Card Machine Costs UK 2026 | Fees, Prices & How Much You’ll Pay Quick answer
Card machine costs in the UK usually include three main charges: hardware cost, transaction fees and monthly fees.
For small businesses using simple card readers, costs often start from around £19 to £69 upfront, with no monthly fee and transaction fees around 1.69% to 1.75%.
For businesses using countertop, portable or mobile card machines, costs usually include monthly terminal rental, usually from around £10 to £40+ per month, plus transaction fees.
For larger or higher-turnover businesses, card machine pricing is often quote-based as these businesses can sometimes be able to negotiate lower transaction rates, but they should check terminal rental, PCI fees, authorisation fees, contract terms and cancellation costs.
Typical UK card machine costs in 2026:
Cost type Typical cost
Basic card reader
£19-£69 upfront
Smart terminal
£149-£399+ upfront or monthly rental
Monthly terminal rental
Small business transaction fees
Merchant account/custom rates
Quote-based and often lower at higher turnover
Setup fees
£0-£150, depending on provider
Chargeback fees
PCI/compliance fees
£0-£10+ per month, depending on provider
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
Compare card machine rates from leading UK providers and see whether your business could save up to 40%.
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
Contents
Card Machine Costs Breakdown
Card Machine Costs by Business Size
Card Machine Costs by Provider
What Affects Card Machine Costs?
Cheapest Way to Get a Card Machine
Card Machine vs Tap to Pay Costs
Card Machine costs at a glance
Business type Likely best option
Sole trader
SumUp, Square, PayPal POS or Tap to Pay
Low upfront cost, no monthly fee, flat transaction rate
Market trader
Mobile card reader
Reader cost plus transaction fees
Small shop
Card reader or countertop terminal
£0–£20/month plus transaction fees
Café
Countertop or portable card machine
Monthly rental plus card processing fees
Restaurant
Portable terminal with tipping and split bills
Monthly rental, transaction fees and possible EPOS costs
Salon
Portable terminal or mobile reader
Reader or rental plus transaction fees
Tradesperson
Mobile reader, Tap to Pay or portable terminal
Low hardware cost or mobile terminal package
Medium SME
Merchant account/card machine quote
Rental plus negotiated transaction fees
High-volume business
Custom merchant pricing
Lower rates but more complex fees and contract terms
Key Takeaways
Basic card readers can start from around £19 to £69 upfront.
Smart terminals and advanced card machines can cost £149 to £399+ or be rented monthly.
Square lists 1.75% for UK in-person card payments.
SumUp lists 1.69% for in-person card payments on its standard £0/month option.
PayPal POS lists 1.75% for card and contactless payments.
Tyl by NatWest lists terminal hire from £13.99 + VAT/month for the PAX A80.
Small businesses usually pay around 1.69% to 1.75% on simple card reader pricing.
Higher-volume businesses may be able to negotiate lower rates through merchant account providers.
Monthly terminal rental can make sense if lower transaction fees outweigh the fixed cost.
Hidden fees can include PCI fees, authorisation fees, chargebacks, refund fees and cancellation charges.
The best way to compare costs is to calculate your effective card processing rate.
Comparing providers can help reduce card machine costs by up to 40%.
Compare card machine prices based on your monthly card turnover, not just the advertised transaction rate.
Card Machine Fees Calculator UK Estimate your monthly and annual card processing costs in seconds. Adjust the fields below to see how much your current setup could be costing you.
Pricing model Flat rate Custom / Merchant account
Your Estimated Costs
Estimated monthly fees
£0.00
Estimated annual fees
£0.00
Estimated monthly transactions
0
Potential monthly saving
£0.00
You could save money by switching to a lower-fee provider.
This calculator is an estimate only. Actual card machine costs vary by provider, pricing structure, card mix, sector and contract terms.
👉 Compare Free Card Machines Now
How much does a card machine cost in the UK?
Pricing model Typical cost Best for
Pay-as-you-go reader
Upfront reader cost plus flat transaction fee
Sole traders, pop-ups and low-volume businesses
Monthly rental terminal
Monthly terminal hire plus transaction fees
Shops, cafés, restaurants and regular sellers
Merchant account quote
Custom transaction fees plus terminal/package costs
Higher-volume and established businesses
A small business might
A growing business will usually pay £15 to £30+ per month for a terminal and a lower transaction rate.
