Known as Paymentsense until 2019, Dojo is a UK-based payment processor and acquirer who offers in-person card readers and remote payment software for businesses of all sizes.
Combining the latest technology with a customer-centric approach, it aims to provide a comprehensive yet simple solution for processing card payments, and makes simple stylish card reader devices, too.
In this review, I will examine the strengths and weaknesses of Dojo, comparing it to other popular card readers, head to head.
Dojo Review: My Verdict in 30 Seconds
Dojo appears to have captured a lot of market share over the last few years, which shows they’re winning over a lot of new businesses via their ‘customer-first mindset’. They’re aiming for a similar type of customer as Square,but really focussing on eliminating typical pain points.
Overall, I see Dojo as a mobile card reader that would fit a business slightly too big for Square or Zettle, but perhaps without the turnover to consider something like EposNow or a specialist solution like Lightspeed.
As a payment processor, they offer a fixed transaction rate at 1.4% + 5p which is cheaper than Square, but more expensive than what you could negotiate on a longer term contract with someone like YumaPOS, or Epos Now.
One thing which really impressed me is that you can even claim exit fees from your current provider, making a switch to Dojo an attractive option. Their payout speed is also faster than most, paying out the next day by 11am at the latest, even on Sundays.
With built-in 4G for reliable connectivity and the option to integrate it with over 600 EPOS systems, the Dojo Card Reader has been designed to improve payment efficiency, saving you hours of admin.
However, it has a minimum monthly card turnover of £24.95, so it may not be suitable for businesses with low or inconsistent transaction volumes. Support is available seven days a week, but it’s not 24 hours, and hardware options are also limited.
Pros & Cons of Dojo Card Reader
Pros
- Competitive Transaction Rate: Fixed rate transaction fees start at 1.4% + 5p, with businesses with an annual card turnover of more than £150,000 able to negotiate custom rates.
- Exit Fee Claims: You can claim the fees associated with cancelling your existing contract up to £3,000
- Integrated Payments: Seamlessly connect your Dojo card machine with over 600 EPOS systems, streamlining transactions and reducing errors.
- Built-in 4G Connectivity: Dojo Card Readers have wifi and 4G connectivity, reducing downtime if your internet connection drops.
- Convenient User Experience: Manage your account through the user-friendly Dojo for Business app or web browser
- Transparent Pricing: Dojo has clear pricing plans, allowing businesses to understand and manage transaction costs effectively.
- Flexibility in Payment Modes: Choose between Pay at Counter and Pay at Table modes, catering to different business models and providing flexibility in accepting payments.
- Enhanced Security Measures: Dojo prioritises security with features such as Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE), Address Verification Service (AVS), Card Verification Value (CVV) checks, and 3D Secure Software (3DS).
- Tap to Pay on iPhone: Turn your iPhone into a card reader for in-person contactless payments without needing extra hardware.
- Support and Assistance: Dojo provides responsive customer support, including remote assistance for immediate card machine issues seven days a week.
Cons
- Monthly Minimum Payment: There’s a minimum monthly payment requirement of £24.95, irrespective of the transaction volume. Businesses with low transaction volumes might find this less cost-effective.
- Dependency on Technology: Any technical issues could disrupt payment processing, affecting the overall business operations.
- Exit Fees: While Dojo assists in covering exit fees from the previous provider, there are conditions and limits on the reimbursement.
- Refund & Chargeback Fees: Dojo charges a fee for each debit and credit card refund transaction and chargeback, which impacts transaction expenses.
- Dependence on Internet Connectivity: Although Dojo Card Readers have built-in 4G connectivity, you need Wi-Fi to set it up.
- Limited Operating Hours for Support: While Dojo provides support seven days a week, it’s not available 24 hours a day, which may not align with all business schedules.
- Limited Hardware Options: While Dojo provides a few card machines, businesses have more limited options than other providers.
