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.
Square Reader (2nd Generation)
SumUp Solo Card Reader
Tide Card Reader
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
| Card Machine | Purchase Price | Transaction Fees | Monthly Fees | Star Rating | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square Reader | £19 + VAT | From 1.75% | £0 | ★★★★★ | Visit Square |
| Tide Reader | £59 + VAT | From 0.99% + 3p | £0 | ★★★★★ | Visit Tide |
| SumUp Solo | £79 + VAT | Fron 0.99% | £0 or £19 | ★★★★★ | Visit SumUp |
| Revolut Reader | £49 + VAT | From 0.8% + 2p | £0 | ★★★☆☆ | Visit Revolut |
| Lightspeed | On Request | Varies | From £75 | ★★★★★ | Visit Lightspeed |
| Tyl by NatWest Ingenico Move 3500 | Rented | Varies | From £19.99 | ★★★☆☆ | Visit Tyl by NatWest |
| Zettle Reader 2 | From £29 + VAT | 1.75% | £0 | ★★★★☆ | Visit Zettle |
| Takepayments Plus | On Request | Varies | On Request | ★★★★★ | Visit Takepayments |
| Worldpay FX800 | Rented | From 1.5% | From £15 | ★★★☆☆ | Visit Worldpay |
| Dojo Go | From £179 | From 1.2% | £0 | ★★★☆☆ | Visit Dojo Go |
| Smartpay Anywhere (by Barclaycard) | £29 + VAT | From 1.6% | £0 | ★★★☆☆ | Visit Smartpay |
The 11 Best Card Machines for Small Businesses Reviewed
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.
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
- No monthly fees, just a one-off £19 + VAT for the reader
- Free POS app with advanced features like inventory and tipping
- Fast payouts, often next working day
- Easy to set up and use for first-timers
- Lacks 4G or offline mode, so needs Wi-Fi or mobile signal to take payments
- Not ideal for high-volume businesses needing receipt printers or multiple tills
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
- Direct integration with Tide business accounts
- Simple, flat transaction rate
- Clean, no-fuss interface ideal for service-based businesses
- Real-time sales syncing into your banking app
- Only available to Tide account holders
- Lacks advanced features like tipping, product catalogues or receipt printing
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)
- Fully standalone so doesn’t require a separate device
- Pocket-sized and beautifully designed
- Tip and refund options included
- Simple flat rate with no contract
- No product library or till features, so very limited for complex setups
- Not suitable for businesses needing multiple user logins
- No receipt printer unless you buy it separately
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
- Instant settlement into your Revolut Business account
- Sleek, minimalist hardware that feels high-end
- Easy integration with Revolut’s invoicing and analytics tools
- Very competitive fees (from 0.8% + 2p)
- No offline mode, so it relies on Wi-Fi or mobile connection
- Not ideal if you’re not already a Revolut user
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.
- Advanced POS with payment integration
- Great for managing stock, menus, and staff
- Cloud-based system for remote access
- Works with iPad and hardware bundles
- More expensive than standalone card machines
- Requires a bit more setup and training
- Best suited to fixed-location businesses
- Total overkill for small or mobile businesses
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
- Reliable Bluetooth connection
- Zettle app includes product library, tipping, and sales tracking
- Fast next-day payouts to any UK bank account
- Affordable hardware, easy to scale
- No built-in printer, so it needs a separate unit for paper receipts
- Requires a compatible phone or tablet as it’s not standalone like SumUp Solo
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
- Responsive UK customer service
- Flexible payment options, including contactless and mobile
- Integrated software for managing sales and stock
- Tailored pricing and account manager support
- Smart terminal with tipping and receipt printing
- Better for businesses needing a hands-on onboarding
- Fewer international payment options
- Pricing not as transaparent as other providers
- 12-month contracts common
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
- Fast transaction processing
- Accepts a wide range of payment methods
- Comprehensive reporting and multi-channel integration
- Trusted global brand with robust security
- Enterprise-grade 4G terminal with built-in printer
- Supports high-volume, complex POS needs
- Not cost-effective for small or micro businesses
- Setups and contracts can be more complex.
- Customer support is less personal.