A larger business might receive a custom quote based on turnover, card mix and sector.
Card machine cost breakdown
Cost type Typical price range What it means
Basic card reader
£19-£69
Small reader for mobile or low-volume payments
Smart terminal
£149-£399+
Standalone device with screen, app or printer features
Countertop terminal
£10-£30+/month
Fixed card machine for tills and counters
Portable terminal
£15-£40+/month
Card machine carried around premises
Mobile terminal
£15-£40+/month
Terminal for businesses taking payments on the move
Transaction fee
1.69%-1.75% on many flat-rate plans
Percentage charged on each payment
Custom transaction fee
Quote-based
May be lower for higher-turnover businesses
Setup fee
£0-£150
One-off account or installation fee
PCI fee
£0-£10+/month
Payment security or compliance fee
Authorisation fee
1p-5p
Small fee for approving a transaction
Chargeback fee
£10-£25
Fee if a customer disputes a transaction
Cancellation fee
Varies
Cost to leave a contract early
Card machine costs by monthly turnover The more you take by card, the more important transaction fees become.
Monthly card turnover Best option to compare Cost priority
Under £1,000
SumUp, Square, PayPal POS or Tap to Pay
£1,000-£5,000
Flat-rate readers vs low monthly terminal quotes
Balance flexibility and fees
£5,000-£10,000
Dojo, Tyl, TakePayments, SumUp paid plan and merchant quotes
Lower transaction rate may start to matter
£10,000-£25,000
Dojo, Worldpay, Barclaycard, Tyl, Elavon
£25,000-£50,000
Multiple merchant account quotes
Negotiate fees and rental
£50,000+
Custom merchant pricing
Focus on effective rate and contract terms
monthly cost examples:
Monthly card turnover 1.69% transaction fee 1.75% transaction fee
1.4% example quote + £25 rental
£1,000
£16.90
£17.50
£39.00
£5,000
£84.50
£87.50
£95.00
£10,000
£169.00
£175.00
£165.00
£25,000
£422.50
£437.50
£375.00
£50,000
£845.00
£875.00
£725.00
Compare Card Machine Deals
✔ Save up to 40%
✔ Compare multiple providers
✔ No obligation quotes
✔ UK-based suppliers
👉 Compare Card Machine Costs Now
Card Machine costs by machine type
Machine type Typical cost pattern Best for
Basic card reader
Low upfront cost, no monthly fee, flat transaction rate
Sole traders and small sellers
Countertop card machine
Monthly rental plus transaction fees
Fixed tills, shops and cafés
Portable card machine
Monthly rental plus transaction fees
Restaurants, pubs, salons and clinics
Mobile card machine
Monthly rental or device cost plus fees
Tradespeople, events and field teams
Smart terminal
Higher upfront cost or monthly plan
Businesses wanting apps, receipts and reporting
EPOS-integrated terminal
Monthly software, hardware and payment fees
Retail, hospitality and multi-staff businesses
Tap to Pay
No separate reader cost, transaction fees apply
Very small or mobile businesses
Virtual terminal
Monthly fee or card-not-present fees
Phone payments and remote payments
Card Machine Costs by Business Type
Business type
Likely monthly cost pattern
Sole trader
£0 monthly fee plus around 1.69%–1.75% transaction fee
Market trader
Low upfront reader cost plus flat transaction fee
Tradesperson
Tap to Pay, mobile reader or monthly mobile terminal
Small shop
£0-£25/month plus transaction fees
Café
£15-£40/month plus transaction fees
Restaurant
£20-£60+/month depending on terminals and EPOS needs
Salon
£0-£30/month plus transaction fees
Pub or bar
£20-£60+/month depending on terminals
Hotel
Multiple terminals, online payments and merchant fees
High-volume retailer
Custom pricing and negotiated rates
Ecommerce business
Online gateway fees rather than card machine costs
Card Machine Costs by Provider
Provider Hardware cost Transaction fees Monthly cost Best for
Square From £19 + VAT for Square Reader
1.75% UK in-person
£0 for basic payment processing
Small businesses and POS tools
SumUp Reader costs vary by device
1.69% standard in-person fee
£0 on standard option
Sole traders and simple payments
PayPal POS PayPal Reader offer from £29 excluding VAT for eligible new users
1.75% card/contactless
£0 for core POS software
PayPal users and small sellers
Tyl by NatWest Terminal rental
From £13.99 + VAT/month for PAX A80
Monthly rental plus transaction fees
SMEs wanting bank-backed payments
Dojo Quote/package-based
Blended or custom pricing
Package-dependent
Hospitality, retail and growing SMEs
Worldpay Terminal/package pricing
Quote-based or published product rates
Monthly terminal hire may apply
Barclaycard
Reader or monthly rental options
Quote/package dependent
Monthly rental may apply
Bank-backed card machines
Elavon
Quote-based
Quote-based
Monthly fees may apply
Retail, hospitality and SMEs
TakePayments
Quote-based
Quote-based
Monthly terminal/package fees may apply
SMEs wanting guided setup
Clover
Hardware and software costs
Provider/package dependent
Monthly software/hardware may apply
Retail and hospitality POS
Transaction fees explained
Transaction fees are the percentage or fixed amount charged each time a customer pays by card.
