UK sole traders can accept payments in 2026 without forming a company

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Sole traders in the UK can legally accept payments without registering a limited company, though most traditional payment providers decline them due to underwriting requirements that assume a company number and trading history. In practice, three main options exist: a Merchant of Record (MoR) like Paddle, a payment facilitator (PayFac) with progressive Know Your Business (KYB) verification, or forming a company first. MoR services handle global VAT and tax obligations but charge around 5% plus $0.50 per transaction and can reject individuals with limited history. PayFac providers using progressive KYB allow same-day account activation with a £1,500 processing cap that lifts once identity verification is complete, typically at lower flat-rate fees. The best choice depends on a seller's price point, target markets, and appetite for handling their own tax obligations.

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