Cash is no longer the default payment method for many UK customers, with debit cards, credit cards and mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay widely used for everyday purchases.
For small businesses, this makes reliable card acceptance increasingly important. Choosing the best card machine for small business use can be difficult because hardware prices are only one part of the cost.
Transaction fees, subscriptions, settlement times, contracts and point-of-sale features can make a significant difference over time.
This guide compares 10 card machines and payment solutions available to UK businesses in 2026. Prices and provider information were checked in September 2026, although promotional offers and merchant rates can change.
What Is the Best Card Machine for a Small Business?
There is no single card machine that will suit every business. A sole trader or market seller might prioritise inexpensive hardware and no monthly commitment.
A busy café may need 4G connectivity, a receipt printer and fast settlements. Retail businesses may instead place greater value on inventory management and POS integration.
Businesses processing higher card volumes should also compare subscription and negotiated rates because a lower transaction fee can save more than choosing the cheapest terminal.
Important factors to compare include:
- Hardware Cost
- Transaction Fees
- Monthly Charges
- Contract Length
- Settlement Speed
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or 4G Connectivity
- Receipt Printing
- POS Integration
- Reporting Tools
- Customer Support
The most suitable machine should therefore be judged on its total cost and how well it fits everyday business operations.
How Much Does a Card Machine Cost in the UK?
Card machine costs vary depending on the hardware, transaction fees and whether the provider uses PAYG or monthly rental pricing.
| Cost Factor | Typical 2026 Pricing |
|---|---|
| Basic Card Reader | Around £19–£69 + VAT |
| Standalone Terminal | Around £99–£169 + VAT |
| Monthly Rental | Around £15–£20 + VAT |
| PAYG Transaction Fees | Around 1.3%–1.75% |
| Settlement | Same day to 3 business days |
| Contract Length | None to around 18 months |
Promotional prices can reduce hardware costs. For example, some readers and terminals are temporarily available below their standard prices.
Transaction fees also vary by card type. Lower advertised rates may apply only to domestic consumer Visa and Mastercard payments, while business, international and American Express cards can cost more.
Businesses should compare the total cost, including hardware, transaction fees, monthly charges, settlement costs and contract terms, rather than choosing a card machine based only on its purchase price.
Which Features Should Small Businesses Look for in a Card Machine?
Modern terminals do more than process debit and credit card payments. Businesses can now choose devices with built-in POS software, product catalogues, stock management, tipping, digital receipts, reporting and multi-user functionality.
Businesses operating away from a fixed premises should prioritise mobile connectivity and battery life, while retailers and hospitality businesses may gain more value from integrated POS and receipt-printing functions.
Top 10 Card Machines for Small Business
1. Tide Card Reader Plus
The Tide Card Reader Plus is designed for businesses taking regular face-to-face payments in shops, cafés, restaurants and other fixed locations. It has a 5.5-inch touchscreen, built-in receipt printing, Wi-Fi and lifetime free 4G connectivity.
The standard Card Reader Plus price is £199 + VAT when bought without a Sell In-Person subscription. Tide currently discounts the hardware to £119 + VAT with Essential and £89 + VAT with Premium.
| Feature | Current Details |
|---|---|
| PAYG Device Price | £199 + VAT |
| Essential Device Price | £119 + VAT |
| Premium Device Price | £89 + VAT |
| PAYG Monthly Fee | £0 |
| Essential Monthly Fee | £17.99 + VAT |
| Premium Monthly Fee | £19.99 + VAT on Tide's detailed pricing page |
| PAYG Debit Card Fee | 1.5% + 5p |
| Essential Debit Card Fee | 0.89% + 3p |
| Premium Debit Card Fee | 0.69% + 3p |
| Essential Credit Card Fee | 0.99% + 3p |
| Premium Credit Card Fee | 0.79% + 3p |
| Standard Settlement | Up to 3 business days |
| Next-Day Settlement | Included with Premium |
| Settlement Add-On | £2.99 + VAT/month for PAYG or Essential |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and lifetime free 4G |
| Receipt Printing | Paper and email |
| Battery Life | Around 1 day |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Essential Commitment | Cancel anytime |
| Premium Commitment | 12 months |
The lower rates above apply to domestic consumer Visa and Mastercard cards. Other card categories have different fees.