They can vary depending on:
debit card vs credit card
UK card vs international card
personal card vs business card
in-person payment vs online payment
contactless vs card-not-present
monthly card turnover
business sector
provider pricing model
contract terms
Common transaction fee types
Fee type How it work s
Flat-rate pricing
One simple percentage per transaction
Blended pricing
One agreed rate across different card types
Interchange++ pricing
Interchange, scheme fees and provider margin shown separately
Custom pricing
Provider quotes rates based on business profile
Card-not-present pricing
Higher fees for online, phone or manual payments
Cheapest Way to Get a Card Machine Option 1: Pay-As-You-Go
✔ No monthly fees
✔ Higher transaction costs
Best for:
Sole traders
Low-volume businesses
Option 2: Contract Providers
✔ Lower transaction fees
✔ Monthly cost applies
Best for:
Shops
Restaurants
High turnover businesses
Option 3: Tap to Pay (No Machine)
✔ No hardware cost
✔ Works on your phone
👉 Ideal for mobile businesses
Monthly fees explained Monthly fees can include:
terminal rental
software subscription
payment gateway fee
PCI/compliance fee
minimum monthly service charge
reporting fee
additional terminal fee
EPOS software fee
customer support package
Monthly fees are not always bad!
A £25 monthly terminal fee may be worth paying if it reduces your transaction fees enough -the key is comparing your total monthly cost.
Hidden card machine costs Watch out for:
PCI compliance fees
PCI non-compliance fees
authorisation fees
refund fees
chargeback fees
minimum monthly service charges
settlement fees
next-day payout fees
paper statement fees
setup fees
installation fees
terminal delivery fees
replacement terminal fees
cancellation fees
early termination fees
online gateway fees
virtual terminal fees
EPOS software costs
international card surcharges
commercial card surcharges
Ask for a full written fee schedule before signing.
Card machine rental vs buying outright
Option Pros Cons Best for
Buy card reader outright
Low commitment, simple setup
Higher transaction fees at scale
Sole traders and low-volume businesses
Rent terminal monthly
Better hardware and support
Monthly costs and contract terms
Shops, cafés and hospitality
Contract card machine
Potentially lower rates
Less flexible
Regular or higher-volume businesses
Smart terminal purchase
More features and independence
Higher upfront cost
EPOS bundle
Integrated payments and reporting
Higher ongoing costs
Pay-as-you-go vs contract card machines
Feature Pay-as-you-go
Monthly fee
Usually £0
Often applies
Transaction fee
Usually higher
Often lower or quote-based
Setup
Fast
More checks
Commitment
Low
Contract applies
Hardware
Basic reader or simple terminal
Countertop, portable or mobile terminal
Best for
Small and occasional sellers
Pricing clarity
Usually simple
Long-term cost
Higher at scale
Card Machine vs Tap to Pay Costs
Feature Card machine Tap to Pay
Hardware cost
£19-£399+ or monthly rental
Monthly fee
£0-£40+ depending on provider
Transaction fee
Around 1.69%-1.75% on common flat-rate providers; custom rates available
Usually provider’s card-present rate
Chip and PIN
Usually yes
Usually no
Printed receipts
Often available
Usually digital
Best for
Regular in-person payments
Low-volume or mobile contactless payments
Professional feel
Strong
Good but newer
Lower rates at scale
Possible
Less likely
Why Compare With Us?
