11 Best Card Machines for Small Businesses in 2025

Choosing the right card machine for your small business in the UK isn’t just about the cheapest fees; it’s about finding a device that fits your sales environment, budget, and tech comfort. 

Whether you sell at markets, run a café, or operate a pop-up shop, the right card reader makes payments smoother and faster, saving you time and boosting sales. 

To help, I’ve compared the best card machines available to find the perfect fit for your business.

Best Overall

Square Reader (2nd Generation)

Purchase Price

£19 + VAT

This is a one-time hardware cost with no subscription required. Includes a two-year limited warranty

Transaction Fees

1.75%

1.75% for in-person payments or 6% + 30p for Clearpay transactions. Customised rates available for businesses that process more than £200,000 per year.

Monthly Fees

£0

You only pay per transaction, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.

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Best for a Quick Setup

SumUp Solo Card Reader

Purchase Price

£79 + VAT

Transaction Fees

0.99% – 1.69%

1.69% transaction fee or 0.99% for SumUp One members.

Monthly Fees

£0

SumUp One membership costs £16.10

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Best with Bank Account

Tide Card Reader

Purchase Price

£59 + VAT

Tide does not charge monthly fees for card reader usage. However, maintaining a Tide Business Account is required, with plans starting from £0 per month.

Transaction Fees

Varies

Purchase your reader before 30/06/2025 using code GETPAID200 to get a reduced rate of 0.99% + 3p on domestic cards for the next 3 months. Additional fees may apply for refunds or chargebacks.

Monthly Fees

£0

No monthly fees for card readers; Tide Business Account plans start from £0/month.

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What’s the Best Card Payment Machine? – Our Verdict

Square Reader, SumUp Solo, and Dojo Go are the best choices for most small businesses.

Square Reader is ideal for mobile traders and market stalls. It’s simple to set up, contract-free, and comes with a free app packed with helpful features like inventory management and tipping. The only limitation is that it requires a stable internet connection, which might be an issue in some locations.

If you prefer a fully standalone, pocket-sized device that doesn’t need a phone or tablet, SumUp Solo is a great pick. It’s reliable, easy to use, and perfect for solo traders who are always on the move. It’s all-in-one design means less hassle and more flexibility.

For busy hospitality venues and retail businesses needing fast, reliable payments with built-in 4G and receipt printing, Dojo Go is the top choice. Although it comes with a contract and is slightly more expensive, it offers professional-level performance that can handle high volumes without slowing down.

Overall, if I had to recommend just one for most small businesses, the Square Reader offers the best balance of features and affordability, while SumUp Solo is perfect for those wanting a no-fuss, standalone device.

Compare the Best Card Payment Machine Providers for Small Business

While this table offers a broad comparison of card machine providers, it’s difficult to simplify such a vast marketplace in a few rows.

I’ve tried to display the purchase price for the cheaper portable credit card machines and the fee charged for each transaction here.

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

The 11 Best Card Machines for Small Businesses Reviewed

Square Reader: Best Business Card Reader with No Contract

Best For: Mobile businesses, market stalls, and pop-ups that want a clean, contract-free setup.

Why It Stands Out: Square’s app is one of the most intuitive on the market, and it’s free. It turns your phone into a full till system with sales tracking, tipping, and product libraries baked in.

Key Features

• Connects via Bluetooth to smartphone or tablet
• Works with the free Square POS app (tipping, product library, sales tracking)
• Compatible with iOS and Android
• Real-time transaction syncing with analytics dashboard
• Contactless, chip & PIN, and mobile wallet payments

Our Verdict: I found Square refreshingly simple. Setup took five minutes, and the Bluetooth pairing worked the first time. It’s not flashy but solid, and the app saves time at the till.

Pricing

• Hardware: £19 + VAT
• Transaction Rate: 1.75% per transaction
• No monthly fee
  

Tide Reader: Best 4G Card Reader with Business Account

Best For: Small businesses that want their payments and banking under one roof.

Why It Stands Out: It’s the only card reader fully integrated with Tide’s business current account. Sales land straight into your account, and no third-party apps are needed.

Key Features

• Fully integrated with the Tide business banking app
• Processes payments directly into your Tide account
• Minimal setup via the Tide app (no third-party tools)
• Contactless and chip & PIN support
• Works over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Our Verdict: I tried the Tide Reader with a Tide account, and the setup was frictionless. The app shows real-time transactions, and everything, from invoicing to payouts, runs from one dashboard. It’s not the most advanced terminal, but a solid pick for simplicity and control.

