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Barclays ePDQ Gateway to Be Decommissioned: What Merchants Need to Do Next

Published - 24 October 2025
Revised - 01 October 2026

Written or reviewed by Libby James, founder of Merchant Advice Service and specialist in merchant payments and complex provider requirements.

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Quick Summary

Businesses still using Barclays ePDQ need a migration plan before the service closes, covering the replacement gateway, acquiring setup, website integration, stored-payment implications and testing. In barclays epdq gateway to be decommissioned, the commercial headline can be misleading unless business model, payment channels and provider fit are checked together. MAS can use barclays epdq gateway to be decommissioned to identify where a merchant actually needs to review business model, payment channels or provider fit, rather than react to the headline alone.

Barclays Payment Gateway to Close 

Barclays has confirmed that its ePDQ payment gateway will be decommissioned on 31st March 2026. For thousands of UK businesses, this means planning a move to a new payment gateway — ideally sooner rather than later.

While the change may feel inconvenient, it’s also an opportunity to upgrade to modern technology with better integrations, more payment methods, and enhanced fraud protection. In this guide, we’ll explain what’s happening, what it means for merchants, and outline the simple steps to find and migrate to a new provider.

What’s happening to Barclays ePDQ?

Barclays has officially announced that its ePDQ payment gateway will be shut down on 31st March 2026. This means all merchants currently processing payments through ePDQ will need to switch to an alternative gateway before that date to avoid service disruption.

Barclays has stated that existing merchant accounts will not automatically migrate to a new system, so each business will need to find and integrate a replacement solution.

Why the change could be a positive opportunity

Barclays’ ePDQ platform, while reliable for many years, had become technically outdated. Modern gateways now offer:

  • Faster integrations with ecommerce platforms, CRMs, and accounting tools
  • Support for more payment methods, including digital wallets, open banking, and Buy Now Pay Later options
  • Advanced fraud detection and PCI DSS compliance tools
  • Enhanced reporting dashboards for reconciliation and analytics

So, while the decommissioning might cause short-term disruption, it’s also a chance to modernise your payments infrastructure - potentially saving on fees and improving customer checkout experiences.

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Find Your New Processor

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing the Barclays ePDQ Gateway

Step 1: Review your current setup

Start by understanding how your current ePDQ integration works:

  • What website platform do you use?
  • What payment methods do you currently accept?
  • Which parts of your back office (CRM, ERP, accounts) rely on the gateway?

Having a clear map of your current setup will help you shortlist compatible replacements.

Step 2: Shortlist alternative payment gateways

Look for providers that suit your business type, transaction volume, and integration needs.

Many UK businesses are now choosing gateways that combine:

  • Multi-channel processing (online, in-store, phone payments)
  • Seamless API or plug-and-play integrations with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento
  • Competitive pricing and transparent settlement times

You can explore vetted options through The Payments Directory®, which helps merchants compare providers based on features, cost, and contract flexibility.

Step 3: Check integration and migration requirements

Once you’ve narrowed your options, confirm how the new gateway will integrate with your systems:

  • Do you need developer support, or is there a pre-built plugin?
  • Will your merchant account stay the same, or do you need a new one?
  • How long will testing and certification take?

Some gateways can run parallel setups, so you can test before switching off ePDQ completely.

Step 4: Review payment methods and currencies

Use the migration as an opportunity to expand your accepted payment options:

  • Debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
  • Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Klarna, or Open Banking
  • Multi-currency support for international customers

Modern gateways can intelligently route payments for better authorisation rates and lower processing costs.

Step 5: Upgrade your fraud and security tools

Fraud prevention has evolved significantly since ePDQ launched. Look for features like:

  • 3D Secure 2.2 for smoother authentication
  • Machine-learning-based fraud scoring
  • Tokenisation for recurring payments and saved cards
  • Chargeback alerts and automated dispute tools

These tools reduce risk and can improve conversion rates at checkout.

