Card payments accounted for more than three-quarters of all UK retail transactions last year, according to the British Retail Consortium.
While retailers welcome increasing consumer spending, our love of card and mobile payments is costing them money – retailers spent £1.26bn in card processing fees in 2023.
If you’re running a business and you’re looking for a new payment solution, cost will be an important consideration. You’ll need the right card machine to be able to process payments quickly, reliably and cheaply.
In this guide, we’ll cover functionality, security, and cost to help you choose the right card payment option for your business.
What is a Card Payment Machine?
A lot of times the terms are used interchangeably, but essentially a card payment machine is usually a handheld terminal like the kind you find in a supermarket on which you tap or insert your card and put in your PIN to pay for goods. Card payment machines can be wireless and portable or wired on your countertop. Some even print receipts.
A card reader is a smaller, more portable gadget with a screen and PIN pad, a small area on which to tap your card for contactless payments, and a slot where you can insert your card. You’ll see these used by smaller businesses like coffee shops or food trucks.
In this article, we’ll look at different types of card readers and card payment machines to identify ones that might be suitable for both large and small businesses.
Which Card Payment Machine Should you use?
You’ll need to think about the upfront cost of the device itself and, more importantly, the transaction fees the terminal provider charges each time you use the card reader.
Cheapest Card Reader – Square is the cheapest card reader on the market at just £19+ VAT. It’s a great affordable card machine for an entry-level business turning over £5k or less. Transaction fees are 1.75% per in-person payment. Buy a card reader direct from Square.
Cheapest Transaction Fees – Currently, the Revolut Reader charges 0.8% + 2p for in-person payments, which is the lowest fixed transaction fee we’ve encountered. It can only get cheaper if you are a high-volume merchant on a fixed contract. The card reader itself costs £49 + VAT. Get a Revolut Reader here.
What’s the Best Card Payment Machine? – Our Verdict
After carefully reviewing and testing the top credit card payment machines for small businesses in 2024, I feel the best entry-level portable card machine is the Square Reader.
The contactless Square Reader stands out for its incredibly low hardware cost, starting at just £19, combined with a competitive 1.75% transaction fee. It has an easy setup without long-term contracts and comes packed with features such as inventory management and customer profiles that can scale alongside a growing business. (Visit Square here)
If you want a good card reader that goes with an award-winning business bank account, I recommend the Tide Card Reader. For £89 + VAT, you’ll get a streamlined payment solution that has its own connectivity (it doesn’t need to connect to a phone). It charges a 1% transaction fee, with no monthly contracts, offers free unlimited 4G data and takes just 1-3 days for funds to clear. (Read our full Tide account review here) However, you need to hold an account for 90 days before you can order the card reader.
For the cheapest transaction fees, the Revolut Reader remains unmatched, with rates as low as 0.8% + 2p per in-person transaction in the UK. This can drive major savings, especially for high-volume businesses, but it is a very simple solution.
For medium businesses, I recommend the Takepayments A920 as the best option. While pricing is customised, Takepayments stands out for its tailored POS plans, robust reporting tools, and 18-month contracts, which are shorter than many competitor contracts. This provides a flexible solution as a business evolves. Takepayments’ customer service is also excellent. It’s a great choice for an all-round POS system: Visit Takepayments
For a more advanced payment system, Lightspeed POS is my top pick. Although pricier, it offers strong inventory management, order tracking, and CRM integrations tailored for retailers, restaurants, and more niche sectors: Lightspeed has a product specifically for golf courses. The software can scale from single- to multi-location enterprises. Read my full review of Lightspeed Point of Sale.
Compare the Best Card Payment Machine Providers for Small Business
While this table attempts to offer a broad comparison of card machine providers, it’s difficult to simplify such a huge marketplace in a few rows.
I’ve tried to display here the purchase price for the cheaper portable credit card machines, the fee charged for each transaction, and whether you’re tied into a longer-term contract.
I’ve also included our overall star rating, which gives you a quick indication of how I rate these brands.
See costs and fees from our top card payment machines at a glance
Card Machine | Purchase Price | Transaction Fees | Monthly Fees | Connectivity | Star Rating | Learn More |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Square Reader | £19 + VAT | 1.75% / 2.5% | £0 | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | ★★★★★ | Visit Square |
Tide Reader | £89+ VAT | 1% | £0 | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G | ★★★★★ | Visit Tide |
SumUp | From £39 | 0.99-1.69% | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | ★★★★★ | Visit SumUp |
Revolut Reader | £49 + VAT | 1% + 20p/0.8% + 2p | £0 | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | ★★★☆☆ | Visit Revolut |
Lightspeed | On Request | Varies | On Request | 4G, 3G, GPRS, Bluetooth and WiFi | ★★★★★ | Visit Lightspeed |
Ingenico | On Request | 1-1.5% | On Request | 4G, 3G, GPRS, Bluetooth, WiFi | ★★★☆☆ | Visit Ingenico |
Zettle | £29 + VAT | 1.75% / 2.5% | £0 | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | ★★★★☆ | Visit Zettle |
Verifone | On Request | Varies | On Request | 4G, 3G, GPRS, Bluetooth, WiFi | ★★★☆☆ | Visit Verifone |
Takepayments | On Request | Varies | On Request | 4G, 3G, GPRS, Bluetooth, WiFi | ★★★★★ | Visit Takepayments |
Worldpay | On Request | Varies | On Request | 4G, 3G, GPRS, Bluetooth, WiFi | ★★★☆☆ | Visit Worldpay |
Tyl (by Natwest) | On Request | Varies | On Request | Wi-Fi or 4G | ★★★☆☆ | Visit Tyl |
Dojo Go | On Request | Varies | On Request | 4G, 3G, GPRS, Bluetooth, WiFi | ★★★☆☆ | Visit Dojo Go |
Smartpay Anywhere (by Barclaycard) | On Request | Varies | On Request | 4G, 3G, GPRS, Bluetooth, WiFi | ★★★☆☆ | Visit Smartpay |
Compare the 13 Best Card Machines for Small Business
Square Reader: Best Business Card Reader with No Contract
Card Machine Type: Mobile
Best For: Scalability
Hardware Cost: From £19 + VAT
Transaction Fee: 1.75% for card transactions, 2.5% for payment links and invoices
Customer Support: 9 am-5 pm Mon-Fri
Visit Brand: Visit Square
Square offers a fantastic, simple card reader suitable for both micro businesses, such as market traders and pop-ups, and large businesses, such as restaurants and retailers.
The Square Reader (2nd generation) pairs with a Bosstab Dock (£29.00 plus VAT). This holds your Square Reader securely in place, while also keeping the device charged. It also allows the reader to tilt and swivel for easy viewing by both staff and customers.
After a £19 initial spend per card reader, there are no set-up fees or monthly subscription payments. If you wish to expand the capabilities of your card reader, visit the Square App Marketplace to find third-party apps designed to enhance functionality with, for instance, inventory management and accounting software.
The Square Card Reader is an excellent choice for businesses that prioritise quick access to funds. You could receive money in your account the next working day, or instantly for an additional fee. The hardware cost is remarkably low, and transaction fees are fairly competitive but do vary depending on the type of transaction. Customer support is limited to office hours, which could be a drawback for businesses requiring more flexible support.
Square Card Reader Key Features
- Mobile POS: Works on smartphones and tablets. Free POS app available
- Offline Mode: Takes payments offline which sync when back online
- Receipts: Paper and digital
- Payment Processing: Accepts all major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay
- Fast Deposits: Funds deposited into your bank as soon as the next business day
- Invoicing: Create, send and track digital invoices.