Pricing

• Hardware: £59 + VAT
• Transaction Rate: From 0.99%  per transaction
• No monthly fee

Exclusive Offer: Get £200 Cash Reward when processing £1,000 using your reader & reduced domestic transaction fees of 0.99% + 3p for the next 3 months – Code: GETPAID200. Ends 30/06/2025

SumUp Solo Card Machine

Best For: Solo traders and mobile businesses that want a sleek, all-in-one card reader with no fuss.

Why It Stands Out: The SumUP reader is fully standalone, so no phone or tablet is needed. Just charge it, connect to Wi-Fi or mobile data, and you’re ready to take payments.

Key Features

• Fully standalone device with built-in touchscreen
• Wi-Fi and optional 4G connectivity (via add-on base or SIM)
• On-device tipping, refunds, and digital receipts
• Simple, swipeable interface with no need for additional apps
• Accepts all major card types and mobile wallets

Our Verdict: The Solo was one of the smoothest card reader experiences. The touchscreen is crisp, the interface is simple, and it fits in your palm. It’s not a full POS system, but it works for small setups.

Pricing

• Hardware: £79 + VAT for reader, or £139 + VAT for the printer bundle
• Transaction Rate: From 1.69% per transaction, or 0.99% for SumUp One members
• Monthly Cost: £19 per month for SumUp One membership (optional)

Revolut Reader: Best Card Machine for Cheapest Transaction Fees

Best For: Small businesses already using Revolut Business who want fast, integrated payments with no hassle.

Why It Stands Out: The Revolut Reader plugs straight into your existing Revolut Business account, so there are no third-party apps or extra logins. It’s all streamlined.

Key Features

• Syncs directly with the Revolut Business app
• Bluetooth connectivity with a mobile device
• Instant payment settlement into your Revolut account
• Accepts chip & PIN, contactless, Google Pay, Apple Pay
• Access to in-app invoicing and payment tracking tools

Our Verdict: I tested this with a Revolut Business account and was impressed by how quickly the payments synced. The hardware feels premium, the app’s smooth, and everything automatically flows into your main account. It’s ideal if you’re already in the Revolut ecosystem.

Pricing

• Hardware: £49 + VAT
• Transaction Rate: 0.8% + 2p per transaction
• No monthly fee

Lightspeed POS: Best Business Card Machines for Well-Established Retail, Restaurant, and Golf Businesses

Best For: Hospitality and retail businesses needing an all-in-one EPOS and payment system

Why It Stands Out:
Lightspeed isn’t just a card machine; it’s a complete point-of-sale platform with inventory management, staff scheduling, customer loyalty tools, and integrated payments. It’s ideal for cafes, restaurants, and boutique retailers wanting powerful backend tools and fast, flexible payments.

Key Features

• Full-feature POS system with built-in payments
• Advanced stock, staff, and CRM management tools
• Tablet-based with optional terminals
• Accepts all major payment types
• Cloud access and multi-location support

Our Verdict: I think Lightspeed is brilliant if you’re running a growing hospitality or retail setup. It does more than just take payments; it helps you run the business. Compared to simple machines like Tyl or TakePayments, it’s more of a complete system. It’s overkill if you just need a card reader, but for all-in-one control, it shines.

Pricing

• Hardware: Device pricing available on request
• Transaction Rates: Varies depending on setup and industry
• Monthly Fees: Plans start at £75 per month for Retail POS and £109 for Restaurant POS.

Zettle Reader 2: Best Card Machine for Beginner Sellers

Best For: Small shops, cafés, and market traders who want a reliable, affordable card reader with app-based extras.

Why It Stands Out: It strikes the perfect balance between low cost and solid features, offering inventory tracking, tipping, and fast payments from one app.

Key Features

• Connects to the Zettle app via Bluetooth
• Includes product library, tipping, and basic POS tools
• Compatible with phones and tablets
• Real-time syncing with online dashboard
• Accepts cards, contactless, and mobile payments

Our Verdict: The Zettle Reader 2 has never disappointed me. The connection is quick, the app is simple and easy to use, and handles busy trade without a wobble. It’s ideal if you want more than just a basic reader, but don’t need full-blown POS hardware.

Pricing:

• Hardware: £29 + VAT
• Transaction Rate: 1.75% per transaction
• No monthly fee

Takepaymentsplus: Best Card Machine for Medium Business

Best For: Mobile and small businesses seeking flexible payment options with strong local support

Why It Stands Out: TakePayments Plus offers a well-rounded package with card machines and integrated software, making it ideal for businesses that want seamless payment and sales management. Its strength lies in excellent customer service and tailored solutions for small retailers and mobile vendors.

