Adyen vs Ryft: Complete UK Marketplace Comparison 2026
In this guide, we compare Adyen and Ryft across pricing, implementation, split payments, and support to help UK marketplaces choose the right payment provider in 2026.


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Adyen processes payments for enterprise platforms. Ryft provides FCA-licensed payment processing built specifically for UK marketplaces. This 2026 comparison examines pricing, implementation, and marketplace features to help platforms choose the right solution.
Both platforms support split payments, seller onboarding, and multi-currency processing. The key differences lie in implementation timelines, pricing transparency, and target market focus.
In Summary
Adyen targets enterprise platforms with Interchange++ pricing and extended implementation cycles. Ryft serves UK marketplaces of all sizes with volume-based pricing and fast integration. Adyen suits high-volume enterprises with dedicated technical teams processing £10M+ annually. Ryft works better for growing UK platforms requiring regulatory compliance, rapid deployment, and dedicated human support available 24/7.
Pricing Comparison: Adyen vs Ryft
Adyen Pricing Structure
Adyen uses Interchange++ pricing with transparent published rates. The model separates interchange fees, scheme fees, and Adyen's processing markup for complete cost visibility.
Standard processing fees start at €0.11-€0.15 per transaction plus interchange and scheme fees. Enterprise clients negotiate volume-based discounts as transaction volumes increase.
Adyen has minimum monthly invoice requirements that vary by industry and business model. Additional costs include currency conversion charges and dispute fees not publicly listed.
Ryft Pricing Structure
Ryft offers volume-based pricing with transparent rate cards. Costs decrease automatically as transaction volume increases, with no minimum volume requirements.
The platform includes split payment functionality, seller onboarding, and dedicated human UK support in standard pricing. No hidden fees for essential marketplace features.
Tuft reduced payment processing costs by 62% switching from Stripe to Ryft through volume-based pricing. Similar savings apply when comparing volume-based models to flat-rate or enterprise pricing structures.
Implementation: Adyen vs Ryft
Adyen Implementation Process
Enterprise Adyen implementations typically require 3-6 months for complex marketplace integrations. The platform provides powerful infrastructure but requires significant custom development for sophisticated use cases.
Technical teams must build split payment logic, seller onboarding workflows, and settlement processes using Adyen's APIs. The platform offers flexibility through customisation but requires substantial developer resources.
Enterprise implementations include dedicated integration support and technical account management. This suits platforms with established development teams and complex requirements processing £10M+ annually.
Ryft Implementation Process
Ryft implementation completes in 2-4 weeks for standard marketplace integrations. The platform includes pre-built split payment functionality and automated seller onboarding ready to use.
Technical integration uses REST APIs with comprehensive documentation. Marketplace-specific features work immediately without custom development required.
UK-based technical support provides hands-on assistance during integration. This suits platforms needing rapid deployment without extensive technical resources or long development cycles.
Marketplace Features: Adyen vs Ryft
Split Payment Functionality
Adyen supports multi-party payment splitting through its platform APIs. Marketplaces implement split logic for calculating distributions, managing seller balances, and processing payouts.
The platform handles complex split scenarios but requires development work to configure. This provides flexibility for unique business models at the cost of implementation time and technical resources.
Ryft provides automated split payments . The platform calculates splits, distributes funds, and manages seller balances automatically without custom development.
Pre-built split payment logic works for standard marketplace models immediately. Custom split rules can be configured without code for specific use cases through dashboard settings.
Seller Onboarding and Verification
Adyen offers Know Your Customer (KYC) and verification capabilities through its platform APIs. Marketplaces build custom onboarding workflows using these underlying verification services.
The verification process supports global compliance requirements across 35+ countries. Implementation requires integrating Adyen's verification APIs into marketplace onboarding flows with custom development.
Ryft includes rapid automated seller onboarding with built-in KYC verification. UK sellers complete verification in hours rather than days through streamlined processes designed for marketplaces.
The platform handles FCA compliance requirements automatically for UK marketplace operations. Seller accounts activate quickly without manual review processes or administrative delays.
Escrow and Settlement
Adyen provides delayed capture functionality for holding funds and controlling settlement timing. This allows platforms to authorise payments whilst delaying fund capture until conditions are met.
Settlement schedules, hold periods, and release conditions require custom configuration through API integration. Adyen does not offer traditional escrow services like dedicated Electronic Money Institution providers.
Ryft offers built-in escrow functionality for marketplace transactions. Platforms configure hold periods, release triggers, and settlement schedules through dashboard settings without development work.
Automated escrow handles common marketplace scenarios including order fulfilment verification. Funds release automatically when predefined conditions are met without manual intervention.
Marketplace Features Comparison
Regulatory Compliance: UK Requirements
FCA Licensing
Both Adyen and Ryft hold FCA Payment Institution authorisation for UK operations. This ensures compliance with UK payment regulations and consumer protection requirements.
Adyen operates under FCA authorisation as a global payment processor serving UK marketplaces. The platform manages compliance across multiple jurisdictions as part of broader European operations.
Ryft holds FCA Payment Institution Licence #972895 specifically for UK marketplace payment processing. The platform focuses exclusively on UK regulatory compliance and marketplace-specific requirements.
