Last updated: May 2026
Getting paid is the part of running a band that no one teaches you. Twenty years ago it was cash in a brown envelope at the end of the night. Today, more and more clients expect to pay by card or online, and they want to do it before the gig, not after. This guide covers every realistic way a UK band or musician can take payment in 2026, starting with the option that has grown fastest in the last few years: card payments online.
There are a number of ways a band can take payment from a client, but several pros and cons are involved with each. Some will also require a degree of preparation.
As a rule, always know how the client plans to settle their bill (especially if they aren’t paying in advance) before playing the show.
The most popular way for most customers to pay will usually be either cash or a direct bank transfer. Their choice will usually depend on the amount due and the type of event (and who is footing the bill!).
Card Payments (Online)
Taking card payments online has become the fastest growing way for bands to get paid in the UK. A client gets a link by email or text, taps it, enters their card details, and the money lands in your account. There is no card reader to bring to the gig, no bank details to type into an invoice template, and no waiting for a slow-moving accounts department to action a transfer.
It is also one of the cleanest ways to take a deposit, because the link can be sent the moment the booking is confirmed. The trade-off is fees, which all of the providers below charge as a small percentage of the payment.
UK fees compared (May 2026)
UK cards, no monthly fee
Invoiced payments
UK Goods & Services
Online links / QR
Can you charge clients for paying by card?
Short answer: no. Since January 2018, UK consumer law has banned businesses from adding a surcharge for paying by card (or PayPal, or most other payment methods) when selling to consumers. That covers most band bookings, including weddings, parties and birthdays.
What you can do is add a flat booking fee or admin fee that applies to every client regardless of how they pay. If your fee structure is “£600 plus £15 admin fee” and that £15 applies to a bank transfer payer just as much as a card payer, you’re fine. If it’s “£600, plus 3% if you pay by card”, you’re not.
The simplest approach for most bands is to bake the card processing cost into your headline fee. On a £600 booking, Stripe’s fee is around £9.20, about 1.5% of the booking. That’s easy to absorb without making your quote look more expensive than the band quoting next to you.
Stripe: cheapest for one-off card payments
Stripe charges 1.5% + 20p per UK card payment with no monthly fee. The simplest way to use it as a band is to create a Stripe Payment Link from your dashboard. It gives you a URL you can text or email to a client, and they pay in two taps. Setup takes about ten minutes once you have your bank details and a passport or driving licence to hand for ID verification.
Stripe is the cheapest of the major card options for one-off payments, especially when most of your clients are UK-based. On a typical £600 fee, you’d pay £9.20, about half what PayPal would charge.
PayPal: easiest for clients to use
PayPal charges 2.9% + 30p on UK Goods & Services payments, including invoices and payment requests. It’s more expensive than Stripe, but it’s hard to beat on familiarity. Most clients already have a PayPal account, and a PayPal.Me link or PayPal Invoice is something they recognise instantly. There is no setup if you already have a personal PayPal account; you just need to switch it to a business account, which is free.
If a client says “do you take PayPal?” before any other method, just say yes and absorb the slightly higher fee. The booking is worth more than the difference.
Square Invoices: best for invoicing
Square Invoices are free to create and let a client pay by card from a link. The fee is 2.5% on invoiced payments. If you set up a Square Online store or use Square’s eCommerce checkout instead, the rate drops to 1.4% + 25p for UK cards, but that’s a separate product from Square Invoices. Square’s invoicing UI is the cleanest of the lot, with itemised lines, a tip option, deposits and recurring invoices for residencies, and it works equally well for sole traders and bands set up as a partnership or limited company. Setup is about as quick as PayPal.
SumUp Payment Links: simple, no client account needed
SumUp Payment Links charge a flat 2.5% regardless of card type. The selling point is simplicity. You generate a link from the SumUp dashboard or mobile app, share it with the client, and they pay without needing a SumUp or PayPal account themselves. It’s a useful fallback if you’re already using a SumUp card reader for in-person gigs and you want one provider for everything.
Which one should you use?
- Cheapest standard card option: Stripe (1.5% + 20p).
- Easiest setup, clients feel comfortable: PayPal.
- Best invoicing experience: Square Invoices.
- Already using a SumUp reader and want one provider: SumUp Payment Links.
There’s no rule against using more than one. Most working bands offer a couple of options on their invoices and let the client pick.
Fees correct as of May 2026. Rates and surcharges can change, so check the provider’s pricing page before quoting them on a contract.
