What Is Opayo

In the world of online and in-person retail, accepting payments smoothly and securely is absolutely essential. One of the payment providers that many UK businesses use is called Opayo. In simple terms, Opayo is a payment gateway and merchant services platform that handles card payments and a range of other payment methods for businesses operating online, in-store, by phone or via mail order. This article explains what Opayo is, how it works, what makes it different, and whether it might be a good fit for your business.

The Origins and Background of Opayo

Opayo was previously known as Sage Pay, a well-established UK payment service provider. Over time it underwent ownership changes and rebranding. The original payment business, initially called Protx, grew rapidly and later became Sage Pay. It was eventually acquired by Elavon, which is part of the wider US Bank financial group. Under this ownership the Sage Pay brand was rebranded to Opayo. Today Opayo offers a wide suite of payment services for UK and Irish merchants.

Because Opayo inherits the experience and infrastructure of the Sage Pay brand, it brings decades of expertise and a large merchant base. At one time the company processed tens of billions of pounds in card payments for thousands of merchants. This scale, combined with the backing of Elavon, gives Opayo a solid foundation in the payment sector and a reputation for reliability.

How Opayo Works

At its core, Opayo performs the role of both a payment gateway and merchant services provider. When a business needs to take payments from customers, either via card online, by phone, or face-to-face, Opayo securely captures the payment information, sends it for authorisation, handles the settlement of funds, and provides reporting and account management tools.

For an online transaction, the process begins when a customer chooses to pay on a website and enters their card details. Those details are transmitted securely via Opayo, which sends the authorisation request to the relevant card network and bank. The bank either approves or declines the transaction. Opayo then notifies the website of the result and, if approved, ensures that the funds are settled into the merchant account on a set schedule. Opayo also supports in-store payments, virtual terminals for phone and mail orders, and payment links for scenarios where a full website checkout is not required.

Because Opayo is designed with merchants in mind, it includes features such as tokenisation, which allows payment details to be securely stored without keeping raw card data. It also supports recurring billing for subscriptions, alternative payment methods, fraud screening, and multi-channel payment management. In short, Opayo provides both the technical and financial systems needed to handle payments securely and efficiently.

Key Features and Capabilities

Opayo offers several core features that make it a strong choice for UK merchants. One of its main strengths is flexibility. Businesses can use Opayo through a hosted payment page, where customers are redirected to a secure page for payment, or through an API integration, where the payment form remains on the website but communicates securely with Opayo.

It also supports multiple sales channels including online, in-store, and mail or phone order payments. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that operate across both digital and physical spaces, as they can manage everything through a single provider.

Another major advantage is tokenisation and stored payment methods. These allow returning customers and subscribers to make future payments easily without re-entering their card details. Security remains tight because the system stores only encrypted tokens rather than raw card numbers.

Opayo also offers a comprehensive suite of fraud prevention tools. These include fraud screening, monitoring, and verification systems that help merchants reduce chargebacks and detect unauthorised transactions. The platform maintains high PCI DSS compliance standards and uses advanced encryption to protect data throughout each payment journey.

Merchants can also benefit from detailed reporting and management dashboards that allow them to view transactions, monitor refunds, and check settlements in real time. Beyond standard card payments, Opayo supports multiple currencies and alternative payment methods, helping UK merchants cater to international customers. With the backing of Elavon, Opayo has access to powerful payment infrastructure that ensures stability, reliability, and global reach.

Who Uses Opayo and Why

Opayo is used by a wide variety of businesses throughout the UK and Ireland. It suits everyone from small online retailers to large, multi-channel operations with both physical and digital points of sale. Because it supports both online and offline transactions, it’s a valuable solution for companies that need one provider to manage all aspects of their payment process.

Businesses often choose Opayo for its reputation, longevity, and trustworthiness in the UK market. Its technology is tried and tested, and its ability to scale makes it suitable for growing enterprises. Merchants value the reliability of Opayo’s payment systems, which ensures fewer failed transactions and a smoother checkout experience for customers. The brand’s association with Elavon further reassures users that they are working with a financially secure and globally established company.

How to Get Started with Opayo

To begin using Opayo, a business must first apply for a merchant account. During this process, the company provides information such as legal business name, bank details for settlements, and details of the products or services being sold. Once approved, Opayo works with the merchant to determine the most suitable integration type.

Businesses can choose a hosted payment page if they prefer simplicity, allowing customers to complete transactions on a secure Opayo page. Alternatively, a direct integration can be used for businesses that want to keep customers on their own website while still maintaining compliance and security through Opayo’s systems.

