HSBC Card Machine Review 2026: Global Payments Fees & Alternatives Quick answer
HSBC card machines are offered through Global Payments , HSBC’s preferred supplier for card processing in the UK. This means HSBC does not operate its own standalone card machine service in the same way as providers such as Square, SumUp, Dojo or Worldpay.
HSBC / Global Payments is usually best for established UK businesses that want a quote-based merchant services setup linked to a major banking brand. It can suit shops, cafés, restaurants, salons, hospitality businesses, clinics and SMEs with regular monthly card turnover.
It is less likely to suit sole traders, market stalls, seasonal sellers or very small businesses that want instant setup, no contract and simple public pricing.
Pricing is quote-based, so you should compare transaction fees, terminal rental, PCI fees, settlement speed, contract length and cancellation terms before signing.
Best for: established SMEs, HSBC business banking customers, retail, hospitality and businesses with steady card turnover.Compare alternatives if: you want no contract, simple flat-rate pricing, low upfront cost or a card reader you can buy online today.
Compare HSBC / Global Payments against Square, SumUp, Dojo, Worldpay and Barclaycard to see which card machine provider is cheapest for your business.
Contents
HSBC Card Machine Fees 2026
Benefits of HSBC
Downsides of HSBC
HSBC Card Machine vs. Competitors
How Does HSBC Process Payments?
What Does HSBC Offer?
HSBC Card Machine Fees & Pricing
HSBC Card Machine Comparisons
Our Verdict on HSBC
Is HSBC the Right Fit for you?
Choose HSBC / Global Payments if…
You already bank with HSBC
You want instant online signup
You process regular card payments every month
You only take occasional payments
You want a bank-linked merchant services route
You want simple flat-rate pricing
You run a shop, café, restaurant, salon or clinic
You are a sole trader, market seller or pop-up
You are happy to compare a custom quote
You want to buy a cheap card reader outright
You need countertop, portable or integrated payment options
You want no monthly rental or contract
You want a more traditional payment setup
You want a flexible pay-as-you-go reader
Quick verdict: HSBC / Global Payments is best for established businesses that want a traditional merchant services setup. Square, SumUp and PayPal POS are usually simpler for very small sellers, while Dojo, Worldpay and Barclaycard are stronger comparison options for growing SMEs.
Key takeaways
✔ HSBC card machines are provided via Global Payments, not directly by HSBC
✔ Best suited to SMEs and higher-turnover businesses, not micro-merchants
✔ Supports chip & PIN, contactless, Apple Pay and Google Pay
✔ Strong fraud protection, PCI DSS compliance and encryption
✔ Typically involves a 12-month contract (longer than Square/SumUp)
✔ Pricing is bespoke – transaction rates depend on turnover and card mix
✔ Terminal costs may be rental-based rather than one-off purchase
✖ Less transparent pricing than pay-as-you-go providers
✖ Not ideal for very small or seasonal businesses wanting no commitment
How do we work?
Transparent, impartial, and data‑driven reviews made by a team of expert humans, never AI generated – here’s exactly how Compare Your Business Costs helps you find the best deals from trusted UK providers: click here
Authored by: Ally Cox (Business Technology & B2B Services Specialist 10+ Years’ Experience)
Reviewed by: James Ward (Telecoms Specialist, 12+ Years Experience)
Last Updated: August 2026
HSBC Card Machine Fees 2026 HSBC does not publish one simple flat transaction rate for all businesses. Card machine services are provided through Global Payments, and pricing is usually based on your business size, monthly card turnover, card mix, terminal type and payment requirements.
Cost type
Typical HSBC / Global Payments position
Setup fee
Quote-based
Monthly terminal rental
Quote-based, depending on terminal type
Transaction fees
Bespoke, based on turnover, card type and business profile
Online payment fees
Quote-based if you need e-commerce or payment gateway services
Contract length
Usually contract-based rather than pay-as-you-go
Hardware cost
Usually rental/package-based rather than a simple one-off reader purchase
Best for
Businesses with steady or growing card turnover
Less suitable for
Very low-volume or occasional sellers
HSBC card machine fees vary depending on business type, turnover and contract terms. Compare quotes before signing.
