PayByPhone Reviews 

1,055
TrustScore 1 out of 5

1.2

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Looking at 145 reviews, most reviewers were let down by their experience overall. Many customers state that the mobile application constantly crashes, fails to process payments properly, and ultimately results in unexpected parking fines. Reviewers also express great frustration regarding the parking fees and additional service charges, considering them excessively expensive. However, some people mentioned that trying to contact customer support is extremely difficult because the automated chat service provides no real assistance. Users additionally pointed out that the official website suffers from frustrating technical glitches and numerous navigation hurdles when attempting to complete transactions. Consumers feel that these ongoing technical problems make managing parking sessions unnecessarily complicated and stressful.

What people talk about most

Payment

Reviewers highlight negative aspects of payment, noting that the process is frequently disrupted by technical... See more

Application

Users describe negative interactions with app, frequently citing crashes, freezing on startup screens, and... See more

Price

People report negative experiences with price, consistently highlighting excessive charges and unexpected... See more

Website

Reviewers mention negative feedback about website performance, describing the platform as clunky, slow, and... See more

User experience

Customers consistently express deep frustration and negative experiences regarding the user experience.... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

St Peters retail park Mansfield. App not working, no Wi-Fi signal so what’s the point in having it. Several attempts at machine kept cancelling payment then after 4th try said out of order. Tried ri... See more

Company replied

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

ABSOLUTELY ABYSMAL IS THIS DAMN APP. It is slow it is useless it wants passwords even though I only use the useless thing for two areas - it is truly awful, by the time I sit trying to get the damn th... See more

Company replied

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Check out the reviews for the Android paybyphone app on Google play store. Hundreds of reports since August 2025 of people getting fines from parking companies because of an app that doesn't pr... See more

Company replied

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

1-star is too high but sadly no way to give zero stars. Utterly useless application, website and support "bot" that just goes round in circles telling you the same thing. All because I just want to do... See more


Company details

  1. Payment service
  2. Valet parking service

Written by the company

Welcome to PayByPhone, the innovative leader in cashless parking solutions. With our user-friendly app, website, and telephone service, we're revolutionising the way you park. What We Offer: PayByPhone is all about simplifying your parking experience. Our services allow you to pay for parking with just a few taps on your smartphone or a quick call. Whether you're in a rush for a meeting or enjoying a day out, we've got your parking needs covered. We've designed our platform with you in mind. Easy navigation, quick payment processing, and a seamless interface make parking less of a hassle and more of a breeze. Our Commitment: We're dedicated to providing a reliable and convenient service. Our focus is to ensure your parking experience is as stress-free as possible. Please Note: While we're here to assist with your cashless parking needs, there are a few things we don't handle: - We don't own parking machines or car parks. - We don't set parking prices. - We don't deal with parking enforcement. Use the Real PayByPhone: For safe parking, download our app or visit www.paybyphone.co.uk. Be careful with fake sites – we can't help with problems from them. Thank you for choosing PayByPhone. We're excited to make your parking experience better!


Contact info

1.2

Bad

TrustScore 1 out of 5

1k reviews

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1.2

All reviews

(1,055)

171 reviews in the last 12 months

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Companies on Trustpilot aren't allowed to offer incentives or pay to hide reviews. Reviews are the opinions of individual users and not of Trustpilot. Read more

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Constantly looses my car list

Constantly looses my car list and payment details, says no nearby locations despite having full signal and standing next to the machine. DO BETTER

13 May 2026
Unprompted review
PayByPhone logo

Reply from PayByPhone

Hi Ian,

Thanks for letting us know, and sorry for the inconvenience. 
If you’re able to share a few more details, our support team would be happy to help here: https://support.paybyphone.com/hc/en-001/p/chat

Many thanks,

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Nightmare of an experience

The IA they used for chat is a nightmare.

I opened a claim as I was double charged with the IA. Unable to speak to a real person. The IA say it opened a ticket but cannot provide any ticket number …

Honestly if I can’t get a hold on someone I might just fill a claim a consumer’s association.

