13 Best Card Machine Providers in the UK in 2024
In this article, we’re spotlighting the leading card machine/POS providers in the UK. Our experts have put together a thorough review based on real customer feedback, insights from staff, and our own expert analysis from over a decade of experience comparing some of the top UK card machine providers.
Takepayments : Fees from 0.4%of transactions
Verifone : Fees from 0.4% of transactions
Lopay : Fees from 0.79% of transactions
Dojo : Fees from 1.4% of transactions
Worldpay : Fees from 1.4% of transactions
XLN : Fees from 1.5% of transactions
Tyl by NatWest : Fees from 1.5% of transactions
Barclaycard : Fees from 1.6% of transactions
SumUp : Fees from 1.69% of transactions
Zettle : Fees from 1.75% of transactions
Square : Fees from 1.75% of transactions
Elavon : Fees from 1.75% of transactions
Clover : Fees from 2.9% of transactions
Our Top 3 Card Payment Providers in [current_date format=’F Y’]:
Takepayments – 4.8 stars for their incredibly low fees
Worldpay – 4.7 stars for their substantial technical knowledge and support
Lopay – 4.8 stars for their impeccable customer service
How have we selected these providers?
For every provider we assess, we assign a rating out of five based on the key comparable features and benefits we’ve selected for Card Machines: price, usability, features/add-ons, customer satisfaction, and deployment speed.
We’ve selected these five features for Card Machines based on the following criteria:
Price : In the business world, value for money is crucial. Why spend more when you can get the same or better service elsewhere?
Usability : Card procerssors have evolved to cover various business functions over the years. Therefore, it’s essential to have a system that is user-friendly and suits your business requirements.
Features/Add-ons : While a particular feature may be perfect for one business, it might be unnecessary for another, so our goal is to help you find a provider that offers the exact services you need without any gaps.
Customer Satisfaction : Naturally, it’s vital to consider genuine customer feedback. By taking into account both positive and negative reviews, we ensure you’re well-informed before making a decision.
Speed : In simple terms, when you’re ready to get started, you don’t want to wait weeks or months for your service to be up and running, especially when you have a business to run!
Why listen to our reviews?
With over ten years of experience in evaluating telecom products, our team brings a wealth of knowledge, including our CEO’s background at Exponential-e, a well-regarded telecoms company in London. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive analyses to give our users unbiased reviews for well-informed decision-making. For more information on our review and testing methodologies for products, services, and providers, please click here. Although we aim to offer our users the most comprehensive recommendations based on our expertise and research, it’s worth noting that there are over 50 VoIP providers in the UK, each with unique features and benefits that could be an ideal fit for your company. For a comprehensive comparison use our comparison tool today here .
Topics covered in this article include:
What are Card Machines?
If you are a business owner you will know that card machines are no longer just nice to have, they are now an essential business tool. Most customers prefer to pay using debit and credit cards as opposed to cash or by using a digital wallet like apple or Google Pay. The way these machines usually process payments is usually by contactless or a chip and pin method, and most new card machines usually allow customers to pay via their smartphone with a digital wallet.
The most common types of card payment machines you will encounter include countertop.
portable
mobile machines
How do Card Machines Work?
What are the Benefits of Card Machines?
Card machines are necessity for businesses taking payments in this day and age. They provide customers with a convenient way finalise transactions and give merchants an efficient way to process sales quickly.
While there is always a possibility for fraud, not having as much cash on a business premises on your person lowers your theft risks, and encrypted transactions will help improve your security as well.
Depending on your providers integrations you may be able to access accurate reporting and record keeping reports, which will help you at tax time and with your accounting. These business integrations can streamline your business and free up time for you to get on with the more important things.
Having a card payment machine makes your business more accessible for a wider range of customers. There is no doubt that people prefer to pay over card or with a digital wallet.
What are the Disadvantages of Card Machnes?
The biggest thing that you should be sure to look out for when choosing a card machine provider other transaction fee which will vary based on the provider the card types you use and how many sales transactions you are processing over a week, month etc.
Well on the topic of fees also be sure to check if your provider charges any monthly fees for hardware rental. Whether or not you should rent or buy your machine outright will depend on your individual business needs.
You should always be mindful of the security risks associated with taking card payments. Mobile readers are always susceptible to higher risks then countertop and even portable readers.
Although most people tend to pay on card these days you should always be prepared if your Internet connection goes down. If you are solely reliant on card payments, be sure to have a plan in place should you get disconnected for any reason.
Another thing to be mindful of when choosing a card reader is your contract lock-in length, which also varies from provider to provider.
How much do Card Machines Cost?
Card readers can be purchased upfront or leased monthly, so you should consider your business needs before deciding. Focus on suitability over price alone. For instance, despite the price difference, Square’s £19 + VAT upfront cost outweighs Smart Pay Any where’s £29 + VAT monthly charge – remember that quality matters more than cost.
Transaction fees should be carefully examined as they impact profits with every transaction. Lower fees start around 0.7%, while higher one’s approach 3%. Determine if fees are fixed, variable based on payment type, or tiered according to transaction volume. Negotiating fees is possible with some providers, and since fees apply to each sale, finding an affordable rate is vital for your business.
What are the Types of Card Machines?
Differences Between Card Machines
Countertop
Portable
Mobile
Take payments at a till or other fixed location
Take payments somewhere within your business premises
Take payments anywhere (on the go)
Small & compact
Small & lightweight
Comes with a build in sim
Connects via broadband or phone
Usually connected via wi-fi or Bluetooth
Can connect anywhere in the UK (with mobile service)
Prints receipts
Long battery life
Long battery life
Countertop Card Machines
Countertop card machines are the most traditional form of machines, frequently seen in retail chains supermarkets and other high-street stores. To work these, require a physical connection to a phone or Internet line and must stay fixed in place to a till or other area. Countertop card machines are thought to have the strongest security out of the three options as they have like the least likely to be hacked into or scammed, however they are not as convenient as they cannot move around.
Portable Card Machines
Portable card machines are a little different as they do not need to be tethered to a fixed spot in your business because they connect over Wi-Fi or mobile data. These are useful in the garden areas of restaurants or other busy areas which require movement. Portable card machines are usually rented off the provider charged a monthly or yearly fee for use.
Mobile Card Machines
As the name suggests mobile card machines a connected via a SIM card and are therefore most suitable for businesses on the go, such as a tradesperson, food vendor, pet groomer etc. My car readers can usually be connected to a smartphone or iPad and usually incur a one-off fee, making them a cost-effective solution for small businesses.
What are the Features of Card Machines?
When choosing a card machine, you should always think about what type of card your customers will most frequently pay with. Aside from debit and credit cards think about whether you need to accept American Express, MasterCard, visa etc. It’s a good idea to check to see whether you will be charged extra transaction fees depending on the card paid with. It is also a great idea to ensure your card payment machine will accept Apple and Google pay.
Depending on the type of business you have you may need receipt printing functionality. Well, this is not a possible on a mobile card reader, some app integrations allow you to e-mail receipts to customers if you need to be on the go.
