your festive strategy sooner rather than later.
Monday, 13 November 2023
Black Friday: 7 Ways Small Businesses Can Prepare for Success
Although Black Friday initially has its roots across the pond in America to mark the Friday after Thanksgiving, the occasion has gone global and has fast become a huge shopping day here in the UK too. In recent years, Black Friday has also spurred the creation of ‘Cyber Monday’ and ‘Cyber Weekend’ – where e-commerce businesses can cash in by offering huge savings and discounts online across a three-day period, creating a weekend retail phenomenon. Research has found that over half of UK adults (51%) plan to shop over the Black Friday weekend, with total Black Friday sales in 2022 reaching an estimated £12.3 billion.
Thursday, 09 November 2023
What are biometric payments — and do they really make transactions more secure?
In recent years, we've witnessed an incredible evolution in the world of payment methods. Card payments have become increasingly seamless, from the widespread adoption of contactless payments to the convenience of using smart wearable devices for transactions. But what lies ahead in the realm of payment technology? Today, we're delving into biometric payments, a cutting-edge approach that could redefine how we make card payments.
Wednesday, 08 November 2023
Does my website need a privacy policy?
If you're just taking your business online, you'll no doubt have a list of to-dos as long as your arm. One item that can easily be overlooked is the addition of a privacy policy to your website — though vitally important following the introduction of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) throughout Europe and the UK. With these regulations being relatively new, it's easy — especially for startups and small-business owners — to overlook the importance of a coherent privacy policy.
Friday, 27 October 2023
What are card schemes and how do they work? A guide for small businesses
The UK Finance Payment Markets Report 2023 found 50% of all payments in the UK were made using debit cards in 2022. What's more, over 95% of the UK population owns a debit card. With card payments on the rise, it's crucial for businesses to understand the pivotal role card schemes play in ensuring secure transactions.