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%
- Portable terminal with bank-grade reliability
- Easy integration with NatWest accounts
- Strong Bluetooth connection
- Good battery life for all-day use
- Printed receipts, tipping and next-day payouts
- Access to the Tyl portal for sales tracking
- Limited advanced features compared to larger terminals
- Slightly higher transaction fees on some plans
- Mainly suited for smaller or mobile operations
- Slower onboarding and contracts involved
- Less agile than fintech alternatives
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)
- Smart terminal with touchscreen and built-in printer
- 4G connectivity included, so no separate SIM or Wi-Fi needed
- Next-day payouts, even on weekends
- UK-based support team with rapid response times
- Some plans require a 6-month contract (minimum), which is less flexible than others
- Pricing is not fully transparent online, as it varies by business type
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
- No monthly fees
- Straightforward hardware and setup
- Competitive transaction rates
- Backed by Barclaycard’s security and support
- Real-time tracking via the Smartpay app
- Pricing and terms vary by business
- Requires a smartphone to operate
- Fewer smart features compared to newer fintech rivals
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.
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.
- The customer taps, inserts, or swipes their card or phone (via contactless, chip and PIN, or digital wallet like Apple Pay).
- The machine connects to your provider (via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or built-in 4G).
- The transaction is verified with the customer’s bank, which takes seconds.
- Payment is authorised, and a receipt is sent or printed.
- 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:
- 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).
- The machine captures card details: The card reader encrypts the payment information instantly for security.
- The data is sent to the payment processor: The processor checks with the customer’s bank to approve or decline the transaction.
- 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.
- 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
Card machines with no monthly fees are usually mobile card readers that pair with an app on your phone. Popular options include Zettle by PayPal, Square Reader, and Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere. You just pay a one-off cost for the device (typically £19–£39) and a fixed transaction fee (around 1.6%–1.75%) per sale, no rental, no contracts. I think they’re ideal if you’re just starting out or want a low-commitment way to take payments.
The cheapest way to take card payments is with a mobile card reader like Zettle, Square, or Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere. These devices cost around £19–£39 upfront, with no monthly fees and a flat transaction fee of about 1.6%–1.75% per sale. I think they’re an excellent option for sole traders or small businesses that don’t process high volumes, as you only pay when you use them and avoid ongoing costs.
The best payment system for small businesses depends on how you trade, but I’d say Zettle, Square, or Tyl by NatWest are strong all-rounders. Zettle and Square are great for keeping costs low, with no monthly fees, just pay per sale, while Tyl offers more support and EPOS features if you’re growing. If you need a full system with stock tracking or tableside payments, something like Lightspeed or TakePayments Plus might suit you better. The key is choosing one that fits your setup without overcomplicating things.
The best way to accept payments for a small business is to use a mobile card reader or a simple POS system that combines card payments with tools like invoicing and sales tracking. I think options like Zettle or Square work well for most – they’re easy to set up, have no monthly fees, and let you take contactless, chip & PIN, and digital wallet payments straight away. For busier shops or hospitality, a smart terminal like Tyl by NatWest or TakePayments Plus offers more flexibility with added features like tipping, product libraries, and printed receipts.
The cheapest card machines in the UK are typically mobile readers like Zettle by PayPal and Square Reader, which cost around £19–£29 upfront with no monthly fees. You only pay a transaction fee of about 1.6%–1.75% per sale. I think these are perfect for sole traders or small businesses wanting a low-cost, no-commitment way to accept card payments without hidden charges.
Yes, you can buy your own card machine in the UK. Many providers like Zettle, Square, and Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere let you purchase a card reader outright, usually for under £40, with no ongoing rental fees. Buying your own device gives you more flexibility and can be cheaper in the long term; just be sure to check the provider’s transaction fees and contract terms before committing.
The cost per transaction for a card machine usually ranges between 1.3% and 1.75% of the sale value, depending on your provider and volume. Some charge a flat fee plus a percentage, but most small businesses pay a simple percentage. I think it’s important to compare rates carefully, especially if you process many payments, as even slight differences can add up over time.
Most basic card machines need Wi-Fi or a mobile data connection. More advanced models like Dojo Go have built-in 4G, so they can take payments anywhere without relying on an external internet connection. For on-the-go businesses, built-in connectivity is a safer, more reliable option.
Yes, modern card machines don’t need a phone line. Most connect using Wi-Fi, mobile data (4G), or Bluetooth. Devices like Square Reader and Tide Reader can work completely wirelessly, making them ideal for businesses without a fixed phone line.
Yes, all card machines charge a fee per transaction. This is usually a small percentage (e.g. 1.5%–1.75%) taken from each payment. Some providers also charge monthly rental or setup fees, especially for more advanced terminals. Always check the full pricing structure, as costs can vary depending on your business type and volume.
Yes, you can get a card machine without a traditional business bank account. Many providers, like Square, SumUp, and Zettle, don’t require one and will settle funds into any UK bank account, including personal accounts in some cases. However, using a business account keeps things cleaner for tax and accounting. Some providers, like Tide or Revolut, require you to use their own business accounts for payouts.