Security Features
When choosing a card machine provider be sure to check if security features come a standard or incur a monthly or annual fee as this varies across different provider. You will need to ensure PCI compliance in order to safeguard customer card information. Other beneficial security features include EMV chip and pin technology and encryption.
Additional Features (depending on the machine):
The additional features that your card machines will come with will vary depending on the processor that you decide to sign up with. When choosing your provider, you should look at these additional features and pick according to your individual business needs. Some businesses will benefit from mobile processing and the ability to wirelessly take on the go payments.
Other businesses may look to point of sale integrations, reporting and analytic or inventory management that have the ability to provide real time stock updates as needed.
Restaurants or other businesses in the hospitality industry may benefit from a tipping functionality that will allow customers to electronically add tips to their payments when finalising their payments.
What Card Machine is Right for You Based on Your Industry
Retail: Prioritise features like inventory management, receipt printing, and integration with point-of-sale systems.
Restaurants: Look for ease of use , mobile compatibility for tableside service, and tipping functionalities.
Service Businesses: Consider portability , contactless payment options, and email/SMS receipt capabilities
What to Consider When Choosing a Card Machine Provider
Choosing the right card machine for your business can initially feel daunting due to the variety of options and pricing. Don’t worry, though—simply follow our essential checklist to help make an informed decision:
Firstly, the volume of card transactions your business processes will determine the type of card machine you need. This means the number of transactions and the nature of your sales—whether you have high-value transactions or frequent low-value sales—affect the type of machine required. For instance, a business with a high volume of transactions will require a machine with fast processing capabilities to avoid delays and queues. It also depends on the type of business you operate. For example, a busy restaurant processing numerous payments in a short time will need a different machine than a boutique shop with fewer, but possibly higher-value, transactions. Both of these businesses would need a different system to a food truck or mobile coffee vendor!
So, when evaluating your transaction volume, it’s crucial to consider how your business handles payments. As we mentioned, scenarios such as busy sales periods, high-value transactions, and different payment methods demand specific features in a card machine. In addition to this you should always consider the reporting features and whether or not you need things like inventory management and other integrations as each provider has unique features and is known for different things.
Be sure to consider your potential providers rates and transparency, always prioritise competitive rates and clear fee structures. If a provider is not upfront about monthly fees, monthly compliance charges, or early termination rates, you might want to think twice.
If you need mobile compatibility, be sure to choose a provider that prioritises this to ensure seamless payment processing.
Another significant consideration will be your budget and the financial commitment you can make to your card machine. This is because card machine providers all offer different features and benefits, offering different transaction fees and deals.
It would help if you also took note of the following circumstances to help you choose the best card machine for your business needs:
Business type and industry
Scale of operations
Budget constraints
Customer preferences
Card Machine Providers Reviews
Now that you’re well-informed about card machines and their functionality, here’s our concise list and reviews of the top card providers in the UK. Please remember that the right card machine provider for you depends on the requirements of your personal or business needs. Be sure to conduct a comprehensive market comparison tailored to your specific needs using our convenient comparison engine found here.
Takepayments Card Machines
Our performance rating out of 5 stars:
Our Overall Rating
4 .8 out of 5 stars
Price
4.2 out of 5 stars
Usability
5 out of 5 stars
Features/Add-ons
5 out of 5 stars
Customer Ratings
4 .9 out of 5 stars
Speed
4.4 out of 5 stars
What other people think of Takepayments:
Real customer reviews:
Positive Customer Reviews:
Negative Customer Reviews:
Takepayments: Video from a user’s perspective
Takepayments : Visual from a user’s perspective:
Takepayments: The design & how it affects users:
The Takepayments card machines are designed with a user-friendly interface, which minimises the learning curve for staff and are suitable for businesses with high volume, as they are optimised for quick transaction. They offer robust security as a standard as each device is PCI compliant, ensuring that your customer data is handled securely.
Takepayments: What sets it apart from its competitors?
Take payments tailored transaction fees of a bespoke rates, making them suitable for such a wide range of business needs. To top it off they offer both stationary and mobile card machines that will come with PCI compliance and assistance. Also, if you have a Barclay card business merchant account you will incur no monthly merchant account fees.
Pros and Cons of Takepayments
Takepayments Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Strong Focus on service
Short contracts
They offer tailored packages and therefore fees.
They offer free next day settlement.
Sleek terminal design
Limited integrations
Some services are locked in.
Some products have a higher setup fee
Our own experience with the pros & cons of Takepayments
Takepayments are one of the most affordable card providers on the market for small businesses compared to other competitors on the market. Their no set up fee is attractive for startups, as is their flexible pricing structure. We think that this, combined with their competitive transaction fees make them the almost perfect solution to portable and mobile card reader needs. However, we have noticed that many customers complain of a lack of transparency regarding the early termination and on-going monthly fees.
A Summary of Takepayments reviews:
Takepayments offers user-friendly card machines with competitive transaction fees, tailored for various business needs. Their focus on customer service is praised, reflected in their high Trustpilot ratings. While some users found hidden fees and limited integrations downsides, Takepayments remains an affordable option for small and medium businesses with its short contracts and no setup fees.
Improvements:
What sets Takepayments apart from its competitors is its impeccable customer service standard, achieving over 94% of positive Trustpilot reviews. They are without a doubt one of the most affordable and straightforward merchant accounts.
I ssues:
As mentioned above a lot of customers seemed surprised when they’re charged a large early termination fee sometimes without even being provided the hardware. In saying this, Takepayments take their complaints seriously, and have responded to almost every negative review on their Trustpilot (which is only 3%!)
How can I purchase Takepayments Card Machines ?
You can check their website for the latest deals here .
You can check their offers on Epos Now here .
Merchant Savvy can help you here .
Our Overall Thoughts on Takepayments
Takepayments have been around for over 30 years, so while they are no newcomer to the market, they are at the forefront of innovation, offering a convenient array of products to suit any kind of business. Some of their products include EPOS systems, online payment gateways, card machines and even a hybrid product called ‘Takepaymentsplus’.
Based off of our research, we think that while Takepayments not be the best fit for larger businesses that need a wide variety of advanced features, they our great solution for small, medium or mobile businesses that have a decent amount of transaction volume. We like their short contracts, and the fact that they are not pushy to make customers sign up. You can get a free quote directly from their website, and while you are under no obligation to sign up, you can get a good idea to see if the fees and costs will suit your business.
For more information on Takepayments, click here .
Verifone Card Machines
Our performance rating out of 5 stars:
Our Overall Rating
4.3 out of 5 stars
Price
3.7 out of 5 stars
Usability
4.2 out of 5 stars
Features/Add-ons
5 out of 5 stars
Customer Ratings
4.4 out of 5 stars
Speed
4.3 out of 5 stars
What other people think of Verifone:
Real customer reviews:
Positive Customer Reviews:
Negative Customer Reviews:
Verifone: Video from a user’s perspective
Verifone : Visual from a user’s perspective:
Verifone: The design & how it affects users:
Verifone offer a wide range of payment terminals, including the P400, VX 680, V240m, the Carbon Mobile 5, and others. All of these can be viewed on their site. With such a vast array of payment options and a well-trusted and secure payment gateway, Verifone really do offer something for everyone.
