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Opayo (Formerly Sage Pay) Review: A Secure & Reliable Payment Solution for Businesses

Opayo, previously known as Sage Pay, is a well-established payment gateway service in the UK, offering businesses a secure and efficient way to process transactions. As a subsidiary of Elavon, a global leader in payment solutions, Opayo provides a comprehensive suite of tools for businesses seeking reliable and robust financial transaction solutions.

With increasing digital transactions, businesses need payment processors that are not only secure but also seamless and user-friendly. Opayo delivers on these fronts by ensuring PCI DSS compliance, advanced fraud protection, and integration with multiple e-commerce platforms. Whether a business requires an in-store card payment solution, an online checkout system, or a virtual terminal for phone payments, Opayo caters to a wide range of needs.

This detailed review covers Opayo’s key features, benefits, pricing, reliability, and user experience to help businesses determine if this payment gateway aligns with their needs.

Woman holding two wooden blocks with PROS and CONS written on them, symbolising decision making.

Key Findings (Pros & Cons)

Pros:

  • Robust Security Measures: Advanced fraud prevention tools such as 3D Secure, AVS, and CVV verification.
  • Comprehensive Payment Solutions: Supports credit/debit cards, mobile payments, and alternative payment methods like PayPal.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Easy-to-navigate dashboard with seamless integration options.
  • Excellent Customer Support: 24/7 support with responsive and knowledgeable representatives.
  • Flexible Pricing Plans: Customisable pricing structures based on transaction volumes.

Cons:

  • Complex Pricing Structure: The tiered pricing model can be confusing for beginners.
  • Limited International Reach: Primarily focused on the UK market.
  • Occasional Technical Glitches: Some users have reported minor downtimes.

Features & Benefits

Opayo is designed to cater to businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises. Its suite of features ensures secure, fast, and seamless payment processing.

1. Payment Processing Capabilities

Opayo supports multiple transaction types, including:

  • Online Payments: Secure e-commerce payment processing for websites.
  • In-Store Payments: Card machines for face-to-face transactions.
  • Over-the-Phone Payments: Virtual terminals for telephone orders.
  • Recurring Payments: Subscription and membership billing.

This versatility makes Opayo a suitable choice for retailers, service providers, and e-commerce businesses alike.

2. Integration with E-Commerce Platforms

Opayo integrates seamlessly with major e-commerce platforms, including:

  • Shopify
  • WooCommerce
  • Magento
  • BigCommerce
  • PrestaShop

These integrations ensure businesses can set up Opayo without requiring extensive technical expertise.

3. Fraud Prevention & Security Measures

Security is one of Opayo’s standout features, with the following tools in place:

  • 3D Secure Authentication: Helps protect against card fraud.
  • AVS & CVV Checks: Verifies address and card details for added security.
  • PCI DSS Level 1 Compliance: Ensures the highest standard of payment security.

Opayo’s commitment to fraud prevention makes it one of the safest payment gateways for businesses and their customers.

4. Real-Time Transaction Reporting

Opayo provides businesses with real-time reporting tools to track transactions, manage refunds, and generate financial insights. The detailed reporting system helps businesses stay on top of their finances while reducing reconciliation errors.

5. Customisable Checkout Experience

Businesses can customise their checkout pages to match their branding, ensuring a seamless customer experience. This feature improves trust and reduces cart abandonment rates.

Quality & Performance

Opayo is known for its high transaction speeds and minimal downtime. Businesses can expect:

  • Fast Payment Processing: Transactions are completed within seconds, reducing wait times for customers.
  • High Uptime Reliability: Opayo maintains a 99.9% uptime, ensuring businesses can always process payments.
  • Scalability: Whether processing 100 or 10,000 transactions per day, Opayo’s infrastructure supports businesses of all sizes.

Many businesses appreciate Opayo’s stability, as payment delays can lead to frustrated customers and lost sales.

A person using a credit card on a payment terminal with the Elavon logo displayed on the screen.

User Experience

Opayo is designed for ease of use, with an intuitive dashboard that allows businesses to:

  • Monitor transactions in real-time.
  • Access detailed sales reports.
  • Manage refunds and chargebacks.

Businesses have praised Opayo for its simple setup process and seamless integration with existing systems.

Customer Feedback

Most users highlight Opayo’s reliability and security, with many appreciating the 24/7 customer support. However, some businesses have reported that navigating the pricing structure can be a bit complex, especially for first-time users.

Pricing & Subscription Options

Opayo offers multiple pricing plans based on the business type and transaction volume.

Plan Type Monthly Cost Transaction Limit
Small Business Plan £19.90/month Up to 350 transactions
Business Plus Plan £45/month Up to 500 transactions
Enterprise Plan Custom Pricing High-volume businesses

Additional charges may apply for high-risk transactions, chargebacks, and premium support options.

Reliability & Support

Opayo’s customer support team is available 24/7, offering assistance through:

The support team is known for being knowledgeable and responsive, with most issues resolved within 24 hours. Businesses particularly appreciate the guidance provided during setup and integration.

Pro Tip: If you experience any issues with transaction processing, reach out to Opayo’s live chat support for immediate assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How does Opayo work?

Opayo acts as a payment gateway, allowing businesses to accept transactions online, in-store, or over the phone. It securely processes payments and transfers funds to the business’s account.

2. Is Opayo secure?

Yes, Opayo is PCI DSS Level 1 certified and includes fraud prevention tools like 3D Secure, AVS checks, and CVV verification to protect against fraudulent transactions.

3. What payment methods does Opayo support?

Opayo supports credit/debit cards, digital wallets (like Apple Pay), and alternative payment methods such as PayPal.

4. How difficult is it to integrate Opayo with an e-commerce store?

Opayo integrates easily with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento, making setup straightforward for most businesses.

5. Can I cancel my Opayo subscription?

Yes, businesses can cancel their subscription by contacting Opayo’s support team. However, cancellation terms may vary depending on the contract.

Person using smartphone for NFC payment at a card terminal, showcasing a contactless transaction.

Conclusion & Recommendation

Opayo is a highly secure and reliable payment gateway that caters primarily to businesses in the UK. It offers a versatile suite of payment solutions, robust fraud protection, and seamless integration with popular e-commerce platforms.

Who Should Use Opayo?

  • E-commerce Stores – Secure and customisable online payment gateway.
  • Retail Businesses – In-store payment solutions with card machines.
  • Subscription Services – Recurring billing and membership payment support.
  • B2B Companies – Virtual terminals for over-the-phone transactions.

While Opayo’s pricing structure can be complex, the value it provides in terms of security, reliability, and customer support makes it a worthwhile investment.

For businesses seeking a scalable, secure, and high-performance payment platform, Opayo is an excellent choice.

Secret Tip: If you frequently process high-value transactions, consider negotiating a custom pricing plan with Opayo for better transaction rates!