Dojo Card Reader Features
| Feature | Dojo Go | Dojo Pocket | Tap to Pay on iPhone | Payment Links | Online Checkout |
| Designed For | In-person payments | In-person payments | In-person payments | Online payments | Online payments |
| Accepted Payments | Cards & digital wallets | Cards & digital wallets | Contactless | Card & digital wallets | Cards & digital wallets |
| Hardware | ✅ | ✅ | Uses iPhone | ❌ | ❌ |
| Limitations | N/A | Must have at least 1 Dojo Go per site | Must be a Dojo payments customer | N/A | N/A |
| Integration Options | EPOS systems | EPOS systems | Integrated into iPhone | Shareable links for various channels | Integrates with existing websites through API or plug-in |
Dojo Go
Dojo Go is designed for portability, weighing as light as an iPad. With mobile connectivity and a 10-hour battery life, it’s ideal for processing payments on the go. It accepts various payments, including contactless, chip and PIN, magstripe, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, ensuring convenience for your customers.
Its lightning-fast processor completes transactions over 50% faster than the industry average. With next-day delivery, businesses can set up quickly and start accepting payments.
Dojo offers short-term contracts starting from one month, prioritises data security with point-to-point encryption, and features an intuitive interface. Seamless integration with 600+ EPOS systems streamlines payment processes.
Key benefits include 4G mobile connectivity, free next-day transfers (even on weekends), and 24/7 UK-based support with quick issue resolution. Dojo Go stands out by covering exit fees of up to £3,000 for those switching from another provider.
Dojo Pocket
Dojo Pocket is a wireless handheld card machine exclusive to Dojo Go customers. It offers a seamless solution for order-taking and payments for hospitality businesses and accepts various payment methods, including contactless cards and digital wallets like Samsung, Apple, or Google Pay.
Small and lightweight, Dojo Pocket connects to your EPOS system through the cloud, keeping your systems in sync. It also facilitates faster and more efficient service, allowing businesses to increase revenue by turning more tables.
Dojo Pocket reduces walkouts by enabling upfront payments immediately after an order. With a secure virtual PIN pad, customers can pay without inserting their card, even for transactions exceeding £100.
Key features include built-in 4G for an excellent payment experience regardless of Wi-Fi availability and digital receipts, reducing wait times and saving staff trips to the till. The device seamlessly switches between order and payment modes with a tap, providing versatility for businesses seeking a compact and efficient card processing solution.
Tap to Pay on iPhone
Dojo Tap to Pay on iPhone allows you to effortlessly accept contactless payments directly on your iPhone using the Dojo for Business mobile app. With no extra cost, Dojo customers can expand their payment options, accepting payments from debit and credit cards and digital wallets like Apple Pay.
This feature enables businesses to reduce queues, accepting payments on the move, whether at the till, table, or pub garden. The simplicity of Tap to Pay on iPhone lies in its mobile nature, requiring no additional hardware. The transaction process is straightforward within the Dojo for Business app, involving entering the purchase amount, presenting the iPhone to the customer, and completing the transaction when the tick appears on the Done screen.
Getting started is quick, with no sign-up needed; simply enable it with a tap in the Dojo for Business app. The secure and private transactions of Tap to Pay on iPhone utilise the built-in features of the iPhone to protect business and customer data.
Payment Links
Dojo Payment Links offer a convenient and secure way to accept payments from customers wherever they are. With a unique link, businesses can sell online without extensive technical knowledge. The process is as easy, allowing quick creation of payment links for a secure checkout page.
These links are instantly shareable through various channels, from social media to messaging apps, allowing customers to pay with cards or digital wallets. Whether accepting orders online or over the phone, payment links simplify reaching new clients, making multi-channel approaches more accessible.
Key features include clear transaction breakdowns within the Dojo account feed, reducing the risk of fraud through authentication, and the ability to freeze money in advance for businesses that take reservations. Payment links are customisable, allowing companies to personalise them with logos and edit details.
Online Checkout
Dojo Online Checkout streamlines the process for businesses to start selling online effortlessly. Integration is simplified through a developer-friendly API or ready-made plugins for popular shopping carts, facilitating swift connections with a broader customer base.
Key features include consolidated sales tracking through the Dojo app, allowing businesses to manage online and offline sales seamlessly. With next-day transfers, even on weekends, quick access to funds eliminates prolonged waits, and there is no additional charge for this service.