Verifone: What sets it apart from its competitors?
Verifone offer a wide range of payment services, including on an app, therefore providing businesses with the ability to take an omnichannel approach, of which Verifone are known as the market leaders in.
Pros and Cons of
Verifone Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Well-designed card machines
Suitable for various environments.
Not the most cost-effective option.
Some negative customer reviews.
Long-term contract commitment.
Our own experience with the pros & cons of Verifone
We like that Verifone offer a wide range of contract lengths and do not charge any set up fees all you are charged is transaction a monthly fee and nothing else. This means that if you decide to leave you will not be charged an early termination fee, you will only be required to give them 90 days’ notice.
A Summary of Verifone reviews:
Verifone offers a wide variety of reliable and secure payment terminals suitable for businesses of all sizes. Their omnichannel approach and integrations with various systems are strengths. However, Verifone might not be the most cost-effective option , with potential hidden fees and long-term contracts. While customer reviews are generally positive , the lack of a substantial UK presence might be a concern for some.
Improvements:
Verifone offer many integrations with their terminals and payment systems, making them widely adaptable to a huge range of business needs. No matter your business size, they have a solution for you although keep in mind that extra features may come with extra costs.
Issues:
Being an American company, Verifone does not have a substantial amount of UK based reviews at present, which does not instil as much confidence in the UK market as a native provider. However, as their reach grows, so do their reviews – so this is always being updated.
How can I purchase Verifone ?
You can check the latest products on their website here .
The Card Machine Outlet sells their terminals here .
The Barcode Warehouse also sell Verifone terminals here .
Our Overall Thoughts on Verifone Card Machines
Verifone offers a diverse range of terminals suited for various face-to-face businesses, boasting advanced technology and robust builds that instil immediate customer trust.
However, payment providers often prefer long-term rentals, which may entail hidden fees, posing challenges for budget-conscious micro-businesses, so obtaining a Verifone card terminal typically requires a contractual commitment.
Medium and larger enterprises can leverage advanced customisation options available for both hardware and software, enhancing operational efficiency, so nonetheless, businesses with consistent sales volumes stand to benefit from competitive card rates on domestic credit and debit transactions.
Lopay Card Machines
Our performance rating out of 5 stars:
Our Overall Rating
4.8 out of 5 stars
Price
5 out of 5 stars
Usability
4.7 out of 5 stars
Features/Add-ons
4.5 out of 5 stars
Customer Ratings
4.6 out of 5 stars
Speed
5 out of 5 stars
What other people think of Lopay:
Real customer reviews:
Positive Customer Reviews:
Negative Customer Reviews:
Lopay: Video from a user’s perspective
Lopay : Visual from a user’s perspective:
Lopay: The design & how it affects users:
Lopay offer a convenient solution for businesses on the go to add a tap to pay feature to your smartphone, meaning that you only need to download an app rather than purchase any hardware. In addition to this they do also provide card readers and business terminals.
Lopay: What sets it apart from its competitors?
Lopay scores so highly across the board because it is a great product offered with great customer service. While it may not have as many customer reviews as some of it’s longer standing competitors, their team really put the effort in to show that they care for their growing customer base. Their fees are not to be laughed at, and if you choose their tap to pay option you can get going in minutes.
Pros and Cons of Lopay
Lopay Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Easy to use and well-reviewed app.
No need for hardware with tap to pay.
Low fees
New to the market, not many reviews
Not suitable for businesses with complex payment needs
Our own experience with the pros & cons of Lopay
Lopay are very transparent with their pricing offering straight up explanations on their website with no hidden fees. We also love that you earn rewards with them for every £1 fee free transactions, meaning the more you use their tap to pay system the less you pay. We like that their tap to pay app compliments rather than removes the need for a card reader, so you can use both at the same time. Making your transactions quicker and giving you a backup if anything goes wrong.
A summary of Lopay reviews:
Lopay offers a convenient tap-to-pay solution through their app, eliminating the need for additional hardware for businesses on the go. They are praised for their transparency in fees, ease of use, and customer service. However, Lopay is a relatively new player with limited reviews and might not be suitable for businesses with complex payment needs or those requiring frequent payouts.
Improvements:
The Lopay tap to pay is a genius idea for businesses who do not want to spend any upfront costs on terminals, all you need to get going is an iPhone XS, or anything running Android 10 or above.
Issues:
it’s worth noting that low pay relies on stripes payment platform to deal with core technology, while this is not an inherent issue it’s certainly worth noting.
How can I purchase Lopay?
You can check out their website here .
You can buy accessories for their hardware here .
Our Overall Thoughts on Lopay
We think Lopay for a great solution to start-ups and sole traders, such as taxi or Uber drivers or food vendors, who do not want to buy or rent hardware, and deal primarily with very simple and straightforward payments. It is incredibly easy to get set up and going with them, and their app interface is sleek and user friendly, just look at their app store reviews!
If you are happy to only receive your payouts once a week, the fees low pay charge is very appealing for small businesses. Obviously, these fees will be higher if you opt for next day payout. If you do not have complex payment needs, Lopay is a suitable solution.
Dojo Card Machines
Our performance rating out of 5 stars:
Our Overall Rating
4.5 out of 5 stars
Price
3 .7 out of 5 stars
Usability
4 .2 out of 5 stars
Features/Add-ons
4 .8 out of 5 stars
Customer Ratings
4 .7 out of 5 stars
Speed
5 out of 5 stars
What other people think of Dojo:
Real customer reviews:
Positive Customer Reviews:
Negative Customer Reviews:
Dojo: Video from a user’s perspective
Dojo : Visual from a user’s perspective:
Dojo: The design & how it affects users:
The Dojo terminal is quite a basic model, but we don’t mean that in a bad way! It is simple and straightforward to use, and easy to integrate with a POS system, web portal or app.
Dojo: What sets it apart from its competitors?
Dojo appeal to the masses with their sleek and simple hardware. Simple too is their offering of integrations, but sometimes simple is better – if you have a business with simple needs, why overcomplicate things?
Pros and Cons of Dojo
Dojo Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
24 fund transfer
They will cover any termination fees at your current provider if you switch.
Sleek hardware
Lack of integrations
High monthly fees
Our own experience with the pros & cons of Dojo
A huge tick for us with the Dojo card readers is that they offer monthly rolling contracts. However, the caveat to this is that they have steep monthly fees, so they are only really worth it if you are taking in a substantial number of sales. Keep in mind that this is for businesses with a turnover of over £150k per year, but their 6-month contracts for those under that amount are still pretty good for the industry standard. We think that their next day payouts could be a blessing or a curse, entirely dependant on the size of your business turnover – you definitely pay for the convenience!
A summary of Dojo reviews:
Users believe that Dojo offers a user-friendly card terminal with easy integration to POS systems, making it ideal for businesses that prioritise simplicity. However, they think their limited integration options and potentially high monthly fees, especially for lower volume businesses, make them a better fit for companies with consistent, high sales volume.