1,000+ UK businesses helped
Access to leading providers
Independent comparison
Free, no-obligation quotes
Save up to 40%
Is a Card Machine Worth It? ✔ Increase sales
✔ Accept contactless payments
✔ Improve customer experience
✔ Reduce cash handling
👉 Most UK businesses see a return quickly
When to compare card machine quotes You should compare quotes if:
you take more than £5,000 per month by card
you currently pay around 1.69% to 1.75%
your turnover has grown
you need a proper countertop or portable terminal
you need multiple card machines
you run a café, restaurant, salon, shop or pub
you want faster settlement
you want lower transaction fees
your current contract is ending
you are paying hidden fees
you need EPOS integration
your current provider has poor support
Compare card machine quotes before renewing or upgrading your payment setup.
👉 Compare Card Machine Providers Now
FAQs – Card Machine Costs UK How much does a card machine cost in the UK?
A basic card reader can cost around £19 to £69 upfront, while smart terminals can cost £149 to £399+ or be rented monthly. You will also pay transaction fees and possibly monthly fees.
What are typical card machine transaction fees?
Small businesses using flat-rate card readers often pay around 1.69% to 1.75% for in-person payments. Larger businesses may be able to negotiate custom rates.
What is the cheapest card machine?
The cheapest card machine depends on turnover. SumUp, Square and PayPal POS are often cheap for low-volume businesses, while Dojo, Tyl, Worldpay and other providers may be cheaper for higher turnover.
Are there monthly fees for card machines?
Some providers charge no monthly fee for basic readers. Other providers charge monthly terminal rental, software fees or service fees.
Can I get a free card machine?
Some providers may offer free or low-upfront-cost terminals with contracts or packages, but you should check monthly rental, transaction fees and contract terms.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy a card machine?
Buying a card reader can be cheaper for low-volume sellers. Renting or using a contract terminal may be cheaper for businesses with regular card turnover if the transaction rate is lower.
Is Tap to Pay cheaper than a card machine?
Tap to Pay can be cheaper upfront because it does not require a separate card reader. However, transaction fees still apply, and it may not suit busy businesses needing Chip and PIN or printed receipts.
How much does Square cost?
Square lists 1.75% for UK in-person card payments. Hardware and software costs depend on the products you choose.
How much does SumUp cost?
SumUp lists a 1.69% in-person transaction fee on its standard £0/month option. Hardware costs vary by device.
How much does PayPal POS cost?
PayPal POS lists 1.75% for card and contactless payments. Hardware offers and reader prices may vary.
How much does Tyl by NatWest cost?
Tyl by NatWest lists card machine hire from £13.99 + VAT/month for the PAX A80, £14.99 + VAT/month for the PAX A50 and £19.99 + VAT/month for the PAX A920 Pro. Transaction fees depend on business turnover and card type.
Why do card machine costs vary so much?
Costs vary because providers price differently based on hardware, turnover, card type, business sector, online vs in-person payments, contract length and support.
What hidden fees should I check?
Check PCI fees, authorisation fees, chargeback fees, refund fees, settlement fees, setup fees, terminal rental, cancellation fees and minimum monthly charges.
What is the average monthly cost of a card machine?
A very small business may pay no monthly fee and only transaction fees. A growing business may pay £15 to £40+ per month for terminal rental plus transaction fees.
Can I negotiate card machine fees?
Yes, especially if you have regular or higher monthly card turnover. Comparing quotes gives you more leverage.
Is a contract card machine cheaper?
It can be cheaper for businesses with regular card turnover, but you must check monthly rental, contract length and cancellation fees.
What is the best card machine for small businesses?
SumUp, Square and PayPal POS can suit very small businesses. Dojo, Tyl, Worldpay, TakePayments and Clover may suit growing small businesses with regular payments.
