CHILDMINDERS · PAYMENT LINKS
How Childminders Get Paid in the UK
A detailed breakdown of the most common payment methods used by UK childminders, including cash, bank transfers, standing orders, card readers, childcare accounts and modern payment links. Learn the strengths and weaknesses of each method so you can choose what works best for your childminding business.
Every childminder in the UK gets paid slightly differently. Some parents pay by bank transfer at the end of the week. Others set up a standing order. Some use childcare accounts and vouchers. And more recently, many childminders are using payment links because they make fees easier to collect without long message threads.
Each method has benefits and frustrations. What works well for a small, stable routine can cause problems when schedules change, extra sessions are added, or a parent regularly pays late. Understanding your options helps you build a system that feels fair, calm, and professional.
This guide breaks down the most common ways childminders get paid in the UK and the pros and cons of each. It also shows how these methods fit into a wider payment system that keeps your childcare income predictable.
Part of the Childminders Payment Links Guide Series.
If you want the complete overview, start at the pillar page: Payment Links for Childminders – Complete UK Guide .
The Most Common Ways Childminders Get Paid Today
There are six common payment methods used by UK childminders. Each one can work, but each has trade offs that affect your cashflow, admin, and how easy it is to handle late payments.
1. Cash
Cash still happens, especially for small amounts or occasional extras. It can feel simple, but it is not always practical for regular childcare fees.
Pros
- Immediate payment on the day
- No apps or logins for parents
- Useful for small one off extras
Cons
- Harder to track and match to weeks or months
- Easy for parents to forget when rushing
- You have to handle, store and record cash
2. Bank transfer
Bank transfer is common because it feels straightforward. Parents send fees weekly or monthly once they remember, often after you have already provided the care.
Pros
- Goes straight into your bank
- Works for weekly or monthly fees
- No extra hardware needed
Cons
- Easy for parents to delay and say “I will do it later”
- References can be messy, which makes tracking harder
- Often leads to manual chasing when payments drift late
3. Standing order
Standing orders can work well for stable schedules because fees arrive automatically on a set date. They are most useful when the weekly or monthly amount rarely changes.
Pros
- More predictable cashflow
- Less chasing for regular families
- Works well for consistent weekly fees
Cons
- Does not handle extra sessions automatically
- Parents have to update it when hours change
- Still needs a separate method for deposits or holding fees
4. Childcare accounts and vouchers
Some families pay using childcare accounts and vouchers. This can be a good option for parents, but it can add complexity for you depending on how the payments arrive and how you track them.
- Useful for families who rely on childcare support
- Can be slower or harder to reconcile with your invoices
- Often still needs a separate method for deposits and extras
5. Card readers
Some childminders use card readers for ad hoc payments or extras, usually when the parent is present at pick up. It can feel professional, but it does not solve late payment patterns by itself.
Pros
- Simple tap to pay experience
- Good for one off extras
- Feels professional and clear
Cons
- Parent still needs to be present
- Reader fees add up over time
- Does not help much with late monthly fees
6. Payment links
Payment links are a simple way to request fees without bank details, references, or repeated messages. You send a link, the parent taps to pay, and the payment shows up in one place.
These can be sent through:
Payment links also make it easier to take holding fees, split deposits and balances, and use automatic reminders for late fees. Those pieces are covered in the other guides in this silo.
Real Payment Situations Childminders Face
Here are a few real world scenarios that show how different payment methods play out in day to day childminding.
A parent pays by transfer “when they get a moment”
You remind them politely, they say they will do it later, and it becomes a loop. Transfers work, but they rely on memory and motivation.
A payment link sent with a clear due date reduces this because it is one tap to pay and does not rely on them opening a banking app.
Standing order covers the main fee, but extras get missed
The main weekly fee arrives automatically, but late pick ups and extra sessions get forgotten because they are outside the standing order amount.
A separate payment link for each extra keeps it clear and avoids awkward conversations at pick up.
A parent regularly pays late, but you do not want conflict
You do not want to bring up money at the door, so you message in the evening. That turns into a weekly admin job that drains your energy.
Automatic reminders can solve this without you chasing manually. See Automatic Payment Reminders for Childminders for examples.
A Simple Way to Decide Which Payment Method Works Best
You do not need to choose one payment method only. Many childminders use a mix. This simple system helps you decide what fits each family and situation.
Decide how important predictability is for your setting
Regular childcare fees usually need predictable payment to keep your household and business stable. That is why many childminders prefer fees in advance on a fixed date, rather than waiting until after care has been provided.
Separate regular fees from extras
A standing order can work for stable fees, but extras like late pick ups and ad hoc days often need their own payment request. Payment links make this simple because each extra can be requested clearly without confusion.
Use deposits or holding fees when you are taking diary risk
If you are holding a start date or protecting a space for a new family, a holding fee reduces last minute changes. See how childminders can request a deposit for wording and examples.
Use payment links where consistency matters most
Payment links are useful for families who pay late, for extras that get forgotten, and for any situation where you want a clear record and quick payment without bank details.
Example Messages for Each Payment Method
Here are simple message examples childminders use when requesting payment through different methods.
Standing order example
Thanks again. Your standing order for £[Amount] on [Day] covers the weekly fees. If we add any extra sessions or late pick ups, I will send a separate payment request for those.
Bank transfer example
Hi [Name], a quick reminder that childcare fees for [Month or Week] are £[Amount]. When you get a moment, please transfer to the account ending 1234. Thank you.
Payment link example
Hi [Name], your childcare fees for [Month or Week] are £[Amount]. Here is your payment link. Tap to pay securely when you are ready: [Payment Link]. Thank you.
If you want more copy and paste messages including overdue reminders, see payment reminder templates for childminders .
The Big Wins
Choosing the right mix of payment methods helps childminders gain:
- More predictable childcare income
Faster, clearer payments mean fewer gaps in your monthly cashflow.
- Less chasing and fewer awkward messages
Clear systems reduce how often you need to remind parents manually.
- Stronger boundaries that still feel kind
A clear process makes fees feel like routine admin, not a personal conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common way childminders get paid in the UK?
Many childminders receive fees through bank transfer or standing order for regular childcare. For extras, deposits and late payments, many also use payment links because they keep everything clear and quick to pay.
Do childminders have to use one payment method only?
No. Most childminders use a mix. For example, a standing order for regular fees and payment links for extras, holding fees or overdue payments.
Are payment links safe for parents?
Yes. Payment links use secure checkout pages and let parents pay by card or wallet. Parents usually do not need to create an account to pay.
Can payment methods help reduce late childcare fees?
Yes. Clear payment terms plus payment links and automatic reminders reduce late payments because parents can pay quickly and the system follows up when needed.
Related Guides
Continue learning with these related guides:
Payment Links for Childminders — Complete UK Guide
The complete UK guide to payment links for childminders. Learn how to take deposits securely, reduce cancellations, and get paid on time.
Read guideHow Childminders Can Request a Deposit Professionally
A professional UK guide for childminders on requesting deposits using payment links.
Read guideHow Childminders Can Reduce Cancellations
A practical guide to reducing cancellations and late changes for UK childminders using clear policies and deposits.
Read guideHow to Send Payment Links as a Childminder
A simple guide for UK childminders on how to send payment links by text, WhatsApp and email.
Read guideCreate a Simple Payment System for Your Childminding Business
If you are ready to reduce chasing, take holding fees, and keep childcare payments predictable, Simply Link helps you send payment links in seconds with friendly automatic reminders. Create your free account and send your first payment link today.
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