Improvements:
A nice touch is that Dojo will pay out your existing contract should you choose to switch over to them. If you are stuck in a long, high-fee contract – they could be your saving grace!
Issues:
Dojo has numerous reports of hidden fees, so it’s important to be on the lookout for any hidden surprises in your contract when signing up. Another area for improvement is that Dojo only offer QuickBooks as an accounting integration, when compared to Worldpay, who offer over 100 integrations, they could really step up their game here.
How can I purchase?
You can find their website here .
You can find their terminals on Amazon here .
Our Overall Thoughts on Dojo
Dojo presents a viable option for small retail and hospitality establishments generating a consistent monthly sales volume exceeding £10k. Restaurants, pubs, bars, and food trucks particularly appreciate features like tipping and potential EPOS integration, leveraging the portability of Dojo Go within and beyond premises.
While the PAX terminal boasts extended battery life and robust technical specifications, independent use proved somewhat frustrating due to the inability to add descriptions to individual transactions. Although the Dojo app offers a delightful experience for transaction monitoring, the limited accounting integrations beyond QuickBooks may pose challenges for certain users, so if integrations is what you really need, consider an alternative such as Worldpay.
For more information on Dojo, click here .
Worldpay Card Machines
Our performance rating out of 5 stars:
Our Overall Rating
4.7 out of 5 stars
Price
3 .9 out of 5 stars
Usability
4 .8 out of 5 stars
Features/Add-ons
5 out of 5 stars
Customer Ratings
4 .6 out of 5 stars
Speed
4 .5 out of 5 stars
What other people think of Worldpay:
Real customer reviews:
Positive Customer Reviews:
Negative Customer Reviews:
Worldpay: Video from a user’s perspective
Worldpay : Visual from a user’s perspective:
Worldpay: The design & how it affects users:
If you know what you are doing, Worldpay can pay for itself in spades. While it may not be the sleekest or most aesthetic designed system, it is a power horse that will be one of your hardest working employees!
Worldpay: What sets it apart from its competitors?
The biggest drawcard for Worldpay is definitely it’s integrations, which can be tailored to even the most complex of business needs. Users love that they can create an almost entirely bespoke interface for a reasonable price.
Pros and Cons of Worldpay
Worldpay Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Offers the widest range of integrations among providers, exceeding 100 options.
Has a wide range of features and functionalities.
24/7 phone support available.
Contracts tend to be slightly lengthier than those offered by its competitors.
Not the most economical option
Our own experience with the pros & cons of Worldpay
A huge benefit of working with Worldpay is as they are a merchant acquirer, there is no middleman (i.e. ISOs) which means lower fees for you, the customer. Worldpay boast the most impressive range of integrations amongst all of our reviewed providers, with over 100 to choose from. Another great strength of theirs is they fraud and risk management, a must have for any businesses with high levels of transactions. Although it should be noted that they charge £29.95 per year for PCI compliance.
A summary of Worldpay reviews:
Users of Worldpay generally believe that while Worldpay might not be the most user-friendly system, their powerful range of features and integrations make it highly customisable for complex business needs. Their competitive transaction fees, particularly for high-volume businesses, and 24/7 support are attractive. However, longer contracts and potential lack of transparency in fees might be drawbacks to consider.
Improvements:
Worldpay offer a vast amount of payment solutions that can be tailored to your business needs. They have two card machine models, both able to print reports and can also be used for manual card entry (most commonly needed for phone payments). Their mobile card machines connect with EE, Vodafone or O2, and also offers wi-fi as a backup. Worldpay is renowned for its reporting capabilities and the addition of Worldpay from FIS, which allows remote payments.
Issues:
Worldpay has one of the higher contract lengths, with 18 months being standard. That being said, they will entice you by offering custom tailored plans for debit, credit and business cards. Depending on your turnover, this could mean that your transaction fees are as low as 0.3%!
How can I purchase?
You can find all you need to know on their website here .
Amazon sell their terminals here .
You can restock on printer rolls here .
Our Overall Thoughts on Worldpay
Worldpay are used by over 250,000 SMEs across the UK alone, and for good reason. They process over 26 million transactions a day, making them one of the largest payment processors in the nation. Worldpay stands as an industry leader, catering comprehensively to businesses of all sizes. Its competitive transaction fees, especially for larger enterprises, make it a preferred choice, and their generally, satisfied customers attest to its reliability. However, like its competitors, Worldpay should focus on enhancing transparency, contractual terms, and customer service to maintain its reputation.
For more information on Worldpay, click here .
XLN Card Machines
Our performance rating out of 5 stars:
Our Overall Rating
4 .1 out of 5 stars
Price
4 .3 out of 5 stars
Usability
4 .4 out of 5 stars
Features/Add-ons
3 out of 5 stars
Customer Ratings
4 out of 5 stars
Speed
4 .2 out of 5 stars
What other people think of XLN:
Real customer reviews:
Positive Customer Reviews:
Negative Customer Reviews:
XLN: Video from a user’s perspective
XLN: Visual from a user’s perspective:
Pros and Cons of XLN
XLN Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
XLN Telecom provides straightforward and cost-effective card machine service.
Switching to XLN is hassle-free, ensuring a smooth transition for customers.
Unlimited call packages are available, offering flexibility and cost-saving benefits.
The packages offered by XLN Telecom are primarily tailored for small businesses, which may not meet the needs of larger enterprises.
Some packages may offer only basic phone features, potentially limiting functionality for users.
Our own experience with the pros & cons of
XLN target small businesses across the UK. As such, their pricing and features are more tailored towards said customer base. If you are an existing customer, it may be beneficial to also use them as a car machine provider, as they offer generous and incentives.
A summary of XLN reviews:
Users believe that XLN offers user-friendly and cost-effective card machines with next-day payouts, ideal for small businesses. They provide hassle-free switching and unlimited call packages (on their telecom plans) for potential cost savings. However, comments show that the lack of extensive features and limited customer reviews for their card machines raise some concerns.
Improvements:
XLN offer next-day payments, which is always a big advantage for customers who wish to get their funds quickly.
Issues:
XLN does not have many customer reviews for their card payment machines, which always comes as a bit of a red flag. However, for existing customers of their telecom services, this can be overlooked as they offer great discounts. Some customers have complained about hidden fees for PCI compliance, so be sure to enquire about all costs when making a purchase or enquiry.
How can I purchase?
You can buy their terminals on their website here .
You can stock up on credit card printing paper here .
Our Overall Thoughts on
We think the standout feature of XLN is that their services are tailored to suit the needs of smaller companies, offering intense focus on their requirements. They provide significant discounts during the first year, alleviating concerns about broadband costs during the initial stages of business. Additional features like Guest Wi-Fi and a unique VoIP system set XLN apart from other broadband packages targeting the same niche. Lastly, XLN boasts a customer base of over 700,000 small businesses, demonstrating their understanding of the broadband needs of small enterprises.