Pricing note: Tide currently has an inconsistency in its own published material.
Its detailed Sell and Scale page shows Premium at £19.99 + VAT, whereas its card-reader setup page displays £24.99 + VAT. Businesses should therefore confirm the price shown inside the Tide app before subscribing.
Verdict: Tide Card Reader Plus is most relevant to businesses taking regular payments that can benefit from lower subscription transaction rates. The Premium plan also adds next-business-day settlement and priority support.
2. SumUp Solo Lite
SumUp’s current entry-level reader is the Solo Lite, which replaced the older SumUp Air as the main low-cost phone-connected option.
The standard price is £25 + VAT, although SumUp is currently advertising it for £19 + VAT for eligible new profiles. The reader connects to a smartphone and has up to 12 hours of battery life.
| Feature | Current Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Device Price | £25 + VAT |
| Current Promotional Price | £19 + VAT for eligible new profiles |
| PAYG Monthly Fee | £0 |
| PAYG Transaction Fee | 1.69% |
| Payments Plus | £19/month or £189/year |
| Payments Plus Domestic Card Fee | 0.99% |
| Premium, International and Amex Fee | 1.69% |
| Connectivity | Smartphone-connected |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours |
| Receipts | Digital |
| Guarantee | 2 years |
| PAYG Contract | None |
Payments Plus lowers qualifying domestic debit and credit card transactions to 0.99%. SumUp currently says the plan becomes more economical at roughly £3,300 of monthly card sales.
Card takings can reach the included SumUp Business Account by 7am the following day, including weekends and bank holidays. Payouts to another bank account can take one to three business days.
Verdict: Solo Lite is a practical option for sole traders, start-ups, tradespeople and market sellers wanting inexpensive hardware and straightforward PAYG pricing.
3. Square Terminal
Square Terminal combines payment processing, POS software and receipt printing in one portable device. Unlike a basic card reader, it does not require a smartphone or tablet.
The current UK price is £149 + VAT, with an interest-free payment option of £25 + VAT per month for six months shown on Square’s pricing page. Standard in-person transactions cost 1.75%.
| Feature | Current Details |
|---|---|
| Device Price | £149 + VAT |
| Instalment Option | £25 + VAT/month for 6 months |
| In-Person Fee | 1.75% |
| Monthly Processing Fee | None |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi or Ethernet with optional hub |
| Receipt Printer | Built in |
| Battery | Designed for all-day use |
| POS | Square Point of Sale |
| Contract | No long-term processing contract |
| Standard Transfer | Next-day transfer available as standard |
Square Terminal accepts major credit and debit cards and contactless wallets. It can connect directly through Wi-Fi, while Ethernet requires the optional Square Terminal Hub.
Verdict: Square Terminal remains one of the simpler all-in-one choices for retailers, cafés, salons and service businesses wanting POS features without a traditional card-terminal rental agreement.
4. Shopify WisePad 3
Shopify WisePad 3 is designed specifically for businesses using Shopify POS. The card reader costs £59 on Shopify’s UK hardware store and connects to a smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth.
It has a 2.4-inch colour display, up to 15 hours of active battery life and a standard one-year warranty, extended to two years with POS Pro.
| Feature | Current Details |
|---|---|
| Device Price | £59 |
| Basic In-Person Rate | From 1.7% |
| Grow In-Person Rate | From 1.6% |
| Advanced In-Person Rate | From 1.5% |
| Basic Shopify Plan | £25/month |
| Grow Plan | £65/month |
| Advanced Plan | £344/month |
| POS Pro | Additional £69/month per location |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 4.2+ |
| Battery | Up to 15 active hours |
| Receipt Printing | Requires separate printer |
| Warranty | 1 year, or 2 years with POS Pro |
Shopify’s in-person processing rate depends on the underlying Shopify subscription. POS Pro is optional and adds more advanced retail functions such as staff permissions, inventory management and retail reporting.
For Shopify Payments in the UK, the minimum settlement time is three business days. After Shopify sends a payout, banks can require a further 24 to 72 hours to make funds available.
Verdict: WisePad 3 makes the most sense for businesses already running their online store through Shopify and wanting online inventory and physical-store sales in the same system.
