Dojo Card Machine Review 2026: Fees, Costs, Contracts & Alternatives Quick Answer
Dojo is a strong card-machine option for UK businesses taking regular face-to-face payments, particularly restaurants, cafés, pubs, shops, salons and other busy hospitality or retail businesses.
Its biggest advantages are modern payment terminals, fast settlement options, extensive EPOS integration and pricing that becomes tailored for higher-turnover businesses.
Dojo’s current published pricing includes:
Under £100,000 annual card turnover: 1.2% blended transaction rate£100,000+ annual card turnover: custom transaction pricingDojo Go Max: currently £149 upfront launch price or £25/monthDojo Pocket: £239 upfront or £20/monthDojo Wired: £179 upfront or £15/monthTap to Pay on iPhone: £0 hardware costEssential plan: £0/month per locationPlus plan: currently £11.99/month per location for qualifying new customers/locations
Dojo is particularly worth comparing if you process enough card payments for transaction rates, settlement speed and EPOS integration to make a meaningful difference to your business.
Very small or occasional sellers should also compare simpler pay-as-you-go card readers.
Compare Dojo & Card Machine Quotes →
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Dojo at a Glance
Feature Dojo
Best for
Hospitality, retail and businesses taking regular card payments
Published transaction pricing
1.2% blended rate below £100,000 annual card turnover; custom pricing above £100,000
Main terminals
Dojo Go Max, Dojo Pocket and Dojo Wired
Phone payments
Tap to Pay on iPhone available
EPOS integration
Dojo advertises 450+ integrations across its wider platform
Connectivity
WiFi and 4G available on portable terminals
Settlement
Next-business-day settlement available, with faster options depending on setup
Pricing model
Published blended pricing for lower turnover; tailored pricing at higher turnover
Main strength
Strong combination of payments, hardware and EPOS integration
Less suited to
Very occasional sellers wanting the simplest pay-as-you-go reader
Key Takeaways
Dojo is particularly well suited to businesses taking card payments every day.
Businesses below £100,000 annual card turnover are currently shown a 1.2% blended transaction rate.
Higher-turnover businesses can receive custom pricing.
Dojo now publishes upfront and monthly hardware prices for its main card machines.
Dojo Go Max is its main fast, portable card machine.
Dojo Pocket combines portable ordering and payments and is particularly relevant to hospitality.
Dojo Wired is designed for fixed counters and kiosks.
Dojo’s integrated-payment proposition is one of its main differentiators.
Compare the total cost rather than transaction rate alone.
Low-volume businesses should compare Dojo with simpler providers such as Square and SumUp before choosing.
How Do We Work?
Our comparisons are researched and reviewed by the Compare Your Business Costs editorial team using provider information, official UK guidance and business buying criteria. See how Compare Your Business Costs works.
Authored by: Ally Cox – Business Technology & B2B Services Specialist, 10+ years’ experience.
Last updated: September 2026
Contents
Dojo Card Machine Fees 2026 Dojo now publishes considerably more pricing information than many traditional merchant-service providers.
Its current pricing separates businesses according to annual card turnover.
Annual Card Turnover
Current Dojo Pricing Approach
Below £100,000
1.2% all-in blended transaction rate
Above £100,000
Custom rate
Above £5 million
Bespoke card-mix, volume and hardware pricing
For businesses above £100,000 annual card turnover, Dojo says businesses can lock in a rate through a 12-month fixed plan or choose a more flexible arrangement, depending on eligibility and agreement.
What Does the 1.2% Dojo Rate Mean? For businesses within the published sub-£100,000 turnover pricing, Dojo currently advertises an all-in 1.2% blended transaction rate for card transactions.
A blended rate can make processing costs easier to understand because you’re not trying to compare a different headline percentage for every individual card type.
However, transaction processing isn’t necessarily your entire cost.
Your total Dojo bill can also depend on:
card-machine hardware
plan
optional services
refunds
authorisations
additional payment methods
other account services
Dojo’s current fee information also lists a 5p secure transaction/authorisation fee and 50p refund fee .
Always compare the full fee schedule and quotation rather than multiplying turnover by the headline percentage alone.
Dojo Monthly Fees There are two separate costs that can easily be confused – hardware payments and Dojo plans.
Dojo’s Essential software plan is currently listed at:
£0/month per location.
The Plus plan is currently advertised at:
£11.99/month per location
for qualifying new customers and new locations under the current promotional offer.
Plus adds additional business tools such as customer-spend insights, competitor benchmarking, performance reports and remote refunds.
Dojo Hardware Prices
Card Machine Current Upfront Price
Current Monthly Hardware Price
Dojo Go Max
£149 promotional price
£25/month
Dojo Pocket
£239
£20/month
Dojo Wired
£179
£15/month
Tap to Pay on iPhone
£0 additional hardware
No separate card machine required
Pricing and promotions can change, so confirm the current offer when requesting a quote.