For more information on XLN, click here .
Tyl By NatWest Card Machines
Our performance rating out of 5 stars:
Our Overall Rating
4 .2 out of 5 stars
Price
3 .7 out of 5 stars
Usability
4 out of 5 stars
Features/Add-ons
4 .2 out of 5 stars
Customer Ratings
4 .7 out of 5 stars
Speed
4 .2 out of 5 stars
What other people think of Tyl by NatWest:
Real customer reviews:
Positive Customer Reviews:
Negative Customer Reviews:
T yl by NatWest: Video from a user’s perspective
Tyl by NatWest : Visual from a user’s perspective:
Tyl by NatWest: The design & how it affects users:
Tyl customers all have free access to the browser dashboard ‘Tyl Portal’. With this, they can access a huge range of reporting and analytic tools, updated hourly. Tyl offer three types of card machines, the most popular being the Clover Flex, which gives you access to the Clover App Marketplace.
Tyl by NatWest: What sets it apart from its competitors?
The way Tyl by NatWest operate is similar to that of Takepayments and Dojo, because they mostly rent their machines, rather than selling them. However, their hardware is the cheapest per month (starting at £6.99 +VAT). The next cheapest competitor is Square (£16+ VAT for reference!)
Pros and Cons of Tyl by NatWest
Tyl by NatWest Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Seamless integration with accounting software streamlines financial management.
Excellent connectivity ensures smooth transactions and minimal downtime.
Payouts may take longer than desired, impacting cash flow.
Limited availability of reporting tools may hinder comprehensive data analysis.
Our own experience with the pros & cons of Tyl by NatWest
While we think the accounting integrations offered by Tyl are excellent, they could offer more in the way of third-party providers, such as ecommerce. However, if this doesn’t affect you, they are still an excellent choice. Their average payout is 3 days, which makes them quite middle of the road (for comparison, Zettle and Square offer 2 working days, while Revolut is up to seven!)
We have noticed that Tyl are very interactive with customers online, replying to issues promptly. However, they do not have an email contact which would be incredibly beneficial to existing customers who do not want to make a public complaint.
A summary of Tyl by Natwest reviews:
Reviews show that Tyl by NatWest offers user-friendly card machines with a free reporting dashboard and seamless accounting software integration, at a competitive price (especially for hardware rentals), and their excellent customer service is a plus. However, reviews show that Tyl might not be ideal for businesses needing extensive reporting tools, multi-currency support, or the fastest payouts (averaging 3 days). It might be a better fit for medium-sized businesses or those already using NatWest banking services.
Improvements:
Coming from such a large provider, Tyl are able to offer customers excellent connectivity and accounting integrations (a bonus of being part of a big bank!)
Issues:
Tyl charge a custom authorisation fee for plans over £50k, due every time a transaction gets either approved or declined. You must also pay £4 per month for PCI compliance, and these fees are not clear on their website.
How can I purchase?
You can look at their latest products on their website here .
You can also find them on Finder.com, here .
Our Overall Thoughts on Tyl by NatWest
Tyl stands out for medium-sized businesses with its competitive transaction fees and fixed costs. Mobile businesses benefit from its diverse card reader options with mobile data support. Stripe offers low-cost hardware and a 1.5% transaction fee, backed by excellent everyday customer support. Tyl scores highly in support and price but lacks multi-currency support and robust reporting tools, making Zettle or Stripe better choices for those features. For more information on , click here .
Barclaycard Machines
Our performance rating out of 5 stars:
Our Overall Rating
2.2 out of 5 stars
Price
2.5 out of 5 stars
Usability
2.7 out of 5 stars
Features/Add-ons
2.5 out of 5 stars
Customer Ratings
1.3 out of 5 stars
Speed
3 out of 5 stars
What other people think of Barclaycard:
Real customer reviews:
Positive Customer Reviews:
Negative Customer Reviews:
Barclaycard: Video from a user’s perspective
Barclaycard : Visual from a user’s perspective:
Barclaycard: The design & how it affects users:
Barclaycard pride themselves on having a bestselling, easy to use range of products.
Barclaycard: What sets it apart from its competitors?
The Barclaycard anywhere app allows customers to track and manage sales and payments anywhere, making it a big drawcard for users.
Pros and Cons of Barclaycard
Barclaycard Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Excellent card readers
Barclaycard stands out by offering a unique pay-as-you-go option.
The included app features complimentary booking software, eliminating additional expenses.
Hidden costs
Poor customer service reviews
Our own experience with the pros & cons of Barclaycard
If you are an existing Barclays customer, they are a fantastic payment processor, backed by one of the UKs largest banks. Takepayments actually offers contracts with them, but you can also sign up directly if you wish. We’ve noticed that the app is different for users depending on your fee structure, which is quite disappointing. TO benefit from Barclaycard, you will need to have relatively stable books, they are not suitable for high-risk merchants.
A summary of BarclayCard reviews:
Users lik that Barclaycard offers user-friendly card machines with a convenient pay-as-you-go option and a well-regarded app for managing sales, ideal for startups and seasonal businesses. However, they comment that hidden fees, potentially high transaction fees for low-volume users, and mixed customer reviews are drawbacks to consider.
Improvements:
The smartphone app that Barclaycard utilises is definitely one of their biggest drawcards. Their machine is simple to use and connects with the app seamlessly, making it ideal for seasonal businesses or individual sellers/sole traders.
Issues:
We’ve noticed that while Barclaycard offer next-day payouts, they are only for existing Barclays customers. So, while there are benefits to said customers, it may be worth reading the fine print when signing up if you are not.
How can I purchase?
You can check their bestselling card readers out on their website here .
You can also find them on Amazon here .
Our Overall Thoughts on Barclaycard
Barclaycard Payments offers a flexible pay-as-you-go option that suits small businesses and startups seeking convenience without the commitment of a contract. With a transaction fee of 1.6%, it competes favourably with similar providers like Square and Zettle, which charge 1.75%.
Despite its competitive pricing, Barclaycard is not one of our top picks due to its subpar customer service. While its pay-as-you-go transaction fee may seem high compared to some traditional providers, opting for a fixed contract could potentially secure a more competitive rate. However, their pay-as-you-go model is very desirable and a unique feature that does set it apart from its competitors.
SumUp Card Machines
Our performance rating out of 5 stars:
Our Overall Rating
4.5 out of 5 stars
Price
5 out of 5 stars
Usability
4 .6 out of 5 stars
Features/Add-ons
4 .6 out of 5 stars
Customer Ratings
4 .2 out of 5 stars
Speed
4 .4 out of 5 stars
What other people think of SumUp:
Real customer reviews:
Positive Customer Reviews:
Negative Customer Reviews:
SumUp: Video from a user’s perspective
SumUp : Visual from a user’s perspective:
SumUp: The design & how it affects users:
SumUp is perfect for low-volume merchants, for example a café owner, food truck operator, or market stall on the go. The low-cost and one-off payment for the card removes a cost barrier that may otherwise present itself to small business owners.
