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Retail Merchant Services (RMS)
Retail Merchant Services (RMS) helps small UK businesses accept card payments in-store and online with fast setup, flexible contracts, and personalised support.
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Exclusive Rates From as Low as 0.26%
What Is Retail Merchant Services?
Retail Merchant Services, commonly known as RMS, is a UK based payment provider that supports independent retailers, trades, and SMEs with card acceptance solutions. Founded in 2007 and now part of the SaltPay group, RMS offers a range of merchant services including card machines, virtual terminals, and ecommerce integrations.
The company’s mission is to simplify payment acceptance for small businesses through fast onboarding, straightforward pricing, and dedicated customer support. RMS understands the day to day challenges of running a small shop, salon, or service business and provides easy to use hardware, localised account management, and flexible options for accepting cards both inperson and online.
With thousands of active customers and a strong presence in the UK and Ireland, RMS has become a trusted provider for merchants seeking a personal touch, responsive support, and the flexibility to take payments anywhere their business goes.
RMS Payment Solutions
Ideal Business Types for RMS
RMS is a good fit for:
- Independent retailers and small hospitality venues
- Beauty salons, barbers, and mobile professionals
- Tradespeople and home service providers
- Local service businesses needing fast card machine setup
It may not be ideal for:
- High volume ecommerce businesses
- SaaS and platform based payment models
- Merchants requiring international acquiring or API integrations
RMS Fees & Contract Structure
RMS provides custom quotes based on your turnover, card mix, and transaction volume. Most merchants pay:
- A monthly rental for card machines
- Per-transaction fees for debit and credit cards
- Optional charges for online payments or virtual terminals
Contract terms typically range from 12 to 36 months. Early exit fees and PCI non-compliance charges may apply, so it’s important to review the small print.
Compare Card Fees can help you evaluate the full cost, uncover hidden charges, and benchmark RMS against competitors like Paymentsense, Dojo, or Tyl.
Benefits and Drawbacks of RMS
PROS
Fast setup and UK based support
Wide choice of card terminals
Suited to independent traders and shops
On site or remote setup assistance available
Cons
Lengthy contracts with termination clauses
Less suited for ecommerce only businesses
Limited flexibility for international expansion
Frequently Asked Questions About RMS
RMS provides a full suite of merchant services, including card machines, online payments, and merchant accounts. It's designed specifically for small and independent businesses that need secure, easy to use payment solutions.
Yes. RMS serves businesses nationwide with both remote and local advisor support. It is widely used by independent traders, cafés, salons, and shops in towns and cities across the UK.
Setup is often included as part of the contract, although merchants may pay terminal rental and transaction fees. Compare Card Fees can help you understand all associated costs before you sign.
Yes. RMS supports online transactions through hosted checkout pages, virtual terminals, and ecommerce integrations. This makes it suitable for businesses with a mix of instore and digital sales.
Absolutely. RMS offers mobile terminals that are portable and easy to set up, making them ideal for pop-up shops, events, and field-based services. Seasonal merchants also benefit from flexible plans and support.
You can typically go live within a few business days. The approval process is straightforward, and hardware can be dispatched quickly.
Yes, all RMS solutions meet PCI DSS compliance standards and include encryption and fraud prevention tools. They also offer guidance to help you remain compliant and avoid additional fees.
Yes. RMS has UK based telephone and account support teams available to assist you. Many businesses appreciate the personal service and fast response times.
Yes. RMS supports merchants who are switching from other providers and may offer to cover or offset early termination fees. Their switching process is designed to reduce downtime.
Definitely, we’ll compare RMS with other leading providers based on your business model, volume, and budget. Our goal is to help you find the best fit with transparent pricing and reliable support.
Is RMS Right for Your Business?
Retail Merchant Services is a practical and accessible option for UK small businesses that need fast, reliable card payments without unnecessary tech complexity. It’s especially suited to local shops, salons, cafés, and independent traders who value personal support, dependable equipment, and responsive customer service.
If you’re running a small business and want an easier way to take payments, whether by card machine, online, or over the phone, RMS offers a simple and secure solution backed by a knowledgeable UK-based team. Its hardware is modern, its pricing is competitive for SMEs, and its onboarding process is quick and designed to minimise disruption to your operations.
At Compare Card Fees, we work closely with businesses like yours to break down contracts, compare pricing structures, and match you with providers that meet your needs. If you’re considering switching or starting card payments for the first time, we’ll help you decide whether RMS or another provider offers the best value and long term support.
To get started, talk to our team today and let us help you find the right merchant services solution for your business.
Still exploring options? Compare UK payment providers here to find the best fit for your business.
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