Compare Dojo card machine costs →
How Much Could Dojo Cost Your Business? For businesses using Dojo’s published 1.2% blended rate, you can make a basic transaction-fee estimate.
Monthly Card Turnover
£2,500
£30/month
£5,000
£60/month
£7,500
£90/month
These are processing examples only .
They don’t represent your total bill because hardware, authorisation charges, refunds, optional plans and other applicable costs can also affect what you pay.
Once annual card turnover moves above £100,000, Dojo’s custom pricing becomes particularly important.
Why Higher-Turnover Businesses Should Compare Quotes
At higher transaction volumes, even a relatively small difference in processing rate can become financially significant.
For example, a difference of: 0.10 percentage points on £500,000 annual card turnover = £500 per year.
That’s why established businesses should compare: rate + card mix + hardware + fixed fees + contract + settlement + service
rather than simply choosing whichever provider advertises the lowest-looking headline rate.
You can use our card machine fees calculator to model your current payment costs.
Which Dojo Card Machine Should You Choose? Dojo’s current physical terminal range is centred around three different use cases.
Dojo Product Best For Main Difference
Dojo Go Max General retail, hospitality and portable payments
Fast versatile standalone terminal
Dojo Pocket Restaurants and table service
Orders and payments from one handheld device
Dojo Wired Counters and kiosks
Fixed integrated payment terminal
Tap to Pay on iPhone Mobile and lower-hardware businesses
Take contactless payments without a separate terminal
Dojo Go Max Dojo Go Max is the product we’d expect most conventional businesses comparing Dojo card machines to investigate first.
It is designed as a fast, portable terminal for face-to-face payments and features currently promoted by Dojo include:
WiFi and 4G connectivity
portable operation
10-hour battery
contactless and Chip & PIN payments
EPOS integration
point-to-point encryption
transaction information through Dojo’s business tools
Who Is Dojo Go Max Best For?
It’s great for:
restaurants
cafés
pubs
shops
salons
service businesses
busy SMEs
The combination of WiFi and 4G is useful for businesses that don’t want payments completely dependent on one WiFi connection.
Dojo Pocket Dojo Pocket is more specifically aimed at businesses that want staff to take orders and payments from one portable device.
That makes it particularly relevant to restaurants, pubs and other table-service environments.
Dojo currently lists:
WiFi and 4G connectivity
8-hour battery
lightweight handheld design
EPOS integration
ordering and payments
stock/menu information through supported integrations
Dojo Pocket vs Dojo Go Max
Choose based on workflow rather than simply which device looks better.
Dojo Go Max: primarily a fast, versatile payment terminal.Dojo Pocket: particularly useful where staff need ordering and payment functionality while moving around a venue.
Dojo Pocket currently works with a more limited selection of EPOS integrations than Dojo’s wider integrated-payments proposition, so check compatibility with your existing EPOS before ordering.
Dojo Wired Dojo Wired is designed for businesses where payments stay in one place.
That can include:
retail counters
kiosks
reception desks
fixed checkout points
Because it is a fixed terminal, there’s no need to charge and move it around the venue.
If your customers always pay at the same counter, paying for portability you don’t need may offer little benefit.
Dojo Tap to Pay on iPhone Dojo also supports Tap to Pay on iPhone, which lets eligible businesses accept contactless payments using a compatible iPhone and the Dojo for Business app without purchasing a separate physical card reader.
It can be particularly interesting for:
mobile businesses
tradespeople
staff who need additional payment points
businesses wanting to test card acceptance without another terminal
However, a phone-based payment setup isn’t necessarily a replacement for dedicated hardware in a busy venue processing payments continuously.
How Fast Does Dojo Pay Out? Settlement speed remains one of Dojo’s strongest commercial features.
Dojo currently offers next-business-day settlement, with faster next-day options available depending on the service and banking window.
The exact time funds arrive can depend on:
your settlement arrangement
bank processing
the applicable banking window
weekends and bank holidays
Why Does Settlement Speed Matter?
For businesses such as restaurants and retailers, yesterday’s card takings can represent a substantial amount of working capital.
Faster access to funds can help with:
supplier payments
stock
wages
cash flow
day-to-day operating costs
Don’t choose a payment provider on settlement speed alone, but include it when comparing the overall value of competing quotes.
Dojo EPOS Integrations EPOS integration is another area where Dojo stands out from basic card-reader products.
Dojo currently advertises integration with more than 450 EPOS providers across its integrated-payments platform.
Integrated payments can automatically send the transaction amount from your EPOS system to the card machine.
That can help:
reduce manual keying
reduce payment errors
speed up service
simplify reconciliation
make end-of-day cashing up easier
Do You Actually Need EPOS Integration?
