First Data (Now Part of Fiserv): What UK Businesses Need to Know

For UK businesses looking to accept card payments, choosing the right payment processor is crucial. First Data, now fully integrated into Fiserv following its acquisition in 2019, remains one of the most influential players in the global payments industry. Here’s what you need to know about its services, benefits, and how it fits into the UK payment landscape.

Who Are First Data & Fiserv?

First Data was a leading global payment technology solutions provider, offering merchant services, card processing, and point-of-sale (POS) systems. In 2019, Fiserv—a US-based fintech giant—acquired First Data for $22 billion, merging its own banking and payments solutions with First Data’s merchant services to create a more comprehensive offering.

Today, Fiserv operates under brands such as Clover (POS systems) and Carat (enterprise payments), while maintaining First Data’s legacy payment processing infrastructure.

First Data (Fiserv) Services for UK Businesses

Fiserv (formerly First Data) provides a range of payment solutions tailored to UK businesses, including:

1. Merchant Acquiring & Payment Processing

First Data was one of the largest merchant acquirers in the world, and Fiserv continues this service, enabling businesses to accept:

• Card payments (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)

• Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)

• Alternative payment methods (Buy Now, Pay Later, eCheques)

2. Clover POS Systems

Fiserv’s Clover range offers smart, cloud-based POS systems for retail, hospitality, and service-based businesses. Features include:

• Integrated card payments

• Inventory & staff management

• Customer loyalty programs

3. Online & Omnichannel Payments

Fiserv provides secure payment gateways for eCommerce businesses, including:

• Payeezy (now part of Fiserv’s unified gateway)

• Fraud prevention tools

• Recurring billing solutions

4. Global Payment Solutions

For UK businesses trading internationally, Fiserv supports multi-currency processing and cross-border transactions.

Pros & Cons for UK Merchants

✅ Advantages

• Reliable, scalable processing – Backed by Fiserv’s extensive infrastructure.

• Clover POS ecosystem – A strong alternative to Square and SumUp.

• Security & compliance – PCI-DSS compliant with advanced fraud tools.

• Omnichannel support – Seamless in-store, online, and mobile payments.

❌ Potential Drawbacks

• Pricing complexity – Fees can vary depending on the reseller (as Fiserv often works through ISOs).

• Contract terms – Some merchants report long-term contracts with early termination fees.

• Customer service – Support experiences may differ based on the intermediary provider.

Is First Data (Fiserv) Right for Your UK Business?

Fiserv (formerly First Data) is a solid choice for businesses that need:
✔ High-volume transaction processing
✔ Integrated POS and payment solutions (Clover)
✔ Multi-channel payment acceptance

However, smaller businesses may prefer more transparent, pay-as-you-go providers like Stripe or Square, while larger enterprises might benefit from Fiserv’s global reach.

Next Steps

If you’re considering Fiserv for payment processing, compare pricing from approved UK resellers and explore whether Clover POS fits your business needs.

For more guidance on choosing the best card payment provider for your UK business, explore our expert comparisons and reviews.