Jan 27, 2026
Barclaycard Merchant Services has announced that ePDQ (also known as Smartpay Checkout) will be retiring on 31 March 2026. From this date, ePDQ will stop processing payments. This means any checkout or payment flow relying on it will need to be replaced beforehand.
Do you need support understanding your options or planning a secure switch? You can talk to a payments specialist at Mollie – even if you’re still comparing providers.
Barclays ePDQ stands for ‘Electronic Process Data Quickly’. It is Barclaycard’s payment processing system for online and Mail Order/Telephone Order (MOTO) payments. It is being retired and will stop processing payments on 31 March 2026.
This applies to you if you use Barclays ePDQ for:
Online payments on your website including checkout, bookings and deposits (often branded as Smartpay Checkout, FlexCheckout, or Barclaycard ePDQ).
Telephone payments through a virtual terminal (MOTO / “e-terminal”), where staff enter card details for phone orders.
Connected systems or advanced features that depend on ePDQ. For example, API-style integrations or stored-card/repeat-payment functions, where enabled.
If any of these apply to you, you should plan to migrate well before 31 March 2026.
We can help you map your current ePDQ setup and plan a low-risk switch-over.
If ePDQ is still connected to your payment flow after 31 March 2026, you may experience:
Customers being unable to pay online (leading to lost revenue and abandoned baskets).
Phone payments failing if you rely on a virtual terminal.
More support tickets and manual workarounds.
Operational disruption (unpaid orders, delayed fulfilment, reconciliation issues).
If you feel under pressure, don't panic! The goal is clear: replace ePDQ with another provider and go live well before the deadline. Here’s a practical plan to help you switch:
Step 1. Review your current payment setup
List everywhere ePDQ is used - your website checkout, booking processes, MOTO/virtual terminal, and any internal systems.
Step 2. Identify your payment requirements
What do you need to replicate? And are there any other features you would like to add? For example: payment methods, refunds, reporting, telephone payments, subscriptions/repeat payments, and more.
Step 3. Choose a replacement payment provider
Compare based on supported payment methods, integration options (plugin/API), settlement and reporting, and support.
Step 4: Implement and test
Test successful payments, failures, refunds, and order confirmation (especially if you rely on automated status updates). We suggest aiming to go live at least 4 weeks before the 31st March switch off so you have some time to ensure a smooth transition.
Selecting a new payment processing provider can feel overwhelming, given the many options available. Not all payment gateways are the same. So here’s what’s important when replacing ePDQ:
Dedicated Payment Support
Quality support is crucial. You need expert payment support, a smooth onboarding process, and dedicated account management. Mollie offers proactive, local support and clear guidance, reflected in our 4.5-star Trustpilot rating.
Robust Payment Acceptance and Local Payment Methods
For efficient mobile checkouts, your new provider should support modern payment methods, including Buy-Now-Pay-Later options like Klarna, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Look for customisable online experiences that keep customers within your brand. Payment links for email and SMS transactions are also valuable.
Security and Regulatory Adherence
Choose an FCA-licensed payment provider. Ensure they hold PCI DSS Level 1 certification and are PSD2 compliant for Strong Customer Authentication. Mollie meets these strict regulatory standards, ensuring secure and compliant payments.
Solutions for Marketplaces and Platforms
If you run a marketplace or platform, you need specific features. This includes automated split payments, seller onboarding with KYC/AML verification, escrow services, and embedded payment processing. Mollie Connect simplifies these complex operations.
Streamlined Operations
Look for consolidated payment reporting with a clear, unified dashboard. Multi-currency support, real-time payment monitoring for status and fraud signals, and efficient processing that integrates seamlessly are key. Mollie’s user-friendly dashboard gives you a complete overview, simplifying reconciliation.
Choose Mollie to replace Barclays ePDQ and you get much more than just a payment gateway - Mollie offers online, in-person and embedded payment solutions for businesses of all sizes, all unified in one simple dashboard setup. We combine modern payment methods (cards, wallets, PayPal and more) with effortless solutions like payment links to free up time spent taking card details. Our clear reporting and a unified dashboard simplify reconciliation and day‑to‑day operations, with 120+ integrations for leading ecommerce platforms and other tools. Most importantly, you get responsive local support from real payments specialists – reflected in our 4.5-star Trustpilot rating – to help you plan, test, and go live with confidence before 31 March 2026.
Need to be live before 31 March 2026? We can help you map your current ePDQ setup and plan a low-risk switch-over. Just talk to our team of specialists.
What is Barclays ePDQ?
Barclays ePDQ stands for ‘Electronic Process Data Quickly’. It is Barclaycard’s payment processing system for online and Mail Order/Telephone Order (MOTO) payments. It is being retired and will stop processing payments on 31 March 2026.
Is Barclays ePDQ being discontinued?
Yes. Barclaycard Merchant Services has confirmed ePDQ (Smartpay Checkout) is being retired.
When does ePDQ stop working?
31 March 2026. From that date, ePDQ will stop processing payments.
Does this affect Smartpay Checkout?
Yes. This is a common name for checkout experiences powered by the ePDQ platform.
Fleiri uppfærslur
Missið aldrei uppfærslur. Fáið vörulausnir, fréttir og sögur viðskiptavina beint í pósthólfið ykkar.