Step 6: Test, migrate, and train your team

Plan your transition carefully:

  • Run test transactions on the new system.
  • Communicate changes internally (especially for customer service and finance teams).
  • Update all connected systems (shopping carts, APIs, invoicing software).
  • Switch over fully and monitor performance closely.

The best migrations are gradual; avoid waiting until early 2026 when support queues will likely be long.

Step 7: Review performance and costs

Once your new gateway is live:

  • Compare fees, settlement times, and approval rates with your old setup.
  • Use analytics dashboards to spot opportunities for optimisation.
  • Review regularly, the payments landscape evolves fast.

Find Your New Processor

Choosing the right replacement gateway

If you’re unsure where to start, Merchant Advice Service offers free, independent guidance to help you compare providers, understand integration requirements, and prepare a smooth migration plan.

We can also help you identify gateways offering discounted migration support for Barclays merchants.

Key Takeaway

The Barclays ePDQ decommissioning marks the end of an era, but it doesn’t have to be disruptive. By starting early, merchants can turn this into an opportunity to:

  • Modernise checkout experiences
  • Improve fraud protection
  • Integrate smarter systems
  • Potentially reduce processing fees

Find Your New Processor

Need help finding an alternative to Barclays ePDQ?

Use The Payments Directory® to compare gateway providers and get migration-ready before the 31st March 2026 deadline.

FAQs

When will Barclays ePDQ be decommissioned?
Barclays has confirmed that its ePDQ payment gateway will be decommissioned on 31st March 2026. After this date, merchants will no longer be able to process transactions through the system. Businesses are advised to migrate to a new payment gateway well in advance to avoid disruption.
Will my Barclays merchant account be affected?
Your Barclays merchant account is separate from the ePDQ gateway. However, since the gateway is being withdrawn, you’ll need to connect your merchant account to a new payment gateway or switch to a provider offering both services in one integrated solution.
What are the best alternatives to Barclays ePDQ?
There’s no single “best” replacement, as it depends on your business type and technical setup. Popular alternatives include Worldpay, Opayo (formerly Sage Pay), Stripe, Adyen, Nucleus365, and various white-label or embedded gateways. You can use The Payments Directory® to compare options based on features and integration compatibility.
How long does it take to migrate from Barclays ePDQ to a new gateway?
Most migrations take between one to three weeks, depending on your website platform and level of technical integration. Some providers offer plug-and-play integrations that can be completed in a few days, while more complex API-based setups may require testing and certification.
Can I still use my existing website integration?
If your website is built on a popular ecommerce platform such as Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento, many modern gateways provide ready-made plugins that can replace your existing ePDQ integration with minimal technical work. Custom-built websites may need some development support to switch APIs.
What new payment methods should I consider when switching?
Migrating away from Barclays ePDQ gives you the chance to expand your payment options. Consider adding: • Apple Pay and Google Pay for faster mobile checkout • Buy Now Pay Later options such as Klarna or Clearpay • Open Banking for instant account-to-account payments • Multi-currency support if you sell internationally Offering more payment methods can help increase conversions and customer satisfaction.
How can I protect my business from fraud during migration?
Choose a gateway with built-in fraud prevention tools, such as: • 3D Secure 2.2 • Machine-learning risk scoring • Tokenisation for saved cards • Chargeback alert systems These technologies offer much stronger protection than the original ePDQ setup and can even improve your approval rates.
What’s the easiest way to find a new payment gateway?
The simplest route is to use The Payments Directory®, which allows merchants to compare UK payment gateways based on cost, features, fraud tools, and integration compatibility. You can filter providers by your business size, platform, or industry, helping you find a suitable replacement quickly and confidently.
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Libby James – Founder & Payments Expert
Written by Libby James

Libby James is the founder and Managing Director of Merchant Advice Service. Since 2016, she has worked directly with businesses and payment providers across merchant accounts, card processing, payment gateways and complex provider requirements.

Libby specialises in high-risk, declined and harder-to-place merchants, as well as businesses requiring specialist payment methods, integrations or international support. She writes and reviews Merchant Advice Service content, drawing on practical experience gained from real merchant enquiries and provider relationships.

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