Barclays ePDQ (Smartpay) Checkout Is Closing – What You Need to Know
If your website uses Barclays ePDQ (also known as Smartpay Checkout), it’s vital to take action now. Barclays confirmed that this payment gateway will be retired, and merchants must migrate before 31 March 2026.
Why Is Barclays ePDQ Shutting Down?
As of September 2024, Barclays officially announced discontinuing Barclays ePDQ (Smartpay Checkout). They also stopped offering it to new merchants from 14 August 2024. In short, existing users must transition to a modern payment provider. The reasons given are because a third-party supplier have stopped supporting the systems used by Barclays to provide the service.
Firstly, do not panic. This blog post will explain what this all means for you as a website owner, and will guide you on what you need to do to move over to a new payment provider.
What It Means for Your Website (and Your Customers)
In short, the Barclays ePDQ service is being switched off, so it wont let you take payments any more. Breaking this down a little bit more, Here’s what the closure means for any eCommerce website owners currently using the Barclaycard ePDQ service:
- Payment Stops After March 2026
If you don’t switch, your site won’t accept online or telephone‑order (MOTO) card payments. That means no more bookings, orders or sales via your site. - Hosted vs Integrated Setup
Whether your checkout is hosted on a Barclays page or embedded via API (like DirectLink), the service will be unavailable. - Extra Features Also Affected
Features like virtual terminals (for phone orders), Alias Manager (card‑storage), and integration tools like DirectLink go offline too.
Simple Steps to Make the Switch – No Tech Knowledge Required
1. Identify Your Current Setup
Look for your the email or letter Barclays sent you notifying you of this closure. Check whether you use a hosted checkout or a payment form built into your site. Also make note of what your website is built in and any version numbers – this will help further down the line when you are talking to a new payment provider.
2. Prepare to Find a New Provider
This doesn’t just have to be about replacing what you have. This is a chance to upgrade. Look for a payment gateway provider that:
- Uses secure payment links, so customers enter card details themselves
- Offers a smooth online experience with features like Apple Pay or Google Pay
- Handles both online and phone payments seamlessly
3. Start Early and Test
Although March 2026 might seem far away, you’ll need time to choose, test, and set up. Starting as soon as possible (like, now!) means a smooth hand‑off, no downtime and no loss of revenue.
What You Should Do Right Now
- Find the notice that Barclays sent you containing the deadline and details
- Map out your current payment flow: online, by phone, integrated vs hosted
- Get in touch with us at dijitul. We specialise in helping website owners move to better, modern payment solutions
Don’t Panic – Just Replace Your Payment Gateway
This is not a crisis. It’s a positive reset. You don’t need to understand code, PCI compliance rules, or API settings. You just need someone you trust to guide you. At dijitul, we’ll handle the migration for you and make sure your site keeps accepting payments without any headaches.
Final Thoughts
- Barclays is retiring Barclays ePDQ (Smartpay)—deadline: 31 March 2026
- If you don’t switch, your site will stop taking payments
- Switching is easier than you think—just choose a new provider, test it, and go live
- dijitul is here to help every step of the way
Need help now? Contact us today and we’ll make your online payment gateway transition smooth, secure, and stress‑free.