How Much Does a PDQ Machine Cost?
PDQ machines, also known as card machines, play a crucial role in facilitating in-person payments for businesses. Despite recent efforts by the Payment Systems Regulator to promote transparency in pricing and fees among PDQ machine providers, there remains significant variability in pricing and contract terms. Navigating through the fine print of these agreements can be challenging. To assist you in making informed decisions, we have compiled a comprehensive guide outlining PDQ machines’ features, functionalities, and associated costs based on our independent and thorough research. Keep reading to explore our guide and make well-informed choices for your business.
For further information and pricing on card machines click here .
How Much Does a PDQ Machine Cost
PDQ machines will cost anywhere between £19 and £179 + VAT to buy and £9.95 and £75 + VAT per month to lease .
Countertop : from £15/month
Wireless/portable : from £20 – £25/month
Mobile : buy from £20 – £60
What is a PDQ Machine?
PDQ machines are portable payment terminals that connect to a smartphone or tablet to accept credit or debit cards. They are often more affordable than buying outright, and there aren’t any upfront costs. Most PDQ machines are available for rental rather than purchase. Monthly fees are nominal, and the rental fee is usually not more than £20. There are also a variety of mobile card reader rental plans.
The acronym “PDQ” stands for “process data quickly,” and a PDQ machine serves as a tool for swiftly processing payments made through credit and debit cards, as well as digital wallets. While they were initially known by this term, they are now more commonly referred to as card readers or chip and PIN machines. PDQ machines are indispensable hardware for merchants facilitating various types of transactions.
PDQ machines are available in different forms: countertop, portable, and mobile. Countertop machines are stationary and connect via wires from a fixed counter location. Portable devices utilise Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for connectivity, offering flexibility within a limited range. Mobile PDQ machines enable on-the-go payments using mobile data, such as 3G and 4G connections.
Card payment machines for small businesses:
Company
Worldpay
MyPOS
Takepayments
Barclaycard
Dojo
Square
Zettle
Customer Rating
3.5/5
3.5/5
4/5
3.5/5
4/5
4.5/5
3/5
Card Machine
£17.95+/mo (rental)
£39–£209 (purchase)
£7.50+/mo (rental)
£10+/mo (rental)
£15-£20/mo (rental)
£16–£149 (purchase)
£29–£199 (purchase)
Costs
18-month contract & mix of costs
No monthly fee & no lock-in
1- or 12-month contract & £0-£150 setup fee
12-18 months’ contract & £150 setup fee
1- or 6-month contract & monthly min charge applies
No monthly fee & no lock-in
No monthly fee & no lock-in
Sign-up
Tailored quote, personalised onboarding
Online registration with verification steps
Get quote, personalised onboarding
Get quote, online sign-up
Get quote, start within a week
Short online form, quick acceptance.
Short online form, quick acceptance
Key Facts
24/7 sales support, better fees for £250k + turnover
Flexible across borders
Tailored packages, great customer service
Great for existing Barclays customers
Short contracts, great terminals
Best free POS and payment tools
Easy-to-use app
Traditional card readers are typically leased rather than sold outright, with monthly costs averaging around £15 per reader. Additionally, they often entail account fees, which can start from approximately £9.95 per month, averaging around £25 monthly. However, transaction fees for traditional card readers tend to be lower, ranging between 0.4% to 2.75%, with an average of 1.30% per transaction.
Here’s a breakdown of the main costs associated with PDQ machines:
Contract and Setup Fees:
Setup fees vary depending on the provider. Traditional providers like Barclaycard may charge up to £150 initially, but some companies like takepayments might waive these fees entirely. Mobile providers typically operate without setup fees due to fixed-term contracts.
When considering a contract, pay attention to its length and flexibility. Opt for providers offering adaptable services that can accommodate your business’s growth.
PDQ Machine Purchase or Lease:
Mobile card readers are the cheapest to buy upfront, ranging from £19 (Square) to £179 (Stripe).
For traditional countertop or wireless PDQ machines, leasing is often more cost-effective, averaging around £15 per month. There might be additional setup fees, such as £60, for leased machines.
PDQ Machine Monthly Fees:
Monthly fees are common with PDQ machines, although merchant account monthly fees are usually modest, such as Worldpay’s minimum fee of £9.95 + VAT.
Some suppliers, particularly those offering mobile card readers, waive monthly fees but charge usage (or transaction) fees instead.
Consider Minimum Monthly Service Charges (MMSC), typically around £15 per month. If your transaction volume is low, a PDQ option with MMSC might not be the most cost-effective.