- Analytics: Sales reports and dashboards to track growth and products
Who is the Square Reader Card Machine Best Suited For?
Here are some businesses that Square is best suited for:
- Suited for all business sizes. Square is a good option for businesses that process both small and large amounts of credit or debit card payments.
- Businesses that sell products and services. For example, anything from a plumber to a pub to a large supermarket chain could use Square to accept payments for products and services they sell.
- Dropshipping firms. Square is a good option for dropshipping firms that need to keep track of their inventory levels. Square’s inventory management features allow businesses to track inventory levels across multiple channels, including their website, their physical store, and their dropshipping suppliers.
- Non-profits. Square offers a variety of discounts and features for non-profits. For example, non-profits can get a free card reader and a 3.5% processing fee on all credit and debit card payments.
Should I Choose the Square Card Reader?
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use, scalable solution that offers a range of features, including inventory management, customer data, and more, Square is a great choice. Even for businesses with high transaction volumes, the cost is as effective as other solutions. In fact, it might be cheaper – Square says it can create custom pricing for businesses that process more than £200,000 in card sales.
How Does the Square Card Reader Compare with Competitors?
Revolut offers a low transaction fee of 0.8% compared to Square’s 1.75%. However, Revolut’s offering is more limited in scope, focusing mainly on mobile payments with basic analytics and reporting. You also have to have a Revolut bank account to get the card reader.
Zettle matches Square’s transaction fee of 1.75% and also provides deposits within a 1-2 day timeframe.
Ingenico operates on an interchange-plus pricing model, starting at 0.15% plus a variable fee per transaction. This could be more cost-effective for businesses with high transaction volumes.
Lightspeed excels in its payment systems for retail, restaurants, and even more specialised businesses such as golf courses. Its advanced inventory and order management capabilities, along with CRM and accounting integrations, make it a comprehensive solution. Lightspeed’s tailored offerings may suit certain businesses more than Square’s generalist approach.
Square Reader Pricing
Service/Product | Pricing |
---|---|
In-Person Transaction Fee | 1.75% |
Online Payment Fee | 1.4% + 25p (UK) or 2.5% + 25p (non-UK) |
Manually Keyed-In Fee | 2.5% |
Hardware | Varies (e.g., Square Reader at £19 + VAT) |
Tide Reader: Best 4G Card Reader with Business Account
Card Machine Type: Mobile (4G)
Best For: Versatility & Bank Account
Hardware Cost: £89 + VAT (Tide Card Reader), £99 + VAT (Tide Card Reader Plus)
Transaction Fee: 1% for all transactions (Both Models)
Customer Support: Email support with a 48-hour response (Both Models)
Exclusive Offer: Get £150 cashback and 1% transaction fees with code EARNMORE. T&Cs apply.
Visit Brand: Visit Tide
Tide offers two card reader options for existing banking customers. Unlike other small card readers on this list, the Tide Reader is a standalone device meaning you don’t need to connect it to a mobile phone. Because it’s a bolt-on to Tide’s bank account, you don’t need a merchant account, and it couldn’t be easier to monitor your sales income.
Overall, I’ve been impressed with this reader, although you can’t process offline payments, which may be an issue for some. It also takes 90 days after opening your account before you can get a reader, which seems like a long time.
The Tide Card Reader and Tide Card Reader Plus are priced at £89 + VAT and £99 + VAT, respectively. Both devices require the free Tide App for operation and include lifetime free 4G connectivity, estimated at a value of £5 per month.
You can also get £150 cashback if you buy a Tide Card Reader and use code EARNMORE, making the device even more cost-effective.
Tide’s basic Card Reader only provides email receipts. It supports an array of payment methods such as contactless, chip and PIN, and digital wallets.
The Tide Card Reader Plus offers both paper and email receipts, which could be an important feature for some businesses.
Both models clear payments within 1-3 working days and come with a four-month warranty as standard. Customer support is offered via email, with a 48-hour response time.
Tide Card Reader Features
- Operating System: Android
- Connectivity: Cellular 4G, Wi-Fi
- Battery Life: 1 day
- Payment Types: Contactless, Chip + Pin, Digital wallets
- Transaction Receipts: Email transaction proofs only
Tide Card Reader Plus Features
- Operating System: Android 9.0
- Connectivity: Cellular 4G, Wi-Fi
- Payment Types: Contactless, Chip + Pin, Digital wallets
- Battery Life: 1 day
- Transaction Receipts: Paper and email transaction proofs
Who are Tide’s Card Machines Best Suited For?
The Tide Card Reader could be a great solution for businesses seeking an economical yet efficient card reader that seamlessly integrates with one of the most reputable small business bank accounts in the UK.
This device is particularly well-suited for freelancers and traders who have a lower turnover and do not require the complexity of a full Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system.
The main difference between the two card reader models is the ability to generate paper receipts.
Tide’s transaction fee of 1% is competitive, especially given the lack of monthly fees.
In terms of features and pricing, Tide offers a balanced proposition that effectively caters to small- and large-scale operations.
Should I Choose a Tide Card Reader?
If your business has a diverse range of payment receipt requirements and values a low, flat-rate transaction fee, either of the Tide card readers could be an ideal choice. The decision between the two models will largely depend on whether your business requires paper receipt capabilities.
How Do Tide Card Readers Compare with Competitors?
Tide’s transaction fee of 1% is competitive, especially given the lack of monthly fees. While customer support may be limited to email, the hardware comes with a four-month warranty.
Tide Pricing
Service/Product | Pricing |
---|---|
In-Person Transaction Fee | 1% per transaction |
Online Payment Fee | Not specified |
Manually Keyed-In Fee | 1% per transaction |
Payment Link Fees | Domestic consumer card (individual client): 1.5% Domestic commercial card (business client): 2% International consumer and commercial cards: 2% (fee automatically deducted from the total amount of each transaction) |
Tap to Pay on iPhone Fee | 1.65% per transaction |
SumUp Card Machine
Card Machine Type: Mobile
Best For: Customer Service
Hardware Cost: Available on request
Transaction Fee: Varies
Customer Support: Business hours
Visit Brand: Visit SumUp
SumUp offers another user-friendly mobile card machine, ideal for businesses that require a straightforward payment solution. There are three card readers to choose from: Air, Solo, and Solo and printer. To use the Air, you also need the free SumUp app, while Solo acts as a standalone payment device and comes with a charging station.
SumUp’s simple and transparent pricing structure makes it appealing to businesses wanting a no-fuss payment system. You can also choose to become a SumUp One member at the cost of £19 a month to get discounted transaction fees of 0.99%, half-price card readers and faster-cleared funds in your account.
SumUp Card Reader Features
Operating System: Android, iOS
Connectivity: Cellular 4G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Battery Life: Up to 12 hours
Payment Types: Contactless, Chip + Pin, Digital wallets
Transaction Receipts: Email or printed receipts available
Who Are SumUp Card Machines Best Suited For?
SumUp is a great portable card machine for those looking for excellent customer service, prompt payouts and the ability to use a SumUp business account that comes with its own benefits.
If you’re looking for a standalone reader that you use occasionally, Square is a cheaper entry point. But if you’re prepared to subscribe to SumUP one (£19 per month) and perhaps pay for the slightly better card reader (£79), you get access to some nifty functionality that might make SumUp the right choice.
