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Why UK businesses
choose Monek over Takepayments

Takepayments is a well-known UK card-machine provider, but its pricing is quote-based rather than published, and agreements are commonly fixed-term. Here is a clear, like-for-like comparison against Monek's published rates.

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Published pricing, not a bespoke quote

Takepayments pricing is quote-based and negotiated per merchant, with indicative rates commonly around 1.49%. That makes it hard to know whether you are on a good deal. Monek publishes its rates: 0.99% blended on the Growing Business plan, or IC++ from 0.49% once you are over £200k a year. You can see exactly what you would pay before you talk to anyone.

A directly-authorised acquirer, not a reseller

Monek is a directly-authorised FCA-regulated payment gateway (FRN 920628). Your safeguarded funds sit in designated UK trust accounts that Monek operates, rather than passing through a chain of intermediaries.

Monthly rolling, not a fixed term

Card-machine providers frequently sell on multi-year contracts with early-exit terms and separate terminal rental agreements. Monek is a monthly rolling contract, with terminals from £25/month, so you are never locked in by the small print.

One account for every channel

Monek runs your card machine, online payments, Virtual Terminal for phone orders, and Pay by Link on a single account and dashboard, with a free WooCommerce plugin and native Xero integration included.

Next working day settlement and UK support

Monek settles the next working day with no rolling reserve, no monthly account fee and no PCI surcharge, and every merchant has a named UK account manager reachable by phone.

Monek vs Takepayments, line by line

FeatureMonekTakepayments
Headline UK rateFrom 0.99% blended (IC++ from 0.49% above £200k/yr)Quote-based (~1.49% indicative)
Pricing published publiclyYesNo, quote only
Directly FCA-authorised acquirerYes, FRN 920628Reseller / ISO model
ContractMonthly rollingCommonly fixed-term
Monthly account fee / PCI surchargeNoneCheck your agreement
TerminalsFrom £25/monthRental, terms vary
SettlementNext working day, no reserveVaries by plan
UK supportNamed account manager, phone includedUK-based

Takepayments pricing is quote-based and not published on a public rate card; the indicative figure shown is illustrative only. Terms vary by merchant and contract. Always compare against your own quote and statement.

Frequently asked questions

How can I compare Monek to Takepayments if the rate is quoted?+
Because Takepayments negotiates pricing per merchant, the only reliable comparison is to put your Takepayments quote or statement next to a Monek quote. Monek's rates are published (from 0.99%, or IC++ from 0.49% above £200k), so you have a clear baseline. Send us your figures and we will do the like-for-like maths.
What does directly FCA-authorised actually mean for me?+
Monek holds its own FCA authorisation (FRN 920628) and safeguards your funds in designated UK trust accounts, rather than reselling another provider's licence. In practice it means fewer intermediaries between your customer's payment and your bank account, and a single point of accountability.
Am I tied into a terminal rental contract?+
With Monek, terminals are from £25/month on a monthly rolling basis. Many card-machine providers bundle a separate multi-year rental agreement, so check the length and exit terms on any existing contract before you switch.
Will switching interrupt my card payments?+
No. Underwriting takes about two working days and we coordinate the cut-over so there is no gap in taking payments. Check any notice period on your current agreement so the timing lines up.
Does Monek do more than card machines?+
Yes. The same account covers online payments, a Virtual Terminal for phone orders, Pay by Link with no per-link fee, a free WooCommerce plugin, and a native Xero integration.
What if I am already on a good rate?+
We will tell you. If your Takepayments deal already beats what Monek can offer on a like-for-like basis, we will say so rather than push you to switch.

Compare your Takepayments quote

Send us your current quote or statement and we will show you a published, like-for-like Monek rate. No commitment, no obligation, and an honest answer if you are already on a fair deal.

Get a quoteSee our pricing