25 April 2026
Unprompted review
PayByPhone logo

Reply from PayByPhone

Hi Fanny, We are sorry to read of the problems. We will be happy to reach out to you directly, if you would like to provide your details via our private request here.
PayByPhone Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Pay by Phone? More like can't Pay by Phone and the company couldn't care less

Sat in my car in Blackheath last night trying to pay for parking ahead of a concert. App said my account was suspended but provided nobody to speak to. Rang the number on the parking sign but only option is automated to pay for parking. Tried to do this but robot said my phone wasn't registered. Tried to create an account and it then said I was registered. Eventually had to give up and park a long way away. Missed the beginning of my concert. Today have tried to contact someone in person. Only option is to speak to a chatbot who told to to try alternative methods of paying which is a nonsense. There are not ticket machines, no alternative apps and I couldn't pay by phone. Bot told me someone would email me at some point in the future to respond but when? Why is a parking company permitted have no physical customer service for people to speak to? They are an absolute disgrace and the shocking reviews they consistently get are testament to this

2 May 2026
Unprompted review
PayByPhone logo

Reply from PayByPhone

Hello Rosie, We are sorry to read of the account problems. If someone cannot access their account, they can always buy as a guest user (not signed in at all) - we won't leave anyone with no option to use the service. If you ask our bot to pass you to staff, it will offer the email option and we typically reply as soon as possible and typically within an hour or two. We answer phone calls and emails 24 hours of every day. If you still require assistance, please respond with details here and we will be happy to reach out to assist you.
PayByPhone Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

App is very user unfriendly to use

App is very user unfriendly to use. Impossible to speak to a human about a problem. Very stressful experience

27 April 2026
Unprompted review
PayByPhone logo

Reply from PayByPhone

Hello Diane, PayByPhone's phone numbers have menu options to speak to staff, our bot is happy to pass customers to Customer Support for email support. We are available and answering queries 24 hours of every day. We are sorry you have struggled and will be happy to reach out to you directly, if you would like to provide your details via our private request here.
Update: Please look out for our email to you.
PayByPhone Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

No way of contacting customer service; possibly illegal advice from chatbot

I've been trying for months to remove my email address from PayByPhone's database, and somebody else has used it to sign up for an account. There appears to be no way of contacting them besides the chatbot on the website, which has on multiple times stated that a ticket has been raised and I would receive an email: that has never happened. On one occasion, the chatbot has instructed me to use my email address to log into the stranger's account, which feels uncomfortable (and possibly illegal under the computer misuse act) as the account will presumably include that person's personal data, telephone number, car details, and movement history. There appears to be no way to communicate with an actual human.

16 March 2026
Unprompted review
PayByPhone logo

Reply from PayByPhone

We are sorry to read of the problems. PayByPhone Customer Support answers both emails and calls 24 hours of every day. Our bot continues to pass users to staff for email comms. We will be happy to reach out to you directly, if you would like to provide your details via our private request here.
PayByPhone Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Utterly awful

Utterly awful. These charlatans push you to take sms reminders and then charge 8p + vat for the service. The app is not great, confusing to use. They clearly have no regard for their customers.

20 April 2026
Unprompted review
PayByPhone logo

Reply from PayByPhone

Hello Consumer,

Thank you for contacting PayByPhone Support. 
We appreciate your concerns regarding sms fees.
If you prefer not to use this service, you can easily disable SMS reminders in your app:
Menu > Account Settings > Parking Notifications > SMS reminders (toggle on/off)
https://support.paybyphone.com/hc/en-001/articles/14106009484945-SMS-Notifications

Kind regards,

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

ABSOLUTELY ABYSMAL IS THIS DAMN APP

ABSOLUTELY ABYSMAL IS THIS DAMN APP. It is slow it is useless it wants passwords even though I only use the useless thing for two areas - it is truly awful, by the time I sit trying to get the damn thing to work I get a parking ticket. whoever is paid to develop this ridiculous system needs SACKED. The cost for a text msg is stupid altogether typical disgusting piece of non equipment.

17 April 2026
Unprompted review
PayByPhone logo

Reply from PayByPhone

We are sorry to see your review, Emma. Please feel free to reach out to Customer Support via our bot (ask to be connected and send your details for email) if wishing to report specifics or seek help. You can also buy parking as a guest (not signed in).
PayByPhone Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Their app is terrible

This app is terrible. The website loads incredibly slowly and deceives you just before payment by making you think parking has started. However, you actually need to complete a few more steps. This tactic is used to increase your chances of getting a fine. I shall pay by cash next time!

UPDATE; they really are an awful company and will be trying my best to avoid them. This is not how you handle a customer review with such reply!

