The strategic move allows Ecommpay to increase UK and EU market coverage by approximately 44% without cannibalising existing payment methods.

Direct Debit has seen a surge in popularity and consumer demand and is now one of the UK’s most popular and trusted ways to pay, with Direct Debit has seen a surge in popularity and consumer demand, with 80% of Brits having at least one to pay for their regular outgoings. According to a survey conducted by Ecommpay at the end of 2023, 54% of UK consumers used subscriptions during the pandemic, with 42% continuing to do so and 14% even increasing their usage. UK consumers have on average 1.6 active subscriptions, with 32% using one regularly and 30% using two.

In addition to evolving consumer payment preferences, businesses face challenges such as fraud prevention and reducing checkout abandonment rates. Recognising existing barriers and shifting end-consumer payment trends, Ecommpay has introduced Direct Debit payments as a proactive response.

The strategic partnership with GoCardless opens access for Ecommpay merchants to offer subscription-based payments across the UK and Europe, with improved acceptance rates and the security against fraud that comes with bank payments.

Head of Financial Partnerships, Arthur Ribakovs said: “The addition of Direct Debit capabilities further expands Ecommpay’s already extensive portfolio, including global card acquiring via a single integration, Open Banking: Advanced, and 100+ local payment methods. With a full-stack proprietary ecosystem that ensures 99.999% uptime and around-the-clock business and IT support, Ecommpay is not only strengthening its presence in the UK and Europe, but continues to improve its offering for FinTech and e-commerce merchants.”

Deepak Colluru, Director of Product Management for GoCardless Embed, said: "We’re extremely proud to help Ecommpay launch its Direct Debit offering, enabling its customers to tap into a payment option that is seamless, secure and highly preferred. Ecommpay’s speed to market is testament to the simple ’plug-and-play’ nature of GoCardless Embed, allowing payment service providers to access a global bank payment network in a matter of weeks. We look forward to helping millions of businesses realise the benefits of bank payments, from reducing costs, fraud and manual admin to increasing cash flow and conversion."