Which companies use GoCardless in the UK?
Thousands of UK businesses across multiple sectors use GoCardless for recurring and one-off bank payments. Notable users include Xero (accounting software), Octopus Energy, various gym chains, charities, SaaS platforms, and professional services firms. GoCardless reports processing payments for over 90,000 businesses globally, with a strong UK base since its London founding in 2011.
What types of businesses typically use GoCardless?
GoCardless is popular with subscription-based businesses, including software providers, media companies, utilities, and membership organisations. It is also widely used by professional services firms such as accountants and solicitors, as well as charities collecting regular donations. Its open banking bank-pay product appeals to businesses wanting to reduce card processing fees.
Why do businesses choose GoCardless over traditional payment methods?
GoCardless offers lower transaction costs than card payments, automated reconciliation, and reduced failed payment rates through intelligent retry logic and open banking integrations. For businesses with predictable recurring revenue, it simplifies cash flow management and reduces administrative overhead associated with chasing unpaid invoices.
Open Banking in Practice: GoCardless is a regulated Payment Institution under the FCA and uses open banking APIs — specifically the PISP framework — to enable instant bank-to-bank payments. Its Instant Bank Pay product uses the UK’s Faster Payments infrastructure, processing transfers in seconds. This is open banking at commercial scale. Learn more on openfuture.world.
FAQ
How can I tell which company is behind a GoCardless charge?
Check your bank statement’s payment reference or search your email for subscription confirmations matching the payment date and amount.
Does GoCardless store my bank account details?
GoCardless securely stores bank account details necessary to process Direct Debits, in compliance with UK payment regulations.
Is GoCardless used for one-off payments or only subscriptions?
Both — GoCardless supports recurring Direct Debits and one-off instant bank payments via its open banking bank-pay product.