Pay-as-you-go readers don’t have monthly fees but charge a percentage of each transaction.
Buying Vs Renting a PDQ Machine
Buying
Renting
Pros
Buying a PDQ machine offers the advantage of a one-time payment, eliminating ongoing monthly expenses for your business. However, transaction fees still apply.
Maintenance and repair costs become your responsibility once the warranty expires. Additionally, technological advancements may render your device outdated over time.
Cons
Renting a PDQ machine provides immediate access without the upfront cost. Rental agreements often include repair and replacement options, ongoing technical support, and potential upgrades.
Rental contracts may lock you in for extended periods, limiting flexibility. Prolonged use can make renting more expensive compared to outright purchase.
Types of PDQ Machines
Type of PDQ machine
Cost
Countertop
From £15 per month
Wireless/portable
From £20 – £25 per month
Mobile
Buy outright from £20 – £60
PDQ Machines: Easy to set up
PDQ Machines are invaluable to any small business seeking to process payments quickly and conveniently. Customers can make card payments quickly with contactless cards, digital wallets or Apple Pay and Android Pay by simply tapping their phones’ QR codes. The key to getting the most out of a PDQ machine is selecting the one that best suits your business needs. There are various options, such as a countertop, portable and mobile models, each offering advantages, so you must decide which will benefit your operation best.
Countertop PDQ machines are often chosen by businesses that need to accept card payments at one fixed location, such as retail outlets, hairdressers and some hospitality outlets. These machines can be ideal for retail stores, hairdressers and hospitality outlets requiring one-stop payment processing. Portable PDQ machines are an ideal option for businesses that need to move around their premises, as they can be wirelessly connected via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and powered by batteries.
A PDQ machine can also be utilised to accept Chip and PIN payments, which have become increasingly common across many regions. The machine will read the chip data from a customer’s card before sending it on to the merchant acquirer, who, once authorised, will accept payment.
Finally, the transaction can be processed and funds transferred to the merchant’s bank account within 24 hours – providing customers with a fast payment option that meets their needs.
PDQ Machines: Easy to maintain
Card payment acceptance is essential for any business offering customer services in today’s digital world. PDQ machines should always be accessible for customers to pay with their cards quickly and conveniently, saving merchants the hassle of having to swipe the card, give the customer a receipt, and confirm the signature on the back is accurate – all while saving time-consuming steps like giving out receipts and checking signatures on backs of cards. For mobile units, market stalls or shops with limited space, PDQ machines are essential to accept customer credit and debit card payments.
Not only does having an efficient PDQ machine enhance customer experience, but it is also one of the best ways to prevent card fraudulence. Regarding PDQ machine maintenance, your business needs should always come first. If money is tight, consider renting a PDQ machine on a short-term basis for seasonal work; this way, you can access the device as and when needed while knowing that it will always be available. This option can be a great way to test out a PDQ machine before purchasing or renting it, but be aware of the fees that will apply to the service.
These may include:
Monthly fees,
Transaction fees,
Airtime and technical support. These costs must be handled separately, and if you need help determining which option is best for your business, contact a payment provider. They can give an extensive breakdown of the expenses and suggest which would work best regarding efficiency and productivity.
PDQ Machines: Easy to upgrade
PDQ machines are integral to modern retail businesses, from physical stores to mobile units or market stalls. Consumers demand speedy and convenient payment methods for their goods – which is where PDQ machines come into play. These machines, also called credit card terminals, card readers or chip and PIN machines, have become an increasingly popular method for accepting payment from customers across Europe.
Although PDQ machines are relatively straightforward to set up and maintain, there are a few things you should be aware of before investing in one. Firstly, decide whether to purchase or rent your PDQ machine, which will determine the total cost of running it.
Various factors, such as:
The type of business,
Location and
Existing technology
Must be considered when making this decision. It’s essential to consider how much money you must invest in maintenance and repairs for your PDQ machine. While this cost may differ from business to business, remember that these expenses can accumulate into a substantial monthly expense. As with any hardware purchase, taking advantage of any discounts or offers available for your PDQ machine is wise.
PDQ Machine FAQS
Is a PDQ machine different from any other card machine?
According to Zettle, a globally successful card machine provider, the distinction between PDQ machines and other card machines is negligible.
Whether it’s a conventional countertop chip and PIN machine or a contemporary mobile card reader, any device that securely and safely accepts card payments qualifies as a PDQ machine.
If there is any discernible difference between a PDQ machine and a mobile card reader, it is primarily aesthetic, and occasionally related to price.
Questions to Ask When Buying a PDQ Machine
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