Not every business does. The value of integration increases as transaction volume and operational complexity increase.
If you’re also changing your till system, see our EPOS costs guide .
Dojo Contracts & Switching Don’t assume every Dojo customer receives identical contract terms.
Dojo’s current published information varies according to business turnover and pricing arrangement.
Before signing, check:
minimum term
whether pricing is fixed
what happens after the initial term
hardware commitments
cancellation terms
notice period
any applicable exit costs
Will Dojo Pay Your Existing Provider’s Exit Fees?
Dojo currently advertises support towards existing provider cancellation fees for qualifying switchers, with the amount dependent on factors including annual card turnover and pricing arrangement.
Its current published maximum is up to £3,000 in qualifying circumstances.
This shouldn’t be treated as guaranteed cash.
Check eligibility, limits and conditions before assuming Dojo will cover your existing contract.
Is Dojo Right for Your Business?
Business Dojo Fit Why
Restaurant
Strong
Portable payments, EPOS integration, table-service options and fast settlement
Café
Strong
Fast counter payments and integrated-payment potential
Pub / bar
Strong
High transaction volumes, portable terminals, tipping and integrations
Retail shop
Strong
Fast terminals, fixed or portable hardware and EPOS integration
Salon
Good
Regular face-to-face payments and modern terminal options
Tradesperson
Depends
Tap to Pay or portable hardware can work, but compare simpler readers
Market trader
Depends
Can work, although low-volume sellers may prefer simpler pricing
Occasional seller
Weaker
A basic pay-as-you-go reader may be sufficient
Online-only business
Weaker for card-machine needs
Online-first payment providers may be more relevant
Dojo for Restaurants & Hospitality This is arguably where Dojo’s proposition makes the most sense.
A busy restaurant can benefit from:
fast payments
table-side devices
integrated payments
bill splitting
tipping features
fast access to takings
If you’re choosing specifically for hospitality, see our card machines for restaurants guide .
Dojo for Small Businesses Dojo can absolutely work for small businesses.
The more important question is how regularly you take payments.
A small café processing cards throughout the day may be a very good fit.
A freelancer taking two card payments per month may have little reason to pay for a more sophisticated terminal setup.
Compare card machines for your business →
Dojo vs Other Card Machine Providers The right alternative depends on why you’re considering Dojo.
Provider Worth Comparing If…
Square
You value simple pricing, POS tools and easy self-service setup
SumUp
You want straightforward card acceptance and lower commitment
LoPay
Low transaction costs are a major priority
Worldpay
You want to compare Dojo with a large established merchant-services provider
PayPal POS
You already use PayPal or want a simple SME payment ecosystem
Tyl by NatWest
You want to compare a bank-backed payment proposition
Barclaycard
You want an established acquiring/payment provider
Dojo vs Square Square
Dojo becomes more interesting when you have regular turnover, want a more tailored payment setup or place greater value on integrated payments and hospitality workflows.
Read our dedicated Dojo vs Square comparison .
Dojo vs SumUp SumUp
Dojo’s proposition is more compelling as payment volume and operational requirements increase.
Read our SumUp vs Dojo comparison .
Dojo vs Worldpay Worldpay
Rather than declaring one universally better, compare the actual processing rate, fixed fees, hardware, settlement, contract and service offered to your business.
Read our Dojo vs Worldpay comparison .
How to Compare a Dojo Quote Properly If Dojo gives you a quote, don’t look only at the headline transaction percentage.
Compare:
1. Transaction Rate Is it blended or dependent on card type?
2. Per-Transaction Charges Check authorisation and other transaction-level charges.
3. Hardware Are you buying the terminal upfront or paying monthly?
4. Software Plan Do you actually need Plus, or is Essential sufficient?
5. Refund Fees These can matter for businesses processing frequent refunds.
6. EPOS Integration Check compatibility with your existing system and whether additional costs apply.
7. Settlement When will your money actually reach your bank?
8. Contract Understand the minimum term and what happens when it ends.
9. Cancellation Check notice requirements and potential costs.
10. Total Annual Cost Finally, estimate:
processing + hardware + fixed fees + optional services + other expected charges.
That gives you a much better basis for comparing Dojo against another provider.
Compare tailored card machine quotes →
Our View: When Dojo Makes Sense Dojo makes most sense when payments are an important part of your daily operation rather than an occasional convenience.
Its proposition gets stronger as your business becomes busier.
For example:
Occasional seller → compare simple pay-as-you-go readers first.
Busy café → Dojo becomes much more interesting.
Restaurant with table service → Dojo’s integrated and portable options become particularly relevant.
Retailer processing substantial card turnover → compare Dojo’s total processing cost with other merchant providers.
Multi-site or high-turnover operation → negotiate and compare tailored pricing rather than relying on an advertised SME rate.