If the business also handles in-store transactions, Opayo offers card machines and virtual terminals for manual payments. These can be used for phone orders, invoicing, or recurring billing. Once set up, merchants configure which payment methods and currencies they wish to accept, and then complete testing before going live. The testing phase ensures that all transactions are processed correctly and funds are settled without delays.

The Benefits of Using Opayo

Opayo’s strongest selling point is its versatility. It combines reliable payment gateway technology with merchant account services, giving businesses a single partner for card payments, settlements, and security. The brand’s strong reputation and customer support mean that UK merchants can rely on consistent uptime and prompt assistance.

For businesses handling high transaction volumes, Opayo’s infrastructure offers fast processing speeds and high capacity. The platform is built for scalability, meaning that as your business grows, your payment systems can expand with it.

Security is another major advantage. Every payment processed through Opayo is encrypted and verified using the latest fraud prevention technologies. The company has maintained full PCI DSS compliance for years, ensuring that businesses can operate confidently without taking on unnecessary compliance burdens themselves.

Customer experience is also improved when using Opayo. The streamlined checkout process, combined with options for recurring or stored payments, leads to faster and smoother transactions. For online businesses, reducing friction at checkout can significantly increase conversion rates.

Costs and Fees

Like most payment gateways, Opayo charges fees based on transaction volume and service type. These may include a small percentage of each transaction, monthly account fees, and any additional costs for international payments or premium fraud tools.

While some merchants view Opayo’s fees as slightly higher than those of newer or smaller payment providers, the consensus among established users is that the reliability, support, and overall service quality justify the price. For businesses processing substantial volumes or needing advanced features such as tokenisation or multi-currency payments, Opayo represents strong long-term value.

Security and Compliance

Security is at the heart of Opayo’s operations. The company follows strict compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and uses multiple layers of encryption, tokenisation, and fraud screening to protect cardholder data. Every transaction processed through Opayo is monitored in real time for potential fraud, and advanced algorithms help identify suspicious activity before it leads to chargebacks or losses.

Because Opayo is part of Elavon, it benefits from global-level infrastructure, regular audits, and continuous upgrades to its security systems. This combination of local expertise and international scale means merchants receive world-class protection and compliance without needing to handle the technical aspects themselves.

International and Multi-Currency Support

Opayo supports transactions in multiple currencies, making it an excellent choice for UK businesses that sell internationally. It can accept payments in local currencies while settling funds in the merchant’s home currency, simplifying cross-border transactions. The gateway also supports a variety of alternative payment methods, catering to different customer preferences across markets.

Merchants should be aware of potential foreign exchange or currency conversion fees, which can vary depending on the contract terms and volume of international sales. Despite this, the ability to process global payments efficiently gives businesses a valuable competitive edge in today’s globalised marketplace.

Merchant Feedback and Reputation

Opayo consistently receives positive feedback from merchants for its reliability and support. Many businesses highlight the ease of integration, transparent reporting, and helpful customer service. The brand’s long-standing presence in the UK has also earned it trust from customers who recognise it at checkout, contributing to higher conversion rates and buyer confidence.

Some smaller merchants note that the platform’s costs may be higher than low-cost payment processors, but most agree that the benefits of stability, reputation, and scalability outweigh the price difference. In short, Opayo is viewed as a premium but worthwhile solution for serious businesses that rely heavily on secure and consistent payment processing.

Who Should Use Opayo

Opayo is ideal for UK and Irish businesses that sell online, operate physical stores, or do both. It is particularly suited to those with medium to high transaction volumes, recurring payments, or a customer base that expects secure and seamless payment options. It also serves well for businesses expanding internationally, thanks to its multi-currency support and alternative payment methods.

Start-ups and smaller merchants may also use Opayo, especially if they are planning for growth and prefer to start with a platform that can handle increasing complexity over time. While lower-cost competitors exist, few offer the same level of customer support, reliability, and brand recognition.

Conclusion

Opayo is one of the UK’s most established and trusted payment gateway providers. Formerly known as Sage Pay, it continues to deliver reliable, secure, and flexible payment solutions for businesses of all sizes. Its integration options, compliance standards, and global capabilities make it a strong choice for merchants who value stability and customer trust.

By combining the technological sophistication of a modern payment gateway with the financial expertise of Elavon, Opayo remains a leading player in the UK payments landscape. Whether your business is online, in-store, or both, Opayo offers the tools, security, and support you need to manage payments efficiently and confidently.