SumUp is also perfect for small food or retail businesses or sole traders/individual merchants who are just looking for a simple cheap and cheerful solution that offers fast transfers and nice benefits for users.
SumUp: What sets it apart from its competitors?
Sumup is pretty self-sufficient, with an incredibly easy to use interface and system. You can accept payments via payment links and online stores in addition to using their payment reader.
Pros and Cons of SumUp
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Robust app features include reporting, invoice management, and customer tracking.
Simple setup and user-friendly interface.
Free and effortless invoice creation and distribution.
Convenient payment links and QR code generation.
Tip functionality enhances customer experience.
Limited integration options with other software or services.
Only three free cash withdrawals permitted per month
Basic features in the point-of-sale (POS) app.
Our own experience with the pros & cons of SumUp
SumUp is incredibly versatile. I have purchased strawberries from a roadside farm stop using a QR honour system code, to give you an example! Users love their robust app that comes with a wide range of flexible features that you can tailor to suit your needs. It is incredibly simple to setup, making it appealing to a wide range of users.
A summary of SumUp reviews:
Users state that SumUp offers a user-friendly and affordable card machine with a well-regarded app, ideal for low-volume businesses and startups. Reviews show that their strengths include easy setup, convenient features like invoicing and QR payments, and fast transfers. However, reviews also show that SumUp lacks advanced POS features, integrations with other software, and live customer support, making it less suitable for businesses needing complex functionalities.
Improvements:
Sumup transactions are processed via the cloud, so you can access your sales in real-time using their simple dashboard.
Issues:
Sum up does not offer an option for data backup which could potentially give you gaps in your finance/sales reporting, and they do not have live customer support which is something that we think is a pretty basic essential need for any kind of provider.
How can I purchase?
You can access their website here .
You can find their machines on Amazon here .
You can find them on Curry’s here .
Our Overall Thoughts on SumUp
Our assessment of SumUp’s pricing reveals it as a competitive and relatively affordable option, albeit slightly pricier than Square. Its fixed transaction fees, coupled with broad payment acceptance, make it appealing for expanding businesses. SumUp’s range of card readers excels in accepting payments across diverse industries, as evidenced by client testimonials. Whether you operate a food truck or a beauty salon, SumUp readers prove to be versatile choices.
However, for those seeking advanced technology beyond basic card processing, alternative options may be preferable. SumUp’s current POS offering lacks advanced functionality like inventory management and third-party compatibility. Moreover, its compatibility with external POS systems and hardware remains unclear, limiting its capabilities. For more information on SumUp, click here .
Zettle Card Machines
Our performance rating out of 5 stars:
Our Overall Rating
4.1
Price
5 out of 5 stars
Usability
4.5 out of 5 stars
Features/Add-ons
4.7 out of 5 stars
Customer Ratings
2.9 out of 5 stars
Speed
4.2 out of 5 stars
What other people think of Zettle:
Real customer reviews:
Positive Customer Reviews:
Negative Customer Reviews:
Zettle: Video from a user’s perspective
Zettle : Visual from a user’s perspective:
Zettle: The design & how it affects users:
Zettle is perfect for small to medium sized businesses, as it offers a range of very straightforward integrations such as sales tracking and inventory management. It is well known for its affordable, user-friendly innovations. Zettle offers the Zettle Go app, which gives users the option to pay via a link as well.
Zettle: What sets it apart from its competitors?
Zedler really fantastic for new businesses, in fact we actually rate it one of the best value systems on the market, the only thing letting it down is its customer service.
Pros and Cons of Zettle
Zettle Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
· Creating a Zettle account is straightforward, enabling quick management of payments and expenses.
· Zettle’s card reader is fully portable, allowing payment processing from any major credit card with a signal.
· Zettle’s pricing earns a top rating for its absence of monthly charges.
· Zettle excels in till management, surpassing even Square in our research.
Zettle’s payment links incur a high 2.5% charge per sale, although setup fees are affordable.
Payments may take 2-3 working days to settle, depending on the card type used.
As of April 1st, 2021, Zettle no longer offers ecommerce subscriptions; online sellers must purchase a separate online store builder.
Our own experience with the pros & cons of Zettle
Zettle is incredibly easy to use and is very popular for that exact reason. It also has no monthly fees, making it a great solution for businesses with minimal budget to spare. If you have a small product list there is a handy repeat payment tool, so if you’re operating a busy market stall, you can process transactions with ease.
A summary of Zettle reviews:
Customers reviews of Zettle show that it excels in ease of use, has no monthly fees, and integrates well with sales tracking and inventory management. However, their customer service has been rated poorly, and their payment processing can be slow (2-3 days). Additionally, Zettle might not be the best fit for online sellers due to higher fees (2.5%) compared to competitors and a lack of some ecommerce features.
Improvements:
Zettle is perhaps best known for its card reader/app combo. They are very nifty and easy to use, a big fan favourite. If you have a tablet or smartphone with either Wi-Fi or a 4G connection, you can connect to the card reader via Bluetooth. We also love their pay-as-you-go model, which means you can use the card reader as little or as often as you like, perfect for seasonal vendors.
Issues:
We know that Zettle comes with a lot of benefits, and while set up is cheap, payment links come at a hefty 2.5% per sale. You can’t fault Zettle for their transparency though, as they are very what you see is what you get. Zettle’s not known full being a leader in virtual payments. If you are paying online or by invoice you are charged 2.5%, considerably higher than their competition square (1.9%!)
How can I purchase?
You can buy their readers via their website, here .
Amazon also stock their readers here .
You can also find them on Card Pay Accept here .
Our Overall Thoughts on Zettle
Zettle stands out for addressing key POS concerns among SME owners, excelling in pricing, ease-of-use, and security. It offers a no-fuss card reader with a robust app for transaction management. However, Zettle falls short for online sellers, lacking some features compared to competitors like Square, despite recent improvements like QR code payments. For more information on Zettle, click here .
Square Card Machines
Our performance rating out of 5 stars:
Our Overall Rating
4.2 out of 5 stars
Price
5 out of 5 stars
Usability
4.5 out of 5 stars
Features/Add-ons
3 out of 5 stars
Customer Ratings
4 out of 5 stars
Speed
4.3 out of 5 stars
What other people think of Square:
Real customer reviews:
Positive Customer Reviews:
Negative Customer Reviews:
Square: Video from a user’s perspective
Square : Visual from a user’s perspective:
Square: The design & how it affects users:
Square pride themselves on making things simple and easy to use. Their products make it easy to manage and streamlines interactions without fuss. They offer the ability to manage your team, making their products suited to the hospitality industry.
Square: What sets it apart from its competitors?
What sets Square apart is that it offers customers the opportunity to pay as you go saving you from committing to a lengthy contract as well as providing face to face, online and remote payment tools. In addition, they offer users a free app that compliments all of their products.
Pros and Cons of Square
Square Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Ultra-mobile card reader
Competitive pricing structure
No monthly fees
Powerful in-app payment features
Excellent usability
Lack of keypad for pin numbers may pose inconvenience.
Some reports of account freezes raise concerns about reliability.