The Dojo Online Checkout supports various card types and wallet payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Extensive security measures protect sensitive customer data by capturing it on a secure form and tokenising card details.
Dojo Card Reader Cost & Fees
Dojo offers flexible pricing plans tailored to businesses based on their annual card turnover, as shown in the table below:
| Annual Card Turnover | Contract | Credit & Debit Rate | Monthly Terminal Fee |
| Under £150k or new to cards | Six months initially, then monthly rolling | 1.4% + 5p | £20 per month |
| Over £150k | Monthly rolling | Custom | Custom |
Other fees you may experience include:
| Charge | Amount | Notes |
| Secure Transaction/ Authorisation Fee | £0.05 per transaction | Enhanced protection for payment security includes a fraud detection algorithm, point-to-point encryption, and easy PCI compliance reporting. |
| Minimum Monthly Payment Charge | £24.95 | Applied if total transaction fees for the month are under £24.95, regardless of the number of card transactions. |
| Refund Fee | £0.50 per transaction | Charged for each debit and credit card refund transaction. |
The table below shows rates for Dojo customers with an annual card turnover of less than £150,000. Customers with a larger turnover can negotiate bespoke rates.
| Card Type | Rate | Notes |
| Visa | 1.4% + 5p | |
| Visa (Business Cards) | 1.99% + 5p | |
| Maestro | 1.4% + 5p | |
| Maestro (Business Cards) | 1.99% + 5p | |
| Mastercard | 1.4% + 5p | |
| Mastercard (Business Cards) | 1.99% + 5p | |
| Diners Club International (DCI) cards | 1.99% | Applies to Diners & Discover Debit, Credit, Business & Commercial cards |
| American Express | Variable% + 5p | Due to the variable fee structure, the rate will be provided upon application during sign-up. |
| All Other Debit & Credit Cards | 1.4% + 5p | |
| All Other Business Cards | 1.99% + 5p | |
| Card Not Present – Debit & Credit Cards | 1.9% + 5p | Applies to payments taken without the physical presence of the cardholder, e.g., over the phone. |
| Card Not Present – Business Cards | 2.49% + 5p | Applies to card not present transactions with business cards. |
For cards issued outside of the UK, Dojo applies the following surcharge:
| Transaction Type | Rate |
| Card Present – Issued Within EEA | + 0.05% |
| Card Not Present – Issued Within EEA | + 0.15% |
| Card Present – Issued Outside EEA & UK | + 0.95% + 13p |
| Card Not Present – Issued Outside EEA & UK | + 1.45% + 13p |
Other fees you may experience include:
| Service | Cost (per month/instance) | Description |
| PCI non-compliance | £15.00 (+VAT) | |
| Optional Paper billing | £3.50 (+VAT) | |
| Chargeback management | £28.00 (+ VAT) | |
| Direct Debit failure | £15.00 (+VAT) | |
| Arrears management | £10.00 (+VAT) | |
| Legal entity amendment | £25.00 (+VAT) | |
| Card machine replacement | Up to £400.00 (+VAT) per machine | |
| Early account closure | The remaining card machine services for the duration of your minimum term | |
| Secure Transaction/Authorisation Fee | £0.05 per transaction | Enhanced protection for payment security includes a fraud detection algorithm, point-to-point encryption, and easy PCI compliance reporting. |
| Minimum Monthly Payment Charge | £24.95 | Applied if total transaction fees for the month are under £24.95, regardless of the number of card transactions. |
| Refund Fee | £0.50 per transaction |
You can pay your Dojo fees through a direct debit or your transaction balance before transferring them to you.
Dojo Card Reader Eligibility
To be eligible for a Dojo Card Reader, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a UK-based business
- Be liable to pay tax in the UK.
In addition to the above criteria, certain products have separate criteria, such as:
- You must have at least one Dojo Go per site to be eligible for a Dojo Pocket.
- You must be a Dojo payments customer to qualify for Tap to Pay on iPhone.
How to Apply for a Dojo Card Reader
To sign up for a Dojo Card Reader:
- Visit the Dojo website and click “Find out more”.
- Complete the contact form to register for more information.
- A Payments Consultant will contact you to discuss your needs and provide a personalised quote.
