Cintra Payroll Services (2026): Features, Pricing & Independent Review for UK Businesses
Quick answer
Cintra Payroll provides a robust, cloud-based platform for HR and payroll management, and caters to UK businesses of all sizes, offering integrated payroll and HR software, outsourcing options, and compliance support. Cintra is ideal for organisations seeking reliable payroll processing, excellent reporting, and dedicated support.
While exact pricing is custom-quoted, clients can expect packages to start at around £6-£10 per employee per month depending on features and whether payroll is managed in-house or outsourced.
Need payroll support for your business?
This quote service is best for UK businesses that want to compare outsourced payroll, managed payroll, payroll software, payslips, pension support, CIS payroll or payroll services for growing teams.
Compare Payroll Service Quotes
Payroll Cost Calculator UK
Estimate your monthly payroll cost based on employee numbers, pay frequency, pension duties, CIS, payslips, reports and support level.
Pay frequency
Monthly Weekly Fortnightly Four-weekly Mixed payroll frequencies
Weekly payroll usually costs more because it runs more often.
Payroll service type
Payroll software only Managed payroll service Fully outsourced payroll Payroll bureau / accountant
Software is usually cheaper; outsourced payroll gives more support.
Business type
Office / admin business Retail / shop Hospitality / restaurant / café Construction / trades Care / healthcare Agency / variable staff Professional services Multi-site business
Variable hours, shifts and CIS can increase payroll complexity.
Need workplace pension / auto-enrolment support?
No Basic pension submissions Full auto-enrolment support
Includes pension assessment, contributions or pension file uploads.
Need CIS payroll?
No Yes, include CIS
Useful for construction businesses paying subcontractors.
Variable pay complexity
Low: fixed salaries Medium: overtime / bonuses High: shifts, tips, commissions or allowances
Hospitality, retail and sales teams often need more checks.
Payslip delivery
Digital payslips Employee portal Printed payslips
Printed payslips can add admin and postage costs.
Need HR support?
No Basic HR advice Payroll + HR support
Useful if you need contracts, absence, holiday or employment advice.
Reporting level
Basic payroll reports Management reports Advanced reports / costing / departments
Departmental reporting can be useful for larger teams.
Need year-end support?
Yes No
Includes end-of-year payroll checks and employee documents where relevant.
Setup / migration needed?
No setup needed Standard setup / migration Complex migration / multiple payrolls
Changing provider mid-year may require extra setup.
Your estimated payroll costs
Estimated monthly cost
£0
Cost per employee/month
£0
Potential monthly saving
£0
Enter your payroll requirements to estimate your costs.
Recommendation will appear here.
This calculator is an estimate only. Actual payroll costs vary by provider, employee count, pay frequency, payroll complexity, pension duties, CIS, HR support, setup, integrations, reporting and service level.
Contents
Benefits of Cintra Payroll
Downsides of Cintra Payroll
What Does Cintra Offer?
Our Verdict on Cintra Payroll
How do we work?
Transparent, impartial, and data‑driven reviews made by a team of expert humans, never AI generated – here’s exactly how Compare Your Business Costs helps you find the best deals from trusted UK providers: click here
Authored by: Ally Cox (Business Technology & B2B Services Specialist 10+ Years’ Experience)
Reviewed by: James Ward (Telecoms Specialist, 12+ Years Experience)
Last Updated: July 2026
Key Takeaways
☑ Combines payroll and HR in one platform
☑ Easy-to-use software with intuitive interface
☑ Dedicated customer support and implementation training
☑ Scalable for businesses from SMEs to large enterprises
☑ Supports in-house and fully outsourced payroll
⚠ Some features require spreadsheet uploads
⚠ Limited public pricing and fewer online reviews
What Is Cintra Payroll?
Cintra Payroll is a UK-based payroll and HR software provider with over 40 years of industry experience and 700+ clients. The platform helps businesses streamline payroll, automate HR processes, and ensure compliance with HMRC regulations.
they offers solutions suitable for:
Small to medium businesses (SMEs)
Larger organisations seeking full-service payroll
Businesses requiring payroll outsourcing
UK and some international payroll needs
Cintra Payroll Pricing (2026)
Cintra does not publicly list fixed pricing. Costs are customised per client based on employee count, required modules, and whether payroll is managed in-house or outsourced.
