Which payment methods increase online sales?

Date: 16/06/26

 

If you have an online business, you may have tried numerous tactics to boost online sales. But did you know that offering the right payment methods can make a big difference? By offering the right online payment methods, sales become easier, faster, and more convenient for customers to complete their purchase. The more payment options you provide, the less friction there is at checkout, reducing abandoned baskets and improving conversion rates.


There are multiple online payment methods that can increase online sales, including card payments, digital wallets, and flexible options like Buy Now, Pay Later and bank payments. These methods improve conversion rates by making checkout quicker, reducing friction, and giving customers more choice. Offering multiple payment options helps reduce abandoned baskets and encourages more customers to complete their purchase, driving more online sales.

Which payment method is best for online businesses?


There’s no single ‘best’ option – the most effective approach is to offer a mix of online payment methods that suit your customers. 

However, the most successful online businesses tend to prioritise:

Card payments – still the foundation of most ecommerce transactions

Digital wallets – for speed and convenience, especially on mobile

Flexible payment options – such as BNPL or bank payments

The key is to reduce friction at checkout. If a customer can’t see their preferred way to pay, they’re far more likely to abandon their basket.

How different payment methods can increase online sales


Offering a wider range of payment options isn’t just about providing customer choice, it has a direct impact on conversion.

 

Reducing basket abandonment

A complicated or limited checkout process is one of the main reasons customers drop off. Offering familiar and trusted payment methods builds confidence and encourages completion.

 

Speeding up the checkout experience

Digital wallets and saved payment options remove the need to manually enter details, helping customers check out in seconds – especially on mobile.

 

Building trust with customers

Recognisable payment options like Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and PayPal provide reassurance that transactions are secure.

 

Supporting mobile first shopping

With more customers shopping on their phones, payment methods that are mobile-optimised (like digital wallets) make a significant difference.

 

Increasing average order value

Flexible payment options, such as instalments or deferred payments, can make higher-value purchases feel more accessible.

Which online payment methods should you prioritise if you are new to online payments?


For most businesses, a strong starting mix includes:


Card payments – essential for all ecommerce website 

Digital wallets – ideal for mobile users and faster checkout

Alternative payment methods – like BNPL or bank payments for flexibility

The right online payment methods can make a huge difference to your sales performance. By offering customers the flexibility to pay how they want – quickly and securely – you reduce friction, build trust, and create a smoother path to purchase.

For online businesses, it’s no longer just about accepting payments, it’s about removing barriers and making it as easy as possible for customers to say yes.


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Handepay Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under FRN number 673564 for credit broking.
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Financial disclaimer:

Handepay Ltd is authorised and regulated by the FCA for consumer credit under FRN 673564. Handepay is a credit broker not a lender. Handepay receives commission from the credit provider for each successful introduction it conducts.

Terminal hire contracts are provided by Merchant Rentals Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for Consumer Hire under FRN 720500. Terminal hire can be for consumer hire and non-regulated hire contracts. Please check your contract carefully for details. Regulation of all consumer hire fall under the control of the FCA.

Handepay is not an acquirer. Your acquiring service provider will depend on the service package you choose to receive through Handepay. Handepay acts as an introducer of card acquiring services on behalf of the card acquiring service providers which include Lloyds Bank plc trading as Cardnet and EVO Payments UK.

Lloyds Bank are authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under registration number 119278. Cardnet is a registered trademark of Lloyds Bank plc.

EVO Payments UK is the trading name of EVO Payments UK Ltd, a payment institution that is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN number 959332).

Editorial disclaimer:

The information we provide does not constitute financial advice and might not apply to your business. Always carry out research into your business’ needs when choosing a new merchant services provider.

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