Key Features

• Smart terminal with full touchscreen interface
• Supports tipping, product libraries, and receipt printing
• Connects via Wi-Fi and built-in 4G
• Access to cloud reporting tools
• Integrates with some third-party POS software

Our Verdict: I think TakePayments Plus strikes a nice balance between reliability and simplicity. The setup is straightforward, and their UK-based support helps if anything goes wrong, giving peace of mind. Compared to bigger brands, it feels less “corporate” and more customer-focused, which suits smaller businesses well.

Pricing:

• Hardware: Rental and purchase options available. Price on request
• Transaction Fees: Typically around 1.5%–1.75%
• Monthly Fees: Quote-based

Worldpay FX8000: Best Card Machine for High Volumes

Best For: High-volume retailers and businesses needing robust, versatile payment solutions

Why It Stands Out: The Worldpay FX8000 is a powerful, all-in-one terminal designed for busy shops and hospitality venues. Its fast processing speeds support multiple payment types, including contactless, chip and PIN, and mobile wallets. Worldpay’s extensive merchant services offer extra business insights and multi-channel selling tools.

Key Features

• 4G mobile terminal with a large touchscreen
• Receipt printer built-in
• Cloud-based POS integration is available
• Accepts all major cards, contactless, and mobile wallets
• Suitable for fast-paced, high-volume environments

Our Verdict: The FX8000 is a solid choice if you need a dependable machine that handles heavy use without slowing down. Compared to TakePayments Plus, it feels more industrial and geared towards larger operations, but it’s still accessible for growing small businesses. The trade-off is less personal support but more tech muscle.

Pricing

• Hardware: Monthly rental fees range from £15 + VAT; contracts typically require a 12-month minimum
• Transaction Rate: Usually starts at around 1.5% but depends on volume and plan

Tyl (by Natwest) Ingenico Move 3500 Card Machine

Best For: Mobile businesses and retailers needing a reliable, lightweight card machine with strong banking integration

Why It Stands Out: The Igenico Move 3500 from Tyl (NatWest) is built for mobility and ease of use, making it perfect for market stalls, food trucks, or pop-up shops. Its compatibility with Tyl’s payment ecosystem and NatWest banking means seamless payment-to-bank reconciliation, a real saver for business owners who want simple, efficient cash flow management.

Key Features

• Mobile terminal with printed receipts and tipping
• Connects via Wi-Fi or 3G
• Links to the Tyl web portal for tracking and reporting
• Accepts all major payment methods
• Secure, bank-grade infrastructure

Our Verdict: I think the Move 3500 is an excellent choice if you want a straightforward, portable device backed by a major bank’s infrastructure. It’s less bulky than the Worldpay FX8000 and more personalised than some large providers. The connection via Bluetooth is smooth, and battery life lasts through a busy day.

Pricing

• Hardware: From £19.99 + VAT per month
• Transaction Rate: Starts at 1.4%

Dojo Go Card Machine

Best For: Busy cafés, restaurants, and retail setups that need speed, reliability, and on-the-go functionality.

Why It Stands Out: It’s a smart terminal with built-in 4G, touchscreen interface, and next-day payouts, even on weekends. Dojo also offers one of the slickest onboarding processes I’ve seen.

Key Features

• All-in-one smart terminal with built-in touchscreen
• Built-in 4G and Wi-Fi, with no phone or app needed
• Integrated receipt printer
• Tap, chip & PIN, and mobile wallet support
• Real-time sales dashboard with detailed insights
• Payouts processed automatically (even on weekends)

Our Verdict: I tested Dojo Go in a high-footfall setting, and it didn’t skip a beat. The device is lightning-fast, prints receipts instantly, and the 4G means you’re not relying on patchy Wi-Fi. It feels like a serious bit of kit, and the support team picks up the phone.

Pricing:

• Hardware: From £15 per month, or £179 upfront
• Transaction Rate: Varies on plan, typically ~1.3% or lower)

Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere Card Machine

Best For: Sole traders and mobile businesses needing a low-cost, no-fuss card reader

Why It Stands Out: Smartpay Anywhere is Barclaycard’s entry-level mobile card reader. It offers simple, app-based payments at competitive rates. It’s ideal if you want a trusted brand without the commitment of a monthly fee or long contract.

Key Features

• Lightweight mobile card reader
• Pairs with a smartphone via the Smartpay Go app
• Supports chip & PIN, contactless, and mobile wallets
• Basic POS features via the app
• Real-time transaction viewing through the dashboard

Our Verdict: I think Smartpay Anywhere is excellent for side hustlers or anyone just starting out. It’s app-driven and easy to get going, much like Square or Zettle, but backed by a big-name bank. It doesn’t offer the bells and whistles of something like Lightspeed or Worldpay, but it’s a solid option to take payments quickly and reliably.

