If you’re running a business in Jersey and trying to take payments online, you’ve probably hit a wall. Or at the very least, a confusing roadblock.
It’s one of the most common questions we get at Blue Llama.
“How on earth do I set up a payment provider here?”
Let’s break down why this is such a challenge and what your real options look like.
First, how online payments work
To take payments online, you need a payment processor. This is the behind the scenes system that checks a customer’s card or bank details, verifies the payment and transfers the money into your account.
Think of it as the digital version of a card machine, only it sits quietly behind your website.
In the UK and beyond, there are loads of providers that do this: Stripe, GoCardless, Shopify Payments and more.
But here’s the sticking point.
Most big payment platforms don’t support Jersey
Some of the most popular and user friendly platforms don’t currently support Jersey. That includes:
- Stripe, one of the biggest processors globally
- Shopify Payments, which is powered by Stripe
- GoCardless, commonly used for direct debits
These providers have stopped onboarding Jersey-based businesses. Even if you used them in the past, new accounts linked to Jersey addresses are no longer accepted.
Why is this happening?
It mainly comes down to regulation and market size.
Jersey is a small jurisdiction. For many large fintech providers, the regulatory effort required to support such a small market just isn’t worth it. Even with organisations like Digital Jersey advocating for local access, the situation hasn’t changed much.
So, what can you use?
There are still options available, but you’ll need to weigh up cost, features and reliability.
PayPal
Easy to set up and globally trusted, but their fees can be painful. Particularly if you’re selling low cost items, where fixed fees plus percentage charges start to eat into margins.
Opayo (formerly Sage Pay)
A more comprehensive option if you need strong customer support. Their UK-based team is responsive and helpful. Expect a monthly fee plus a transaction percentage. Still, the pricing tends to be reasonable for the support you get.
Other niche providers
There are a handful of alternatives out there. We’ve covered a few on the Blue Llama blog, and Jersey Business has a helpful roundup too. These guides walk through the pros, cons and who each one suits best.
What about workarounds?
Some businesses try to sidestep the issue by setting up a UK company and running payments through that in order to access platforms like Stripe or Shopify Payments.
It can work, but tread carefully. There are important considerations:
- Tax implications and regulatory responsibilities
- More admin and compliance
- The risk of account suspension if you’re not fully transparent
If you’re thinking about this approach, speak to a local accountant or tax advisor before going any further.
Final thoughts
Yes, taking payments online in Jersey can be frustrating. But you’re definitely not alone, and there are workarounds and providers that do support local businesses.
Before choosing a platform, make sure you:
- Confirm it supports Jersey
- Compare fees carefully
- Consider the level of support and reporting you’ll need
- Chat with other Jersey businesses to learn from their setup
And of course, feel free to get in touch with us at Blue Llama. We’ve helped dozens of local organisations untangle this exact issue and we’re happy to share what works.