Requires separate device for swiping cards, potentially less streamlined.
Card support is adequate but not amazing
Our own experience with the pros & cons of Square
The square card readers come at a very desirable price point making them accessible for a wide range of businesses, making them extremely versatile. They have a fixed transaction rate and offer the ability to simply use the payment app without even needing to buy any hardware.
A summary of Square reviews:
Square users like that they offer no monthly fees, and have powerful app features, and multiple payment options (in-person, online, remote). However, Square might not be perfect for everyone due to a lack of a keypad for PIN entries (separate device needed for swiping), occasional customer service issues, and reports of frozen accounts.
Improvements:
Square really stand out by not charging a monthly fee or requiring users to sign up to a contract. They also have an instant payout option and a vast array of online payment tools depending on your needs. In addition, they provide many integrations so you can tailor their products to suit your business. Their small but powerful card reader is easy to transport an app has excellent reviews which we think is one of the best on the market.
Issues:
This may seem quite trivial due to the vast advantages that come with the square app and readers, but a lot of customers complain about the small buttons when entering their pin number, which could slow down transactions. Currently, with most people playing via contactless or using their digital wallet, this is just a minor setback. Their customer service could also be improved.
How can I purchase?
You can find their machines and reviews on Amazon here .
Or via their website here .
You can also find them on Argos here
Our Overall Thoughts on Square
Square stands out as a top choice in the UK for those prioritising value for money, it also offers an affordable card reader, fixed transaction rate and numerous free features. Many users opt for app or online payments, bypassing the need for a card reader. Square’s array of online payment tools, sans monthly fees, bolsters merchant resilience, and despite extra charges, instant transfers to bank accounts are gaining popularity. For more information on Square, click here .
Elavon Card Machines
Our performance rating out of 5 stars:
Our Overall Rating
4 .4 out of 5 stars
Price
4 .5 out of 5 stars
Usability
4 .5 out of 5 stars
Features/Add-ons
4 out of 5 stars
Customer Ratings
4 .6 out of 5 stars
Speed
4 .2 out of 5 stars
What other people think of Elavon:
Real customer reviews:
Positive Customer Reviews:
Negative Customer Reviews:
Elavon: Video from a user’s perspective
Elavon : Visual from a user’s perspective:
Elavon: The design & how it affects users:
The Elavon card machines and POS systems are sleek and understated in their design, making them seamlessly fit into any business setting. They really do cover all the bases offering tablet solutions, countertop/wireless and smart terminals. They also offer a range of printers that can connect via Bluetooth.
Elavon: What sets it apart from its competitors?
Elavon is no small name, with over 6.6 billion global transactions per year. They are considered one of the top-five global payment processors, so while their size is certainly of no concern – their overall lack of pricing transparency is. They also offer a massive catalogue of business integrations – over 180 to be exact! This allows businesses with complex needs to seamlessly add any features they desire to their merchant services.
Pros and Cons of Elavon
Elavon Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Offers a wide range of products and services.
No early termination fees.
Provides access to Elavon Connect — (their online support portal).
Contracts tend to be slightly lengthier than those offered by its competitors.
Long 3-year contracts on many products.
Not the most economical option compared to other providers.
Little customer support
Our own experience with the pros & cons of Elavon
What we think is a big drawcard for Elavon is that customers will receive a dedicated merchant account to help your needs in running your business on a day-to-day basis. For larger companies this may justify the higher price they charge in comparison to a lot of their competitors.
A summary of Elavon reviews:
Reviews show that Elavon offers a wide range of sleek card machines, POS systems, and integrations (over 180!). However, customers complain of their lack of transparency in pricing, potentially high costs, long contracts (3 years typically), and limited customer support make them a less attractive option for businesses that prioritise affordability and ease of use.
Improvements:
The Elavon app comes free and standard with a lot of features that would not usually be included on a free app. For example, you can add VAT and discounts to purchases as well as tipping functions, e-mail receipts, texts. The app even features a handy ability to accept cash transactions. Elavon’s MobileMerchant means you do not need to sign up for a lengthy contract, however you should be mindful that it does have higher fee rates.
Issues:
While Elavon is no doubt one of the biggest players in the game, their customer service does not live up to the standard you would expect for such a large company. Some businesses have even found that they are unable to operate due to the lack of support offered. Elavon is also not transparent with their pricing, and one can assume that because of this coupled with the number of integrations they offer, they’re not going to be the cheapest option on the market.
How can I purchase?
You can find the latest information on their products via their website here
You can find compatible terminals here .
Santander provide information on their collaboration here .
Our Overall Thoughts on Elavon
Elavon presents a comprehensive array of services, positioning itself as a go-to solution for businesses of varying sizes. However, despite its impressive product range, Elavon falls short in transparency regarding fee structures and exclusively offering lengthy (3-year) contracts. They do offer an alternative to these hefty contracts (via their MobileMerchant) but be warned – these will incur much higher fees.
Moreover, we found their customer service quality lacking. If you’re not well-versed in payment technology or anticipate handling risky payments, we suggest exploring other options. For example, their pos systems will need to be installed by an IT professional. However. Their portable readers are much easier to set up and get going. Reviews highlighted issues with balance reviews and accessing funds, which can pose challenges in any business context.
For more information on Elavon, click here .
Clover Card Machines
Our performance rating out of 5 stars:
Our Overall Rating
4 .1 out of 5 stars
Price
3 .7 out of 5 stars
Usability
4 out of 5 stars
Features/Add-ons
4 .5 out of 5 stars
Customer Ratings
3 .7 out of 5 stars
Speed
4 .6 out of 5 stars
What other people think of Clover:
Real customer reviews:
Positive Customer Reviews:
Negative Customer Reviews:
Clover: Video from a user’s perspective
Clover : Visual from a user’s perspective:
Clover: The design & how it affects users:
Designed for small to medium sized businesses, Clover is an easy to use and intuitive point of sale system. They offer a range of hardware options to see varied business needs. They also have a variety of apps that are well received by users allowing them to customise their hardware and software to their specific needs.
Clover: What sets it apart from its competitors?
Clover is an excellent choice for the hospitality industry. The hardware looks good is easy to use and has a range of useful add-ons such as tipping, loyalty and reward programmes, kitchen printers, barcode scanners, gift cards, and the ability to manage your employees.
Pros and Cons of Clover
Clover Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Offers a range of stylish POS solutions through renowned provider Clover.
Comprehensive 24/7 phone-based support provided for all card readers.
Accepts payments in 36 currencies.
Particularly suitable for businesses in the hospitality sector.
Lack of upfront fee and transaction rate transparency makes budgeting difficult.
Potential for early termination fees.
More expensive than alternatives.
No round-the-clock live chat support available.
Poor customer reviews
Our own experience with the pros & cons of Clover
Wild Clover offer lots of positive features and an attractive sleek little machine, the customer reviews are hard to overlook, and they seem to be lacking in basic support. If you don’t need any assistance or have minimal needs, it seems to work fine and integrate well with the various apps available. A lot of users who solely use their mobile payment and app system seemed to be quite happy.