Card Machine Costs UK 2026 | Fees, Prices & How Much You’ll Pay Quick answer
Card machine costs in the UK usually include three main charges: hardware cost, transaction fees and monthly fees.
For small businesses using simple card readers, costs often start from around £19 to £69 upfront, with no monthly fee and transaction fees around 1.69% to 1.75%.
For businesses using countertop, portable or mobile card machines, costs may include monthly terminal rental, usually from around £10 to £40+ per month, plus transaction fees.
For larger or higher-turnover businesses, card machine pricing is often quote-based. These businesses may be able to negotiate lower transaction rates, but they should check terminal rental, PCI fees, authorisation fees, contract terms and cancellation costs.
Typical UK card machine costs in 2026:
Cost type Typical cost
Basic card reader
£19-£69 upfront
Smart terminal
£149-£399+ upfront or monthly rental
Monthly terminal rental
Small business transaction fees
Merchant account/custom rates
Quote-based and often lower at higher turnover
Setup fees
£0-£150, depending on provider
Chargeback fees
PCI/compliance fees
£0-£10+ per month, depending on provider
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
Compare card machine rates from leading UK providers and see whether your business could save up to 40%.
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
Contents
Card Machine Costs Breakdown
Card Machine Costs by Business Size
Card Machine Costs by Provider
What Affects Card Machine Costs?
Cheapest Way to Get a Card Machine
Card Machine vs Tap to Pay Costs
Card Machine costs at a glance
Business type Likely best option
Sole trader
SumUp, Square, PayPal POS or Tap to Pay
Low upfront cost, no monthly fee, flat transaction rate
Market trader
Mobile card reader
Reader cost plus transaction fees
Small shop
Card reader or countertop terminal
£0–£20/month plus transaction fees
Café
Countertop or portable card machine
Monthly rental plus card processing fees
Restaurant
Portable terminal with tipping and split bills
Monthly rental, transaction fees and possible EPOS costs
Salon
Portable terminal or mobile reader
Reader or rental plus transaction fees
Tradesperson
Mobile reader, Tap to Pay or portable terminal
Low hardware cost or mobile terminal package
Medium SME
Merchant account/card machine quote
Rental plus negotiated transaction fees
High-volume business
Custom merchant pricing
Lower rates but more complex fees and contract terms
Key Takeaways
Basic card readers can start from around £19 to £69 upfront.
Smart terminals and advanced card machines can cost £149 to £399+ or be rented monthly.
Square lists 1.75% for UK in-person card payments.
SumUp lists 1.69% for in-person card payments on its standard £0/month option.
PayPal POS lists 1.75% for card and contactless payments.
Tyl by NatWest lists terminal hire from £13.99 + VAT/month for the PAX A80.
Small businesses usually pay around 1.69% to 1.75% on simple card reader pricing.
Higher-volume businesses may be able to negotiate lower rates through merchant account providers.
Monthly terminal rental can make sense if lower transaction fees outweigh the fixed cost.
Hidden fees can include PCI fees, authorisation fees, chargebacks, refund fees and cancellation charges.
The best way to compare costs is to calculate your effective card processing rate.
Comparing providers can help reduce card machine costs by up to 40%.
Compare card machine prices based on your monthly card turnover, not just the advertised transaction rate.
Card Machine Fees Calculator UK Estimate your monthly and annual card processing costs in seconds. Adjust the fields below to see how much your current setup could be costing you.
Pricing model Flat rate Custom / Merchant account
Your Estimated Costs
Estimated monthly fees
£0.00
Estimated annual fees
£0.00
Estimated monthly transactions
0
Potential monthly saving
£0.00
You could save money by switching to a lower-fee provider.
This calculator is an estimate only. Actual card machine costs vary by provider, pricing structure, card mix, sector and contract terms.
👉 Compare Free Card Machines Now
How much does a card machine cost in the UK?
Pricing model Typical cost Best for
Pay-as-you-go reader
Upfront reader cost plus flat transaction fee
Sole traders, pop-ups and low-volume businesses
Monthly rental terminal
Monthly terminal hire plus transaction fees
Shops, cafés, restaurants and regular sellers
Merchant account quote
Custom transaction fees plus terminal/package costs
Higher-volume and established businesses
A small business might
A growing business will usually pay £15 to £30+ per month for a terminal and a lower transaction rate.
