Best Mobile Card Readers UK 2026: Compare Portable Card Machines Quick answer
A mobile card reader allows you to accept Chip & PIN, contactless, Apple Pay and Google Pay payments wherever you do business. Connected to your smartphone, tablet or mobile network, they’re ideal for sole traders, cafés, market traders, tradespeople and businesses that need to take payments away from a fixed till.
In 2026, most UK businesses choose mobile card readers because they’re affordable, easy to set up and don’t require expensive hardware or lengthy contracts. While smaller businesses often prefer pay-as-you-go pricing, businesses processing larger transaction volumes may benefit from a traditional merchant account with lower processing fees.
Need a card machine for your business?
This comparison service is designed for UK businesses looking to accept card payments in person using a mobile card reader, portable terminal, countertop card machine or merchant account.
Compare Business Card Machine Quotes
Compare leading UK providers and see whether your business could save up to 40% on card processing costs.
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%.
Contents
Mobile Payment Readers
Best Mobile Card Reader by Business Type
Technology Behing Mobile Payment Readers
Common Misconceptions About Mobile Card Readers
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
Key Takeaways
Mobile card readers let businesses accept payments almost anywhere.
Most support Chip & PIN, contactless, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Pay-as-you-go pricing suits startups and smaller businesses.
Merchant account providers often offer lower fees for higher turnover businesses.
Comparing providers can reduce your card processing costs.
Our Top UK Mobile Payment Readers
Provider
Best For
Typical Pricing
Contract
Why Choose It
SumUp Sole traders & startups
From £39 + transaction fees
No contract
Simple pricing, quick setup and ideal for occasional use.
Square Retail, cafés & pop-up businesses
From £19 + transaction fees
No contract
Easy to use with excellent POS features and business reporting.
PayPal POS Small retailers
From £59 + transaction fees
No contract
Works seamlessly with PayPal Business and supports a wide range of payment methods.
Dojo Go Restaurants & hospitality
Quote required
Contract
Fast payments, built-in SIM and competitive rates for higher turnover businesses.
Worldpay Established businesses
Quote required
Contract
Suitable for businesses looking for bespoke pricing and multiple terminals.
Tyl by NatWest Growing SMEs
Quote required
Contract
Flexible payment solutions with lower transaction fees available for eligible businesses.
Who Should Use a Mobile Card Reader? Mobile card readers are designed for businesses that need flexibility.
They are particularly well suited to:
Sole traders
Freelancers
Electricians, plumbers and other tradespeople
Mobile beauty therapists
Market traders
Food trucks
Pop-up shops
Event businesses
Personal trainers
Delivery businesses
Independent cafés
Small retailers
If your business mainly takes payments at a fixed till, a countertop card machine may be a better option.
Mobile Card Reader vs Countertop Card Machine vs Portable Terminal
Feature Mobile Card Reader Countertop Card Machine
Best for
Mobile businesses
Fixed tills
Table service
Connectivity
Smartphone, Wi-Fi or mobile data
Ethernet or Wi-Fi
Upfront cost
Low
Medium
Medium to high
Monthly fees
Usually none
Often applicable
Often applicable
Portability
Excellent
None
High
Merchant account required
Usually no
Often yes
Often yes
How Much Do Mobile Card Readers Cost? The cost of a mobile card reader depends on the provider and pricing model you choose.
Cost
Mobile card reader
£19-£99
Monthly fee
£0-£30+
Transaction fees
Merchant account
Often optional
Setup fee
Usually free
Businesses processing larger monthly turnover may be able to secure lower transaction fees by comparing merchant account providers rather than choosing a standard pay-as-you-go solution.
Use our Card Machine Fees Calculator to estimate your monthly processing costs and compare different pricing models.
Best Mobile Card Reader by Business Type Best for Sole Traders
A pay-as-you-go card reader with no monthly contract is often the most cost-effective option for sole traders and freelancers who only take occasional card payments.
Best for Market Traders
A lightweight mobile reader with long battery life and reliable connectivity is ideal for markets, craft fairs and outdoor events.
Best for Tradespeople
Electricians, plumbers, builders and decorators often benefit from portable readers that connect quickly to a smartphone and allow payments to be taken immediately after completing a job.
Best for Cafés and Coffee Shops
Smaller cafés often prefer simple mobile readers with integrated POS software, while busy coffee shops may benefit from upgrading to a countertop terminal with lower transaction fees.
Best for Growing Businesses
Businesses processing higher volumes of card payments should compare providers offering bespoke merchant account pricing, which can reduce overall payment processing costs.
Features Worth Paying For Not every mobile card reader offers the same functionality. Before choosing a provider, consider whether you need:
Contactless payments
Chip & PIN support
Apple Pay and Google Pay
Digital receipts
Built-in business reporting
Inventory management
EPOS integration
Staff accounts
Customer tipping
Fast payouts
Built-in SIM connectivity
Offline payment capability
Choosing features that match your business needs can improve efficiency and reduce the need to switch providers later.
Buying Advice Before purchasing a mobile card reader, think about how your business operates rather than simply choosing the cheapest device.
Ask yourself:
How many card payments do I take each month?
Do I need a contract or would pay-as-you-go suit me better?
Will I need more than one card reader in the future?
Do I need EPOS or stock management features?
Will I mainly work indoors or outdoors?
Do I need built-in mobile connectivity?
If you’re unsure, comparing multiple providers is often the easiest way to find the right combination of pricing, hardware and features.
Frequently Asked Questions What is the best mobile card reader in the UK?
The best mobile card reader depends on your business. SumUp and Square are popular with sole traders and smaller businesses, while providers such as Dojo and Worldpay may offer better value for businesses processing larger volumes of card payments.
How much does a mobile card reader cost?
Most mobile card readers cost between £19 and £99 , with transaction fees typically ranging from 1.4% to 1.75% depending on the provider. Some providers also offer monthly subscription plans or bespoke pricing.
Do I need a business bank account?
Not always. Some providers allow sole traders to receive payments into a personal bank account, although a business account is generally recommended as your business grows.
Can mobile card readers accept contactless payments ?
Yes. Almost all modern mobile card readers accept contactless debit and credit cards, as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Do mobile card readers work without Wi-Fi?
Many mobile card readers can connect using your smartphone’s mobile data or hotspot, while others include built-in 4G SIM cards. A reliable internet connection is normally required to authorise payments.
Are mobile card readers secure?
Yes. Modern mobile card readers use PCI DSS compliant payment technology together with encryption and EMV Chip & PIN security to help protect both businesses and customers.
Are mobile card readers suitable for larger businesses?
They can be, but businesses processing high volumes of card payments often benefit from portable or countertop terminals combined with a merchant account offering lower transaction fees.
Is it worth comparing providers?
Yes. Card reader costs, transaction fees and contract terms vary significantly between providers. Comparing quotes can help your business reduce payment processing costs while finding a solution that suits your trading style.
Related card machine guides Card Machine Providers & Reviews
Merchant Account Providers
Card Machine Types & Payment Methods
Setup, Connectivity & How It Works
Comparisons & Alternative
Small Business & Use Cases
EPOS Systems & POS Software
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.