5. Revolut Terminal
For new customers, the Revolut Terminal is the stronger current product to include rather than centring the comparison on the older Revolut Reader.
Revolut Terminal costs £169 + VAT and includes a touchscreen, built-in receipt printer, catalogue tools, analytics and tipping. It has Wi-Fi plus built-in mobile connectivity and more than 10 hours of quoted battery life.
| Feature | Current Details |
|---|---|
| Device Price | £169 + VAT |
| Domestic Consumer Visa/Mastercard | 0.8% + 2p |
| Domestic Consumer Amex | 1.7% + 2p |
| Commercial Cards | 2.6% + 2p |
| International Cards | 2.6% + 2p |
| Revolut Pay | 0.5% + 2p |
| Terminal Subscription | None |
| Settlement | Within 24 hours, subject to terms |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi plus SIM/eSIM |
| Battery | 10+ hours |
| Receipt Printing | Physical and digital |
| POS Features | Built in |
Revolut says merchant earnings can settle into the associated Revolut Business account within 24 hours, including weekends, subject to its payment-processing terms. A Revolut Business and Merchant account is required to use the payment service.
Verdict: Revolut Terminal offers particularly competitive headline pricing for domestic consumer Visa and Mastercard transactions, but businesses should not mistake the 0.8% + 2p rate for a universal rate applying to every card.
6. Zeller Terminal
Zeller currently offers two main UK card machines: Terminal 1x and Terminal 2.
Terminal 1x normally costs £99 + VAT but is currently reduced to £49 + VAT. Terminal 2 normally costs £149 + VAT and is currently reduced to £74 + VAT under Zeller’s limited 50% discount.
| Feature | Current Details |
|---|---|
| Terminal 1x Standard Price | £99 + VAT |
| Terminal 1x Current Offer | £49 + VAT |
| Terminal 2 Standard Price | £149 + VAT |
| Terminal 2 Current Offer | £74 + VAT |
| Domestic Visa/Mastercard Fee | 1.3% |
| Amex, Business and International Cards | 1.99% |
| Monthly Terminal Fee | None |
| Lock-In Contract | None |
| Zeller Account Settlement | Same day |
| External UK Bank Settlement | Next business day |
| POS | Included free |
Terminal 1x has a 6.7-inch display, integrated receipt printer and digital receipts. Terminal 2 has a 6.5-inch display and uses digital receipts rather than an integrated printer.
Zeller states there are no set-up fees, monthly terminal rental fees or lock-in contracts.
Verdict: Zeller provides unusually transparent UK pricing and quick settlements, with Terminal 1x particularly relevant to businesses wanting integrated printing and POS without monthly terminal rental.
7. Worldpay DX8000
Worldpay DX8000 is a standalone mobile card machine with Wi-Fi, 4G, a touchscreen and all-day battery life. It accepts Chip & PIN, swipe, contactless payments and major mobile wallets.
Worldpay currently offers two main pricing approaches for the DX8000: customised variable pricing and its Simplicity pricing tariff.
| Feature | Current Details |
|---|---|
| Contract | 18-month terminal hire agreement |
| Variable-Pricing Terminal Rental | Normally £15/month |
| Current Rental Promotion | £0 for first 12 months for eligible new customers |
| Simplicity Mastercard/Visa Fee | 1.50% |
| Simplicity Normal Terminal Rental | £22.50/month shown before current offer |
| Joining Fee | £0 |
| Settlement | Next business day |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and 4G |
| Battery | All-day |
| Phone Required | No |
The £0 terminal rental promotion does not mean the terminal is free for the complete 18-month agreement.
Official promotion terms state that eligible new customers pay no terminal rental for the first 12 months of a minimum 18-month agreement, after which the contractual rental charge applies. The offer is currently scheduled to end on 31 December 2026.
The promotion also requires qualifying transaction levels over a 180-day period: at least £10,000 for one terminal, £25,000 for two or £50,000 for three.
Businesses taking more than £75,000 of annual card turnover can also obtain customised variable pricing.
Verdict: Worldpay DX8000 is more suitable for established businesses comfortable with an 18-month merchant-services agreement. Its current rental promotion can reduce initial fixed costs, but the conditions should be clearly understood.