Transaction fees go down to 0.99% on this plan, which can add up to a lot over the course of a year. You’ll also get full invoicing software thrown in.
Perhaps the best feature of SumUp is its proactive customer support. I appreciated the in-person assistance for technical issues and the quick device replacement service that minimises downtime.
Should I Choose the SumUp Reader?
You should choose the SumUp reader if you’re likely to use the SumUp bank account, and are happy to pay for the £19 per month subscription to SumUp one. These features give you access to some of its best functionality.
How Does SumUp Compare with Competitors?
SumUp competes strongly with Square, Tide, and Revolut for the entry-level card reader market but excels in the quality of its customer service and in-person support.
Revolut has a cheaper per-transaction fee, but the card reader is simpler, and customer service is very limited. After Revolut, SumUp offers the next lowest transaction fee, along with the ability to print receipts and create staff profiles.
SumUp Pricing
Service/Product | Pricing |
---|---|
In-Person Transaction Fee | 1.69% per transaction, 0.99% if you subscribe to SumUp One (£19 per month) |
Online Payment Fee | 2.5% per transaction (payment links, Online Store) |
Manually Keyed-In Fee | 2.5% per transaction (card-not-present payments) |
Hardware | Air Card Reader: €39.00 including delivery (excluding VAT) Solo Card Reader: £79.00 including delivery (excluding VAT) POS Lite: £339.00 one-time purchase (including delivery, excluding VAT) |
Revolut Reader: Best Card Machine for Cheapest Transaction Fees
Card Machine Type: Mobile
Best For: Cheap transaction fees, multi-currency support
Hardware Cost: £49 + VAT
Transaction Fee: From 1% + 20p online, 0.8% + 2p in person
Customer Support: 24/7
Signup: Visit Revolut
The Revolut Reader stands out for its market-leading transaction fees, especially for in-person transactions. With transaction fees as low as 0.8% + 2p for in-person payments, Revolut is the cheapest of any brand I’ve tested.
The hardware cost is slightly higher at £49 + VAT, but the savings on transaction fees would quickly offset this. Revolut’s 24/7 customer support ensures that any issues can be resolved promptly.
You’ll need a business account with Revolut to use their card reader, but it’s simple to set up and comes with a lot of other useful functionality.
Revolut Card Machine Features
- Transaction Fees: 0.8% + 2p per in-person transaction in the UK
- Access to Funds: Within 24 hours
- Battery Life: All day
- Receipts: Digital
- Catalogue: Create a product catalogue to quickly add items to the bill during checkout
- Reporting: Export transaction history to a CSV file. No detailed sales reports
- Refunds: Full or partial refunds allowed. Original fees retained
- Mobile card reader – Compact, portable card reader connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone/tablet
- Current Account: Integrated withRevolut multi-currency business account
Should You Choose the Revolut Card Machine?
If you’re happy to open a Revolut business account (which we rate highly), Revolut is a great option for receiving card payments but, again, for simpler businesses rather than, say, a complex retail or hospitality set-up.
In addition to the lowest transaction fees we’ve tested, Revolut supports over 30 currencies with extremely competitive exchange rates. If you’re a small business needing to take card payments in different EEA countries, it’s unbeatable.
Funds are typically accessible in your Revolut Business account within a 24-hour timeframe, which is also faster than average.
However, there are some caveats to consider. Its reporting tools are rudimentary and, while its security is PCI compliant, it lacks fraud prevention measures like chargeback protection or tokenisation.
Revolut Reader Pricing
Pricing Component | Fee Details | Additional Currencies |
---|---|---|
Card Payments from UK Consumer Cards | Variable fee: 0.8% of transaction value | |
Payments from Other Cards | Variable fee: 2.6% of transaction value | |
Flat Fee per Transaction | UK (GBP): £0.02 | EUR: €0.02, DKK: Kr 0.15, PLN: zł 0.10 etc. |
Tap to Pay from UK Consumer Cards | Variable fee: 0.8% of transaction value | |
Tap to Pay from Other Cards | Variable fee: 2.6% of transaction value | |
Flat Fee for Tap to Pay | UK (GBP): £0.10 | |
Merchant Chargebacks | Fee varies by currency (e.g., GBP: £15) | AUD: 30, CAD: 25, CHF: 20 etc. |
The Revolut Reader device itself costs £49, with no monthly subscription fees.
For in-person transactions involving UK cards, the fee is remarkably low at 0.8% of the transaction value, plus 2p. For cards from other countries, the fee rises to 2.6% of the transaction value plus 2p. Online transactions cost 0.2% more. Chargebacks cost £15 or the equivalent in another currency.
Revolut’s transaction fees stand out for being much lower than rivals in the payments space. For instance, Square charges a 1.75% fee for card transactions, and Shopify’s basic plan comes with a fee of 2.7% + 30p. Clover’s transaction fees are 2.3% + 10p.
How Does the Revolut Card Machine Compare with Competitors?
The Revolut Reader scores well for its low transaction fees and multi-currency support. However, it lags in features like fraud prevention and advanced reporting tools compared to competitors like Square and Zettle.
Lightspeed POS: Best Business Card Machines for Well-Established Retail, Restaurant, Golf
Lightspeed POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system designed to facilitate retail and restaurant operations.
Established in 2005, the company offers powerful solutions for inventory management, customer relations, and analytics. Its user-friendly interface and seamless integration capabilities make it a choice worth considering for businesses looking for a comprehensive POS solution, especially in Lightspeed’s three core sectors of retail, hospitality and golf.
Lightspeed’s system has a robust set of features that can be customised to meet specific business needs. For example, its inventory management module allows for real-time tracking, low-stock alerts, and trend analysis. Customer relationship management (CRM) tools help businesses build more meaningful customer interactions by tracking purchase histories and preferences.
Lightspeed Business Card Machine Features
Retail Features:
- Payments: Accepts credit cards, contactless payments, QR codes. Lightspeed Payments are available.
- Inventory Management: Track stock levels across locations, manage suppliers, and transfer stock.
- Omnichannel Sales: Unified commerce across physical and online stores. Integrated ecommerce.
- Reporting: Customisable real-time reports on sales, products, inventory, employees.
- Multi-Location: Manage multiple store locations from one platform.
- Marketing: Automated email campaigns and customer segmentation.
- Integrations: Connects with accounting software, ERP systems, ecommerce platforms.
Restaurant Features:
- Floor Management: Interactive floor plan, table management, transfer items between tables.
- Online Ordering: Built-in ordering for takeout/delivery. Avoid third-party fees.
- Inventory Management: Recipe building, wastage tracking, supplier management.
- Reporting: Sales reports, labour reports, revenue reports.
- Reservations: Integrated with OpenTable for managing reservations.
- Multi-Location: Centralised management of multiple restaurant locations.
Golf Features:
- Tee Time Management: Robust tee sheet management system.
- Pro Shop: Built-in retail POS and inventory management for pro shops.
- Restaurant POS: Cloud-based restaurant POS integrated with golf platform.
- Online Booking: Take reservations and equipment rentals online.
Who Should Use Lightspeed Business Card Machines?
Lightspeed POS is my top choice for medium to large retail businesses and restaurants. The system is scalable, meaning it can adapt as your business grows. Organisations seeking to optimise inventory levels, improve customer engagement, or gain insights through data analytics will find Lightspeed’s range of features especially useful.
The system also supports multi-location operations, making it a viable option for franchises or businesses with several branches.