16 April 2026
Unprompted review
PayByPhone logo

Reply from PayByPhone

Please do reply to our private request so we can ensure contact and gain precise information as to how you feel you are fooled into thinking payment is completed. Thanks, Harrison.
PayByPhone Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

The system is riddled with faults

The system is riddled with faults. I would have preferred to carry change with me then trust this system. I changed my mobile number and now can register my permit on my new phone. Course you cant just update your number you have set up a whole new account.

16 April 2026
Unprompted review
PayByPhone logo

Reply from PayByPhone

We're sorry to see your comments. Your phone number is a key identifier so cannot be changed. However, we'll be happy to help you if you reach out to Customer Support by asking our bot: https://support.paybyphone.com/hc/en-001/p/chat
Alternatively, though maybe less speedy, feel free to reply to our private request here and we will email you.
PayByPhone Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

An App that never works, scandalous

The app never works it is absolutely infuriating. It says no signal but I have managed to get on WiFi. Every other app on my phone is working.

15 April 2026
Unprompted review
PayByPhone logo

Reply from PayByPhone

We are sorry to read you have experienced trouble with data connection. Please respond to our private request and we will be happy to collect your details for investigation.
PayByPhone Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Worst parking app I've ever had to use.

Worst parking app I've had to use.
Constantly crashes, always has issues when I try to pay by another other than Gpay. Only accepts max of 5 vehicles so constantly having to delete one vehicle in order to re install another vehicle to park it. Then vice versa when a different friend visits.

It always seems to need payment approval via the bank app, but the you always get a message saying you closed the paybyphone app without confirming payment. Obviously this is just to help confuse the issue so you don't know if it's actually safe to leave the vehicle parked there. It seems like the entire app is designed to be user unfriendly.

I far prefer the RingGo app even though I find that the annoying too. At least it works.

14 April 2026
Unprompted review
PayByPhone logo

Reply from PayByPhone

We're sorry to read your review, Peter. Please respond to our private request as we're very keen to identify your account and gain further specifics to fully investigate the problem.
Update: Thanks for providing your details. Please look out for our email.
PayByPhone Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Can't even sign in

Using official app from Play Store. Can't even sign in. Dropped 0 from phone number correctly . Password entered correctly. 4g signal is good. Waste of time. Got change from a local shop & paid the old fashioned way.

13 April 2026
Unprompted review
PayByPhone logo

Reply from PayByPhone

We are sorry to learn of the sign in problems, Dave. Please respond to our private request, if we can liaise on an ongoing issue with the service for you. Guest (not signed in) payments are an option, as is the website and telephone call.
Update: please look out for our email, just sent.
PayByPhone Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I tried to use their website to pay for…

I tried to use their website to pay for parking and I have mistakenly clicked on something within the website which has resulted me being scammed. I have been subscribed without my permission or awareness to a company called Yogalicious for £29.90. Paybyphone must be aware of this and must be being paid by Yogalicious to advertise on their site. It preys on people who are trying to pay for parking on a crappy website which is unclear and confusing. Next time I will park elsewhere.

10 April 2026
Unprompted review
PayByPhone logo

Reply from PayByPhone

Hi Jacqui,

Thanks for bringing this to our attention. 
Our team is committed to improving the experience and addressing reported issues. 
If you’d like to share more details, please reach out here: https://support.paybyphone.com/hc/en-001/p/chat

Thank you

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Absurd system for overseas visitors

Absurd PayByPhone service in the UK as an overseas visitor in times where all other payments are online and by credit card and parking fees are north of 10 pound almost everywhere.

PayByPhone app and website seem geofenced and block overseas visitors.

The only option one has is to leave the parking lot. find an ATM, get bills (and pay ATM fee), then go to a supermarket, buy something, beg the cashier to return all coins they have left, then go to the paybyphone machine and overpay (as one can never get the right charge). The extra time this takes, inconvenience and extra costs this causes is more than frustrating.

This is clearly not only a nuisance for drivers/"customers". When asking for coins in a supermarket staff literally rolled their eyes "It's the parking, isn't it".

Why not improve a service that clearly is a nuisance for all?

6 April 2026
Unprompted review
PayByPhone logo

Reply from PayByPhone

We are sorry to read your comments, Peter. Please reply to our private request so that we have your details and can then gain specifics relating to your app/web visits.
Update: Thanks for providing details. We have found your emails and copied all comments for the attention of our developers.
PayByPhone Team

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

Customer service?