Pricing:

• Hardware: £29 + VAT
• Transaction Rate: 1.6%
• No monthly fees

Types of Card Readers Explained

Not all card readers are built the same. Choosing the right type depends on how and where you take payments, whether on the go, at a fixed till, or online. Matching the card reader to your business model can save money and improve your customer experience.

Here are the main types to know:

• Mobile Card Readers: These compact, portable devices connect Bluetooth to your smartphone or tablet. They’re ideal for sole traders or mobile businesses like market stalls, tradespeople, or pop-up shops.
  
  Examples: Square Reader, Zettle Reader
  
• Countertop Card Machines: Designed for fixed premises, these plug directly into a power source and connect via Ethernet or phone line. They are best for traditional retailers or cafés with a fixed till setup.
  
  Examples: Barclaycard Smartpay Countertop, Worldpay Desk 5000
  
• Portable Card Machines: These wireless terminals work via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and offer flexibility within your premises (e.g., taking payments at tables). They are commonly used in hospitality.
  
  Examples: Dojo Go, SumUp Solo with printer
  
• EPOS-Integrated Terminals: EPOS stands for Electronic Point of Sale, a system that combines hardware (like a till and barcode scanner) with inventory and sales tracking software. EPOS-integrated readers sync directly with these systems, making them ideal for larger retailers needing full payment and stock management in one.
  
  Examples: Square Terminal, Zettle Terminal
  
• Virtual Terminals & Payment Links: These allow you to take payments without a physical machine, making them ideal for remote businesses or phone payments. Customers enter card details manually, often through a secure online page.

How Do Card Machines Work?

Card machines are designed to make taking payments fast and painless for you and your customers. The behind-the-scenes process is pretty slick, whether tapping a phone or swiping a debit card.

1. The customer taps, inserts, or swipes their card or phone (via contactless, chip and PIN, or digital wallet like Apple Pay).
2. The machine connects to your provider (via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or built-in 4G).
3. The transaction is verified with the customer’s bank, which takes seconds.
4. Payment is authorised, and a receipt is sent or printed.
5. Funds are settled into your business account within 1–2 working days (some offer same-day payout).

I think the most important thing to look for is reliability. If your connection is dodgy or the machine is slow, it holds up queues and causes stress. That’s why I rate machines with strong offline mode options and fast connectivity.

How Much Do Card Machines Cost?

Card machine costs vary widely, but it’s not just about the upfront price. Total ownership costs include device fees, transaction charges, monthly rentals, and sometimes long-term contracts. Always factor in the full picture to avoid nasty surprises.

Here’s what to look out for:

• Device Costs: Pay-as-you-go machines typically cost between £19 and £59 upfront, with no monthly fee. More advanced terminals or those with printers can cost upwards of £100. Rental plans, often used by traditional providers, bundle hardware into monthly fees instead.
  
• Transaction Fees: With flexible providers like Square or Sumup, you’ll usually pay 1.5% to 2.5% per card payment. Larger businesses may negotiate lower rates with traditional acquirers, but this often comes with strings attached.
  
• Monthly Fees & Rentals: Some providers charge £10–£30+ per month for device rental, software access, or account maintenance. Watch out for bundled services you may not use regularly.
  
• Contracts & Hidden Fees: Traditional merchant accounts often involve 12–to 36–month contracts, early termination fees, and extra charges for PCI compliance, chargebacks, or paper statements. Always read the small print, especially regarding contract length and non-transparent fees.

Tip: Flexible, no-contract options are usually better for startups or seasonal traders, while high-volume businesses may benefit from custom pricing if they’re confident in their sales forecasts.

How to Choose the Right Card Machine

Card machines process payments by securely sending transaction data between the customer’s bank and your business account. Here’s how the process typically works:

1. The customer taps, inserts or swipes their card: This could be a debit card, credit card or a digital wallet (like Apple Pay or Google Pay).
   
2. The machine captures card details: The card reader encrypts the payment information instantly for security.
   
3.  The data is sent to the payment processor: The processor checks with the customer’s bank to approve or decline the transaction.
   
4. Approval is sent back to the terminal: If approved, the machine shows a success message, and a receipt can be printed or sent via text/email.
   
5. Funds are settled into your business account: Depending on your provider, this usually happens within 1–3 working days.

All reputable card machines comply with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) requirements. This ensures sensitive card data is encrypted and securely handled throughout the process.

Business Card Payment Machine FAQs