Lightspeed Business Card Machines Pricing
Plan Name | Monthly Cost (GBP) | Included Registers | Services | Additional Features |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lean | £59 | 1 | 24/7 Customer Support, Free Training Resources | For Essential Business Needs |
Standard | £79 | 1 | 24/7 Customer Support, Free Training Resources, One-on-One Onboarding | Ideal for Omnichannel Businesses |
Advanced | £119 | 1 | 24/7 Customer Support, Free Training Resources, One-on-One Onboarding | More Tools for Businesses Looking to Go Further |
Enterprise | Custom Quote | Custom | Dedicated Premium Support Team, API Consultation and Support, Customer Success Manager | Tailored for High Volume Merchants and Large Businesses |
Ingenico Best Business Card Machine for Integrations
Card Machine Type: Countertop
Best For: Integrations
Hardware Cost: Available on request
Transaction Fee: From 1-1.5%
Customer Support: 8am-6pm Mon-Fri
Visit Brand: Visit Ingenico
Ingenico is a global market leader in POS with a multinational presence. With over 40 million terminals deployed worldwide, it specialises in large professional-level POS integrations with a huge range of models available.
Ingenico POS systems are optimally designed for medium to large enterprises requiring a range of versatile payment solutions. These systems are highly customisable, providing a broad selection of payment terminals that can be tailored to meet the unique demands of various industries.
Whether you want a portable POS system, a countertop pin pad to enhance user experience, or bespoke payment solutions for your particular industry, the chances are Ingenico can help.
Ingenico Card Machine Features
- Countertop Terminals: Fixed payment terminals with a compact footprint, backlit keypad, colour LCD display.
- Portable Terminals: Wireless, portable readers with long battery life.
- Mobile Terminals: Fully mobile card readers with built-in SIM cards. Connects via 3G, GPRS, Bluetooth, WiFi. Long battery life. Robust casing.
- Payment Methods: Accepts chip & PIN, magstripe, contactless payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Integration: Configured to integrate out of the box with POS and EPOS systems.
- Receipts: Built-in fast receipt printer. Provides digital and paper receipts.
- Connectivity: Countertop models can connect directly to phone line. Wireless models use internet connectivity.
- Add-Ons: Can be paired with accessories like cash drawers and barcode scanners.
Who Should Use Ingenico Business Card Machines?
Ingenico POS systems are optimally designed for medium to large enterprises requiring a range of versatile payment solutions. These systems are highly customisable, providing a broad selection of payment terminals that can be tailored to meet the unique demands of various industries.
How Do Ingenico Card Machines Compare with Competitors?
Ingenico: Ingenico’s strength lies in its robust feature set and the ability to customise its offerings. The system is adept at handling international payments and provides solutions tailored to industry-specific needs. However, its cost structure can be a deterrent for small businesses.
Square: In contrast, Square offers an affordable, simple-to-use card reader with transparent, flat-rate pricing. While Square might lack the extensive software capabilities of Ingenico, it serves as an excellent solution for micro and small businesses.
SumUp: SumUp offers low interchange-plus rates, modern card reader designs, and built-in invoicing features. However, it lacks the ecommerce integrations that some businesses may require.
Zettle Card Reader 2: Best Card Machine for Beginner Sellers
Card Machine Type: Mobile
Best Suited For: Beginners, pop-up shops, mobile vendors, taxi firms
Hardware Cost: From £29 + VAT
Transaction Fee: 1.75%
Customer Support: 9 am-5 pm Mon-Fri
Signup: Visit Zettle
The Zettle Reader 2, from PayPal-owned Zettle, is a simple mobile card machine with a great feature set. With competitive pricing, this card reader is one of the easiest entry points to getting paid by card. It integrates seamlessly with PayPal.
The flat transaction fee of 1.75% is about average, but it does charge 2.5% per sale for payment links (paying online or by invoice).
Also, Zettle customer support availability is limited to standard business hours, which may be restrictive for some businesses.
Overall, Zettle is one of the best POS for beginner sellers running a physical store requiring lots of small payments. It has a very intuitive set-up and functionality, and comes with no monthly fees, commitment or hidden costs. It’s competitive on price and you’re not tied into a contract. Zettle also accepts one of the largest ranges of cards of any reader we’ve tested. Expect to see funds in your bank account within 1-2 working days.
It’s PCI compliant (meaning secure), and integrates with the very good Zettle Go App. There’s no offline mode, though, so you’ll need Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to process payments.
The reporting functionality is somewhat basic, and you can’t link with CRM software so this is solution for a business with fairly simple needs.
Zettle Card Machine Features
- Monthly Fee: None
- Battery Life: All day on a single charge
- Wide Payment Acceptance – Accept all major cards including Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Online Invoicing: Send digital invoices and get paid online
- Cash Payments – Accept cash payments through the Zettle Go app.
- Receipts: Digital, automatically stored in the cloud
- Access to Funds: Funds clear in your account within 2 business days.
Should I Choose the Zettle Card Machine?
Choose Zettle if you’re a small business that moves around a lot, like a food truck or a pop-up shop. It’s easy to set up and use, and it won’t break the bank. It’s simpler and usually cheaper than other options like Square, making it a great pick if you just want to take payments without any fuss.
Zettle Pricing
Fee Type | Cost |
---|---|
Credit Card Transaction Fee | 1.75% |
Debit Card Transaction Fee | 1.75% |
Contactless Transaction Fee | 1.75% |
Monthly Rental Fee | None (Hardware cost) |
Probably the biggest selling point of Zettle is its transparent and simple pricing structure. The basic Zettle Reader 2 card reader costs £59 + VAT. If you want a more advanced system, you could go for the Zettle Terminal at £149 + VAT. An additional service called Zettle Invoice allows you to send invoices and collect payments online for £10 per month.
How Does the Zettle Card Machine Compare with Competitors?
The closest direct competitors to Zettle are the Revolut Reader and SumUp. These are the simplest card payment solutions without complex functionality, such as inventory management or CRM integration.
Zettle and Square have very similar pricing. Both offer no monthly fees and have a transaction fee of 1.75% for contactless and chip and PIN transactions. The main difference is that Zettle has a higher transaction fee for manually keyed-in payments and online payments.
Revolut also has a lower transaction fee for contactless and chip and PIN transactions, but a higher fee for manually keyed-in payments and online payments.
The two most popular solutions for businesses needing more functionality are as follows:
- Square: Offers a wider range of features than Zettle, including the ability to accept payments online and in-store, as well as the ability to issue refunds and manage inventory.
- Lightspeed: A more robust POS system than Zettle, offering more features including the ability to track inventory, manage customer orders, and create reports. However, Lightspeed is also more expensive than Zettle.
Verifone: Best Card Machines for Rapid Payment Processing
Card Machine Type: Countertop
Best For: Fast Payment Processing
Hardware Cost: Available on request
Transaction Fee: Varies
Customer Support: 8 am-8 pm Mon-Sat
Visit Brand: Visit Verifone
Verifone, founded in the US, is another huge global player in the payments market with over half a trillion dollars processed through its machines. Verifone’s payment solutions could be suitable for businesses that require robust, secure, and fast payment processing capabilities, ranging from retail and hospitality to banking and digital enterprises.
You should expect to pay £200 to £1000 + for one of Verifone’s machines, and they require long-term contracts. Pricing is given via a custom quote from the sales team.
The company offers a wide range of card payment terminals for businesses, from basic card readers to advanced POS systems with integrated contactless, chip and PIN capabilities.
