A2A solution offers real-time payments with card-style safeguards
Visa has launched its new account-to-account (A2A) payment solution, Visa A2A, in the UK today (June 2).
The product introduces consumer protections typically associated with card payments, and is now fully operational for bill and subscription payments, with plans to expand into ecommerce.
The solution is built on the UK’s Faster Payments infrastructure and enables users to make bank transfers through a simplified experience. Through one-time authentication, consumers can initiate recurring or one-click payments via their bank account, directly from participating apps or checkouts.
Unlike traditional bank transfers, Visa A2A includes clear refund and error dispute processes. This is the first time such protections have been added to UK pay-by-bank services.
Mandy Lamb, Managing Director at Visa UK and Ireland, said the launch comes at a time when payment choice and safety are in sharp focus.
“We are proud to be working with our partners to deliver a state-of-the-art pay by bank experience, coupled with Visa’s best-in-class consumer protections,” said Lamb. “It means for the first time UK consumers and businesses using pay by bank will benefit from a similar level of protection typically associated with card payments.”
Designed to benefit businesses and the UK fintech sector
For businesses, Visa A2A provides access to real-time settlement, detailed reconciliation data, and notifications if a payment mandate is changed or cancelled. It is built to support recurring payments and direct debits, and integrates with banks and fintechs through an open, commercial model.
The company has partnered with a range of UK financial institutions and payment providers, including Nationwide, TSB, Checkout.com, Plaid, Modulr, Tink, and Bottomline.
Several of these organisations will introduce the service to their customers later in 2025.
Isabel Pitt, Deputy Director of Payments at Nationwide, said:
“A2A payments are rapidly gaining traction across UK businesses and consumers. However, for these payments to reach their full potential, the right framework—rules, capabilities, and protections—must be in place.”
Economic impact and next steps
Research cited by Visa from Innovate Finance suggests that improving the UK’s fintech infrastructure could unlock up to £328 billion in economic growth over five years. Visa A2A is being positioned as a part of that growth strategy, aimed at reinforcing the UK’s position in global digital finance.
Ecommerce functionality for Visa A2A is planned to launch in phases. Once available, consumers will be able to authorise bank payments for online purchases with a single click after initial setup.
The launch of Visa A2A reflects growing industry momentum behind A2A payments as a faster, more efficient alternative to cards, with wider implications for how money moves across the UK financial system.
