Handepay review – A good choice for payment processing? Features, fees, pros and cons explained

In the world of business transactions, payment processing solutions play a pivotal role. One of the names that often surfaces in this field is Handepay. This UK-based company claims to offer affordable and reliable payment services. In this review, we will delve deep into the offerings, advantages and disadvantages, pricing, and potential alternatives to Handepay to help determine whether it is a good choice for your business.

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Overview of Handepay – what’s on offer?

Founded in 2006, Handepay is a Merchant Services Provider offering a range of payment processing solutions to businesses of various sizes across the UK. They serve more than 28,000 customers, taking pride in their cost-effective solutions and transparent pricing.

Handepay offers an assortment of payment services, including in-store card machines, portable and mobile card readers, and online payment gateways. This allows businesses to accept payments in-person, online, and even on-the-go. Handepay also provides integrated payment services, compatible with various Point of Sale (POS) systems, thus promoting seamless transactions.

Another important feature of Handepay is their pledge to make card payments affordable. They offer a price challenge wherein if they cannot save a prospective customer money, they’ll provide £1,000.

Pros and cons of Handepay

Pros:

• Versatile Payment Solutions: Handepay caters to various business requirements, offering in-store, online, and mobile payment services.
• Transparent Pricing: There are no hidden fees or binding contracts. Businesses can see exactly what they’re paying for.
• UK-Based Support: Handepay provides dedicated, UK-based customer service, ensuring quick resolution of issues and queries.
• Price Challenge: Their price challenge initiative is a testament to their commitment to providing cost-effective services.
• No Authorisation Fees: Unlike many other payment processors, Handepay doesn’t charge for transaction authorisation.

Cons:

• Limited Global Reach: Handepay predominantly serves businesses within the UK. For businesses with a wider global audience, Handepay might not be the best choice.
• Minimum Monthly Service Charge: Businesses are subject to a minimum monthly service charge, which could be a drawback for smaller businesses.
• Potential Early Termination Fee: Some customers have reported high termination fees when trying to exit their contract early.

Handepay products and services guide

Handepay’s offering can be broadly divided into three categories – card machines, online payments, and phone payments.

Card Machines

Handepay provides a variety of card machines – countertop for fixed checkout locations, portable for tableside payments, and mobile for payments on-the-go. The machines accept all major credit and debit cards, including contactless, Apple Pay and Android Pay.

Online Payments

Handepay’s online payment gateway facilitates payments via a company’s website, compatible with most shopping carts. They also offer a Pay by Link service, which allows businesses to send customers a payment link via email.

Phone Payments

For businesses that take payments over the phone, Handepay provides a Virtual Terminal. This secure web-based system allows businesses to process card payments from any internet-enabled device.

Handepay pricing, fees and charges explained

Handepay operates on a quote-based pricing model. It doesn’t list standard pricing, arguing that they tailor the rates based on each business’s unique needs. However, they promise no hidden fees, and their pricing model includes terminal rental, transaction processing, PCI DSS compliance, and a minimum monthly service charge.

The minimum monthly service charge is a significant aspect of Handepay’s pricing. If a merchant’s transaction fees don’t meet a certain threshold, they’ll need to pay the difference as a minimum monthly service charge.

Handepay also levies a PCI non-compliance fee for businesses not adhering to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Businesses are encouraged to maintain compliance to avoid this fee.

Termination fees may apply for businesses wishing to leave their contract early, and the amount would depend on the specific terms of the contract.

Alternatives to Handepay

While Handepay offers competitive services, there are several other providers in the market that businesses can consider.

• Square: An excellent option for small businesses, Square offers transparent, fixed pricing and a broad array of features including point-of-sale software and online selling tools.
• Worldpay: One of the biggest payment processing companies globally, Worldpay offers a comprehensive range of services for businesses of all sizes, including in-person, online, and mobile payment solutions.
• SumUp: SumUp provides a simple and easy-to-use payment processing solution, ideal for small and mobile businesses. They offer one of the lowest transaction fees in the industry.

Conclusion – Is Handepay a good choice?

Handepay provides a comprehensive suite of payment processing solutions, with a clear focus on cost-effectiveness and transparent pricing. The company’s commitment to making card payments affordable for businesses of all sizes is commendable.

However, businesses should be mindful of the minimum monthly service charge and potential termination fees. Also, for those requiring a broader global reach, other providers might be a better fit.

In conclusion, Handepay could be a good choice for businesses seeking a versatile and affordable UK-based payment processing solution, provided they are aware of and comfortable with the pricing structure and contract terms.

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