Typical estimates
Business Size
Service Type
Estimated Monthly Cost
SMEs (<50 employees)
In-house payroll software
£6–£10 per employee
Medium (50–250 employees)
Managed payroll & HR
£10–£15 per employee
Large (>250 employees)
Full-service outsourcing
Custom quote
Implementation fees will largely depend on the complexity of migration and onboarding.
Improvements of Cintra Payroll over the Years
The implementation process was extensive, and the software is excellent, backed by beneficial support. Cintra has always been regarded as a ‘can do’ company. The team is professional, proactive, and friendly, and it consistently provides customers with the best support possible.
Issues of Cintra Payroll Over the Years
Some system features require information to be submitted via an uploaded spreadsheet rather than being entered directly into the portals, which can be a little more time-consuming.
How to Purc hase Cintra Payroll
Our Verdict on Cintra Payroll
Cintra Payroll stands out to us for its exceptional functionality and nearly flawless payroll features, making it a top choice for accurate and compliant payroll processing. Their system integrates seamlessly with existing software, ensuring stability and security. The strength of their customer support further reinforces their position as a leading payroll provider. With over 40 years in the industry and a portfolio of more than 700 clients, Cintra offers tailored Payroll & HR solutions to meet diverse business needs.
They provide integrated software for in-house payroll and HR management and fully outsourced payroll services. Their positive customer reviews and testimonials highlight Cintra’s commitment to excellent customer service and the efficiency of its reporting features. However, some users have noted issues with laggy reports and submitting certain information via an uploaded spreadsheet, which can be time-consuming. Despite these minor drawbacks, Cintra’s blend of advanced technology, industry expertise, and customer-focused approach makes them a standout choice, in our opinion, for businesses seeking reliable and comprehensive payroll solutions.
FAQs
1. How much does Cintra Payroll cost?
Pricing is custom-quoted, generally £6-£10 per employee/month, with managed services or enterprise solutions costing more.
2. Is Cintra suitable for SMEs?
Yes, Cintra can scale to SMEs but is also used by larger organisations. Smaller businesses may find the fully outsourced option less cost-effective.
3. Does Cintra handle UK payroll compliance?
Absolutely. Cintra ensures HMRC-compliant RTI submissions, pension auto-enrolment, and statutory pay processing.
4. Can Cintra manage outsourced payroll?
Yes. They provide a fully managed payroll service, including support and reporting for larger workforces.
5. Does Cintra integrate HR and payroll?
Yes. Cintra provides a fully integrated HR and payroll platform, including reporting dashboards, absence management, and employee records.
6. How long is the implementation process?
Implementation can range from 2-8 weeks, depending on company size and data migration needs.
7. Is Cintra secure?
Yes. The platform uses enterprise-grade security, GDPR-compliant data storage, and access controls.
Related Payroll & HR Guides
If you’re researching payroll services, the guides below explore specific providers, compliance topics, and specialist use cases in more detail.
Payroll Services & Outsourcing
Compare different outsourcing models and managed solutions:
International & Global Payroll
For businesses hiring overseas or operating across multiple countries:
Payroll Software Providers
If you’re comparing payroll software instead of outsourcing:
Enterprise Payroll Providers
For larger organisations and complex payroll structures:
Specialist Payroll Solutions
Industry-specific and niche payroll guidance:
Payroll Compliance & HMRC Guidance
Understand the regulatory side of payroll:
Hi, I’m Ally Cox , a senior copywriter and blogger at CompareYourBusinessCosts.co.uk, the UK’s trusted platform for comparing business services.
With over a decade of experience in the B2B sector, I specialise in simplifying complex topics like leased lines, VoIP, business energy, HR and payroll solutions, accounting software, and EPOS systems .
Before joining CompareYourBusinessCosts, I worked across various industries, gaining hands-on experience in HR, copywriting, and business operations- from clocking-in systems to card machines and office technology .
My goal is simple: to help UK businesses make informed, confident decisions when choosing products and services that improve efficiency and save money.