How to Accept Credit Card Payments Without a Machine UK 2026: Best Options, Costs & When You Still Need a Card Reader Quick answer
You can accept credit card payments without a traditional card machine in the UK by using Tap to Pay on a phone, payment links, QR codes, online checkout, invoices, virtual terminals or mobile payment apps.
The best option depends on how you sell.
If you take payments face to face, a smartphone payment app or mobile card reader may be best. If you sell online, Stripe, PayPal, Square Online or an ecommerce checkout may be better. If you take payments over the phone, you may need a virtual terminal. If you are a shop, salon, café, tradesperson or hospitality business taking regular in-person payments, a card machine or merchant account may still work out cheaper and more reliable.
This guide explains the main ways to accept credit card payments without a machine, how much they cost, who each option suits and when to compare card machine quotes instead.
Need to take in-person card payments for a UK business? Compare card machine quotes and see whether a reader, terminal or merchant account would be cheaper.
Need a card machine for your business?
This quote service is best for UK businesses that want to take card payments in person using a card reader, countertop terminal, portable PDQ machine or merchant account.
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Contents
Why Accept Card Payments Without a Machine?
UK-Based Payment Processing Apps
Alternative Methods to Accept Payments Without a Card Machine
Benefits of Not Using a Card Machine
Ways to Accept Credit Card Payments Without a Card Machine
How to Choose a Payment Processing App
Choosing the Right Solution
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: July 2026
What kind of card payments do you need to accept?
What you need Best option to compare first
Should you request a card machine quote?
Take payments in person using your phone
Tap to Pay or mobile payment app
Maybe, if you take regular payments
Take payments in person with a physical reader
Mobile card reader
Yes, especially if volume is growing
Take payments over the phone
Virtual terminal
Yes, if you need lower fees or merchant support
Send customers a link to pay
Payment links
No, unless you also need in-person payments
Add checkout to a website
Online payment gateway
No, compare ecommerce payment processors instead
Take PayPal payments
PayPal Business or PayPal POS
Only if you also need card-present payments
Accept cards at a shop counter
Countertop card machine or POS
Yes
Take payments at tables or around premises
Portable card machine
Yes
Take payments on the move
Mobile card reader or Tap to Pay
Yes, if you want business hardware or better support
Take high monthly card volume
Merchant account or custom pricing
Yes
This page is best for This guide is useful if you are trying to work out how to accept credit card payments without a traditional card machine, so we can help if you are:
a sole trader
a freelancer
a mobile business
a tradesperson
a market trader
a consultant
a small retailer
a salon or beauty business
a café or food business
an online seller
a service business
a start-up testing card payments
a business owner comparing apps, links and card machines
When should you compare card machine quotes? You should compare card machine quotes if your business wants to take in-person payments using:
a card reader
a countertop card machine
a portable PDQ machine
a mobile card terminal
a Chip and PIN machine
a contactless payment terminal
an EPOS-integrated card machine
a merchant account
This quote service is best for UK businesses that take customer payments face to face.
It is not the best fit if you only want:
a personal PayPal account
a one-off online payment link
a website checkout only
a way to accept money from friends or family
a consumer banking app
casual personal card acceptance
guidance without business payment processing
If you need a card machine for your business, compare quotes now.
Need a card machine for your business?
This quote service is best for UK businesses that want to take card payments in person using a card reader, countertop terminal, portable PDQ machine or merchant account.
Compare Business Card Machine Quotes
Key Takeaways
You do not always need a card machine to accept credit card payments.
Tap to Pay, payment links, QR codes, online checkout and virtual terminals can all work without traditional hardware.
Square, SumUp, PayPal and Stripe are popular options for UK small businesses.
Payment links and QR codes are useful for remote payments, invoices and low-volume sales.
Tap to Pay is useful for mobile businesses that want to accept contactless payments using a phone.
Virtual terminals are useful for taking payments over the phone.