If you’re happy to enter into a longer-term contract and want the security of a big-name brand, Verifone could be a decent choice.
Verifone Card Machine Features
- Payment Terminals: Countertop, portable, mobile, PIN pad, and multilane payment terminals to accommodate diverse business needs.
- Multi-Platform Support: POS software and gateways work across operating systems like iOS, Android, and Windows.
- Omnichannel Commerce: Unified commerce solution across in-store, online, mobile to manage all sales channels.
- Inventory Management: Tools for centralised inventory tracking across multiple locations and sales channels.
- Loyalty Programmes: Build and manage customised loyalty programs and offer rewards.
- Analytics and Reporting: Reporting on sales, customers, inventory, employees across locations.
- Global Support: Accept payments in 150+ countries and multiple currencies. Available in various languages.
Who Should Choose Verifone Card Machines?
If you’re happy to enter into a longer term contract and want the security of a big name brand, Verifone would be a decent choice. They’ve proven themselves a manufacturer of good machines, are fairly priced and backed by reliable customer support.
Verifone Card Machines Pricing
A small business using Verifone should expect to pay the following:
- Contract Length: Options are available for 12, 24, or 36 months, offering flexibility to align with your business plans.
- Setup Fee: There is no initial setup fee, which reduces the upfront investment.
- Monthly Fee: A monthly charge of £9.99 is applicable for the use of a mobile card machine.
- Early Termination Fee: Should you wish to exit the contract prematurely, an early termination fee equivalent to the remaining monthly fees of the contract will be levied.
- Transaction Fees:
- Visa Debit, V Pay, Mastercard Debit, Maestro: 0.4% per transaction
- Visa Credit, Visa Electron, Mastercard Credit: 0.9% per transaction
- Commercial & Corporate Cards: An additional 1.3% per transaction
- Non-EEA Cards: An additional 1.6% per transaction
How Do Verifone Card Machines Compare to Competitors?
- Zettle: Simple and user-friendly, Zettle is tailored to small businesses. Verifone, with its diverse terminal options and enhanced security features, is a more complex offering aimed at larger enterprises.
- Revolut Reader: Revolut offers cost-effective transaction fees and integrates seamlessly with Revolut’s banking services. Verifone offers more terminal options and is not confined to users of a particular banking service.
- Square: Known for its feature-rich ecosystem, including inventory tracking, Square may incur higher costs for businesses with high transaction volumes. Verifone offers custom pricing which might create economies of scale.
- Ingenico: Offers a range of payment terminals and has a more global reach. Verifone provides similar versatility but places a stronger emphasis on security features.
- Takepayments: Provides tailored pricing and short contract terms, making it flexible but potentially confusing with multiple pricing structures. Verifone offers standardised, yet versatile, payment solutions but is not transparent about pricing on its website.
- Worldpay: Offers a comprehensive set of features and tiered pricing but may involve long-term contracts. Verifone offers more flexibility in terms of contract length and terminal options.
- Tyl (by NatWest): Focuses on small- to medium-sized businesses and offers basic analytics. Verifone’s range is broader, catering to businesses of all sizes with more advanced features.
- SumUp: Known for its low-cost and straightforward transaction fees, SumUp is ideal for smaller businesses. Verifone, with its more comprehensive services, caters to a broader range of business sizes.
- Dojo Go: Offers competitive pricing and an easy-to-use interface but lacks the extensive terminal options that Verifone provides.
- Smartpay Anywhere (by Barclaycard): Provides a basic, mobile payment solution geared towards small businesses. Verifone’s offerings are more diversified and can cater to complex business needs.
Takepayments A920: Best Card Machine for Medium Business
Card Machine Type: Mobile
Best For: Bespoke Plans
Hardware Cost: Available on request
Transaction Fee: Varies
Customer Support: Business hours
Visit Brand: Visit Takepayments
Takepayments A920 is a mobile machine suitable for businesses looking for customised pricing plans. While the hardware cost and transaction fees are not standardised, this allows for tailored financial arrangements. Customer support is available during regular business hours, which may be adequate for most small to medium enterprises. Funds clear the next working day.
Medium-sized businesses with moderate transaction volumes might like Takepayments’ comprehensive reporting tools and multi-currency support.
The real-time inventory and sales tracking capabilities offer valuable insights into stock levels and staff performance which might appeal to retailers and restaurants.
Businesses with an average transaction value exceeding £10 are likely to find Takepayments cost-effective. Higher transaction values can offset any associated payment processing fees, meaning it’s a solid choice.
Takepayments Card Machine Features
- Flexible pricing structure: Can negotiate monthly fees and custom transaction rates based on business needs.
- Affordable monthly hardware costs: Competitive monthly fees for hardware.[HS1]
- Extra features: Includes real-time inventory tracking, employee sales tracking, and more.
- No set-up fee: No extra set-up costs when signing up.
- Early termination fee: £30 per remaining month on the contract if cancelled early.
- Countertop, portable, and mobile card readers: Various card reader options available.
- Payment gateway: Online payments are available through an integrated Barclaycard gateway.
- GPRS, 4G, and Wi-Fi connectivity: Card readers offer flexible connectivity options.
- Real-time card processing: See approved transactions instantly.
Who should choose Takepayments Card Machines?
Firstly, medium-sized businesses with moderate transaction volumes stand to gain considerably from the Takepayments comprehensive reporting tools and multi-currency support.
Secondly, the platform is excellent for retailers and restaurants. The real-time inventory and sales tracking capabilities offer valuable insights into stock levels and staff performance.
Lastly, businesses with an average transaction value exceeding £10 are likely to find Takepayments cost-effective. Higher transaction values can offset any associated payment processing fees, meaning it’s a solid choice.
Takepayments Card Machine Pricing
Fee Type | Details |
---|---|
Contract Duration | 18 months |
Setup Fee | None |
Card Machine Rental | Bespoke |
Merchant Account Fees | Bespoke |
Transaction Rates | Varies; 10p online after first 400 free transactions |
Monthly Minimum Charge | £20 |
PCI Compliance Fee (Takepayments) | £35 per year (optional) |
PCI Compliance Fee (Barclaycard) | £15 per month (mandatory) |
Payouts (Barclaycard) | Next day: Free |
Payouts (Elavon) | 30p each |
Refunds | 30p each |
Chargebacks | £9 each |
Early Termination Fee | £30 per month for each month remaining |
Administration Charge | £40 |
The pricing structure for Takepayments is tailored to the specific needs of each business, rather than adhering to a one-size-fits-all approach. As such, the company offers bespoke pricing for card machine rentals and merchant account fees. The contract duration is set at 18 months, with no setup fee.
Transaction rates vary based on the custom quote package offered to each business. Importantly, the first 400 online transactions are free, followed by a 10p charge per transaction. A monthly minimum charge of £20 applies across the board. For PCI compliance, Takepayments charges an optional £35 per year, while those opting for Barclaycard will incur a mandatory £15 per month.
In terms of payouts, next-day transactions with Barclaycard are free, but if you choose Elavon, each payout costs an additional 30p. Refunds and chargebacks are not free either, costing 30p and £9 per instance, respectively. Should you decide to terminate the contract early, you would be liable for a fee of £30 per remaining month on the contract along with a £40 administrative charge.
How Does Takepayments Card Machines Compare with Competitors?
- Zettle: Known for user-friendliness and no monthly fees, Zettle is more aligned with small businesses.