Bank Transfer
If you’re playing larger gigs for more prominent clients (like corporate shows or weddings), then they may well want to pay by direct bank transfer.
This involves the client electronically sending the money straight from one account to another. The most apparent advantage of bank transfer is that you don’t have to be with the client for them to pay you.
This means you can take deposits for gigs that aren’t local or receive full payment in advance.
Deposits
If you’ve secured a big booking on a popular day, you’re well within your rights to ask for a deposit to secure the date and stipulate this in your contract. This is a small amount of the overall fee paid in advance, usually taken off the rest of the outstanding balance.
You’ll have to decide whether this will be a refundable deposit and until what point – this means setting your cancellation terms.
If you’re with an agency, they will already have their own cancellation policy. For example, the Last Minute Musicians agency uses the following terms:
This contract can be cancelled by the Client, but the following cancellation fees will be payable: 6 months or more before the Event: 50% of the total cost. Between 6 months and 3 months before the Event: 75% of the total cost. Less than 3 months before the Event: 100% of the total cost. Cancellation fees are due no later than the event date. The performer may have the choice to waive these fees if further work can be found to replace the original booking. This decision will be made by the performer.
The Musicians’ Union standard contracts do not contain a sliding scale policy for cancellation but leave the hirer liable for the full fee, with the alternative to mitigate your loss by sourcing alternative work.
You can read more about their payment terms on the MU website, as well as on our blog about contracts for musicians.
Can you set up a bank account for a band?
Yes — and it’s a good idea to do so. Keeping band money separate from personal finances makes accounting far simpler, especially when it comes to splitting fees, paying expenses, and completing your tax return. If you’re looking for a dedicated band bank account, options like Tide, Monzo Business, or a standard business account with one of the high street banks all work well. Many bands find that digital/app-based business accounts are quick to set up and easy to manage on the go.
Is it illegal to use a personal bank account for business in the UK? Technically no, but many banks’ terms of service prohibit it — and it makes bookkeeping significantly more complicated. A dedicated business account is strongly recommended once you’re gigging regularly.
Invoicing
If you’re playing a show where a company is footing the bill, you may be required to send an invoice.
Put simply, an invoice is a request for payment. The default payment term is 30 days under UK law for business-to-business transactions if no other terms are agreed, but you can set your own terms in your contract or on the invoice itself.
The Gov.uk website states that there are several ingredients that make up an invoice- they are as follows:
- a unique identification number
- your company name, address and contact information
- the company name and address of the customer you’re invoicing
- a clear description of what you’re charging for
- the date the goods or service were provided (supply date)
- the date of the invoice
- the amount(s) being charged
- VAT amount if applicable
- the total amount owed
Cash
Cash is still a popular option, especially for public shows in bars or clubs. However, it’s important to remember that you will still have to declare cash earnings on your tax return!
For more information on becoming self-employed as a musician, read the LMM blog on Tax for Musicians.
Remember that cash is still the riskiest option for everyone involved, and any particularly demanding customers will find it much easier to cause trouble with cash payment.
For example, they could “forget” to bring the cash on the day or give you fake notes (knowingly or not!).
PayPal
Similar to bank transfer, PayPal allows clients to pay you online. However, PayPal’s customers like the added protection of paying through a third party. Note that PayPal does charge fees for receiving business payments (2.9% + 30p per transaction for UK Goods & Services payments), so factor this into your pricing if you plan to use it regularly.
Cheque
While seen by some to be a somewhat archaic system of payment, it is not unheard of to be paid via cheque on or before the event (this seems particularly popular for charity shows or gigs for institutions with strict payment terms, like schools).
Card payments in person (card readers)
Mobile card readers have become increasingly popular for musicians and bands, allowing you to take card payment on the spot — before or after the show. While these services charge a fee or percentage (typically around 1.69% to 2.5% depending on the provider), they offer a fast, professional payment experience.
Companies such as Zettle by PayPal (formerly iZettle), SumUp or Square will provide you with a card reader and a way to provide printed or emailed receipts. There are also services that allow you to charge cards via phone apps. SumUp currently charges 1.69% per transaction for in-person payments, with no monthly fees.
Taking card payment would offer the added flexibility of your client being able to pay for options on the night, like extra sets or a late-night DJ service.
However, if you are faced with signal or wifi problems then you may have trouble taking card payment. If you regularly play at venues, it’s also worth reading our advice on sound limiters at live events.
Last Minute Musicians member, Martin Little, says the following:
I frequently play background music for weddings, and have had the odd occasion where I’ve been asked to stay and do a later part of the day that hadn’t been contracted for … everyone has a card in their pocket, so easy to get paid there and then. Saves on admin later, and you know you’ll get paid for the extra time, so worth it.