8. PayPal Point of Sale Card Reader
The former Zettle service is now branded PayPal Point of Sale. Existing Zettle accounts continue to operate, but new content should use the current PayPal branding.
The first PayPal POS Card Reader currently costs £29 + VAT for an eligible new business user, while additional readers cost £69 + VAT. Standard card-present transactions are charged at 1.75%.
| Feature | Current Details |
|---|---|
| First Reader | £29 + VAT |
| Additional Readers | £69 + VAT |
| Card-Present Fee | 1.75% |
| Monthly POS Fee | £0 |
| Setup Fee | £0 |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth to smartphone or tablet |
| Battery | Up to 8 hours, or 9+ hours in power-saving mode |
| Approximate Transactions | 250+ in power-saving mode |
| Warranty | 12 months |
| Receipt Printing | Optional external dock/printer |
| Fund Availability | Usually within minutes in PayPal Business account |
The £29 price is an introductory offer for one reader per eligible new business user rather than the permanent full price of every reader.
PayPal says POS earnings generally become available in the PayPal Business account within minutes.
Verdict: PayPal POS Card Reader remains a straightforward portable option for businesses comfortable using a phone or tablet alongside the reader, particularly those already operating through PayPal.
9. takepayments A920 Pro
takepayments currently lists the A920 Pro as one of its main small-business card machines.
Unlike Square, SumUp or Zeller, takepayments does not publish one standard hardware price or transaction percentage for the A920 Pro. Pricing is built around a personalised quote based on factors such as the business, card-payment requirements and turnover.
| Feature | Current Details |
|---|---|
| Device Price | Personalised quote |
| Terminal Fee | Personalised quote |
| Transaction Fee | Personalised quote |
| Contract | 12 months |
| Settlement | Next working/banking day when conditions are met |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, 4G and Bluetooth |
| Receipt Printer | Integrated |
| Contactless | Yes |
| Mobile Wallets | Apple Pay and Android/Google mobile payments |
| Major Cards | Visa, Mastercard, Maestro and Amex |
The A920 Pro supports full wireless connectivity and includes a touchscreen and integrated receipt printer. takepayments also states that its standard card-machine agreement is 12 months.
Next-day settlement is conditional. The terminal’s banking-window process must be completed before the acquiring bank’s cut-off time, and settlement remains subject to approval and the acquirer’s terms.
Businesses should also note that takepayments requires a separate contract with a nominated acquiring bank, under which transaction charges and other fees apply.
Verdict: takepayments A920 Pro suits businesses that prefer individually negotiated merchant pricing and direct support. It should not be presented with a fixed £25 monthly price because takepayments does not currently publish that figure for all customers.
10. Tyl by NatWest PAX A920 Pro
The correct current model name is Tyl by NatWest PAX A920 Pro.
The card machine costs £19.99 + VAT per month and comes with a 5.5-inch touchscreen, 5150mAh battery, Wi-Fi, a pre-installed 4G roaming SIM, charging base and receipt-paper capability.
| Feature | Current Details |
|---|---|
| Terminal Rental | £19.99 + VAT/month |
| Contract | 12 months |
| UK/European Personal Cards | 1.39% + 5p |
| Other Cards | 1.99% + 5p |
| American Express | Rate varies by industry |
| Businesses Over £50,000 Annual Card Turnover | Custom pricing |
| Settlement | Next business day |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and 4G roaming SIM |
| Battery | 5150mAh |
| Display | 5.5-inch touchscreen |
| Receipt Capability | Paper receipts |
| Customer Portal | Included |
The published 1.39% + 5p rate applies to UK and European personal debit and credit cards for businesses with annual card payment value up to £50,000.
Other cards, including business cards and international personal cards, are charged at 1.99% + 5p. American Express pricing varies according to industry.
Businesses processing more than £50,000 in annual card payments receive personalised pricing instead. Tyl states that payouts normally reach the merchant account the next business day.
Verdict: Tyl PAX A920 Pro is a transparent rental option for businesses processing up to £50,000 annually because the terminal rental and main transaction rates are publicly stated. Higher-volume businesses receive customised rates.
Which Card Machine Is Best for Different Types of Small Businesses?