Online checkout is better for ecommerce businesses.
Card machines are still usually better for regular in-person payments, higher transaction volumes, shops, cafés, salons, restaurants and hospitality.
The cheapest option depends on transaction fees, monthly fees, hardware costs, payout speed and how your customers pay.
If you take regular face-to-face payments, comparing card machine quotes may help you find lower fees than using a basic app.
Compare card payment solutions based on how your business takes payments.
Compare Card Payment Solutions (No Machine Needed)
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Typical Pricing in the UK 2026
Payment method
Tap to Pay / card-present app payments
Around 1.69% to 1.75% per transaction
Mobile card reader payments
Around 1.69% to 1.75% on common pay-as-you-go plans
Online UK card payments
Often around 1.4% to 1.5% + fixed fee
Payment links
Often around 1.5% to 2.9% + fixed fee, depending on provider and method
Manual card entry
Often higher than card-present payments
Virtual terminal
May include monthly fees plus transaction fees
Traditional card machine
May include terminal rental, transaction fees and contract terms
Merchant account
May offer lower rates for higher-volume businesses
What does “accept credit card payments without a machine” mean?
Accepting credit card payments without a machine means taking card payments without using a traditional standalone PDQ terminal or Chip and PIN machine.
Instead, you might use:
your smartphone
a tablet
an online payment link
a QR code
a virtual terminal
a website checkout
an invoice payment button
a mobile POS app
a PayPal or Stripe account
This can be useful if you want to avoid buying or renting hardware.
However, not every no-machine payment method is suitable for every business.
A freelancer sending one payment link each week has very different needs from a café taking hundreds of contactless payments a day.
Ways to accept card payments without a card machine There are seven main ways to accept card payments without a traditional machine:
Method Best for
Tap to Pay on phone
Mobile sellers and low-volume in-person payments
Payment links
Remote payments, invoices and deposits
No
QR code payments
Events, menus, invoices and quick checkout
No
Online checkout
Ecommerce and website sales
Virtual terminal
Phone payments and mail order
Mobile payment app
Small businesses and pop-ups
Phone or tablet
Invoice payment buttons
Freelancers and service businesses
No
Why Accept Card Payments Without a Machine? Opting for cardless payment solutions offers several advantages:
They are cost-effective, as they eliminate the need for purchasing or leasing expensive hardware.
They are ideal for businesses on the move, such as market stalls or home services.
Most apps allow you to start accepting payments within minutes.
You can also accept payments through various methods , including online links, QR codes, and over-the-phone transactions.
UK-Based Payment Processing Apps Let’s quickly summarise some of the most popular UK payment processing apps:
Payment app Best for Key features Main benefits Potential drawbacks UK pricing
Square
Small businesses, cafés, salons, pop-ups and retailers wanting a free POS app with card payments
Mobile POS app, inventory tools, sales reporting, payment links, invoices, online payments and card reader support
Free POS app, no monthly fee for standard use, simple pricing, strong stock and sales tools, works well for in-person and online payments
Not always cheapest for high-volume businesses, advanced features may cost extra, requires internet connection
1.75% for in-person card payments. Online UK card payments are 1.4% + 25p. No monthly fee for standard POS use.
Strong all-rounder for UK small businesses that want payments and POS tools in one app
SumUp
Sole traders, market traders, mobile businesses and simple card reader users
Card reader app, payment links, invoices, Tap to Pay, business account options and sales tracking
Simple setup, no monthly fee on standard pay-as-you-go, competitive in-person fees, good for mobile payments
Fewer advanced POS and inventory features than Square, support and integrations may be more limited
1.69% in-person transaction fee on the standard £0/month plan. Payments Plus is £19/month with lower in-person fees.