- Revolut Reader: Offers cost-effective transaction fees and is ideal for businesses already using Revolut banking services. Takepayments, on the other hand, provides more comprehensive reporting tools and supports 170 currencies.
- Square: Renowned for its comprehensive features like inventory tracking, Square could be cost-prohibitive for high-volume businesses. Takepayments offers competitive transaction fees and 18-month contracts.
- Ingenico: Provides a variety of payment terminal options and has a global reach. Takepayments focuses more on customisable online checkout pages and various card reader options.
- Verifone: Known for a broad range of terminal options and high-level security features. Takepayments offers more in terms of real-time sales and inventory tracking, as well as customisable online checkout options.
- Worldpay: Offers tiered pricing and long-term contracts along with a comprehensive feature set. Takepayments provides more flexibility with its shorter contract lengths and tailored pricing based on individual business needs.
- Tyl (by NatWest): Geared towards small- and medium-sized businesses with basic analytics offerings. Takepayments provides more advanced reporting tools and multi-currency support.
- SumUp: Ideal for small businesses due to its straightforward and low-cost transaction fees. Takepayments offers a more comprehensive set of features including real-time reporting and a variety of card readers.
- Dojo Go: Features competitive pricing and an easy-to-use interface but lacks extensive options for payment terminals. Takepayments provides a broader set of features, including eight reporting tools like accounting reports and SMS receipts.
- Smartpay Anywhere (by Barclaycard): Offers a basic mobile payment solution, ideal for small businesses. Takepayments has a more diversified offering suitable for various business sizes, including real-time sales and inventory tracking.
Worldpay Reader: Best Card Machine for Customer Service
Card Machine Type: Mobile
Best For: Customer Service
Hardware Cost: Available on request
Transaction Fee: Varies
Customer Support: 24/7
Visit Brand: Visit Worldpay
Worldpay is a leading global payment processor that offers a wide range of services to businesses of all sizes. With over 250,000 UK SMEs and 26 million transactions processed daily.
It stands out for the extensive integration capabilities it offers: businesses can seamlessly connect Worldpay with over 100 different applications, from e-commerce platforms to point-of-sale systems and accounting software.
Worldpay is highly secure, employing state-of-the-art technologies, including tokenisation and 3D Secure, to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of your data.
Transaction fees start from 1.5% for Mastercard and Visa card transactions for companies with annual card turnover below £75k, with no up-front or premium charges. Companies with annual card turnover above £75k will be given custom pricing.
Worldpay POS is versatile, catering to a wide range of business sizes and types. Worldpay offers a variety of pricing plans to fit the needs of businesses with high transaction volumes. The company also offers discounts for businesses that process a certain number of transactions each month.
Worldpay integrates with over 100 different applications, including ecommerce platforms, point-of-sale systems, and accounting software. This makes it easy for businesses to connect their payment processing to their existing systems.
Worldpay Card Machine Features
Multi-Channel Support: Unified platform for in-store, online, and mobile payments.
Reporting & Analytics: Advanced data analytics for tracking sales, payments, and customer behaviour.
Inventory Management: Real-time inventory tracking and management.
Invoicing: Create and send digital invoices with ease.
Fast Settlements: Quick transfer of funds to your bank account.
Tax Calculation: Automated tax calculation for streamlined checkout.
Employee Management: Role-based permissions and time tracking.
Hardware Options: Variety of POS hardware like card readers, terminals, and registers available.
Who Should Use Worldpay Card Machines?
Worldpay POS is versatile, catering to a wide range of business sizes and types—from small retailers to large enterprises.
- E-commerce businesses: Worldpay offers a variety of payment options for e-commerce businesses, including credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. The company also offers fraud protection and other security measures to protect customer data.
- Retail businesses: Worldpay offers a variety of point-of-sale (POS) solutions for retail businesses, including countertop terminals, mobile POS devices, and e-commerce integrations. The company also offers fraud protection and other security measures to protect customer data.
- Service businesses: Worldpay offers a variety of payment options for service businesses, including credit cards, debit cards, and ACH payments. The company also offers fraud protection and other security measures to protect customer data.
- Businesses with high transaction volumes: Worldpay offers a variety of pricing plans to fit the needs of businesses with high transaction volumes. The company also offers discounts for businesses that process a certain number of transactions each month.
- Businesses that need a variety of integrations: Worldpay integrates with over 100 different applications, including e-commerce platforms, point-of-sale systems, and accounting software. This makes it easy for businesses to connect their payment processing to their existing systems.
Worldpay Card Machine Pricing
Plan | Monthly Cost | Included Transactions | Setup Fee | Payment Methods | Fraud Management | Support | Customisation | Account Management |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gateway Standard | £19 | 350 | No | Visa Checkout, PayPal | Standard | Standard | No | No |
Gateway Advanced | £45 | 850 | No | International, Apple Pay | Standard | Standard | No | No |
Gateway Bespoke | Bespoke | Bespoke | Bespoke | Bespoke | Advanced | 24/7 | Yes | Yes |
Worldpay’s pricing structure is designed to cater to a broad range of business needs through its three main plans: Gateway Standard, Gateway Advanced, and Gateway Bespoke.
The Gateway Standard plan, priced at £19 per month, offers a solid foundation for smaller businesses with features like 350 included transactions, Visa Checkout, and PayPal support. For those looking for an enhanced package, the Gateway Advanced plan costs £45 per month and includes 850 transactions, international payment methods, and additional options like Apple Pay.
For businesses with specific or high-volume needs, the Gateway Bespoke plan offers customised pricing and features, including advanced fraud management tools and 24/7 support.
All plans come with a minimum contract term, and Worldpay is transparent about additional costs—there’s no setup fee across all plans, and the only extra charge you might incur is a £15 administration fee for chargebacks.
Tyl (by Natwest)Card Machine
Card Machine Type: Mobile
Best For: Fast Payment Processing
Hardware Cost: Available on request
Transaction Fee: Varies
Customer Support: 8 am-6 pm Mon-Fri
Visit Brand: Visit Tyl
Tyl by NatWest is a payment solution service offered by NatWest Bank. You hire the POS terminals and card readers for a monthly fee, starting at a £9.99 + VAT, and you have to take out a 12-month contract. Tyl provides 4G connected card readers, allowing businesses to take payments without being tied to a fixed location. Transaction fees vary depending on the volume of payments your business takes, the card issuers (American Express comes with custom pricing), and whether cards are personal or business cards. Funds clear in your account the next business day, which could mean going a weekend without Friday’s payments being settled.
Tyl offers customers phone support 7 days a week, ensuring businesses have timely assistance when needed. The service integrates with popular accounting software such as Xero, Sage, QuickBooks, and FreeAgent, helping companies with their financial management.
Tyl Card Machine Features
- Monthly Fee: Starts from £9.99 + VAT/month for card readers.
- Transaction Fee: From 1.39% + 5p for Visa and Mastercard; custom fees for Amex.
- 4G Connected Readers: Various types of card readers with 4G connectivity options.
- Customer Support: Available via phone.
- Fund Transfer Time: Next business day.
- Accounting Integrations: Compatibility with Xero, Sage, QuickBooks, and FreeAgent.
Who Should Use Tyl Card Machines?
Tyl by NatWest is particularly well-suited for UK-based medium—to large businesses that are seeking a cost-effective yet comprehensive payment processing solution backed by a reputable financial institution.
How Do Tyl Card Machines compare with competitors?
- Revolut Reader: Offers lower transaction fees but lacks the bank-backed security that Tyl provides.
