Replace Barclays ePDQ with Ryft: Your Complete Migration Guide

Summary: 

Barclays is retiring its ePDQ payment gateway by March 31, 2026. If you're currently using ePDQ to process online payments, phone orders, or payment links, you must migrate to a new provider before this deadline to avoid payment disruptions.

This guide walks you through what the shutdown means for your business, what to look for in an alternative to Barclays ePQD, and why Ryft is helping UK businesses migrate seamlessly with lower costs and better support.

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What the Barclays ePDQ shutdown means for merchants

The Barclays ePDQ platform will stop processing payments after March 31, 2026. If you are an existing customer, here's what will happen if you don't choose a leading alternative: 

You'll lose access to:

• Your online payment gateway for website transactions
• Virtual terminal (e-Terminal) for phone payments (MOTO)
• Payment links for email and SMS payments
• All transaction reporting and reconciliation tools

The risks of waiting:

• Payment disruption - customers won't be able to pay you
• Lost revenue -sales decline during the transition period
• Rushed decisions - limited time to properly evaluate alternatives
• Integration problems - inadequate testing leads to checkout failures

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What ePDQ users should do now: Your migration checklist

☑ Step 1. Audit your current payment setup

☑ Step 2. Define your payment gateway requirements

☑ Step 3. Start your payment gateway migration early

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Best Barclays ePDQ Alternatives: finding the right payment services provider 

Choosing a new payment processing provider can be a stressful, expensive, and time-consuming experience, especially when there are a multitude of options available. 

Not all payment gateways are created equal. Here's what matters most when replacing ePDQ:

Secure payment processing capabilities

Your new gateway should support modern payment methods including digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay for faster mobile checkout. Look for providers offering seamless online checkout experiences with white-labeled UI that keeps customers in your branded ecosystem rather than redirecting to external payment pages. Payment links for email and SMS transactions are also becoming standard features that many businesses use to accept payments outside their main checkout flow.

Payment gateway compliance & security

Choose an FCA-licensed payment provider authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Look for PCI DSS Level 1 certification (the highest security standard) and PSD2 compliance to meet Strong Customer Authentication requirements across the UK and Europe.

Specialised marketplace payment features

If you operate a marketplace or platform, you need automated split payments to divide transactions between your platform and sellers with custom commission rates. Seller onboarding with automated KYC/AML verification, escrow services to hold funds until conditions are met, and embedded payment processing to monetise every transaction are essential for multi-party payment flows.

Payment operations efficiency

Look for consolidated payment reporting with a unified dashboard for all channels, multi-currency support, real-time payment monitoring to track status and fraud signals, and omnichannel payment processing that handles online, phone, and in-person transactions through one integration.

Payment gateway support that actually helps

Quality support separates good providers from great ones. You need 24/7 payment support from real experts, fast payment gateway onboarding, and dedicated account management from a partner who understands your business model.

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PayPal and Stripe offer payment processing with quick setup and user-friendly interfaces, making them popular choices for standard e-commerce businesses.

However, many ePDQ users operate marketplaces, platforms, or multi-vendor businesses that need more than basic payment acceptance. If your business requires split payments between multiple parties, seller onboarding with KYC/AML verification, escrow services, flexible commission structures, or embedded payment monetisation, purpose-built solutions like Ryft offer capabilities specifically designed for complex, multi-party payment flows and are a preferred choice for individuals looking for a leading alternative.

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Why choose Ryft 

Ryft is a leading Payment Services Provider (PSP) that specialises in marketplace payment solutions, ensuring full compliance and offering 24/7 support from humans. Using Ryft, businesses can accept payments anywhere, automate split payments, onboard sellers, set up delayed payments and recurring billing, earn commission from payment escrow, and much more.    

Success Stories: Ryft Client Case Studies

Tuft: 62% Payment Processing Cost Reduction

Challenge: High Stripe fees are cutting into margins as the marketplace scales
Solution: Migrated to Ryft for flexible pricing and customisable split payments
Result: 62% reduction in payment processing costs and improved seller experience

SwiftOrder: Scaling Without Payment Headaches

Challenge: Needed a reliable payment partner to support rapid growth
Solution: Switched to Ryft for 24/7 support and seamless operations
Result: “Working with Ryft has been a game-changer.” 

Viing: Payment Challenges into Growth Opportunities

Challenge: High Stripe fees, poor support, and fragmented payment tools are limiting growth
Solution: Ryft's end-to-end platform with lower fees and dedicated support
Result: "Working with Ryft has been a breath of fresh air. Their collaborative approach and willingness to adapt make them the perfect partner for companies with ambitious growth goals."

Clearhaus Partnership: Banking Innovation

Challenge: European acquirer needed a UK expansion partner with marketplace expertise and FCA licensing post-Brexit
Solution: Leveraged Ryft's FCA licence, compliance suite, and marketplace specialisation
Result: "Ryft's commitment to compliance, collaboration, and outstanding support has created a strong foundation for our joint long-term growth." 

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