How to structure your band as a business
Before taking payments as a band, you must decide how to structure your group as a business. There are several different approaches that musicians can take to this.
Many large acts choose to form a limited company and accept payments through a business bank account, distributing funds to personal accounts from this central point. Potentially either signing up as individually self-employed or registering as the company’s employees.
Expenses (like fuel) can also be paid out from this central business account (often utilising the deposits for cash flow), making it transparent how much money the band is making to all involved and the accounting process more straightforward.
Some smaller bands choose to form a partnership and take a similar approach to distributing funds. This can be particularly useful if your group is a floating lineup, only made up of a small number of ‘permanent’ members with a rotation of deps or regular players filling in. It’s also worth thinking about what happens if a key member needs to step back – read our guide on dealing with sickness or retirement as a musician for more on this.
If you’re a solo musician, you may want to register as self-employed and conduct your business accordingly.
Once you are set up, you can look into various payment methods…
Splitting payments between band members
Once you have been paid for a gig, you will need to split the fee between your band members. How you do this will depend on your band’s structure and the agreement you have in place. There are a few common approaches:
- Equal split – the simplest method. The total fee is divided equally between all members who played the gig, regardless of role.
- Percentage-based split – some bands allocate a larger share to the bandleader or whoever sources the bookings. For example, the person who found the gig might take 60% while the remaining 40% is split between other members.
- Fixed fees for deps – if you use deputies or session musicians for certain gigs, you might pay them a flat rate and split the remainder between permanent members.
Whatever approach you choose, make sure it is agreed upon and clearly communicated before the gig – not after. If you are using a dedicated band bank account, keeping a record of how each fee was divided will make your end-of-year accounting far more straightforward.
While you’re thinking about the practical side of gigging, our guide to whether ear protectors are important for musicians is worth a read – protecting your hearing is just as important as getting paid.
Late payment and chasing fees
Unfortunately, late payment is something most working musicians will encounter at some point. If a client has not paid within the agreed timeframe, here are some steps to follow:
- Send a polite reminder – a friendly email or message a few days after the due date. Many late payments are simply oversights.
- Follow up with a formal reminder – if there is no response after a week, send a more formal written request referencing your contract or invoice number.
- Issue a final notice – state clearly that you will take further action if payment is not received within a specified period (typically 7-14 days).
- Seek legal help – if the client still refuses to pay, you may be able to pursue a claim through the small claims court. The Musicians’ Union provides legal assistance to members for recovering unpaid fees.
The Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 gives businesses the right to charge statutory interest at 8% plus the Bank of England base rate, plus a fixed compensation charge, on overdue invoices. Important caveat: this Act only applies to business-to-business debts, so it covers corporate gigs and bookings made by companies, but not private bookings by consumers (weddings, birthday parties, private events). For consumer late payments, your contract terms will govern what you can charge, and any interest rate must be reasonable and proportionate, otherwise a court can reduce it. Having clear payment terms in your contract will strengthen your position if a dispute arises.
Incidences of non-payment
Any customer that refuses or causes trouble around payment must be treated very seriously. While the experience can be rattling and each one must be assessed individually on the situation, it’s important to remember the law is on your side.
If you have agreed upon a price and a service, then carried out that service to a satisfactory standard, you deserve to be paid.
If you are a member of the Musicians’ Union, they will help provide legal assistance should you ever need it.
Frequently asked questions
How do bands get paid?
Bands typically get paid by bank transfer (BACS), cash, card payment, or PayPal/online invoice. For larger, professional gigs — such as weddings, corporate events, or venue residencies — bank transfer is by far the most common method, usually requiring an invoice with your sort code and account number. Cash remains popular for pub and club gigs. Many bands now also use mobile card readers (such as Zettle or SumUp) for flexibility.
If you’re looking to find more paid gigs, joining Last Minute Musicians as an artist puts you in front of thousands of clients booking bands and musicians for weddings, parties, and corporate events across the UK.
How should a band manage its finances?
Setting up a dedicated business bank account for your band is the best starting point. Track all income (gig fees, deposits) and expenses (travel, equipment hire, rehearsal space) separately from personal accounts. Keep records of all invoices and contracts. If your band earns above the trading allowance (currently £1,000/year), you’ll need to declare income to HMRC — either as a sole trader, partnership, or limited company.
How does your band take payment? Do you have any advice on what methods work best? Leave your thoughts in the comments below…
