Great Experience
The team helped connect me with a few reputable companies which made the process much smoother.
Brixton's Best Food
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
Retail Merchant Services Review
Discover everything you need to know about Retail Merchant Services in this comprehensive review.
Compare Now
Find the lowest rates in minutes
Quick & Hassle Free
One simple enquiry gives you direct access to the UK's best card payment deals
Best Rates Available
Unlock exclusive UK payment rates, as low as 0.26%, only through Independent Merchant Services
100% Independent
We don’t sell your data or push providers. Just transparent, money-saving advice
Direct Access
We work directly with 98% of the UK's top payment processors to secure unbeatable rates
Retail Merchant Services Merchant Services
Retail Merchant Services provides payment tools that help businesses accept cards online and in store. This review gives you a clear picture of what RMS offers for UK and Irish merchants. The aim is to give merchants a clear picture of what the provider offers, how it works and whether it suits their needs. Keep explanations straightforward so readers can quickly understand fees, features and practical benefits.
What Retail Merchant Services Offers
RMS provides affordable card payment solutions for small and medium sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. As an independent sales organisation, they connect businesses to Elavon merchant account services, helping retail merchants set up card payments quickly and seamlessly through various payment channels.
Key Features of Retail Merchant Services
The most relevant tools include mobile card machines, online payment gateways, virtual terminals, contactless payment options like Google Pay and Apple Pay, same day settlement, hosted and integrated payment pages, and secure payment processing systems.
- Mobile and portable card machines suitable for various business environments
- Secure payment gateway ensuring safe transactions
- Virtual terminals for phone payments and mail order processing
- Integration with major e-commerce platforms and shopping cart providers
- Contactless payment options including Google Pay and Apple Pay
- Same day settlement to improve cash flow for small businesses
- Hosted and integrated payment pages for online payments
- Support for retail, hospitality businesses, and other small to medium sized businesses
Pros and Cons
Retail Merchant Services offers a range of payment solutions designed to help small and medium sized businesses accept card payments efficiently. While many users appreciate the competitive rates and reliable service, there are some concerns regarding fees and contract terms that potential customers should be aware of.
Advantages
- Extensive global reach with local acquiring Competitive rates
- Reliable services
- Same day settlement improves cash flow
- Supports multiple payment channels
- Integration with major e-commerce platforms
- Contactless payment options available
Disadvantages
- Hidden fees reported by some customers
- Early termination charges can be high
- Issues with third party sales reps
- Contract terms sometimes unclear
- Customer service experiences vary
- Limited transparency on pricing
Pricing
RMS markets itself as providing affordable solutions, though specific fees aren’t always transparent upfront. Some customers have experienced unexpected charges and early termination fees that weren’t clearly explained during signup.
Who Retail Merchant Services Suits
RMS focuses primarily on small and medium sized businesses in the UK and Ireland looking for straightforward card payment solutions. They work well for merchants needing basic payment processing without complex requirements.
Industry Use Cases
RMS works for retail businesses, e-commerce merchants, and companies needing phone and mail order payment processing. Their solutions integrate with major shopping cart providers and support various sales channels.
Alternatives to Retail Merchant Services
Merchants may want to compare similar providers that offer card machine services and online payment solutions for UK businesses before making a decision.
Leading Alternatives to Retail Merchant Services
Elavon
Elavon is a global payment processor offering reliable merchant accounts and a range of card machines. It supports multiple sales channels and is popular with medium to large businesses for its secure, comprehensive services.
Global Payments
Global Payments provides flexible payment solutions including mobile and countertop card machines, e-commerce gateways, and virtual terminals. Known for good customer support and easy POS integration.
Handepay
Handepay focuses on small and medium businesses, offering affordable card machines and online payment gateways. It is known for transparent pricing and simple contracts.
When comparing alternatives to Retail Merchant Services, consider fees, contract terms, support, and integration options to find the best provider for your business needs.