- Square: Features more robust reporting tools but comes with higher hardware costs compared to Tyl’s monthly fee structure.
- Ingenico: Provides a diverse range of hardware options but may have a more complex setup and less accessible customer support than Tyl.
- Verifone: Well-suited for high-risk industries and custom solutions but may have a less transparent cost structure compared to Tyl.
- Takepayments: Offers more flexible contract lengths but may not provide customer support as comprehensive as Tyl’s.
- Worldpay: Provides a wider range of payment solutions, including online and international, but has a more complicated fee structure compared to Tyl.
- SumUp: Features a straightforward fee structure and lower upfront hardware costs but lacks Tyl’s depth in accounting integrations.
- Dojo Go: Provides next-day funding for businesses with immediate cash flow needs but lacks Tyl’s 4G connectivity options for mobile businesses.
- Smartpay Anywhere (by Barclaycard): Offers the trust and security of being backed by Barclaycard but may include setup fees and fewer integrations compared to Tyl.
Dojo Go Card Machine
Card Machine Type: Mobile
Best For: Flexibility
Hardware Cost: Available on request
Transaction Fee: Varies
Customer Support: Business hours
Visit Brand: Visit Dojo
Dojo is a portable credit card machine gaining a lot of market share in the UK. Its entry-level Dojo Go unit is as light as an iPad, has mobile connectivity as standard so you won’t be affected by Wi-Fi dropping out. It also boasts a 10-hour battery life. Dojo Go claims to take payments more than 50% faster than the industry average so could be useful for high-volume businesses that need speed at the point of sale. The downside is that its transaction fee structure is complex and there are additional monthly platform fees and terminal fees.
For businesses with an annual card turnover below £150,000 or those new to card payments:
- 12-month contract with 1-month trial, then rolling monthly contract
- 0.75% + 5p transaction fee
- £20 monthly terminal fee
- £10 monthly platform fee per location
For businesses exceeding £150,000 in annual card turnover:
- 12-month contract, then rolling monthly contract
- Customised pricing
Smartpay Anywhere (by Barclaycard) Card Machine
Card Machine Type: Mobile
Best For: Brand Familiarity
Hardware Cost: Available on request
Transaction Fee: Varies
Customer Support: 8am-6pm Mon-Fri
Visit Brand: Visit Smartpay Anywhere
Smartpay Anywhere by Barclaycard capitalises on the brand’s established reputation in the financial industry. This card reader doesn’t require a contract, you simply pay as you go. You should receive payments in your account the following day. Barclays also promises 24/7 phone tech support. This card reader could be a good option for businesses wanting to deal with a household name bank rather than a newer fintech.
Reduced costs: The regulations are designed to make card reader services more competitive, which could lead to lower costs for businesses.
More flexibility: The shorter contract lengths and reduced early termination fees give businesses more flexibility to switch to a different provider if they find a better deal.
Improved customer service: The regulations require providers to be more responsive to customer inquiries and to resolve any issues quickly and efficiently.
Best Card Machines for Charities
When choosing a card machine for a charity, it is important to be aware of the sector-specific limitations imposed by some providers. Not all card machine companies allow for donations, which can exclude non-profits, community groups, and individual fundraisers from their list of acceptable clients.
However, there are a few providers that offer more flexibility for charitable organisations. For example, SumUp is happy to work with non-profits. Square accommodates charities by allowing them to sign up under the ‘Partnership’ option, which enables them to link a bank account to receive donations. Zettle also supports charitable donations, but limits them to transactions where the cardholder is present.
Best Card Machine for Market Stall
In a bustling market environment, quick and efficient transactions are crucial. Here are some of the top card reader contenders for market traders, and what they offer:
- Zettle is a popular choice for market traders thanks to its versatility and competitive pricing. It is compatible with a wide range of payment methods, including chip and PIN, contactless, and Apple Pay. Zettle also offers a range of features that are designed to make it easy for market traders to accept payments, such as a mobile app.
- SumUp is known for its low fixed card rate, which can help traders to maximise their profits. SumUp also offers a range of useful features including a mobile app.
- Square is a good option for market traders looking for a budget-friendly option. It offers a free card reader and a mobile app that makes it easy to accept payments. There are also features to help market traders grow their businesses, such as the ability to accept online payments and the ability to create loyalty programs.
Best Card Machine for Festivals
Festivals are a great place to sell your wares, but they can also be a logistical nightmare – you might be in a field with no Wi-Fi connection. A slow or unreliable card reader can mean lost sales, so it’s important to choose the right one.
SumUp Air is a great option for festivals. It’s a small, portable card reader that’s easy to set up and use. It can connect to Wi-Fi or you can use the mobile data on your smartphone to power it. (If you choose the next model up, SumUp Solo at £79, you get unlimited mobile data with the built-in SIM card.) The SumUp Air has a long battery life, so you won’t have to worry about it running out of juice in the middle of the day.
SumUp Air is also very affordable. The one-time purchase price is £39, there’s no monthly fee and a competitive transaction fee.
Here are some of the features that make SumUp Air a great choice for festivals:
- Ability to manage multiple employee accounts: Ideal for large festivals with multiple vendors
- Long battery life: Can process up to 500 transactions on a single charge
- Connectivity: Can be powered by your mobile data.
- Portable and easy to use: Weighs just 2.5 ounces and fits in the palm of your hand
- Competitive transaction fees: 1.69% for chip and PIN transactions
- Accepts contactless payments: No need to insert cards
- Built-in product catalogue software: Easily keep track of your inventory
Best Card Machine for Pubs
When you’re running a busy pub, you need to be able to take payments quickly and efficiently. A slow or unreliable card machine can mean lost sales, so it’s important to choose the right one.
SumUp Solo is a great option for pubs. It’s a small, portable card reader that’s easy to set up and use. It promises up to eight hours of battery life, and comes with its own charging station.
SumUp Solo is also affordable. The one-time purchase price is £79 (or choose the model that can also print receipts for £139). Transaction fees are competitive and there’s no monthly fee.
Here are some of the features that make SumUp Solo a great choice for pubs:
- Easy to set up and use: Even if you’re not tech-savvy, you can get up and running quickly
- Low transaction fees: 1.69%
- No long-term contracts: Cancel your subscription at any time
- Accepts contactless payments: No need insert cards
- Durable and reliable: Can withstand the rigours of a busy pub environment
How Does a Card Machine Work?
Card machines enable secure electronic fund transfers from customers to businesses. These devices act as a digital bridge, facilitating transactions in seconds.
There are three key stages to the process:
- Authorisation: When a customer presents their card, the machine reads the information and sends it to a payment processor. The processor checks with the customer’s bank to ensure sufficient funds or credit.
- Confirmation: Upon approval, the machine confirms the transaction, often with a message or receipt. At this point, funds are reserved but not transferred.
- Settlement: Usually at day’s end, authorised transactions are batch-processed, moving funds from the customer’s bank to the business account.
Modern card machines incorporate robust security features like encryption and tokenisation to protect sensitive data. They accept various payment methods, including chip and PIN, contactless, and mobile payments.
To function, these devices require a stable internet connection via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or mobile data.