A larger business might receive a custom quote based on turnover, card mix and sector.
Card machine cost breakdown
Cost type Typical price range What it means
Basic card reader
£19-£69
Small reader for mobile or low-volume payments
Smart terminal
£149-£399+
Standalone device with screen, app or printer features
Countertop terminal
£10-£30+/month
Fixed card machine for tills and counters
Portable terminal
£15-£40+/month
Card machine carried around premises
Mobile terminal
£15-£40+/month
Terminal for businesses taking payments on the move
Transaction fee
1.69%-1.75% on many flat-rate plans
Percentage charged on each payment
Custom transaction fee
Quote-based
May be lower for higher-turnover businesses
Setup fee
£0-£150
One-off account or installation fee
PCI fee
£0-£10+/month
Payment security or compliance fee
Authorisation fee
1p-5p
Small fee for approving a transaction
Chargeback fee
£10-£25
Fee if a customer disputes a transaction
Cancellation fee
Varies
Cost to leave a contract early
Card machine costs by monthly turnover The more you take by card, the more important transaction fees become.
Monthly card turnover Best option to compare Cost priority
Under £1,000
SumUp, Square, PayPal POS or Tap to Pay
£1,000-£5,000
Flat-rate readers vs low monthly terminal quotes
Balance flexibility and fees
£5,000-£10,000
Dojo, Tyl, TakePayments, SumUp paid plan and merchant quotes
Lower transaction rate may start to matter
£10,000-£25,000
Dojo, Worldpay, Barclaycard, Tyl, Elavon
£25,000-£50,000
Multiple merchant account quotes
Negotiate fees and rental
£50,000+
Custom merchant pricing
Focus on effective rate and contract terms
monthly cost examples:
Monthly card turnover 1.69% transaction fee 1.75% transaction fee
1.4% example quote + £25 rental
£1,000
£16.90
£17.50
£39.00
£5,000
£84.50
£87.50
£95.00
£10,000
£169.00
£175.00
£165.00
£25,000
£422.50
£437.50
£375.00
£50,000
£845.00
£875.00
£725.00
Compare Card Machine Deals
✔ Save up to 40%
✔ Compare multiple providers
✔ No obligation quotes
✔ UK-based suppliers
👉 Compare Card Machine Costs Now
Card Machine costs by machine type
Machine type Typical cost pattern Best for
Basic card reader
Low upfront cost, no monthly fee, flat transaction rate
Sole traders and small sellers
Countertop card machine
Monthly rental plus transaction fees
Fixed tills, shops and cafés
Portable card machine
Monthly rental plus transaction fees
Restaurants, pubs, salons and clinics
Mobile card machine
Monthly rental or device cost plus fees
Tradespeople, events and field teams
Smart terminal
Higher upfront cost or monthly plan
Businesses wanting apps, receipts and reporting
EPOS-integrated terminal
Monthly software, hardware and payment fees
Retail, hospitality and multi-staff businesses
Tap to Pay
No separate reader cost, transaction fees apply
Very small or mobile businesses
Virtual terminal
Monthly fee or card-not-present fees
Phone payments and remote payments
Card Machine Costs by Business Type
Business type
Likely monthly cost pattern
Sole trader
£0 monthly fee plus around 1.69%–1.75% transaction fee
Market trader
Low upfront reader cost plus flat transaction fee
Tradesperson
Tap to Pay, mobile reader or monthly mobile terminal
Small shop
£0-£25/month plus transaction fees
Café
£15-£40/month plus transaction fees
Restaurant
£20-£60+/month depending on terminals and EPOS needs
Salon
£0-£30/month plus transaction fees
Pub or bar
£20-£60+/month depending on terminals
Hotel
Multiple terminals, online payments and merchant fees
High-volume retailer
Custom pricing and negotiated rates
Ecommerce business
Online gateway fees rather than card machine costs
Card Machine Costs by Provider
Provider Hardware cost Transaction fees Monthly cost Best for
Square From £19 + VAT for Square Reader
1.75% UK in-person
£0 for basic payment processing
Small businesses and POS tools
SumUp Reader costs vary by device
1.69% standard in-person fee
£0 on standard option
Sole traders and simple payments
PayPal POS PayPal Reader offer from £29 excluding VAT for eligible new users
1.75% card/contactless
£0 for core POS software
PayPal users and small sellers
Tyl by NatWest Terminal rental
From £13.99 + VAT/month for PAX A80
Monthly rental plus transaction fees
SMEs wanting bank-backed payments
Dojo Quote/package-based
Blended or custom pricing
Package-dependent
Hospitality, retail and growing SMEs
Worldpay Terminal/package pricing
Quote-based or published product rates
Monthly terminal hire may apply
Barclaycard
Reader or monthly rental options
