Adyen, the global FinTech payments platform, has partnered with Starling Bank, the UK digital bank, to introduce a new set of payment tools for small and medium-sized businesses within the Starling app.
The collaboration launches with tap to pay functionality, enabling Starling’s SME customers to accept contactless card payments directly on their smartphones without requiring any additional hardware.
Adyen’s technology is embedded within the Starling app, meaning business owners never need to leave the banking environment to process a transaction. Once configured, the feature can be activated within minutes, with funds settled into the customer’s account the following day. The full payment lifecycle, from onboarding through to settlement and refunds, is handled entirely within the Starling ecosystem.
Payments are processed via NFC technology, allowing end customers to simply hold a card or digital wallet close to the merchant’s device. The feature supports PIN entry directly on the phone and includes accessibility options. Transaction data and card details are not stored on the device or on any servers, with security managed through the device’s built-in protections.
Looking ahead, Starling plans to integrate card payment links into its existing free in-app invoicing tool later this year, giving SMEs a way to collect payments via card or mobile wallet in just a few clicks.
Adyen UK managing director Nicole Olbe said, “Tap to pay technology removes traditional barriers to accepting card payments by turning a smartphone into a secure, user-friendly payment terminal. By combining Adyen’s financial technology and banking capabilities with Starling’s UK banking infrastructure, we are helping UK SMEs bridge the gap between their payment processing and daily financial management.
“This gives businesses the flexibility to accept payments wherever they operate, backed by the confidence of two trusted financial partners.”
Starling director of customer solutions Sami Kade said, “Starling is committed to helping small businesses get paid more quickly and easily.
“The introduction of tap to pay, followed by payment links later this year, empowers our customers with another tool to help them be good with money. Making the process of getting paid easier, allows business owners to redirect their energy towards the thing that matters most: growing and running their business.”
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