Cheap Card Readers UK 2026 | Best Low-Cost Mobile Payment Devices Quick answer
Cheap card readers in the UK start from just £19 upfront, with no monthly fees and transaction costs typically around 1.69%-1.75%.
No contract options available
Great for small businesses and sole traders
Works via smartphone or app
Best providers include SumUp, Square, and PayPal POS
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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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
Best Cheap Card Readers
Cheap Card Reader Costs Explained
Cheap Card Readers vs Card Machines
Who Should Use Cheap Card Readers?
How Cheap Card Readers Work
Key Takeaways
Cheap card readers cost from £19–£59 upfront
No monthly fees with most providers
Works with smartphones via Bluetooth
Setup takes minutes
Comparing providers reduces transaction fees
Great for small businesses and mobile traders
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
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Estimated annual fees
£0.00
Estimated monthly transactions
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Potential monthly saving
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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.
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Best Cheap Card Readers 2026
Compare Cheap Card Reader Deals
✔ No card machine required
✔ Start accepting payments instantly
✔ Free, no-obligation quotes
✔ Trusted UK providers
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Cheap Card Reader Costs Explained
Cost Type Typical Price
Device cost
£19-£59
Monthly fee
£0
Transaction fees
1.69%-1.75%
Setup fee
£0
Cheap Card Readers vs Card Machines
Option Pros Cons
Cheap card readers
Low cost, portable
Card machines
Lower fees
Monthly cost
Who Should Use Cheap Card Readers? If you are a …sole trader
…Tradespeople
✔ Portable
✔ Works on-site
If you are a… market trader
✔ Easy setup
✔ Flexible use
If you run a… small businesses
✔ Affordable entry point
✔ Scalable
👉 Perfect for businesses starting to accept card payments
How Cheap Card Readers Work
Connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth
Open the payment app
Enter the amount
Customer taps or inserts card
Payment is processed instantly
How to Choose the Best Cheap Card Reader When comparing options:
Check transaction fees
Ensure compatibility with your phone
Consider connectivity (Bluetooth vs SIM)
Look at battery life
Check app features
👉 Remember, total cost matters more than upfront price
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FAQs – Cheap Card Readers UK What is the cheapest card reader in the UK?
SumUp and Square offer some of the cheapest options, starting from around £19.
Are cheap card readers worth it?
Yes, they are ideal for small businesses and low transaction volumes.
Do cheap card readers have monthly fees?
Most do not, they use pay-as-you-go pricing.
What are the transaction fees?
Typically 1.69%-1.75% per transaction.
Can I use a cheap card reader anywhere?
Yes, as long as you have a smartphone and internet connection.
Do I need a contract?
No, most cheap card readers are contract-free.
Can I accept contactless payments?
Yes, all modern readers support contactless.
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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.