HSBC card machine cost example: why quotes matter HSBC / Global Payments pricing is quote-based, so your real cost will depend on your turnover, terminal type, card mix and contract.
To compare fairly, look at your total monthly cost.
1.75% flat-rate provider 1.4% quoted rate example
Potential difference before rental
£2,000
£35.00
£28.00
£7.00/month
£5,000
£87.50
£70.00
£17.50/month
£10,000
£175.00
£140.00
£35.00/month
£25,000.00
£437.50
£350.00
£87.50/month
£50,000.00
£875.00
£700.00
£175.00/month
HSBC Card Machine vs. Competitors
Provider Best for Why compare with HSBC?
Worldpay
Established SMEs wanting a direct payment processor
Similar merchant services route, but direct rather than HSBC-linked
Dojo
Restaurants, cafés, salons and growing SMEs
More modern card machine setup and strong SME appeal
Square
Small businesses wanting simple pricing
1.75% in-person fee and no basic monthly fee
SumUp
Sole traders and mobile sellers
Low-commitment card readers and simple setup
Barclaycard
Businesses wanting another bank-backed option
Useful comparison for bank-linked card machines
Clover
Retail and hospitality needing POS tools
Better if you need stock, staff and till features
TakePayments
SMEs wanting guided setup
Quote-led card machine packages and support
PayPal POS
PayPal users and low-volume sellers
Simple card reader/POS alternative
📌 Our verdict: We think HSBC’s card machines are best suited for growing businesses that require a trusted provider with strong security, integration with POS systems, and a stable payment processing infrastructure.
Compare HSBC vs leading card machine providers →
Do you need to bank with HSBC to compare HSBC card machines?
HSBC’s UK card payment services are offered through Global Payments, its preferred card processing supplier. If you are already an HSBC business banking customer, this may feel like a natural route to accepting card payments.
However, you should still compare HSBC / Global Payments against other providers before signing as a different provider can offer:
simpler pricing
lower monthly rental
shorter contract terms
faster setup
better EPOS features
lower rates for your turnover
more suitable portable or mobile terminals
The best card machine provider depends on your monthly card turnover, average transaction value, business type and contract preference, not just who you bank with.
HSBC Card Machine Options
Option Great For Benefits
Countertop terminal
Shops, cafés, restaurants
Reliable fixed-location payments
Portable / mobile terminal
Hospitality, events, service businesses
More flexibility
Integrated payment solution
Larger businesses
Better software / system integration
Benefits of the HSBC Card Machine
Easy Setup & User-Friendly Interface – Ideal for businesses of all sizes
Flexible Payment Options – Supports contactless, chip & PIN, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
Mobile Processing – Accept payments anywhere with portable card machines
Strong Security Features – Fraud prevention, encryption, and PCI DSS compliance
POS System Integration – Works seamlessly with HSBC’s POS solutions
Downsides of the HSBC Card Machine
While the machine may be competitively priced, HSBC charges per-transaction fees.
Limited offline functionality
Mixed customer service reviews
What Does HSBC Offer For Card Payments? HSBC’s card payment services are provided through Global Payments, its preferred supplier for card processing in the UK. HSBC says Global Payments can support card, digital and online payments for UK businesses.
Depending on your business, this can include:
countertop card machines for fixed tills
portable card machines for hospitality and table service
mobile card machines for flexible payments
online payment solutions
virtual terminal or phone payment options
integrated payment systems
fraud prevention and secure payment processing
support for debit cards, credit cards and digital wallets
This makes HSBC more suitable for businesses that want a fuller merchant services setup rather than a basic app-based card reader.
