Who are Merchant Compare?

Illustration of a financial advisor talking to a confused client about a merchant account and EPOS, with a business growth chart in the background. The advisor, holding a clipboard, appears confident, while the client looks uncertain.

Founded by payments expert Tim Ede, Merchant Compare was created to bring clarity, fairness, and real support to an industry too often clouded by hidden fees, complex terms, and questionable sales practices.

With over 20 years’ experience in banking and payments, including 7 years in senior leadership roles at Barclaycard Payments, Tim saw firsthand how many UK businesses were being misinformed, mis-sold, and poorly supported when choosing their card payment, merchant account, or EPOS provider.

From unclear pricing models and PCI DSS confusion, to data security risks, integration headaches, and limited access for high-risk businesses — it became clear that there was a serious gap in the market for expert, independent, merchant-focused advice.

Tim Ede – Founder & Senior Payments Expert

Tim brings a wealth of practical insight and commercial understanding to every client engagement. With a background in banking, credit risk, and payment systems, he has a proven ability to simplify the complex, while helping businesses stay compliant, secure, and commercially sound.

Key Career Highlights:

  • Head of Business Introducer Growth & Development – Barclaycard Payments

  • Regional Manager (East & London) – Barclaycard Payments

  • Senior Business Manager – Barclays Bank

  • Business Owner – Mortgage, Insurance, and Cleaning Services

  • 15+ years in the payments industry, including leadership in risk and strategy

  • 20+ years total in financial services, banking, and payments

Tim prides himself on building long-term relationships and finding simple but effective solutions that genuinely help businesses save money, reduce risk, and grow with confidence.

Portrait of a man wearing glasses and a suit, surrounded by a blue circular frame on a black background.

Person 1 – Senior Payments Expert

Tim brings a wealth of practical insight and commercial understanding to every client engagement. With a background in banking, credit risk, and payment systems, he has a proven ability to simplify the complex, while helping businesses stay compliant, secure, and commercially sound.

Key Career Highlights:

  • Head of Business Introducer Growth & Development – Barclaycard Payments

  • Regional Manager (East & London) – Barclaycard Payments

  • Senior Business Manager – Barclays Bank

  • Business Owner – Mortgage, Insurance, and Cleaning Services

  • 15+ years in the payments industry, including leadership in risk and strategy

  • 20+ years total in financial services, banking, and payments

Tim prides himself on building long-term relationships and finding simple but effective solutions that genuinely help businesses save money, reduce risk, and grow with confidence.

Person 2 – Senior Payments Expert

Tim brings a wealth of practical insight and commercial understanding to every client engagement. With a background in banking, credit risk, and payment systems, he has a proven ability to simplify the complex, while helping businesses stay compliant, secure, and commercially sound.

Key Career Highlights:

  • Head of Business Introducer Growth & Development – Barclaycard Payments

  • Regional Manager (East & London) – Barclaycard Payments

  • Senior Business Manager – Barclays Bank

  • Business Owner – Mortgage, Insurance, and Cleaning Services

  • 15+ years in the payments industry, including leadership in risk and strategy

  • 20+ years total in financial services, banking, and payments

Tim prides himself on building long-term relationships and finding simple but effective solutions that genuinely help businesses save money, reduce risk, and grow with confidence.