Good low-commitment option for small businesses that mainly need simple card payments
PayPal POS
PayPal users, small sellers, salons, mobile traders and businesses wanting a recognisable payment brand
PayPal Point of Sale app, PayPal Reader, PayPal Terminal, product library, contactless payments, manual card entry and payment links
No monthly fee for core POS use, simple setup, trusted PayPal brand, good for businesses already using PayPal
Requires a PayPal Business account, manual card entry and payment links cost more than in-person payments, fewer advanced POS features than Square or Clover
1.75% for card and contactless payments. Manual card entry is 3.4% + 20p. Payment links using PayPal payments are 2.9% + 30p.
Useful for small businesses already using PayPal, but compare remote payment fees carefully
Stripe
Online businesses, SaaS, ecommerce, subscriptions and businesses needing flexible payment tools
Online checkout, invoices, subscriptions, payment links, APIs, Stripe Terminal and developer tools
Excellent for online payments, strong developer tools, scalable, good for subscriptions and custom checkout flows
More technical than Square or SumUp, less focused on simple in-person card reader use, extra fees can apply for international cards and add-ons
Standard UK card payments are commonly listed at 1.5% + 20p. EU and international cards cost more.
Best for online-first businesses rather than simple card reader users
Clover Go / Clover POS Retail, hospitality and growing businesses wanting POS features with payments
POS app, card payments, inventory, staff tools, reporting, Clover hardware and app marketplace
Stronger POS ecosystem than basic card readers, useful for restaurants, cafés and shops, scalable hardware options
Monthly software or service fees may apply, costs vary by provider and package, can be more expensive than SumUp or Square
Pricing varies by plan, hardware and reseller. Usually includes monthly software/service fees plus transaction fees
Better for businesses that need POS functionality, not just a simple mobile payment app
Quick verdict: which payment app should you choose?
Business need
Best app to compare first
Best free POS app for small businesses
Square
Best simple mobile payment app
SumUp
Best for PayPal users
PayPal POS
Best for online payments and subscriptions
Stripe
Best for retail or hospitality POS features
Clover
Not sure which payment app is cheapest for your business?
Compare card machine and payment app providers by transaction fees, monthly costs, payout speed, features and contract terms.
Payment links Payment links let you send a customer a secure link to pay by card, and you can usually send the link by:
email
text message
WhatsApp
invoice
social media message
online booking confirmation
Payment links can be useful for:
freelancers
consultants
tradespeople
deposits
remote invoices
balance payments
bookings
appointment-based businesses
small online sellers without a full website
Pros
No hardware required
Easy to send remotely
Useful for deposits and invoices
Good for one-off payments
Works without a website
Can support card payments and wallets
Cons
Not ideal for fast in-person checkout
Fees may be higher than card-present payments
Customers must click and complete payment
Not as seamless as a card machine at a counter
Can cause delays if customers do not pay immediately
Best providers to compare
Stripe Payment Links
Square Payment Links
PayPal payment links
SumUp payment links
Payment links are a good option if you do not need in-person card acceptance, but if your customers are standing in front of you, a card reader or Tap to Pay may be faster.
QR code payments QR code payments let customers scan a code and pay on their phone, and can be useful for:
cafés
restaurants
market stalls
events
invoices
takeaway menus
table ordering
charity donations
pop-ups
service businesses
Pros
No card machine required
Easy to display on a sign, invoice or menu
Useful for self-service payments
Can work well for casual or low-cost payments
Reduces hardware needs
Cons
Not every customer likes QR codes
Requires smartphone and internet access
Payment completion can be slower than tapping a card
Can create friction in busy environments
Fraudulent QR code replacement is a risk if not managed
QR codes can work well as an extra option, but they should not be the only payment method for many customer-facing businesses.