How Does HSBC Process Payments? HSBC outsources its merchant services to Global Payments, one of the leading payment processors in the UK. Previously known as HSBC Merchant Services, Global Payments offers:
✔ In-person, online, and over-the-phone card payment processing
✔ Secure transactions with fraud protection
✔ Full support for credit, debit, and mobile payments
HSBC’s card payment services are provided through Global Payments, HSBC’s preferred supplier for card processing in the UK. This means businesses access card machine and merchant services through Global Payments rather than HSBC providing the terminal service entirely in-house.
Who Should Use HSBC? Established SMEs
✔ Better fit for steady turnover
✔ More traditional provider setup
Retail & hospitality
✔ Fixed-location payments
✔ Integrated solutions available
Growing Businesses
✔ Potentially better negotiated rates
✔ More suitable for scaling than casual sellers
Not great for
Sole traders
Seasonal sellers
Very small mobile businesses
Anyone wanting no contract and instant setup
Is HSBC Right for your business?
HSBC card machines may suit you if…
You may want to compare alternatives if…
You process regular card payments every month
You only take occasional card payments
You run a shop, café, restaurant, salon or established service business
You are a sole trader, market seller or seasonal business
You want a quote-based merchant services setup
You want simple flat-rate public pricing
You want in-person, online or integrated payment options
You want instant setup with no contract
You are happy to discuss fees based on turnover and card mix
You want to buy a card reader outright and start immediately
Our verdict:
How HSBC Card Payments Work HSBC’s business card payment offering is handled through Global Payments, which provides card payment services for businesses taking payments in person, online, and through integrated systems.
That means the setup is generally:
Request a quote
Discuss your business size and payment needs
Choose the right terminal or payment setup
Agree pricing and contract terms
Start accepting payments
👉 This is a more traditional merchant setup than pay-as-you-go providers
Is HSBC Good Value? HSBC can be good value if you:
process regular card volume
want a more traditional, contract-based provider
prefer a bank-backed route
need a more established payment setup
It is usually not going to be so attractive if you:
want instant signup
need simple transparent pricing
only take occasional payments
want a low-cost starter device
Compare before you sign
HSBC can
transaction fees
terminal rental
setup fees
PCI or compliance fees
settlement times
contract length
cancellation charges
online payment costs
customer support
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How to Purc hase HSBC
If you’d like to use HSBC card machines, you have to go through their partner Global Payments.
You can read more on their website here .
Our Verdict on HSBC HSBC card machines are a strong option for established UK businesses that want a more traditional merchant services setup through a recognised banking brand and Global Payments.
They are perfect for businesses with regular card turnover, such as shops, cafés, restaurants, salons, clinics, hospitality venues and growing SMEs that want in-person payments, online payment options or integrated systems.
The main advantage is that HSBC offers a more established, quote-based route than simple pay-as-you-go card readers. This can work well for businesses that process enough payments to negotiate better rates.
The main drawback is transparency. HSBC does not offer the same simple public pricing as providers such as Square, SumUp, LoPay or PayPal POS, so you need to compare quotes carefully before signing.
Choose HSBC if:
you have regular monthly card turnover
you want a more established merchant services provider
you need countertop, portable or integrated payment options
you value bank-linked payment services
you are happy to compare a custom quote
Consider alternatives if:
you want instant setup
you only take occasional payments
you want no contract
you want simple flat-rate pricing
you are a sole trader, pop-up seller or seasonal trader
Overall, we think HSBC is a good fit for established businesses, but smaller businesses should compare it against Square, SumUp, LoPay, Dojo, Worldpay, Clover and Tyl before choosing.
HSBC Card Machine Comparisons HSBC does not directly operate its own standalone card machine service in the same way as some payment providers. In the UK, HSBC refers business customers to Global Payments, its preferred supplier for card processing and payment solutions. HSBC states that it may receive commission on merchant service charges if a customer signs up through its preferred supplier arrangement.
That means businesses comparing an “HSBC card machine” should usually compare Global Payments via HSBC against other UK card machine providers such as Worldpay, Dojo, Square, Barclaycard, SumUp, Clover and Takepayments.