We particularly like that Dojo now publishes considerably more pricing information than a traditional “contact us for everything” merchant-services model.
But that doesn’t mean the advertised rate tells you everything.
What We Would Compare
Our order would be: annual card turnover → transaction rate → fixed transaction charges → hardware → EPOS → settlement → contract → support → total annual cost.
For a busy business, a slightly lower processing rate can be more valuable than saving a few pounds on the terminal.
For a low-volume business, the opposite can be true.
Match the pricing model to your payment volume rather than choosing a card machine based on the hardware alone.
Compare Dojo with other card machine providers →
Dojo Card Machine FAQs How much does Dojo charge per transaction?
Dojo currently advertises a 1.2% blended transaction rate for businesses processing less than £100,000 in annual card turnover. Businesses above £100,000 can receive custom pricing. Other charges can also apply, so check the complete quote and fee schedule.
How much is a Dojo card machine?
Dojo currently lists Dojo Go Max at £149 upfront under its promotional price or £25/month, Dojo Pocket at £239 or £20/month, and Dojo Wired at £179 or £15/month. Pricing can change.
Does Dojo charge a monthly fee?
It depends on your setup. Dojo’s Essential plan is currently free per month/location, while Plus is currently promoted at £11.99 per month/location for qualifying new customers and locations. Hardware can also be paid for monthly.
What is the cheapest Dojo card machine?
Of Dojo’s current physical terminal range, compare the upfront and monthly prices because the cheapest option depends on whether you buy or spread the hardware cost. Tap to Pay on iPhone doesn’t require separate card-machine hardware.
What is Dojo Go Max?
Dojo Go Max is Dojo’s fast portable card machine. It offers WiFi and 4G connectivity, a 10-hour battery and integrated-payment functionality.
What is Dojo Pocket?
Dojo Pocket is a lightweight portable device designed to combine ordering and payments. It is particularly relevant to restaurants and other table-service businesses.
What is Dojo Wired?
Dojo Wired is a fixed payment terminal designed for counters and kiosks where portability isn’t required.
Can I take payments on an iPhone with Dojo?
Yes. Dojo offers Tap to Pay on iPhone through its business app for compatible devices, allowing eligible businesses to accept contactless payments without separate card-machine hardware.
How quickly does Dojo pay businesses?
Dojo offers next-business-day settlement, with faster next-day settlement options available depending on the service. Actual payout timing can depend on banking windows and your bank.
Does Dojo work without WiFi?
Dojo’s portable terminals support 4G as well as WiFi, although WiFi may be required during initial setup for some devices.
Does Dojo integrate with EPOS?
Yes. Dojo currently advertises more than 450 EPOS provider integrations across its integrated-payments platform. Compatibility differs by product, so check your specific EPOS system.
Is Dojo good for restaurants?
Restaurants are one of the clearer Dojo use cases because the platform combines portable payments, EPOS integration, table-service functionality, tipping and fast settlement.
Is Dojo good for small businesses?
Yes, particularly small businesses processing card payments regularly. Businesses with very low or irregular payment volume should also compare simpler pay-as-you-go alternatives.
Is Dojo cheaper than Square?
Not universally. The answer depends on your turnover, transaction mix, hardware and other fees. Compare your expected total annual cost rather than one advertised percentage.
Is Dojo better than SumUp?
They suit different requirements. Dojo becomes particularly interesting for busy hospitality, retail and integrated-payment environments, while SumUp can be attractive for businesses wanting a simpler card-reader proposition.
Does Dojo have a contract?
Contract terms depend on turnover and the agreement offered. Check the minimum term, pricing commitment and what happens after the initial contract before signing.
Does Dojo pay cancellation fees when you switch?
Dojo currently advertises support of up to £3,000 towards cancellation fees in qualifying circumstances. Eligibility and maximum support depend on factors including turnover and pricing arrangement, so confirm this before switching.
Is Dojo safe?
Dojo states that its card machines are PCI compliant and use point-to-point encryption to protect card data.
What are the main Dojo alternatives?
Alternatives include Square, SumUp, LoPay, Worldpay, PayPal POS, Tyl by NatWest and Barclaycard. The strongest comparison depends on your turnover and whether you prioritise simple pricing, integrated payments, hardware or tailored merchant rates.
Compare Dojo Card Machine Quotes Dojo is particularly worth comparing if you:
take card payments every day
run a restaurant, café, pub or shop
want modern payment terminals
need EPOS integration
value fast settlement
process enough volume for payment fees to materially affect your costs
Before choosing, compare:
transaction rate + per-transaction charges + hardware + monthly fees + EPOS + settlement + contract + total annual cost.
Compare Dojo & Card Machine Quotes →
Free quotes • No obligation • Compare leading UK card machine providers
Related Card Machine Guides 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.