Online checkout If you sell through a website, ecommerce store or booking platform, you need an online payment gateway rather than a card machine, and can be useful for:
ecommerce stores
subscription businesses
online courses
digital products
booking websites
SaaS businesses
online services
retailers selling online and in-store
Pros
Designed for website payments
Can accept cards, wallets and local payment methods
Good for ecommerce
Works 24/7
Can integrate with stock, shipping and accounting tools
Supports recurring billing with some providers
Cons
Requires website or checkout setup
Fees may differ from in-person payments
Chargeback and fraud risk needs managing
More technical than simple payment links
Not suitable for in-person-only businesses
Best providers to compare
Stripe
PayPal
Square Online
Shopify Payments
Worldpay ecommerce
Opayo
Mollie
If your main need is ecommerce checkout, you probably do not need a card machine quote unless you also sell in person.
Virtual terminals A virtual terminal lets you take card payments by manually entering the customer’s card details into a secure online dashboard, which is usually used for:
phone payments
mail order
deposits
balance payments
service businesses
B2B payments
bookings
remote customer payments
Pros
No physical card terminal required
Useful for phone payments
Good for service businesses
Can support remote orders
Can be used from a browser
Cons
Manual entry fees are often higher
Strong security processes are required
Not suitable for casual personal payments
Higher fraud and chargeback risk than card-present payments
May require a merchant account or approval
Virtual terminals are useful, but they are not the same as a card machine.
Mobile payment apps Mobile payment apps can let small businesses take payments, track sales and manage basic POS features using a phone or tablet – and can include:
card payments
Tap to Pay
payment links
invoices
product libraries
receipts
basic reports
customer records
online payment options
simple inventory tools
Popular options include:
Square
SumUp
PayPal POS
Stripe
Clover Go
Mobile payment apps are good for businesses that want a simple way to start taking payments quickly.
Invoices with card payment options Some providers let you send invoices that include a “Pay Now” button which can be useful for:
consultants
accountants
designers
tradespeople
coaches
marketing agencies
small service businesses
B2B suppliers
appointment-based businesses
Customers can pay by card online, and the invoice can be marked as paid automatically.
Benefits of Not Using a Card Machine
It’s incredible flexible and 100% portable, you can take payments anywhere, anytime which is perfect for mobile businesses, pop-up shops, and on-the-go sales.
No bulky machines to install or configure.
Apps are usually free, and you eliminate the upfront investment associated with traditional credit card machines.
You can manage your business finances from one central location (like your smartphone).
Convenience can boost sales!
How to Choose a Payment Processing App All payment processing apps will have some pros and cons, and the right choice will depend on your business needs and priorities. We think you should ask yourself the following questions when choosing the best fit for your business:
How much will each transaction cost you?
Does the app accept all the payment methods your customers use?
How does the app protect your customer’s data?
How easy is it to set up and use the app?
Does the app integrate with your existing business tools
Need a card machine for your business?
This quote service is best for UK businesses that want to take card payments in person using a card reader, countertop terminal, portable PDQ machine or merchant account.
Compare Business Card Machine Quotes
When choosing the right solutions for you business, consider asking yourself the following:
Analyse the volume of transactions you expect, the types of payments you need to accept, and your budget.
What are your customers preferences, do they prefer contactless payments or traditional methods?
Make sure the chosen solution provides adequate protection against fraud.
Evaluate how comfortable you (or your team) are with setting up and using the chosen solution.
Quick verdict: which option should you choose?
Business need
Best option to compare first
Cheapest simple in-person payments
Take payments with no hardware
Tap to Pay
Send a link for customers to pay
Stripe, Square, PayPal or SumUp payment links
Accept payments on a website
Stripe, PayPal, Shopify Payments or Square Online
Take payments over the phone
Virtual terminal
Accept PayPal payments
PayPal Business or PayPal POS
Run a shop or salon
Card reader, EPOS or merchant account
Run a café, bar or restaurant
Take high monthly card volume
Need lower fees than pay-as-you-go apps
Compare card machine providers
Best option by business type
Business type
Best payment method to compare
Freelancer
Payment links or invoices
Consultant
Payment links, invoices or virtual terminal
Tradesperson
Tap to Pay, mobile reader or payment links
Market trader
Tap to Pay or mobile card reader
Mobile hairdresser
Tap to Pay or mobile reader
Salon
Card reader, EPOS or card machine
Café
Card machine or EPOS-integrated payments
Restaurant
EPOS and portable card machines
Online shop
Online checkout
Subscription business
Stripe or online payment gateway
Event seller
Tap to Pay, card reader or QR payments
Charity
QR codes, payment links and card readers
B2B service business
Invoices, payment links or virtual terminal
High-volume retailer
Merchant account and card terminal
FAQs Can I accept credit card payments without a card machine in the UK?
