Worldpay global payment processing company

What is Worldpay

Worldpay is a global payment processing company that provides a range of payment solutions and services to businesses of all sizes. It enables merchants to accept electronic payments, including credit cards, debit cards, and alternative payment methods, both online and in-person.

Worldpay was founded in 1989 and has grown to become one of the largest payment processing companies in the world. It operates in over 146 countries and processes millions of transactions every day. The company offers a variety of payment processing options, such as point-of-sale systems, online payment gateways, virtual terminals, and mobile payment solutions.

In addition to payment processing, Worldpay also provides value-added services to merchants, including fraud prevention tools, data analytics, reporting, and customer insights. These services help businesses optimize their payment processes, manage risk, and improve the overall customer experience.

Over the years, Worldpay has developed a reputation for its robust infrastructure, security measures, and reliability, making it a trusted partner for businesses looking to accept and process payments securely and efficiently.

In 2019, Worldpay was acquired by Fidelity National Information Services (FIS), a global financial technology company, which further expanded its capabilities and reach in the payment industry.

The history of Worldpay

The history of Worldpay can be traced back to 1989 when the company was founded in the United Kingdom. Initially known as “Streamline,” it was established as a collaboration between several major UK banks, including National Westminster Bank (NatWest) and Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), with the aim of providing payment processing services to businesses.

In its early years, Streamline focused on offering card payment solutions to brick-and-mortar retailers, allowing them to accept credit and debit card payments at the point of sale. The company quickly gained traction and expanded its services across the UK, becoming one of the leading payment processors in the country.

In 2002, Streamline merged with another payment processing company called “Worldpay” to form what is now known as Worldpay. Worldpay had originally been established in 1989 as an offshoot of the Royal Bank of Scotland, providing payment processing services for mail order and telephone order (MOTO) businesses.

Following the merger, Worldpay continued its growth trajectory and expanded internationally. It established operations in the United States, Europe, Asia, and other regions, gradually becoming a global player in the payment processing industry.

In 2010, the Royal Bank of Scotland Group sold its majority stake in Worldpay to private equity firms Advent International and Bain Capital, which took over as the new owners. This change in ownership brought further investment and resources to support Worldpay’s expansion plans.

In 2013, Worldpay was acquired by another private equity consortium comprising Advent International and Bain Capital, alongside Canadian pension fund Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB). Under the new ownership, Worldpay continued to innovate and develop its payment solutions, expanding its capabilities to include online and e-commerce payment processing.

In 2015, Worldpay became a publicly traded company, listing its shares on the London Stock Exchange. This initial public offering (IPO) was one of the largest fintech IPOs in Europe at the time and marked a significant milestone in the company’s history.

In 2018, Worldpay attracted the attention of two major players in the payment industry: Vantiv, a U.S.-based payment processing company, and FIS (Fidelity National Information Services), a global financial technology company. Vantiv acquired Worldpay and subsequently merged with FIS, creating one of the world’s largest payment technology and services companies.

Following the merger, the combined entity retained the Worldpay name and continued to operate as Worldpay, now under the ownership of FIS. This consolidation brought together the expertise, resources, and global reach of both companies, further strengthening Worldpay’s position in the payment processing industry.

It’s worth noting that the information provided here is accurate up until my last knowledge update in September 2021. For the most up-to-date information on Worldpay, it is recommended to refer to official sources or news outlets.

How Worldpay works

Worldpay provides payment processing services that enable businesses to accept and process electronic payments from customers. Here’s an overview of how Worldpay works:

