Getting started

Basic information about the Atoa app and dashboard.

By Anisha Suvarna and 1 other

• 5 articles

What is Atoa, and how does it work?

Atoa is a UK payment provider that helps businesses accept Pay by Bank and card payments through one simple platform. With Pay by Bank, customers pay directly from their banking app using secure open banking technology. Instead of entering card details, they simply approve the payment in their bank app. Businesses can also enable card payments so customers have the option to pay by debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay) if they prefer. Atoa supports in-store, online checkout, and remote payments, making it easy for businesses to accept payments in the way that suits them best. Atoa is an FCA-authorised payment institution based in London and is trusted by thousands of UK businesses. What Atoa offers to business owners Atoa is designed to make payments simpler, faster, and more cost-effective for modern businesses. Lower payment costs Pay by Bank transactions typically cost less than traditional card payments, helping businesses reduce payment processing fees. Multiple ways to accept payments Businesses can accept payments through: - QR codes for in-store payments - Payment links sent via SMS or email - “Pay now” buttons on invoices sent through software like Xero, QuickBooks, or Sage - Online checkout for websites - Card payments, which you can enable alongside Pay by Bank to give customers more choice Fast payment confirmation Payments are confirmed instantly, so businesses know immediately when a customer has paid. Flexible settlement options Pay by Bank payments typically settle instantly into your business account. For larger businesses on payout schedules, funds are usually paid out the next working day. We now also offer end-of-day settlement for larger businesses. Learn more here. No sensitive data sharing Customers approve payments directly in their bank app, so their bank details and card information are never shared with the business. Simple setup Customers don’t need to download anything. They simply approve the payment using their existing banking app.. How Atoa works Atoa gives businesses the option to accept both Pay by Bank and card payments. Pay by Bank 1. Create a payment Display a QR code, send a payment link, or generate a payment from your Atoa dashboard or terminal. 2. Customer selects their bank The customer scans the QR code or clicks the payment link and chooses their bank. 3. Approve in the bank app The customer confirms the payment securely in their banking app using face ID, fingerprint, or passcode. 4. Payment confirmed The payment is approved instantly and you receive confirmation that the payment has been completed. 5. Funds are settled Funds are transferred to your business account, typically instantly or according to your payout schedule. Card payments If card payments are enabled on your account, customers can also pay using debit or credit cards. Card payments can be accepted: - On card terminals - Through payment links - Through online checkout This allows customers to choose the payment method that works best for them. Learn more To explore all Atoa payment solutions, do visit our website. If you’d like to see how Atoa works for your business, you can also book a free demo with the Atoa team for a full walkthrough of the platform.

Last updated on Mar 27, 2026

Is Atoa secure?

Yes. Security is built into every payment made through Atoa. When customers pay using Pay by Bank, the payment is authorised directly in their own banking app. Before approving the transaction, the customer confirms it using their bank’s security checks, such as Face ID, fingerprint, or their banking passcode. This means sensitive details like bank credentials are never shared with the business or with Atoa. Atoa also supports card payments (Visa and Mastercard). Card transactions are processed through secure card networks and follow industry-standard protections and encryption used across the global payments ecosystem. For Pay by Bank payments, Atoa uses the UK’s Faster Payments network. Faster Payments is the same infrastructure used by UK banks for everyday transfers, including salary payments. The network is regulated and monitored by UK Financial Conduct Authority. Payments move directly between the customer’s bank and the business’s bank account. Pay by Bank payments also do not support traditional chargebacks, which can provide additional protection for businesses against disputed payments. By combining secure bank authentication, trusted payment networks, and strong regulatory standards, Atoa provides businesses with a safe and reliable way to accept both Pay by Bank and card payments.

Last updated on Mar 13, 2026

Does the customer need to download an app to pay with Atoa?

To pay using Atoa, the customer needs a mobile phone with a banking app registered on it. Atoa payments are automatically opened in the smartphone browser. After a customer pays with Atoa, they will automatically receive an e-receipt in their browser, which they can download and save. Customers don't need the Atoa Pay app to make a payment. However, if your customer already has the Atoa Pay app on their smartphone, they can pay using their linked bank details. If the customer forgets their phone, an alternative payment method should be offered to them.

Last updated on Sep 05, 2024

How to order in-store QR codes

Let’s walk you through the simple steps of ordering in-store QR codes to get started. How do I order a QR code for my store? Once you’ve created your Atoa business account, you’re eligible for a free Atoa kit. Here’s how to order: On your Atoa dashboard, 1. Go to ‘Settings' and select the ‘Manage QRs’ tab 2. Click on the ‘Order Atoa QR kit’ button on the banner 3. Fill in your delivery address details 4. Hit ‘Order now for Free’ and we’ll send it to you. Just remember to double-check your delivery address. If you prefer ordering through the Atoa business app, simply click the Home button and select ‘QR code settings’ to find the banner. Keep taking payments: While you wait for your new stand, you can still use the Atoa business app or dashboard to generate QR codes or send payment links to your customers. How do I order more QR codes? I run multiple stores. If you need more QR stands or stickers, reach out to us at hello@paywithatoa.co.uk with your business name and delivery address. FAQs Do I get this QR code stand or sticker for free? Absolutely! Your first one is on us as part of your welcome kit. It includes everything you need to get started: a tent card with basic payment instructions, a pen, a detailed booklet about Atoa, an Atoa brand sticker, and a standee. Do I need to verify my account to order a QR code? Yes, you'll need to verify your account before placing an order for the Atoa QR kit. My QR code has faded or is damaged. How do I order a new one? Do you feel like your QR code has seen better days? Don’t worry! If you’ve been with us for a year, we’ll send you a new in-store QR code for free. Just follow the process mentioned above to get started! Or you can also reach out to us at hello@paywithatoa.co.uk.

Last updated on Jan 03, 2025

Can I use Atoa as a sole trader?

Unfortunately, as of 10 January 2025, Atoa doesn’t support new signups for sole traders. To use our services, you'll need a Company Number or a Registered Charity Number.

Last updated on Jan 03, 2025