Barclaycard offers a comprehensive suite of payment solutions for businesses across various sectors, from retail to professional services. With tools to manage secure transactions and cash flow and support both in-store and online payments, Barclaycard aims to simplify the payment process for businesses of all sizes.
In this review, I’ll examine Barclaycard’s core features, pricing, and overall benefits and drawbacks to help you assess if their solutions meet your business needs.
So, is Barclaycard the right payment solution for you?
Barclaycard at a Glance
Barclaycard suits businesses seeking multiple payment methods, fast settlements, and secure transactions. Established companies may benefit, though smaller businesses might find fees complex.
| Who Should Use? | Suitable for medium to large sizes in retail, hospitality, travel, public sector, and professional services. Less suited for small businesses with minimal needs. |
| Products and Features | Card readers (Flex, Smartpay Touch, Smartpay Anywhere), POS systems, online gateway, mobile payments, B2B solutions, multicurrency support, fraud prevention, and omnichannel payments. |
| Pricing | Flex reader: £15/month + 1.6% per transaction; Smartpay Anywhere: pay-as-you-go, no monthly fee; Smartpay Touch POS: £29/month. Custom rates for high-volume businesses. Additional fees may apply. |
| Ease of Use | Plug-and-play setup with guided options. Intuitive, though premium features may require learning. |
| Account Access | Manage accounts via portal, Barclaycard for Business app, or POS devices. Some devices lack portal access. |
| Safety/Security | PCI-DSS compliant, 24/7 fraud monitoring, encryption, and secure transactions, with optional fraud prevention add-ons. |
| Customer Support | 24/7 support for certain products, others on weekdays. Assistance via phone, plus online resources like troubleshooters. |
| Trustpilot/Reviews | Trustpilot rating: 1.3. Mixed feedback on app stores, citing app functionality and customer service issues. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Available to UK businesses; companies under £100K/year can apply online. Higher transaction businesses require a tailored quote. |
| Additional Information | No exit fees for switching. Supports 114 currencies. Next-day settlement on most transactions, and offers free FreshBooks for select customers. |
Pros & Cons
- Diverse payment options with solutions for all business sizes, including omnichannel and international capabilities.
- Next-day payment transfers for most products.
- Flexibility to switch providers with no exit fees.
- Accepts over 100 currencies for international business.
- Mixed reviews on support quality.
- Complex and variable pricing may deter smaller businesses.
- Some issues with app functionality and limited device portal access.
Who Are Barclaycard?
Barclaycard, launched by Barclays in 1966, began as the UK’s first credit card provider and has since become a major player in payment solutions. Initially focused on consumer credit, Barclaycard now serves a broad business demographic across sectors such as retail, hospitality, and professional services.
Its solutions aim to support both small enterprises and large organisations, with a particular focus on streamlining payment processes and enhancing transaction security.
In 2023, Barclaycard processed over 9 billion payments, highlighting its scale and reliability as a payment processor. It continues to innovate, supporting businesses with flexible tools for managing both in-store and online transactions.
Barclaycard Products and Features
Card readers, including Flex, Smartpay Touch, and Smartpay Anywhere, providing in-store and mobile payment solutions
Point-of-Sale (POS) systems that combine payment processing with business management functions
An online payment gateway that enables secure transactions on e-commerce platforms
A virtual terminal for phone and mail orders, expanding payment acceptance channels
Business credit cards, including cashback and travel perks options for expense management and rewards
Corporate cards and purchasing cards for streamlined spending control and B2B procurements
Support for over 100 currencies, enhancing international payment capabilities
Fraud prevention tools, including 24/7 monitoring and end-to-end encryption
Omnichannel payment support, allowing seamless in-store, online, and mobile payment processing across all customer touchpoints
Optional next-day settlement for improved cash flow
Access to FreshBooks for select customers to simplify business accounting
Tailored pricing plans for businesses processing over £100,000 annually
Secure PCI-DSS compliance across payment solutions and devices
How Much Does Barclaycard Cost?
- Flex Card Reader: £15/month rental fee plus VAT; 1.6% transaction fee; 18-month contract; no early exit fees; next-day settlement available for transactions made before 9 pm.
- Smartpay Touch (All-in-One POS System): £29/month rental fee plus VAT; 1.6% transaction fee; 12-month contract; no early exit fees; next-day settlement available for transactions made before 7 pm.
- Smartpay Anywhere (Pay-As-You-Go Card Reader): One-off device cost of £29 plus VAT; 1.6% transaction fee; no monthly fees or contract; next-day settlement available for transactions made before 7 pm.
- Payment Gateway: Customised pricing based on business requirements and transaction volumes; may include setup fees and monthly charges; specific rates provided upon consultation.
- Select Cashback Credit Card: No annual fee; variable interest rate subject to credit assessment; 1% cashback on eligible business spend of £2,000 or more per statement month.