Integration and Technical Setup
RMS offers integration with existing e-commerce platforms and major shopping cart providers. Their online payment system includes hosted and integrated payment pages, plus virtual terminals for phone and mail order transactions.
Customer Reviews and Reputation
Retail Merchant Services reviews show a mix of positive and negative feedback with a 3.9/5 Google rating and presence on Trustpilot. While some customers praise their competitive rates and reliable services, others criticise fees and contract terms, resulting in an average overall reputation.
How Independent Merchant Services Supports UK Businesses with Payment Gateway Selection
At IMS, we serve as an independent adviser to UK businesses seeking the right payment gateway by offering:
Start your comparison now
FAQs about Retail Merchant Services
Here are 10 common questions and answers about Retail Merchant Services
Setup times vary depending on your business type and requirements, but most small businesses can have their card machines and online payment solutions up and running within a few days after signing the contract.
RMS typically offers 36-month contracts with automatic annual renewal. It's important to provide proper notice if you wish to cancel to avoid early termination fees.
Some customers have reported hidden fees such as terminal refurbishment charges and PCI compliance fees. Always review your contract carefully and ask the sales team for a full breakdown of all potential costs.
Yes, RMS supports integration with major POS systems and e-commerce platforms, although compatibility may vary. It's advisable to confirm with RMS whether your specific POS system is supported.
Yes, RMS provides same day settlement options, which can help improve cash flow for small business owners, though additional fees may apply for this service.
Absolutely. RMS offers secure payment gateways with hosted and integrated payment pages, allowing you to accept online payments safely and efficiently.
RMS offers a range of card machines including mobile, portable, and countertop devices suitable for various business environments such as retail and hospitality.
RMS provides technical support to help resolve issues with card machines, payment gateways, and integration. Support availability and quality may vary, but many users report responsive assistance.
Some RMS contracts include minimum monthly transaction requirements, and falling below these may incur additional service charges. Check your contract details for specifics.
Early termination is possible but usually involves significant fees, including early termination charges and potential terminal lease or refurbishment costs. Always provide proper notice and understand your contract terms before signing.
Get a Comparison
Choosing the right payment provider can be challenging with so many options available. Independent Merchant Services (IMS) offers expert guidance to help you navigate the complex payment industry and find the best UK payment gateways tailored to your business needs. By comparing offers from over 90% of the UK’s leading card payment processors, IMS ensures you get competitive rates, transparent fees, and services that suit your business size and sector. Whether you run a small retail shop, an online store, or a hospitality business, IMS can help you avoid hidden fees, understand contract terms, and secure payment solutions that improve cash flow and customer satisfaction.
Take advantage of IMS’s free comparison service and expert advice to find the best UK payment gateways quickly and easily. Book a short, no-obligation call today to get personalised recommendations and start saving on your merchant services.
Roger Milne Founder and CEO of Independent Merchant Services, has helped UK businesses access better payment gateways and lower transaction costs since 2012 through transparent advice and exclusive provider rates.
Cut your card processing costs?
We work with 90% of the UK’s top payment providers to give you more choice and better rates.
Exclusive Rates From
0.26%
Join the switch to lower payment fees
We've helped 1000's of UK businesses
From retail shops to online stores, our clients save money every day on card processing. Read their testimonials and see how much you could save.
Excellent Service
Excellent service, very quick response & helpful. I highly recommend using this service
Lisa Grant
Helpful and Straight Forward
Darren was helpful and straight forward to deal with which is appreciated. Would recommend their services to anyone.
Sam
Straight Forward Advice
Card payment provider - Straight forward advice & quick list of…
Straight forward advice & quick list of options
Geoff Blundell
Satisfied Customer
We received a quick response to our enquiry and was provided with three options all of which met our needs and we have now entered a new agreement for a card reader with costs far more favourable for our business.
©2026, Independent Merchant Services Ltd
Company Registration 08062773
ICO Registration ZA666396
Privacy Policy
