Pay by Bank in the UK. It is a secure, fast, and growing payment method

30th March 2026

"Pay by Bank" in the UK. It is a secure, fast, and growing payment method powered by open banking, allowing you to pay directly from your bank app without entering card details. Over 30 million payments are made this way monthly, accepted by major retailers like Amazon and for bills.

Key Details About Pay by Bank in the UK
How it Works: At checkout, you select "Pay by Bank," choose your bank, and securely approve the payment via your bank’s app using biometrics or a passcode.

Supported Banks: Most major UK banks support this, including Barclays, Lloyds, HSBC, NatWest/RBS, Santander, Monzo, Starling, and Nationwide.
Security: As no card numbers are shared, it reduces fraud risk. Payments are authorized directly with your bank.

Speed: Funds move instantly via Faster Payments.
Limitations: It is exclusively for UK bank accounts and UK retailers. It does not offer the same Section 75 credit card protections, though it is considered safe. You may want to use a credit card for larger purchases to have the S75 protection.

It is important to note that you cannot use this feature if you do not have a supported UK bank.

How it Works
Instead of typing in long card numbers, Pay by Bank uses your bank’s own app to authorize the payment securely.

Select Pay by Bank: At the online checkout, select "Pay by Bank," "Open Banking," or "Instant Bank Transfer".

Select Your Bank: Choose your bank from a list of participating providers.

Authorize Payment: You will be redirected to your bank's app or website, where you log in (usually via Face ID, fingerprint, or PIN) and approve the transaction.

Instant Confirmation: The money is transferred via the UK's Faster Payments network, and you are immediately redirected back to the merchant with the purchase confirmed.

Where Can You Use It?
Major Retailers: As of 2026, Amazon UK has added Pay by Bank to its checkout. Other retailers, such as Booking.com, Holland & Barrett, and Urban Outfitters, also offer it.

Airlines: Companies like Ryanair, Wizz Air, Emirates, and Etihad support it.

Bills & Services: HMRC uses this method for tax payments, collecting billions in revenue this way.
Savings/Investments: You can use it to deposit funds into accounts like NS&I, Hargreaves Lansdown, and other financial providers.

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