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Telephone & Mail Order Payments (MOTO)

Take secure card payments by phone or post with confidence. Learn how MOTO works, what it costs, and how to find the right provider for your business.

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What Are MOTO Payments?

MOTO stands for Mail Order / Telephone Order payments, a way to accept card payments from customers without needing them to be physically present or online. These transactions are processed manually through a virtual terminal or payment system where the merchant enters the card details on behalf of the customer.

MOTO is widely used in sectors like hospitality, trades, wholesale, healthcare, and retail, especially when handling bookings, invoices, or one-off sales by phone.

Unlike face-to-face or eCommerce payments, MOTO carries different risk levels and fee structures which makes choosing the right provider essential for security, compliance, and cost.

Who Needs MOTO Payment Solutions?

If your business often accepts card payments by phone or post either occasionally or regularly, you need a MOTO-enabled payment gateway or virtual terminal. This includes:

  • Call centres and customer service teams
  • Professional services or consultancies
  • Trades and suppliers invoicing remotely
  • Takeaway restaurants and caterers
  • Events and hospitality businesses
  • Healthcare clinics or private services

Even if you only take MOTO payments part-time, having a secure and reliable system ensures you remain PCI compliant, minimise fraud, and maintain a smooth customer experience.

MOTO Payment Fees & What to Watch Out For

MOTO card payments are classified as “card-not-present” (CNP) transactions meaning they carry a slightly higher risk of fraud compared to face-to-face transactions.

As a result, MOTO fees are often higher than chip-and-PIN or online rates. Costs vary by provider, but you should look out for:

  • Authorisation fees
  • Per-transaction MOTO rates
  • Monthly virtual terminal fees
  • PCI non-compliance charges
  • Minimum monthly spend or volume commitments

That’s why it pays to compare. Many businesses overpay simply because they didn’t know there were better options available.

What to Look for in a MOTO Payment Provider

Choosing the right provider means balancing cost, security, and convenience. Here are 6 key features to compare when evaluating MOTO providers:

Virtual terminal access
Make sure the provider includes an easy-to-use, browser-based terminal for quick phone payments.

Transparent pricing
Watch for hidden costs like minimum fees, PCI non-compliance penalties, or setup charges.

Fast setup and integration
Some providers offer same-day activation, ideal if you need to start taking MOTO payments quickly.

Security and PCI compliance
Choose providers with secure tokenisation, encryption and support for maintaining PCI DSS compliance.

Customer support
Responsive UK-based support is essential especially when handling payments remotely.

Contract flexibility
Avoid long-term tie-ins. Flexible or pay-as-you-go MOTO accounts offer better control.

How Compare Card Fees Helps You Choose

We help UK businesses find the best MOTO card payment solutions for their needs. Whether you’re a small business taking the occasional phone order or a high-volume call centre, we’ll find a provider that fits your operation, budget, and goals. Our service is:

  • Free and impartial - We don’t favour one provider over another
  • Quick and confidential - No sales calls, spam or third-party data sharing
  • Expert-led - You’ll get advice from real people with deep industry knowledge
  • Tailored to you - We match providers to your sector, turnover and business setup
  • Designed to save you money - We highlight ways to reduce card fees and avoid long-term lock-in
  • Fully secure - We prioritise PCI compliance and fraud prevention in every recommendation

Ready to Take Secure Payments by Phone or Mail?

Don’t settle for high fees or outdated systems. Whether you’re switching providers or setting up MOTO payments for the first time, we’ll guide you through the process and help you make a smart, cost-effective choice. No pressure, no commitment, just clear guidance to help you choose the right MOTO solution for your business.

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