Compare HSBC card machine quotes →
HSBC vs Worldpay
Feature HSBC / Global Payments Worldpay
Best for
HSBC business banking customers wanting card payments through a major bank-linked route
Established businesses wanting one of the UK’s biggest payment providers
Pricing style
Quote-based merchant services pricing
Tailored pricing with variable plans and no joining fee on some small business products
Card machines
Available through Global Payments
Countertop, portable and mobile card machines
Contract style
Usually quote-led and contract-based
Worldpay says some mobile card machine offers have an 18-month contract
Settlement
Depends on agreed merchant services setup
Worldpay promotes next-day settlement on its small business page
Best fit
SMEs wanting bank-linked payment processing
SMEs wanting a direct major payment processor
Watch out for
Check transaction fees, terminal rental, PCI fees, settlement and contract length
Check contract length, terminal hire, transaction fees and exit terms
Worldpay is usually the more direct comparison if you are looking at HSBC because both are established merchant service routes rather than simple pay-as-you-go card readers. Worldpay says its small business pricing is tailored, with variable pricing options, no joining fee and next-day settlement.
Our verdict:C
HSBC vs Dojo
Feature HSBC/Global Payments Dojo
Best for
Businesses wanting merchant services linked through HSBC
SMEs wanting modern card machines, fast payments and flexible tools
Pricing style
Quote-led merchant services pricing
Published plan structure plus payment pricing depending on business profile
Card machine style
Traditional merchant services and card terminals
Modern countertop, portable and mobile payment options
Small business fit
Good for established SMEs already using HSBC
Strong for restaurants, cafés, retail and growing SMEs
Contract style
Check quote and merchant agreement
Check terminal, software and payment terms before signing
Settlement
Depends on merchant setup
Dojo is often positioned around fast payouts and modern payment tools
Watch out for
Fees may not be as transparent upfront
Pricing can depend on turnover, plan and hardware choice
Dojo will feel more modern and SME-focused than HSBC’s Global Payments route, especially for hospitality, retail and businesses that want a simpler payment setup. Dojo’s pricing page currently shows an Essential plan at £0 and a Plus plan at £11.99 per month per location, although card processing and hardware costs still need checking separately.
Our verdict:
HSBC vs Square
Feature HSBC/Global Payments Square
Best for
Established SMEs wanting bank-linked merchant services
Sole traders, pop-ups, cafés, salons and small shops wanting simple pricing
Pricing style
Quote-led merchant services pricing
Transparent flat-rate pricing
In-person transaction fee
Quote-based
1.75% for UK in-person card transactions
Monthly fee
Depends on contract, terminal and merchant setup
No monthly fee for basic payment processing
Hardware
Merchant terminal options via Global Payments
Square Reader, Terminal, Register and POS tools
Setup
More traditional merchant account-style process
Fast self-serve setup
Best fit
Businesses with steady turnover and existing HSBC relationship
Lower-volume businesses wanting quick setup and no long contract
Watch out for
Contract terms, PCI fees and settlement times
Flat fees may be less competitive at higher turnover
Square is often a stronger fit for small businesses that want speed, simplicity and transparent fees. Square’s current UK pricing lists 1.75% for in-person UK card transactions, with online UK card payments at 1.4% + 25p.
Our verdict:
HSBC vs Barclaycard
Feature HSBC/Global Payments Barclaycard
Best for
HSBC business customers wanting card payments through Global Payments
Businesses wanting payment services from another major UK banking brand
Pricing style
Quote-led merchant services pricing
Mix of upfront reader, monthly rental and tailored merchant pricing
Small business card reader
Via Global Payments
Smartpay Anywhere card reader from £29 + VAT upfront
Monthly terminal options
Depends on quote and terminal
Barclaycard shows Flex from £15 + VAT/month and Smartpay Touch from £29 + VAT/month
Brand fit
HSBC-linked payments route
Bank-backed Barclaycard Payments route
Best fit
HSBC customers and established SMEs
SMEs comparing bank-backed card machine options
Watch out for
HSBC may receive commission through the preferred supplier arrangement
Check terminal rental, transaction fees, PCI fees and minimum service charges
Barclaycard is a useful comparison because, like HSBC, it has a strong banking brand behind it. Barclaycard currently says Smartpay Anywhere has no monthly rental fee and an upfront reader cost of £29 + VAT, while its comparison page shows other card machine options from £15 + VAT per month and £29 + VAT per month.