PSD2 Compliance
Adyen supports Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) requirements under PSD2 regulations. The platform provides SCA exemption management for optimising conversion whilst maintaining regulatory compliance.
Ryft includes PSD2-compliant payment processing with automated SCA handling built in. The platform manages exemptions and authentication flows for UK marketplace transactions without custom development.
Both platforms meet current PSD2 requirements for secure online payments. Implementation differs in how authentication flows integrate with marketplace checkout experiences and technical complexity.
Support and Service Levels
Adyen Support Structure
Adyen provides 24/7 support through its ticket system accessible via the Customer Area. Enterprise clients receive dedicated account management teams with priority access to technical specialists.
Support operates globally with technical resources distributed across 27 countries. Enterprise clients access comprehensive documentation, developer resources, and integration engineers for complex issues.
The support model suits platforms with technical capabilities to self-serve for routine issues. Complex problems receive dedicated attention from specialised teams through escalation to account managers.
Ryft Support Structure
Ryft offers 24/7 UK-based support for all marketplace clients regardless of size. Technical teams provide direct assistance without requiring enterprise account status or minimum processing volumes.
Support includes hands-on help with integration, optimisation, and operational issues. Response times prioritise marketplace payment operations over account size or revenue tier.
The support model suits growing platforms needing responsive day-to-day assistance. UK-based teams understand local market conditions, regulatory requirements, and timezone alignment.
Target Market and Best Fit
When Adyen Works Best
Adyen suits enterprise platforms processing £10M+ annually with complex international requirements. The platform provides powerful infrastructure for sophisticated payment operations across multiple regions.
Platforms with dedicated technical teams benefit from Adyen's customisation capabilities. The ability to build precisely tailored payment flows justifies longer implementation timelines and development investment.
Global marketplaces requiring extensive local payment method coverage across multiple regions leverage Adyen's worldwide infrastructure effectively. The platform excels at handling high transaction volumes with advanced fraud prevention.
When Ryft Works Best
Ryft suits UK marketplaces from startup to scale-up stages processing £100K-£10M annually. The platform provides enterprise-grade capabilities without enterprise complexity or minimum volume barriers.
Platforms needing rapid deployment benefit from pre-built marketplace features. Standard split payments, seller onboarding, and escrow work immediately without custom development cycles.
UK-focused marketplaces prioritising regulatory compliance and local support achieve better outcomes with FCA-licensed, UK-based operations. Volume-based pricing delivers cost savings as transaction volumes grow.
Migration Considerations
Moving From Adyen to Ryft
Platforms may consider switching from Adyen to Ryft when costs increase without corresponding value. Complex enterprise features may exceed actual marketplace requirements for mid-sized platforms. Migration typically takes 6-8 weeks including planning, parallel implementation, and transition phases. Existing seller relationships transfer without disruption through coordinated onboarding processes. Volume-based pricing often delivers 40-62% cost reductions compared to enterprise pricing models. Simplified operations reduce ongoing technical maintenance and developer resource requirements.
Why choose Ryft as your Payment Service Provider
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.
Frequently asked questions
Ryft is a leading Adyen alternative designed for businesses seeking flexible pricing, frictionless merchant onboarding, and dedicated support. Unlike Adyens' enterprise-focused approach, Ryft offers transparent pricing tailored to your volume and seamless integration for both online and in-person payments. Businesses switching from Adyen to Ryft report significant cost savings (up to 70% savings on fees) and faster, seamless implementation.
Embedded payment solutions integrate payment processing directly into your marketplace or platform, enabling seamless transactions without redirecting users to external payment pages. For marketplaces, key features include automated split payments between sellers and the platform, transaction monetisation through embedded fees, white-label checkout experiences, built-in compliance (KYC/AML, PSD2), seller onboarding and verification, and real-time payment analytics. Ryft's embedded payments turn payment processing into a revenue stream while maintaining full regulatory compliance.
Ryft is purpose-built specifically for UK and European businesses. Unlike global processors like Stripe Connect or PayPal Braintree, Ryft was founded by operators who experienced payment friction firsthand while scaling their own platform. With FCA licensing, deep regional compliance expertise for PSD2 and UK regulations, and features like automated split payments and omnichannel capabilities built in from day one, Ryft delivers what growing businesses actually need. Volume-based pricing typically saves up to 70% compared to Stripe, with 24/7 human support from payment experts who understand platform-specific challenges.
The best payment gateway for marketplaces needs split payment capabilities, automated commission handling, and platform monetisation features. Ryft is purpose-built for marketplaces, offering FCA-licensed infrastructure with automated split payments that instantly distribute funds between sellers and platforms. Unlike generic gateways like PayPal or Stripe Connect, Ryft provides up to 70% cost savings, dedicated support with same-day responses, and technology specifically designed for multi-party marketplace transactions. Key features include customisable commission rates, next-day payouts, white-label branding, and full PSD2 compliance for European markets.
When selecting embedded payment solutions for marketplaces, consider: regulatory compliance (FCA authorisation, PCI DSS Level 1, KYC/AML capabilities), cost structure (transparent pricing with no hidden fees), split payment automation, transaction monetisation features, seller onboarding speed, white-label customisation options, multi-currency support, and dedicated human support. Ryft offers all these features with up to 70% savings compared to alternatives like Stripe connect, plus 24/7 dedicated support from real payment experts.
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