The best option depends on card turnover, business type, mobility and whether POS features are needed.
| Card Machine | Best For | Hardware / Rental Cost | Main Transaction Rate | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SumUp Solo Lite | Start-Ups and Market Traders | £19 + VAT promotional price, normally £25 + VAT | 1.69% PAYG | Low-cost portable reader with no compulsory monthly plan |
| Square Terminal | Retail Shops | £149 + VAT | 1.75% | Standalone POS, card payments and receipt printing |
| Zeller Terminal 1x | Cafés and Restaurants | £49 + VAT promotional price, normally £99 + VAT | 1.3% domestic Visa and Mastercard | Built-in POS and receipt printer |
| Revolut Terminal | International Businesses | £169 + VAT | From 0.8% + 2p | Multi-currency payments and fast settlement |
| Shopify WisePad 3 | Shopify Merchants | £59 | From 1.7% | Direct integration with Shopify POS and inventory |
| Tide Card Reader Plus | Growing Businesses | From £89 + VAT with Premium | From 0.69% + 3p | Lower eligible transaction rates through paid plans |
| Worldpay DX8000 | Higher-Turnover Businesses | Terminal rental | Custom or plan-based pricing | Tailored merchant pricing and 4G connectivity |
These options provide a useful comparison, but businesses should calculate costs using their own monthly card turnover, average transaction value and expected mix of domestic, commercial and international cards.
Promotional hardware prices can also change, so current pricing and contract terms should be checked before signing up.
Is a Pay-As-You-Go Card Machine Better Than a Monthly Contract?
PAYG models suit businesses with unpredictable or low card turnover because there is usually little fixed monthly cost.
Subscription plans become more attractive when lower transaction rates produce savings greater than the monthly charge. Contract-based providers may also offer tailored pricing for businesses processing larger volumes.
Businesses should compare the total monthly cost rather than focusing only on the terminal price.
Conclusion
Selecting the best card machine for small business use depends on payment volume, mobility, settlement requirements, integrations and overall cost.
SumUp Solo Lite provides an inexpensive starting point, while Square Terminal offers a more complete POS experience.
Shopify WisePad 3 is designed around Shopify merchants, while Revolut Terminal offers competitive domestic consumer-card rates and multi-currency functionality.
Zeller combines transparent pricing with built-in POS features, while Tide provides progressively lower transaction rates through its paid plans. Businesses wanting traditional merchant services can also compare Worldpay, takepayments and Tyl.
Before signing up, check the latest hardware price, transaction rates, card-type surcharges, settlement schedule and contract terms because promotional offers and provider pricing can change.
FAQs
Which Card Machine Has the Lowest Transaction Fees in the UK?
There is no universal lowest rate because providers use different pricing models. Tide Premium advertises rates from 0.69% + 3p for eligible transactions, while Revolut starts at 0.8% + 2p and Zeller charges 1.3% on domestic Visa and Mastercard payments.
Eligibility and fixed charges should be considered alongside the percentage.
Can Small Businesses Get a Card Machine Without Signing a Contract?
Yes. Providers including Square, SumUp and Zeller offer options without long-term terminal contracts. Rental providers such as Tyl and some Worldpay packages require minimum agreements.
How Quickly Do Card Payments Reach a Business Bank Account?
Settlement ranges from next-day access to several business days. SumUp can pay into its Business Account the following day, Square offers next-day transfers, Tyl generally settles the next working day, while Shopify Payments has a UK minimum settlement period of three business days.
Do Modern Card Machines Accept Digital Wallets?
Yes. Most current terminals accept contactless payments and major digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay alongside Chip & PIN cards.
Are Portable Card Machines Suitable for Mobile Businesses?
Yes. Mobile readers and terminals using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or 4G are suitable for tradespeople, market traders, events, mobile services and businesses accepting payments away from a fixed counter.
What Should Businesses Compare Before Choosing a Card Machine?
Compare the hardware or rental cost, domestic and international transaction fees, fixed authorisation charges, monthly subscriptions, settlement times, contract length, connectivity, receipt options and POS integrations.
Is a More Expensive Card Machine Always Better?
No. A basic reader can be sufficient for a sole trader taking occasional payments, while businesses with high transaction volumes may benefit from a more expensive standalone terminal with lower fees, integrated POS functionality and faster settlement.