- If you meet the eligibility criteria and are happy to proceed, your Payments Consultant will e-mail you an agreement to sign.
- Your identity will be verified, and a credit check will be carried out. Further proof may be requested if your identity cannot be verified electronically.
- Once checks have been completed, a Dojo account will be set up, and you will receive confirmation.
- Your Dojo card reader will be shipped using next-working-day delivery.
If you already have a card reader provider and want to switch to Dojo, you can claim the fees associated with cancelling your existing contract. The amount you can claim depends on the type of contract you take out, but it could be up to:
- £3,000 for bespoke contracts
- £500 for 1.4% fixed rate contracts
To claim for your exit fees, you should:
- Cancel your contract with your current provider, pay any cancellation fees and request a final VAT statement.
- Complete a claim form from Dojo.
- You should receive your money within 14 days after submitting your claim form and supporting documents.
Dojo Card Reader User Experience
You can conveniently manage your account through the Dojo for Business app, available on the Google Play Store, the App Store, or a web browser.
This comprehensive tool helps you to track all transactions effortlessly, with each payment automatically recorded in your transaction list. Whether connecting your site, sending payment links, or using the virtual terminal for remote or online payments, Dojo ensures you can accept payments anywhere.
The Dojo Insights Dashboard provides valuable reports on sales, transactions, and more, offering insights for improvement. With user-friendly tools, businesses can efficiently manage transactions, gain valuable insights, and streamline payment processes. Stay informed about your cash flow, receiving timely notifications when funds are coming.
Dojo simplifies PCI compliance with a streamlined process, requiring minimal documentation and just two straightforward steps. Customer support is also easily accessible through the app or web browser, ensuring assistance is available.
For Tap to Pay on iPhone, you must use iPhone XS devices and new models running iOS 16.4 and later. Customer support is easily accessible, ensuring assistance when needed.
Dojo Security Measures
Dojo has extensive security measures to safeguard information.
These measures include:
- PCI DSS compliance
- Point-to-point encryption (P2PE) from the point of card acceptance to secure decryption
- Default security checks to reduce chargebacks and fraud
- An address verification service (AVS) to match the billing address with the address held on file for the cardholder at the issuing bank
- Card Verification Value (CVV) checks
- 3D Secure Software (3DS) redirects cardholders to their issuing bank for transaction authorisation
- Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) including password and biometric information
In addition, Tap to Pay on iPhone uses the iPhone’s built-in features to maintain privacy. Apple does not store payment information on the device or its servers during payment processing, ensuring the security and confidentiality of both your business and customer data.
Dojo Integrations
Dojo streamlines transactions by integrating your card machine with the Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system, enhancing efficiency and reducing errors. Setup is quick, taking only a few minutes with assistance from your EPOS provider.
Integrated payments offer benefits such as faster service during EPOS downtime, secure transactions, and efficient cashing up with automatic reconciliation. Two flexible modes, Pay at Counter and Pay at Table, cater to different business needs.
This integrated solution comes with market-leading security, automatic updates, scalability, uninterrupted payments during EPOS downtime, and 7-day tech support. No additional expensive hardware is required, as Dojo is partnered with over 600 EPOS providers.
Dojo Customer Support
Dojo provides comprehensive customer support to address your needs, including
- Remote assistance for immediate issues with your card machine.
- Account support by calling 0800 044 3550 between 8 am and 6 pm, seven days a week, or submitting a support request on the Dojo website or app.
- Technical support by calling 0800 044 3550 between 8 am and 11 pm, seven days a week
- An online support hub answering common questions and providing step-by-step tutorials.
Dojo Customer Reviews
Dojo has an ‘excellent’ TrustScore of 4.7 out of 5 on TrustPilot, with 92% of users rating it 5 out of 5.
Customers consistently praise Dojo for its “exceptional” service and “efficient” card machines. One user highlighted the straightforward and quick customer service, praising the professionalism and helpfulness in setting up a new card machine. Another user emphasised the affordability and value of Dojo’s card machine, dispelling notions of high charges and expressing satisfaction with the service’s worth.