Features to Consider When Choosing a Card Machine
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Payment methods supported | The different types of payments that the card machine can accept, such as magnetic stripe, chip and PIN, and contactless payments. |
Speed of processing | The time it takes for the card machine to process a payment. |
Connectivity options | The types of internet connections that the card machine can use, such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or mobile data. |
User interface | The ease of use of the card machine’s interface for both employees and customers. |
Portability | Whether the card machine is portable and can be moved easily. |
Integration capabilities | The ability to integrate the card machine with other business systems, such as inventory management or accounting software. |
Hardware durability | The ability of the card machine to withstand physical wear and tear. |
Scalability | The ability of the card machine to grow with the business, such as by handling a larger volume of transactions or supporting additional payment methods. |
Reporting and analytics | The ability of the card machine to provide reports on sales trends, payment types, and customer behavior. |
How Much Do Business Card Machines Cost?
The costs can be broadly divided into two categories: upfront hardware costs and ongoing transaction fees.
Upfront Hardware Costs
The initial investment in a card machine varies considerably between brands and models. Some offer competitive pricing, with costs starting as low as £19 + VAT (Square Reader), while others require custom quotes based on your specific needs (e.g. Ingenico and Verifone models). It’s vital to balance the upfront cost with the features and long-term viability of the machine.
Ongoing Transaction Fees
You’ll incur transaction fees with every card payment processed. These fees range from fixed percentages (e.g. 1.75% with Zettle Reader 2) to variable rates depending on the type of transaction (e.g. Revolut Reader). It’s essential to understand the complete fee structure, including any additional costs for premium services or high-volume transactions.
Bundled Pricing
Some vendors offer bundled pricing that includes the hardware and a set number of transactions for a monthly or yearly fee. While this can simplify budgeting, ensure that the package aligns with your average transaction volume to avoid overpaying. Make sure you can change your package easily if the needs of your business change.
Contractual Obligations
Some providers may offer lower transaction fees in exchange for long-term contractual commitments. However, be cautious of long-term contracts that may come with early termination fees. Some providers offer more flexible terms, allowing you to change or cancel your plan without incurring additional costs.
Additional Costs
Keep an eye out for other potential costs, such as setup fees, monthly maintenance fees, or charges for international card payments, chargebacks or premium customer support. These can add up over time and should be factored into your overall budget.
Card Machine Transaction Fees
Transaction fees are levied by the payment processor for each transaction processed through the card machine. These fees can significantly affect your business’s profitability so it’s important to find a provider offering a competitive fee structure that also aligns with how your business will use the card reader.
Fixed Percentage Fees
Some card machines charge a fixed percentage fee per transaction. For example, the Zettle Reader 2 charges a consistent rate of 1.75% for all transactions. This straightforward model offers predictability but may not always provide the best value for high-volume businesses.
Tiered or Sliding Scale Fees
Certain providers implement a tiered or sliding-scale fee structure, where the transaction fee decreases as the volume of transactions increases. This model could be advantageous for businesses that experience significant transaction volumes or are growing fast.
Variable Fees Some machines, like the Revolut Reader, have a variable fee structure that depends on the type of transaction. In-person transactions may have a different rate compared to online transactions, requiring a comprehensive understanding of your business’s transaction profile
How Secure are Business Card Machines?
With cyber fraud at an all-time high, you’ll want to ensure your card machine delivers state-of-the-art security, as follows:
Security feature | Description |
---|---|
End-to-end encryption | The process of encrypting data at the point of entry and decrypting it only at the point of exit, ensuring that the data is protected throughout its journey. |
PCI compliance | The adherence to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), a set of security standards designed to protect cardholder data. |
Tokenisation | The process of replacing sensitive card data with a unique identifier or token, which can then be used to process payments without exposing the underlying card data. |
Secure customer authentication | The use of multiple factors to authenticate a customer during a payment transaction, such as a PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition. |
Software updates | The regular release of new software versions to address security vulnerabilities and improve the overall security of the card machine. |
Physical security | The use of physical security measures to protect the card machine from unauthorised access, such as tamper-evident seals and remote disabling. |
Vendor reputation | The reputation of the card machine provider in the market, which can be an indicator of the quality of the security features offered. |
Tips for Choosing the Right Business Card Machine
When choosing a card machine for your business, there are many factors to consider, such as the features, costs, transaction fees, security, and customer support. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision:
- Assess your business needs. What type of business do you run? What is your average transaction volume? What payment methods do you need to accept? Once you understand your needs, you can start narrowing down your options.
- Consider the total cost of ownership. The upfront cost of a card machine is just one factor to consider. You also need to factor in the transaction fees, monthly fees, and any other potential costs.
- Choose a machine that can grow with your business. As your business grows, you may need to upgrade your card machine. Make sure to choose one that can handle your future needs.
- Test and demo the machine. Before you buy a card machine, try it out in person. This will give you a chance to see how it works and make sure it’s a good fit for your business.
- Read reviews from other businesses. Online reviews from companies like yours can highlight advantages or snags to particular card readers that you may not have considered.
- Check the warranty and service agreement. Make sure you understand the terms of the warranty and service agreement before you buy a card machine. This will protect you in case something goes wrong.
- Be wary of long-term contracts. Some card machine providers offer long-term contracts with high cancellation fees. Avoid these contracts if you can in case the needs of your business change over time.
- Consider the vendor’s reputation. Choose a card machine provider with a good reputation and a history of providing good customer service.
Our Methodology for Testing Business Card Readers
The Business Expert team aims to go above and beyond in reviewing and comparing business products to make your life easier.
Our technical assessment began with the ease of setup and user interface, measuring the time required for installation and gauging software intuitiveness. We then performed a series of transactions to test speed and reliability across different payment methods and network conditions.
Security compliance with PCI DSS (the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) was verified, and we engaged with customer support teams to assess their responsiveness and expertise. Finally, we consulted with business owners and industry experts for insights into long-term performance and scalability.
Business Card Payment Machine FAQs
Do I need a business bank account to use a card machine?
Yes, most providers require you to have a business bank account, but there are some – for example SumUp – which allow sole traders to apply with their personal bank account.
Can I switch card machine providers easily?
The ease of switching providers depends on the terms of your contract, including any lock-in periods or termination fees. Always read the contract carefully and consider the flexibility it offers before making a commitment.
How do I set up my business card reader?
The setup process varies depending on the manufacturer and model of your card reader. Generally, you’ll need to connect the device to your network and follow the on-screen prompts. Some providers offer setup support as part of their customer service package.
Can my business card reader accept contactless payments and digital wallets?
Most modern card readers support contactless payments and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Are there monthly or annual fees associated with using a business card reader?
Some card reader providers charge ongoing fees for software or additional services. Be sure to check all potential costs before you sign up.
Can I process payments offline with my business card reader?
Certain card readers offer an offline mode, storing transactions to be processed once a connection is restored. Verify this feature if your business operates in locations with unreliable internet connectivity.
How quickly can I access funds processed through my business card reader?
The speed at which funds are transferred to your account can vary depending on your payment processor. Some offer instant or same-day payouts, which may influence your choice of business card reader.
Can multiple employees operate the same business card reader?
Yes, most business card readers allow multiple users and can even track transactions by individual employees. This feature is particularly useful for businesses that require detailed transaction reporting.
Is additional software required to operate a business card reader?
Some business card readers function as standalone units, while others may require integration with point of sale (POS) systems or other business software. Confirm with your provider whether additional software is necessary for your business card reader.
Can I issue refunds directly through my business card reader?
Most business card readers support refunds. However, your ability to issue refunds may depend on your payment processor’s policies, so be sure to confirm this functionality when selecting a machine.
Is there a transaction amount limit on my business card reader?
Transaction limits can vary between different providers and may be influenced by the type of business you operate, so look into any limits set by the provider you’re interested in.