takepayments blog.

The way people pay is changing. Fast. From tap-to-pay to invisible payments, what was once cutting-edge is now expected. As technology moves on and customer behaviours shift with it, staying ahead of the curve has never been more important for small businesses. To help you stay ahead, we’ve pulled together the top payment trends set to shape 2026. This year’s takepayments report combines insights from our own payment experts, exclusive consumer research, and the 2026 Global Payments Commerce and Payment Trends Report. As part of the Global Payments family, we’re bringing together the bigger picture with what really matters to UK SMEs.

Cast your mind back to those clunky tills that needed everything typed in manually. Staff frantically punching in prices whilst customers queued out the door, hoping they'd keyed in the right amount before hitting total. Thankfully, those chaotic days are behind us. Electronic point of sale (EPOS) systems have completely transformed how small businesses operate, turning what used to be a stressful transaction into a smooth, seamless experience for both you and your customers.

With ecommerce users in the UK predicted to reach 62.1 million in 2025 and online sales accounting for over a quarter of all retail sales in the UK (26.1%), accepting online payments is essential for businesses today, no matter your size or industry. Whether you’re running an online store or offering services that can be paid for online, setting up a reliable and secure payment system makes it easier for customers to buy from you. So, how do you get started?

When it comes to mobile wallets, Apple Pay has become one of the leading choices for shoppers across the UK. Apple Pay is a fast, secure, and increasingly popular mobile payment solution available on Apple devices like iPhones, Apple Watches, iPads, and Macs. Used by over 500 million consumers worldwide in nearly 100 countries, it continues to transform how consumers pay, and how businesses get paid.

Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, booking a flight, or shopping online, chances are you’ve been faced with a variety of payment options. But with so many methods available, choosing the right one for your business can sometimes feel overwhelming. In February 2025, UK shoppers made over 1.4 billion contactless card transactions, but what other payment types should you consider for your business? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most popular payment methods out there and give you the tips you need to decide which one works best for your business.