- Customised Pricing Plans: Available for businesses processing over £100,000 annually, with tailored pricing structures.
- Next-Day Settlement: This option is offered on most products. Transactions must be made before specified cut-off times (typically 7 pm or 9 pm).
- No Early Exit Fees: Allows flexibility for businesses to switch providers if needed.
- Additional Fees: May apply for certain transactions, such as international payments or specific card brands.
How Easy is it To Use Barclaycard?
Barclaycard’s payment solutions are designed for ease, with quick setup and intuitive interfaces across devices.
The Flex and Smartpay Touch card readers require minimal setup, while the Smartpay Anywhere reader connects easily via Bluetooth to a smartphone app. Online solutions, including the payment gateway and virtual terminal, integrate smoothly with e-commerce platforms and feature straightforward interfaces.
Managing accounts is simple with the Barclaycard for Business app and online portal, both offering easy access to balances, transactions, and settings. For support, Barclaycard provides 24/7 assistance on certain products, online guides, and dedicated managers for larger accounts, ensuring users can address issues promptly.
Barclaycard’s Security
Barclaycard ensures robust safety and security with PCI-DSS-compliant card readers and POS systems, securing all transactions with end-to-end encryption. Around-the-clock fraud monitoring systems detect and prevent suspicious activity, supported by real-time Transaction Risk Analysis (TRA) that helps legitimate transactions flow smoothly.
Strong security protocols and firewalls safeguard online systems, payments and data. Barclaycard’s continuously updated security measures help minimise chargeback risks and ensure a secure, reliable payment experience for businesses and their customers.
How to Get Started with Barclaycard
1. Choose Your Solution: Assess which Barclaycard payment solution best meets your needs, whether it’s a card reader, POS system, or online payment gateway.
2. Application Process: If your business processes under £100,000 annually, you can apply online for mobile and POS solutions. For businesses processing over £100,000 in transactions or seeking corporate services, you must contact Barclaycard directly at 0808 189 3530 (Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm) or request a callback through their website.
3. Provide Documentation: Have your business information ready, as Barclaycard will need details like company registration and identification for key personnel.
4. Receive Your Equipment: Once approved, Barclaycard will arrange delivery of your chosen payment devices. For card machines, expect a call before delivery to confirm availability.
5. Setup and Activation: When your equipment arrives, follow Barclaycard’s setup instructions. Most devices are plug-and-play, and you’ll find support resources for installation.
6. Begin Processing Payments: Once everything is set up, you can immediately start accepting payments and managing transactions with Barclaycard’s solutions.
Alternatives to Barclaycard
| Feature | SumUp | Square | MyGuava | Zettle by PayPal | Shopify POS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware | SumUp Air Reader (£39 + VAT); Solo (£79 + VAT); Solo & Printer (£139 + VAT) | Square Reader (£19 + VAT); Square Terminal (£149 + VAT) | MyGuava POS Terminal (pricing via dashboard) | Zettle Reader (£29) | Shopify Card Reader (£49 + VAT); integrates with various hardware options |
| Payment Processing Rates | 1.69% per in-person transaction; 2.5% for online payments | 1.75% per in-person transaction; 2.5% for online payments | 0.60%–1.10% UK, 1.50%–1.90% international; £10 monthly fee | 1.75% in-person, 2.5% online | 1.5%–2.2% per transaction, depending on the plan |
| POS Features | Inventory management, invoicing, Tap to Pay on mobile devices | Inventory tracking, invoicing, payroll integration, free POS app | Full POS for in-store, hybrid solutions, CRM | Mobile POS, inventory management, sales analytics | Multi-channel sales, inventory synchronisation, customer profiles, loyalty programs |
| Pricing | No monthly fees for basic services; POS Pro at £49/month + VAT | No monthly fees for basic services; optional add-ons available | POS monthly fee: £10; 30-day rolling contract | Card reader £29; POS app free with transaction fees | POS Lite at £9/month; POS Pro at £89/month |
| Best For | Small to medium-sized businesses across various sectors | Small businesses needing flexible, scalable solutions | UK-based businesses with broad currency options | Mobile-focused small retailers | E-commerce and retail businesses seeking integrated online and offline sales |
| Link | Visit Site | Visit Site | Visit Site | Visit Site | Visit Site |
FAQs
Certain Barclaycard business cards offer rewards, such as cashback or access to business rewards, that benefit companies with high spending needs.
Barclaycard supports settlement in GBP, EUR, and USD for international transactions, which is useful for businesses with customers across different regions.
Barclaycard supports chargeback management by providing detailed transaction data and guidance to help businesses respond to chargeback requests and reduce the risk of disputes.
Yes, certain Barclaycard POS systems allow customers to leave tips, a feature especially useful for businesses in hospitality and services.
For higher-risk transactions, such as non-secure payments, additional fees may apply as a risk management measure.