Yes. You can accept credit card payments without a traditional card machine using Tap to Pay, payment links, QR codes, online checkout, invoices, virtual terminals or mobile payment apps.
What is the easiest way to accept credit card payments without a machine?
For in-person payments, Tap to Pay is often the easiest option. For remote payments, payment links or invoice payment buttons are usually simplest.
Can I accept contactless payments without a card reader?
Yes. Some providers let you accept contactless payments directly on a compatible smartphone using Tap to Pay.
Can I accept credit card payments on my phone?
Yes. Providers such as Square, SumUp, PayPal and Stripe offer ways to accept card payments using a phone, depending on device compatibility and payment method.
Can I accept card payments without a business account?
Some providers allow sole traders to start with basic details, but most business payment providers require a business account or business profile. Requirements vary by provider.
Can I accept card payments for personal use?
Business card payment providers are designed for commercial use. If you only need to receive personal money from friends or family, a personal payment app or bank transfer may be more appropriate.
Can I take card payments over the phone?
Yes. You can take card payments over the phone using a virtual terminal, but manual entry fees are often higher and security rules are important.
What is a virtual terminal?
A virtual terminal is an online dashboard that lets you manually enter customer card details to take payments remotely or over the phone.
Are payment links safe?
Payment links from reputable providers are generally safe because they use secure hosted checkout pages. You should still use a trusted provider and avoid sending suspicious or altered links.
What is the cheapest way to accept card payments without a machine?
For low-volume in-person payments, Tap to Pay or a pay-as-you-go mobile app may be cheapest. For online payments, compare providers such as Stripe, Square and PayPal. The cheapest option depends on fees, transaction value and payment method.
Is Tap to Pay cheaper than a card machine?
Tap to Pay can be cheaper upfront because there is no separate terminal, but a card machine or merchant account may be better value for regular or higher-volume in-person payments.
Do I need a card machine for my small business?
Not always. If you only sell online or send payment links, you may not need a card machine. If you take regular face-to-face payments, a card machine is usually worth comparing.
Can I use PayPal to accept credit card payments?
Yes. PayPal can accept card payments through PayPal POS, payment links, checkout and other business payment tools.
Is Stripe better than PayPal?
Stripe is often better for online checkout, subscriptions and custom payment flows. PayPal is often useful where customers expect to pay with PayPal or where brand recognition matters.
Is Square better than SumUp?
Square may be better if you want POS tools, inventory and online options. SumUp may be better if you want simple low-commitment card payments.
Can I accept card payments through WhatsApp?
You can send payment links through WhatsApp using providers that support payment links, but the payment itself should happen through a secure payment page.
Do payment links work for deposits?
Yes. Payment links can be useful for deposits, appointment bookings, invoices and balance payments.
Are card machines being replaced?
No. Card machines are still widely used, especially by shops, cafés, restaurants, salons and businesses taking regular in-person payments. Apps and payment links are growing, but they are not always better.
When should I compare card machine quotes?
Compare card machine quotes if you take regular in-person payments, want a dedicated terminal, need lower fees, need EPOS integration or want a more reliable business payment setup.
Start accepting credit card payments with the right provider
The best way to accept credit cards depends on how you sell, how much you process and whether you need in-person, online or remote payments.
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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.