1. Integration: Businesses integrate Worldpay’s payment processing solutions into their existing systems, whether it’s an online e-commerce platform, a point-of-sale (POS) system, or a mobile app. Worldpay offers various integration options, including APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and plugins for popular e-commerce platforms.
2. Customer Payment: When a customer makes a purchase, they select their preferred payment method, such as a credit card, debit card, or alternative payment method. Worldpay supports a wide range of payment options, including major card networks like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, as well as digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal.
3. Transaction Authorization: Once the customer submits their payment information, Worldpay securely processes the transaction. This involves verifying the customer’s payment details, checking for sufficient funds, and performing fraud prevention checks to ensure the transaction is legitimate.
4. Payment Routing: Worldpay routes the payment request to the appropriate financial institution, such as the customer’s card issuer or bank, for authorization. This process involves securely transmitting the payment data and obtaining approval or denial from the financial institution.
5. Authorization Response: The financial institution sends an authorization response back to Worldpay, indicating whether the transaction is approved or declined. Worldpay receives and interprets this response, which determines whether the customer’s payment is accepted or rejected.
6. Funds Settlement: If the transaction is approved, Worldpay facilitates the settlement process. This involves transferring the funds from the customer’s account to the merchant’s account. Settlement timelines can vary based on factors such as the payment method, currency, and merchant agreement.
7. Reporting and Analytics: Worldpay provides merchants with detailed reporting and analytics tools to monitor their payment transactions, track sales, and gain insights into customer behavior. These tools help businesses optimize their payment processes, identify trends, and make informed business decisions.
8. Security and Compliance: Worldpay places a strong emphasis on security and compliance to protect sensitive payment data. It employs industry-standard security measures, including encryption, tokenization, and secure data transmission protocols. Worldpay also adheres to global payment card industry standards, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), to ensure data protection and maintain compliance.
9. Value-Added Services: In addition to payment processing, Worldpay offers various value-added services to merchants. These services may include fraud detection and prevention tools, chargeback management, recurring billing solutions, multi-currency processing, and customized reporting options.

By leveraging Worldpay’s payment processing services, businesses can streamline their payment operations, provide a variety of payment options to customers, and securely process transactions, ultimately enhancing the overall customer experience and facilitating business growth.

Can Worldpay be trusted

Worldpay, as a well-established and reputable payment processing company, has earned trust from businesses and customers worldwide. Here are a few reasons why Worldpay can be considered trustworthy:

1. Industry Experience: Worldpay has been operating in the payment processing industry since 1989, making it one of the longest-standing and most experienced players in the field. Its long history and extensive expertise have contributed to building a solid reputation.
2. Global Presence: Worldpay operates in over 146 countries, serving businesses of all sizes across various industries. Its wide geographical reach and extensive customer base attest to the trust placed in the company’s services.
3. Security Measures: Worldpay places a strong emphasis on security to protect sensitive payment data. It adheres to industry-standard security protocols, including encryption, tokenization, and secure data transmission. By maintaining compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), Worldpay ensures the secure handling of cardholder information.
4. Reliability and Infrastructure: Worldpay boasts a robust and reliable payment infrastructure, capable of handling large transaction volumes and maintaining uptime. Its systems are designed to provide seamless payment processing, minimizing disruptions and ensuring a smooth payment experience for businesses and customers.
5. Compliance with Regulations: Worldpay complies with relevant industry regulations and standards, such as PCI DSS, to ensure data protection and maintain secure payment processing practices. By adhering to these regulations, Worldpay demonstrates its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of security and compliance.
6. Trustworthy Partnerships: Worldpay has established partnerships with major financial institutions, technology providers, and industry organizations. These partnerships validate Worldpay’s credibility and enhance its ability to deliver reliable and innovative payment solutions.
7. Customer Support: Worldpay offers customer support services to assist businesses with any payment-related queries or issues they may encounter. The availability of dedicated support channels and knowledgeable staff helps build trust and confidence in the company’s services.

However, it is important to note that trust can also depend on individual experiences and requirements. Different businesses and customers may have varying needs and preferences. It is advisable to conduct thorough research, review the specific terms and conditions, and consider the suitability of Worldpay’s services for your particular business before making a decision.

Does Worldpay charge a fee

Yes, Worldpay charges fees for its payment processing services. The specific fees and pricing structure can vary depending on factors such as the type of business, transaction volume, payment methods accepted, and the country or region in which the business operates.

Worldpay typically charges a combination of fixed fees and transaction-based fees. Fixed fees may include charges for services such as account setup, monthly maintenance, and equipment rental (if applicable). Transaction-based fees are typically a percentage of the transaction amount or a fixed fee per transaction.

The exact fee structure and rates are determined during the onboarding process when a business signs up with Worldpay. It is recommended to reach out to Worldpay directly or consult their official website to get accurate and up-to-date information on their fees and pricing for your specific business needs.