Following an irritating experience with PayByPhone I am advised that I can speak to a human if the ask the chatbot to speak to staff. I wonder. The next time I have the misfortune to encounter problems at one of the sites they have managed to add to their empire I will give it a try. Of course - they could just put a phone number on their App. and employ a few more people.

10 April 2026
Unprompted review
PayByPhone logo

Reply from PayByPhone

We are sorry to read your review, Paul. Customer Support is available and answering queries 24 hours of every day, email and phone. Simply ask the bot to pass you to staff, agree, fill in your details and we will be more than happy to answer your email query.
If you wish to privately supply your details here, we will email you.
PayByPhone Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Quite possibly the worst parking app…

Quite possibly the worst parking app out there. Difficult to use, and no clear instruction, had to resort to calling which made the experience even worse. The issue is that how much choice do we have to not use it if you find yourself in the unfortunate position of parking in a place that uses it. Awful, awful experience.

1 April 2026
Unprompted review
PayByPhone logo

Reply from PayByPhone

Hi Mark,

Thanks for your feedback, and sorry things haven’t been running smoothly. We’d be glad to take a closer look if you contact our support team here: https://support.paybyphone.com/hc/en-001/p/chat

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Any one there to stop paybyphone app…

Any one there to stop paybyphone app permanently because it’s very annoying and so expensive for parking, they charge in se24
Area Over £15 per hour that is to expensive, it is not only that area everywhere in London , it is better to replace this to RingGo
I checked this by myself but I didn’t park because it was too expensive
I’m 100% not happy with paybyphone it should go immediately
Assistance required from local council to take action against this please
Thanks

25 March 2026
Unprompted review
PayByPhone logo

Reply from PayByPhone

Hello, Please be advised that PayByPhone is a cashless payment provider only. We collect monies for parking operators (private car parks or council authorities) and pass them straight to that parking operator. It's the parking operator who sets prices. This is not a review of PayByPhone.
PayByPhone Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

No WiFi in Salcombe car park and no…

No WiFi in Salcombe car park and no card payment allowed. Paid on app and was charged an extra £2.50 is addition to the £13 to park. Daylight robbery!!

28 March 2026
Unprompted review
PayByPhone logo

Reply from PayByPhone

Hello Kate, We would recommend you contact the parking operator (private car park owner or council authority). They set prices and they will also be the ones to collect feedback and consider any action in respect to data connection/Wi-Fi. If you feel you have been charged incorrectly for a particular parking session, please contact our team: https://support.paybyphone.com/hc/en-001/p/chat
PayByPhone Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

No email receipt - yet again.

Yet again this system has stopped sending email receipts. There is no way to contact them to report the issue. Scam company.

26 March 2026
Unprompted review
PayByPhone logo

Reply from PayByPhone

We're sorry to read you have been missing email receipts. You can contact us at any time by asking our bot to pass you to staff, agreeing and filling in your details for an email chain. Feel free to add your details here for us to email you, if you prefer.
Update: Please look out for our email.
PayByPhone Team

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Shocking experience with the paybyphone app!

Shocking experience with the app. Sadly, as a street resident, I have little alternative but to use it.

I'm currently unable to delete cars from my mobile app which I have always used for visitor parking. As a consequence I'm unable to allow visitors or workmen to park outside my own house. I'm told that: 'Vehicle limit reached. Remove unused vehicles to add new ones'. I'd certainly like to do that! But when I go to 'Vehicle Managment' I'm simply directed to 'Fleet Parking' where I'm told to 'Upgrade to a Business Account!!!' Ludicrous. Having done everything suggested (ie logging out, re-installing app) to try to delete old cars, but am simply forced to go through the whole cycle again. I have requested help multiple times via the stupid 'Parker' bot but there has been NO response at all, and I shouldn't have to waste time like this. It is a puzzling that this appalling app is permitted at all. Instead of manipulating customers into upgrading their accounts, there should be a really straightforward way to delete cars no longer required on the system. I have listed the number plates of these cars on Parker, I would like them deleted please!

23 March 2026
Unprompted review
PayByPhone logo

Reply from PayByPhone

We're sorry to learn of this irregular trouble, Rosemary. We see a first email query via our bot this morning, replied to this morning. We hope this resolves the issue but please reply to the email with screenshots or video to demonstrate the issue, in the event it continues.
PayByPhone Team

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