Quote/package dependent
Monthly rental may apply
Bank-backed card machines
Elavon
Quote-based
Quote-based
Monthly fees may apply
Retail, hospitality and SMEs
TakePayments
Quote-based
Quote-based
Monthly terminal/package fees may apply
SMEs wanting guided setup
Clover
Hardware and software costs
Provider/package dependent
Monthly software/hardware may apply
Retail and hospitality POS
Transaction fees explained
Transaction fees are the percentage or fixed amount charged each time a customer pays by card.
They can vary depending on:
debit card vs credit card
UK card vs international card
personal card vs business card
in-person payment vs online payment
contactless vs card-not-present
monthly card turnover
business sector
provider pricing model
contract terms
Common transaction fee types
Fee type How it work s
Flat-rate pricing
One simple percentage per transaction
Blended pricing
One agreed rate across different card types
Interchange++ pricing
Interchange, scheme fees and provider margin shown separately
Custom pricing
Provider quotes rates based on business profile
Card-not-present pricing
Higher fees for online, phone or manual payments
Cheapest Way to Get a Card Machine Option 1: Pay-As-You-Go
✔ No monthly fees
✔ Higher transaction costs
Best for:
Sole traders
Low-volume businesses
Option 2: Contract Providers
✔ Lower transaction fees
✔ Monthly cost applies
Best for:
Shops
Restaurants
High turnover businesses
Option 3: Tap to Pay (No Machine)
✔ No hardware cost
✔ Works on your phone
👉 Ideal for mobile businesses
Monthly fees explained Monthly fees can include:
terminal rental
software subscription
payment gateway fee
PCI/compliance fee
minimum monthly service charge
reporting fee
additional terminal fee
EPOS software fee
customer support package
Monthly fees are not always bad!
A £25 monthly terminal fee may be worth paying if it reduces your transaction fees enough -the key is comparing your total monthly cost.
Hidden card machine costs Watch out for:
PCI compliance fees
PCI non-compliance fees
authorisation fees
refund fees
chargeback fees
minimum monthly service charges
settlement fees
next-day payout fees
paper statement fees
setup fees
installation fees
terminal delivery fees
replacement terminal fees
cancellation fees
early termination fees
online gateway fees
virtual terminal fees
EPOS software costs
international card surcharges
commercial card surcharges
Ask for a full written fee schedule before signing.
Card machine rental vs buying outright
Option Pros Cons Best for
Buy card reader outright
Low commitment, simple setup
Higher transaction fees at scale
Sole traders and low-volume businesses
Rent terminal monthly
Better hardware and support
Monthly costs and contract terms
Shops, cafés and hospitality
Contract card machine
Potentially lower rates
Less flexible
Regular or higher-volume businesses
Smart terminal purchase
More features and independence
Higher upfront cost
EPOS bundle
Integrated payments and reporting
Higher ongoing costs
Pay-as-you-go vs contract card machines
Feature Pay-as-you-go
Monthly fee
Usually £0
Often applies
Transaction fee
Usually higher
Often lower or quote-based
Setup
Fast
More checks
Commitment
Low
Contract applies
Hardware
Basic reader or simple terminal
Countertop, portable or mobile terminal
Best for
Small and occasional sellers
Pricing clarity
Usually simple
Long-term cost
Higher at scale
Card Machine vs Tap to Pay Costs
Feature Card machine Tap to Pay
Hardware cost
£19-£399+ or monthly rental
Monthly fee
£0-£40+ depending on provider
Transaction fee
Around 1.69%-1.75% on common flat-rate providers; custom rates available
Usually provider’s card-present rate
Chip and PIN
Usually yes
Usually no
Printed receipts
Often available
Usually digital
Best for
Regular in-person payments
Low-volume or mobile contactless payments
Professional feel
Strong
Good but newer
Lower rates at scale
Possible
Less likely
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When to compare card machine quotes You should compare quotes if:
you take more than £5,000 per month by card
you currently pay around 1.69% to 1.75%
your turnover has grown
you need a proper countertop or portable terminal
you need multiple card machines
you run a café, restaurant, salon, shop or pub
you want faster settlement
you want lower transaction fees
your current contract is ending
you are paying hidden fees
you need EPOS integration
your current provider has poor support
Compare card machine quotes before renewing or upgrading your payment setup.
