UK Completes First Ever A2A Visa Transaction, Here’s What That Means

Visa said Kroo Bank, Utilita and Tink carried out the first commercial variable recurring payment through Visa A2A in the UK. The payment showed an energy bill being settled in real time. Visa said this was the first occasion where card-style protection sat over an account to account payment.

The money moved through Faster Payments and went straight from a Kroo Bank account to Utilita. Visa said this showed the system works end to end and is ready for wider use across the country.

Danny Haynes, Chief Product Officer at Kroo, said: “At Kroo, we’re proud to be part of a major step forward in how the UK moves money. By making recurring payments faster, safer, and more transparent, we’re giving people and businesses real-time control over their finances. This marks the next evolution for recurrent payments – the beginning of a new era in everyday banking, and we’re proud to be leading the way.”

Visa placed its Secured by Visa trustmark on the process which gives people reassurance that there is a clear route to recover money when something goes wrong. This places the A2A experience closer to what people already know from card transactions.

Visa said the result gives people sharper visibility over their payments. It also gives a quicker view of when money leaves the account which has been a long standing frustration for anyone tied to Direct Debit.

How Does The New Model Work?

Tink started the flow after checking funds. It then sent the request onward. Kroo Bank released the money straight from the payer’s account and pushed it through Faster Payments. Visa handled the framework that connects each side and placed the rules that control how disputes are settled.

Ian Morrin, Head of Payments at Tink, said: “By powering the first cVRP transaction with Visa A2A, Tink is helping to set new standards for speed, security, and transparency in recurring payments. This is a key milestone, but it’s just the start for Visa A2A and the potential impact of this transformative solution. More choice and control is always good news for consumers and businesses.”

Utilita showed how a person can set up a recurring mandate in its app. That mandate covers in-app top ups as well as off-session bill payments. Utilita said this helps it keep its books tidy and improves the pace of reconciliation.

Ian Burgess, Chief Technology Officer at Utilita, said: “Our commitment to technological leadership has always focused on empowering consumers, and payments are at the heart of that mission. That’s why we’re thrilled to have played a role in this groundbreaking achievement… a true ‘man on the moon’ moment for the evolution of account-to-account (A2A) payments. It’s important our customers have the same trusted security and protections they’ve come to expect from their cards.”

Visa said the model fits bills, subscriptions and low risk online transactions. It sits on open banking rules that banks and payment partners already use which makes it easier for them to work inside the same structure.

Visa added that the protection built into the system gives people a calmer experience. They have clearer knowledge of when money moves and what amount has been taken which gives users a more confident sense of control.

Why Are People Willing To Try New Bill Payment Methods?

Visa research found that 60% of UK consumers would likely try a new way to pay bills. The company said this interest comes from long running frustrations around Direct Debit which can leave people unsure about the timing and size of each debit.

People use online services every day and have grown used to instant updates. They expect the same rhythm from bill payments. Visa A2A attempts to satisfy those expectations through instant confirmation and a straightforward view of each transaction.

Visa said trust is important when money leaves an account. The Secured by Visa trustmark plays a strong part in helping people feel safe enough to try something new. The framework around disputes also gives comfort because users know they can challenge a payment that goes wrong.

People want convenience and cleaner visibility. Visa A2A tries to meet that need through faster information and more control than older systems.

What Does This Mean For Payment Activity In The UK?

Visa said the A2A model can support the country’s National Payments Vision and help move the UK toward a system that gives safer day to day transactions. The company said everyone in the payment flow gains from a structure that brings clearer rules and a recognisable trustmark.

Visa sees the A2A product as something that can work across many types of payments because it is designed to sit comfortably with banks, merchants and payment partners. The company said the structure behind the service can help open banking reach more users across the country.

The first transaction showed that the full chain can run smoothly. People get quicker confirmation and stronger protection which makes the payment feel easier to trust. Visa said it will now work on preparing the system for broader public use in the UK.

Mark Wilcocks, VP Head of Product & Solutions, Visa UK & Ireland said: “Today marks a major milestone in UK payments innovation with the first commercial Variable Recurring Payment transaction powered by Visa A2A. This breakthrough demonstrates how industry collaboration is transforming the way consumers and businesses manage recurring payments.

“For consumers, it means greater control, transparency, and security when paying bills – no more surprises or delays. For merchants, it unlocks faster settlement, improved cash flow, and a trusted payment experience for their customers. We congratulate everyone involved in this milestone and extend our thanks to our partners Kroo, Tink, and Utilita for their commitment to driving payments innovation in the UK.”