Adyen, Starling Bank launch tap-to-pay for SMEs

By Parth Prabhudesai

Adyen has partnered with Starling Bank to launch new payment acceptance tools for small and medium-sized businesses, starting with tap-to-pay functionality integrated directly into the Starling banking app.

The new feature allows SME customers of Starling Bank to accept contactless card payments using only their smartphones, without requiring additional payment terminals or hardware.

Powered by Adyen’s payment technology, the service is embedded entirely within the Starling app, enabling businesses to process payments, manage settlements and handle refunds without leaving the banking platform.

The tap-to-pay service uses NFC technology, allowing customers to make payments by tapping their physical cards or digital wallets against a merchant’s smartphone. PIN entry is supported directly on the device, while security protections are managed through built-in smartphone safeguards. Transaction data and card details are not stored on the device or external servers.

According to the companies, merchants can activate the feature within minutes, with funds typically settled into their bank accounts the following day.

The partnership reflects growing demand among small businesses for integrated financial and payment solutions that reduce operational complexity and hardware costs.

Nicole Olbe, UK Managing Director at Adyen, said the collaboration helps businesses simplify payment acceptance and financial management.

“Tap to pay technology removes traditional barriers to accepting card payments by turning a smartphone into a secure, user-friendly payment terminal,” Olbe said.

Sami Kade, Director of Customer Solutions at Starling Bank, said the bank is focused on helping small businesses receive payments more quickly and easily.

“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,” Kade said.

Starling Bank also plans to add card payment links to its in-app invoicing tool later this year, allowing SMEs to collect payments through cards and mobile wallets directly from invoices.