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FAQs – Card Machine Costs UK How much does a card machine cost in the UK?
A basic card reader can cost around £19 to £69 upfront, while smart terminals can cost £149 to £399+ or be rented monthly. You will also pay transaction fees and possibly monthly fees.
What are typical card machine transaction fees?
Small businesses using flat-rate card readers often pay around 1.69% to 1.75% for in-person payments. Larger businesses may be able to negotiate custom rates.
What is the cheapest card machine?
The cheapest card machine depends on turnover. SumUp, Square and PayPal POS are often cheap for low-volume businesses, while Dojo, Tyl, Worldpay and other providers may be cheaper for higher turnover.
Are there monthly fees for card machines?
Some providers charge no monthly fee for basic readers. Other providers charge monthly terminal rental, software fees or service fees.
Can I get a free card machine?
Some providers may offer free or low-upfront-cost terminals with contracts or packages, but you should check monthly rental, transaction fees and contract terms.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy a card machine?
Buying a card reader can be cheaper for low-volume sellers. Renting or using a contract terminal may be cheaper for businesses with regular card turnover if the transaction rate is lower.
Is Tap to Pay cheaper than a card machine?
Tap to Pay can be cheaper upfront because it does not require a separate card reader. However, transaction fees still apply, and it may not suit busy businesses needing Chip and PIN or printed receipts.
How much does Square cost?
Square lists 1.75% for UK in-person card payments. Hardware and software costs depend on the products you choose.
How much does SumUp cost?
SumUp lists a 1.69% in-person transaction fee on its standard £0/month option. Hardware costs vary by device.
How much does PayPal POS cost?
PayPal POS lists 1.75% for card and contactless payments. Hardware offers and reader prices may vary.
How much does Tyl by NatWest cost?
Tyl by NatWest lists card machine hire from £13.99 + VAT/month for the PAX A80, £14.99 + VAT/month for the PAX A50 and £19.99 + VAT/month for the PAX A920 Pro. Transaction fees depend on business turnover and card type.
Why do card machine costs vary so much?
Costs vary because providers price differently based on hardware, turnover, card type, business sector, online vs in-person payments, contract length and support.
What hidden fees should I check?
Check PCI fees, authorisation fees, chargeback fees, refund fees, settlement fees, setup fees, terminal rental, cancellation fees and minimum monthly charges.
What is the average monthly cost of a card machine?
A very small business may pay no monthly fee and only transaction fees. A growing business may pay £15 to £40+ per month for terminal rental plus transaction fees.
Can I negotiate card machine fees?
Yes, especially if you have regular or higher monthly card turnover. Comparing quotes gives you more leverage.
Is a contract card machine cheaper?
It can be cheaper for businesses with regular card turnover, but you must check monthly rental, contract length and cancellation fees.
What is the best card machine for small businesses?
SumUp, Square and PayPal POS can suit very small businesses. Dojo, Tyl, Worldpay, TakePayments and Clover may suit growing small businesses with regular payments.
When should I switch card machine provider?
Switch or compare quotes if your turnover has grown, your fees feel high, your contract is ending, support is poor or you still pay flat-rate fees despite regular card volume.
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Switch or compare quotes if your turnover has grown, your fees feel high, your contract is ending, support is poor or you still pay flat-rate fees despite regular card volume.
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.
