How to Switch Card Payment Provider Without Downtime

To switch card payment provider without downtime, check your current contract's notice period, get your new account approved and terminals delivered before you give notice, test the new terminals alongside the old ones, train staff, then change over on a quiet trading day and keep the old terminal until the first settlement arrives.

Step 1: Check your current contract

Find your contract start date, minimum term, notice period and any early exit fee. Note whether it renews automatically. This tells you the earliest date you can leave without penalty.

Step 2: Gather your statements

Get your last three months of card statements. A new provider can use them to quote on your real card mix and volume, so you compare like for like.

Step 3: Apply and get approved first

Complete the new provider's application and onboarding checks before you give notice to your current provider. That way you are never left without a way to take cards.

Step 4: Set up and test the new terminals

When the new terminals arrive, set them up and run test transactions. If you use an EPOS, check that integration works: amounts sent correctly, tips recorded and refunds working.

Step 5: Train your team

Show staff how to take payments, split bills, process refunds and end the day on the new terminals. Ten minutes of training avoids queues on day one.

Step 6: Give notice and pick a changeover day

Give notice in writing, following your contract's terms. Change over on your quietest trading day, not before a busy weekend.

Step 7: Keep the old terminal briefly

Keep your old terminal until your new provider's first settlement reaches your account, then return it as your old contract requires.

How Moola helps

Moola handles the setup and support for you, and our team will plan the changeover around your trading so you keep taking payments throughout. Contact us or request a callback.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to switch card payment provider?

It depends on approval and delivery times. Start the new application before giving notice so the two overlap.

Will I lose payments during the switch?

Not if you run the new terminals before turning off the old ones and keep the old terminal until your first new settlement arrives.

Can I keep my EPOS when I switch?

Usually. Moola connects with virtually every EPOS used in UK hospitality.