A summary of Clover reviews:
Clover users like that it offers user-friendly and stylish POS systems with great hospitality features like tipping and loyalty programs. Reviews show that they integrate well with various apps for customisation. However, there are negative reviews about their unclear pricing, potentially high costs, and limited customer service (especially no live chat).
Improvements:
Clover Is incredibly easy to set up with users saying they can train staff instantly on how to use their simple software. The physical design of the product is also very well regarded, and although this seems like a minor positive, appearances count and make a difference in first impressions.
Issues:
A lot of Clover users Complain of their poor customer service and high fees that are not transparent at the point of purchase. They offer limited reporting and could benefit from an improved offering of software features.
How can I purchase?
You can look at the Clover website here .
You can find a collection of their terminals on Merchant Authority here .
Theare also available on Amazon here .
Our Overall Thoughts on Clover
Clover’s popularity in processing trillions in card payments annually speaks volumes. Backed by excellent support, its sleek and compact card machines are highly acclaimed online. We do think they lack transparency with their fees and could offer some new integrations for the retail industry, however they offer thoughtful integrations, such as happy hour, and make it easy for hospitality businesses with multiple employees to manage users which makes them a great solution for hospitality business is at present. While fees lean towards the higher side, the flexibility for negotiation offers a silver lining.
For more information on Clover , click here .
FAQS About Card Machines
How Much is a Card Machine?
The purchase price of card machines varies from £12 – £449, depending on the features required, and transaction fees range from 0.4%—3.99%, depending on how the transaction is being processed and your card machine provider.
How Do Small Businesses Take Card Payments UK?
To take card payments in a small business, follow the steps below:
Select a card machine provider by researching which POS provider best suits your business, fees and how you want to take payments.
Purchase your device and schedule delivery.
Link your device to the internet and follow the set-up instructions.
You’re now ready to start taking payments using the on-screen process.
Can You Charge Customers for Using Card Machine UK?
You cannot charge customers using credit, debit, or charge cards in the UK. The card surcharge ban came into force on 13th January 2018.
Do Card Machines Need Wi-Fi?
Card readers do not need Wi-Fito operate, but they need Internet access. Card readers can access the Internet via a mobile network, a wired internet connection, or Wi-Fi.
Can I Have a Card Machine Without a Business Account?
Businesses can take card payments without a business account using a payment facilitator service.
Can I Buy My Credit Card Machine?
Yes, payment terminals can be bought, leased, or sold online in various forms, such as countertop machines, mobile terminals, virtual terminals and integrated point-of-sale (POS) terminals.
What is the Cheapest Way to Take Card Payments?
The cheapest way to accept card payments is through a payment service provider (PSP). PSPs manage your merchant account and usually include free or discounted access to a card reader.
These providers typically charge a flat rate per transaction that includes their cut and the interchange fee (known as the processor’s markup).
How to Use a Chip and Pin Machine
A chip and pin machine makes card payments in your store faster and safer. Once your chip and pin machine are set up, follow the device’s instructions. This will include:
Enter the value of the sale.
Present the customer card for contactless or enter the card for chip and pin.
Click enter for the transaction to be approved.
Provide the customer with the receipt and keep the merchant receipt for your records.
Are Manual Credit Card Machines Legal?
Manual credit card machines are legal in the UK, but deemed high-risk, so card-present transactions are recommended.
How Do Card Machines Work?
Credit card processing terminals accept magstripe cards, chip-and-pin cards and contactless payments via NFC (near-field communication). When the card is presented to the reader, the built-in chip connects with the card machine to make the transaction.
What’s the Difference Between a Card Reader and a Card Machine?
Card machines usually feature an LCD screen, a number pad for entering PINs, and a slot for swiping credit or debit cards. A card reader is simply an electronic device that reads the card data.
How Do I Get a PDQ Machine for My Business?
To get a PDQ machine for your business, follow the steps below:
Get a business license.
Start a business bank account.
Compare PDQ Providers here .
Select and order your PDQ for delivery.
Complete the set-up instructions on the hardware.
Start taking payments!
How is a PDQ Used?
PDQ machines are used on the countertop, via mobile devices, or portable. Once set up, you can take various card payments for your business.
What is the Difference Between PDQ and POS?
Process data quickly (PDQ) machines offer merchants a cost-effective method of accepting credit and debit card payments. A Point of Sale (POS) system is the terminal for taking customer payments.
What is a PDQ Machine?
PDQ stands for “Process Data Quickly”. Before PDQ machines, merchants and shopkeepers manually entered card information into computers. With these automated systems in place, PDQ speeds up this process considerably.
Which is Better, a Bank or Third-Party Provider?
Choosing between a PDQ card machine from your bank and a third-party app like Sumup, Square, or Zettle depends on your needs. While customer preferences vary, both options involve fees and a waiting period for funds to clear. For first-time users, avoiding long-term contracts is wise, as it allows flexibility in adapting to transaction volumes. Be wary of chargeback fees, especially if refunds are standard in your industry, such as in clothing retail—factor in all costs before committing to a card payment system.
Do Banks Make Money on Debit Card Transactions?
Yes, banks get paid an interchange fee each time you use your debit or credit card.
How Much Does It Cost a Business to Run a Debit Card?
Debit card processing fees can differ significantly between banks and usually between 0.4 – 3.99%.
Can I Get a Card Machine from My Bank?
Yes, many banks now offer card machines, including Lloyds and Barclays. Contact your bank today to discover the options available to you.
Can I Use My Phone as a Card Machine?
You can use your phone as a card machine in multiple ways. Mobile credit card readers, like those from Square and SumUp, will enable your phone or tablet to take payments.
James Ward is CEO and founder of CompareYourBusinessCosts.co.uk, a website that won the Prestigious ‘Website of the Year’ only in its second year of operations in 2015. The website has grown organically since then offering comparisons on over 20 different products including insurance, energy, telecoms, card machines, coffee machines and much more. James has a range of interests including horse racing, skiing, rugby and boxing. He splits his time between home family life, friends, exercise and socialising.
Co Authors : Hi, I’m Ally Cox, one of the leading Copywriter/Bloggers at CompareYourBusinessCosts.co.uk, a platform renowned for its in-depth analysis and comprehensive comparisons of business services. With over a decade of experience in the industry, I bring a wealth of expertise in areas such as leased lines, VoIP, business energy and office solutions, HR solutions, accounting, and payroll services, among others.
My journey in the industry began over 10 years ago, and my extensive knowledge enables me to provide invaluable insights to our users and customers. Prior to joining CompareYourBusinessCosts, I’ve been involved in various business ventures, gaining hands-on experience in HR and copywriting across a multitude of different sectors, gaining valuable knowledge about everything from clocking in systems to card machines, EPOS systems, payroll services, and so much more.
My mission is to simplify the often-complex buying process for businesses, helping them streamline their product and service comparisons effectively. By leveraging the expertise I’ve acquired over the years, I aim to assist businesses in making informed decisions that enhance their efficiency and bottom line.