Our verdict:
Best HSBC alternatives for small businesses HSBC/Global Payments can work well for established SMEs, especially if you already bank with HSBC. However, it is not always the best choice for very small businesses, mobile traders or businesses wanting transparent pay-as-you-go pricing.
Alternative Best for
Why compare it with HSBC?
Square
Sole traders, cafés, salons, pop-ups and small shops
Transparent 1.75% in-person fee and no basic monthly fee
SumUp
Low-volume sellers and mobile businesses
Simple reader-style setup and low commitment
Dojo
Hospitality, retail and growing SMEs
Modern card machines and strong SME positioning
Worldpay
Established SMEs and higher-volume businesses
Major merchant services provider with tailored pricing
Barclaycard
Businesses wanting another bank-backed option
Visible reader and terminal pricing options
Clover
Retail and hospitality businesses needing POS features
Stronger till, stock and POS functionality
Takepayments
SMEs wanting guided setup and quotes
Good for businesses that want help choosing a terminal
PayPal POS, formerly Zettle
Small retailers and PayPal users
Useful for simple card reader and POS-style payments
HSBC alternatives by business type
Business type Best alternatives to compare Why
Sole trader
Square, SumUp, PayPal POS
Low commitment and simple setup
Market trader
SumUp, Square, PayPal POS
Mobile readers and no complex merchant account
Small café
Square, Dojo, SumUp, Clover
Fast payments, POS tools and simple daily use
Restaurant
Dojo, Clover, Worldpay, Takepayments
Better for table service, terminals and EPOS links
Retail shop
Square, Clover, Barclaycard, Worldpay
POS, stock and countertop terminal options
Higher-volume SME
Worldpay, Dojo, Barclaycard, Global Payments
Negotiated pricing may reduce total fees
Existing HSBC customer
HSBC / Global Payments, Worldpay, Barclaycard
Compare bank-linked and direct merchant routes
HSBC card machine comparison: quick decision table
Your priority Best option to compare
Existing HSBC business banking relationship
HSBC/Global Payments
Lowest commitment
Square, SumUp or PayPal POS
Transparent flat-rate fees
Square
Modern SME card machine setup
Dojo
Major merchant services provider
Worldpay
Bank-backed alternative
Barclaycard
Hospitality and restaurants
Dojo, Clover or Worldpay
Retail and POS features
Square, Clover or PayPal POS
Higher card turnover
Worldpay, Dojo, Barclaycard or Global Payments
Best overall route
Compare quotes based on card turnover
Not sure whether HSBC, Worldpay, Dojo, Square or Barclaycard is the best fit?
The cheapest card machine depends on your monthly card turnover, average transaction size, contract length, terminal type, PCI fees, settlement speed and whether you need EPOS integration.
Compare HSBC / Global Payments vs Other Card Machine Providers
FAQ – HSBC card machines 2026 How much does an HSBC card machine cost?
HSBC does not publish fixed pricing. Costs are agreed via a custom quote from Global Payments and usually include:
A monthly terminal rental (or occasionally £0 on certain packages)
Transaction fees based on your business type, turnover and card mix
Potential monthly service or compliance fees, depending on the contract
Always review the full quote before signing.
Does HSBC require a contract?
Yes. HSBC card machines are contract-based, typically with a 12-month minimum term and early termination fees may apply if you cancel before the contract ends.
What transaction fees does HSBC charge?
Transaction fees are bespoke, not fixed, so your rates vary depending on:
Monthly card turnover
Debit vs credit card usage
Business sector (retail, hospitality, services, etc.)