Positive feedback extends to the reliability of Dojo’s payments, with users commending the daily deposits before 9 am and rare issues with the service. The efficiency of Dojo’s integration with EPOS systems also stands out, reducing manual transaction entries, optimising cashing up, and providing flexibility with Pay at Counter and Pay at Table modes.
The transition process to Dojo is described as “seamless” and “efficient”, with users praising the support received from representatives during the setup. The ease of use and quick processing of transactions contribute to a positive experience, as highlighted by various users.
The virtual terminal feature is also commended for securely facilitating remote payments without a website.
However, several customers have expressed dissatisfaction with Dojo based on their experiences.
The issue of poor customer service was raised several times. Customers reported persistent cold calling despite expressing disinterest in Dojo’s services. Multiple customers criticised the lack of care and support, with some highlighting frustrations with “unhelpful” advisers and a general disregard for customer concerns.
Another common concern raised was the handling of rate changes. Multiple customers accused Dojo of changing rates numerous times during signup, leading to “distrust” and “dissatisfaction”. Another customer highlighted a significant increase in transaction fees without proper notice.
Mobile App
The Dojo for Business mobile app has an average score of 4.1 out of 5 on the Google Play Store and 4 out of 5 on the Apple App Store.
One user initially gave a 1-star rating due to an issue impacting their accounting, but after a quick fix, they upgraded their rating to 5 stars, expressing gratitude for the “prompt” service. Another user praised a recent app update for resolving previous issues, leading to a better overall experience.
Another positive review highlighted the app’s clarity in presenting information on payments, settlement, and PCI compliance, comparing it favourably to the user’s previous provider.
Other users found the app helpful and “user-friendly” for on-the-go tracking. Still, they identified significant missing features, such as the absence of monthly invoices, a custom transaction range, and the inability to download monthly PDF statements.
In contrast, some users highlighted inconsistency issues with the app, such as missing tabs and transaction problems, necessitating constant reinstallations. Others said their app regularly doesn’t open and “frequently” needs reboots due to disappearing card transaction tabs.
Alternatives to Dojo Card Reader
| Upfront Cost | Transaction Fee | Monthly Fee | Connectivity | Payments Accepted | |
| Dojo | £0 | 1.4% + 5p | £20 or custom package | Wifi, Cellular 4G | Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, Diners Club, American Express, Apple Pay and Google Pay |
| Square | £19 + VAT | 1.75% (contactless or chip & PIN), 6% +30p for Clearpay | £0 | Wifi, hotspot, or cellular data | EMV chip cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay |
| Smartpay Anywhere (by Barclaycard) | £29 + VAT | 1.6% | £0 | Bluetooth | Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express, JCB, UPI, Discover, Paypal, Google Pay, Apple Pay |
| Tide Reader | £49 or £79 + VAT | 1.5% | £0 | Wifi, Cellular 4G | Visa, Mastercard, Google Pay, Apple Pay |
| Revolut Reader | £49 + VAT | 0.8% + 2p (UK consumer cards), 2.6% + 2p (international and commercial cards) | £0 | Bluetooth | Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Apply Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay |
| WisePad3 Reader (integrated with Shopify) | £49.00 | 1.5% – 2.% + 25p | £19 – £344 per month for Shopify subscription | Bluetooth | Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diner’s Club, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay |
| Zettle | From £29 + VAT | 1.75% | £0 | Bluetooth | American Express, Mastercard, Maestro, Visa, Visa Electron, JCB, UnionPay, Discover, Diners Club, V Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay |
Dojo Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Dojo free to use?
No. You will need to sign up for a contract, the cost of which is determined by your annual card turnover.
How long do Dojo payments take?
Dojo processes your takings daily at midnight, and you should see your money in your nominated bank account from 10 am the next day.
Can I take payments over the phone with Dojo?
Yes. The virtual terminal enables secure payment requests from customers when you are not physically present with the card machine or when the cardholder is not on-site.
How do I pay remotely on Dojo?
You can use your Dojo card reader to process remote payments by sending a payment link, integrating it with an online checkout, or manually inputting it into your virtual terminal.
Does the Dojo card machine need Wi-Fi?
Dojo card machines have built-in 4G connectivity so you don’t need Wifi when trading, except for the initial set up when you first receive the device.