High-volume businesses usually receive lower negotiated rates.
Is an HSBC business bank account required?
You do not necessarily need to assume HSBC is your only route just because you bank with HSBC. HSBC refers customers to Global Payments, but businesses should compare eligibility, settlement account requirements and provider terms directly before applying.
What card machines does HSBC offer?
Through Global Payments, HSBC typically offers:
Countertop terminals (fixed tills)
Portable/mobile terminals (Wi-Fi / 4G)
Integrated POS solutions for higher-volume businesses
Exact hardware models will change over time.
How quickly does HSBC pay out card transactions?
Payouts are usually 1–3 working days, depending on your account setup, risk checks and settlement schedule.
Is HSBC good for small businesses?
HSBC can work well for established small businesses with steady turnover, However, very small or low-volume traders may prefer no-contract options like Square or SumUp, which are often cheaper and simpler.
Are HSBC card machines better than Square or Paypal?
HSBC is better for:
Businesses wanting bank-backed security and integrations
Higher transaction volumes
Long-term stability
Square or Paypal POS are usually better for:
Startups and sole traders
No contracts
Simple, transparent pricing
Does HSBC support online and remote payments?
Yes. Via Global Payments, HSBC supports:
Online payment gateways
Phone payments
Virtual terminals
These usually come with additional fees or add-ons.
Is HSBC the same as Global Payments?
No. HSBC and Global Payments are separate businesses, but Global Payments is HSBC’s preferred supplier for card processing in the UK. If you apply for HSBC card payment services, the card machine and merchant services are generally provided through Global Payments.
Is HSBC cheaper than Square?
HSBC may be cheaper than Square for some higher-turnover businesses because pricing is quote-based and may be negotiable. Square is usually simpler for smaller businesses because it has flat-rate pricing, no monthly terminal rental on basic readers and easier setup.
Is HSBC cheaper than SumUp?
HSBC may be better value than SumUp for established businesses with regular card turnover, but SumUp is usually simpler for sole traders, seasonal sellers and businesses that want a low-cost card reader without a traditional merchant contract.
Is HSBC better than Worldpay for card machines?
HSBC may suit businesses that already bank with HSBC and want a bank-linked route through Global Payments. Worldpay may be better for businesses wanting to deal directly with a major payment processor and compare tailored pricing, settlement and terminal options.
Is HSBC better than Dojo?
HSBC / Global Payments may suit established businesses wanting traditional merchant services. Dojo may be better for SMEs, restaurants, cafés and retailers wanting a more modern card machine setup.
Is HSBC better than Square?
Square is usually better for small businesses wanting simple pricing, quick setup and no basic monthly fee. HSBC / Global Payments may be better for established businesses with higher turnover or more traditional merchant service needs.
Is HSBC better than Barclaycard?
HSBC and Barclaycard are both bank-backed routes into card payments. HSBC uses Global Payments as its preferred supplier, while Barclaycard offers its own small business card reader and terminal options. Compare both by transaction fees, rental, PCI fees, contract length and settlement speed.
What are the best alternatives to HSBC card machines?
The best alternatives to HSBC card machines include Square, SumUp, Dojo, Worldpay, Barclaycard, Clover, Takepayments and PayPal POS, formerly Zettle. The right choice depends on card turnover, business type, contract preference and whether you need EPOS integration.
See whether Square, SumUp, Dojo, Worldpay, Barclaycard, Clover or TakePayments could be cheaper for your turnover.
👉 Not sure which card machine is right for your business? Compare quotes in 30 seconds and save up to 40%
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Hi, I’m Ally Cox , a senior copywriter and blogger at CompareYourBusinessCosts.co.uk, the UK’s trusted platform for comparing business services.over a decade of experience in the B2B sector, I specialise in simplifying complex topics like leased lines, VoIP, business energy, HR and payroll solutions, accounting software, and EPOS systems .HR, copywriting, and business operations- from clocking-in systems to card machines and office technology .informed, confident decisions when choosing products and services that improve efficiency and save money.
