As digital payments continue to dominate retail and service industries, choosing the best card payment machines is crucial for small businesses in the UK. Whether you’re a mobile tradesperson, café owner, or run an online/offline hybrid store, the right payment terminal helps boost sales, improve customer experience, and reduce transaction hassles.
In this guide, we’ll review the top card payment machines available in the UK, compare features, costs, pros and cons, and provide tips on choosing the right one for your business.
What Is a Card Payment Machine?
A Best card payment machines, also known as a card reader or point of sale (POS) terminal, enables businesses to accept debit and credit card payments in person or online. Many modern machines also support contactless, mobile payments (like Apple Pay and Google Pay), and QR code-based payments.
Key Features to Consider
Before buying or renting a card machine, consider these key features:
- Transaction Fees – Usually a percentage of the sale + a fixed fee.
- Monthly Costs – Some providers charge ongoing rental or subscription fees.
- Connectivity – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, SIM card, or Ethernet.
- Portability – Ideal for mobile businesses or market traders.
- POS Integration – Connects with inventory, receipts, and customer databases.
- Customer Support – Essential for resolving technical issues quickly.
- Contract Terms – Avoid hidden fees or long lock-in periods.
Best Card Payment Machines for UK Businesses in 2024
Here’s a list of the top card payment machines popular among UK small businesses.
🥇 1. SumUp Air – Best for Beginners & Sole Traders
Price: £39 one-time purchase
Transaction Fee: 1.69%
Monthly Fee: None
Features:
- Bluetooth connection to smartphone
- Works via SumUp mobile app
- Accepts chip, contactless, and mobile payments
- Battery life for up to 500 transactions
Pros:
- No monthly fees
- Very easy to set up
- Ideal for pop-ups, markets, sole traders
Cons:
- Requires phone to operate
- Basic features compared to full POS systems
🥈 2. Zettle by PayPal – Best for Low Fees and PayPal Integration
Price: £29 + VAT
Transaction Fee: 1.75%
Monthly Fee: None
Features:
- Pairs with phone or tablet
- Full POS app included
- Connects with PayPal, Xero, and QuickBooks
- Optional receipt printer and barcode scanner
Pros:
- Strong PayPal integration
- Reliable and sleek design
- Excellent POS features
Cons:
- Doesn’t work independently of a smartphone
- Limited customer service channels
🥉 3. Square Reader – Best for Customisable POS Features
Price: £19 + VAT
Transaction Fee: 1.75%
Monthly Fee: None
Features:
- Lightweight card reader
- Square POS app for iOS and Android
- Add-ons like registers, barcode scanners, and stands
- Real-time analytics dashboard
Pros:
- Very low entry cost
- Excellent reporting tools
- Highly customisable with add-ons
Cons:
- Needs a separate smart device to function
- Limited battery life
⭐ 4. Dojo Go – Best for Restaurants and Hospitality
Price: £20/month rental (12-month contract)
Transaction Fee: From 1.4% + 5p
Monthly Fee: Yes
Features:
- All-in-one terminal (Wi-Fi & 4G)
- Touchscreen display
- Paperless receipts via QR code
- Integrated tipping, bill splitting, and table service
Pros:
- Powerful for hospitality setups
- Next-day payouts
- 24/7 UK-based customer support
Cons:
- Contract required
- Higher cost compared to mobile card readers
💼 5. Barclaycard Smartpay – Best for Established Businesses
Price: From £15/month
Transaction Fee: Negotiable
Monthly Fee: Yes
Features:
- Accepts all major cards and e-wallets
- Includes fraud protection tools
- Choice of countertop or portable terminals
- Detailed business insights
Pros:
- Trusted brand and support
- Great for high-volume businesses
- Custom packages available
Cons:
- Contract commitments
- Can be overkill for micro businesses
Comparison Table: Best Card Payment Machines UK
| Provider | Upfront Cost | Transaction Fee | Monthly Fee | Best For |
| SumUp Air | £39 | 1.69% | £0 | Sole traders, beginners |
| Zettle | £29 + VAT | 1.75% | £0 | PayPal users |
| Square Reader | £19 + VAT | 1.75% | £0 | Custom POS integration |
| Dojo Go | £20/month | From 1.4% + 5p | £20+ | Hospitality businesses |
| Barclaycard | Varies | Custom rates | £15+ | Established SMEs |
Card Payment Machines with No Monthly Fees
If you’re just starting out or operate seasonally, machines with no ongoing monthly costs are ideal. SumUp, Zettle, and Square all offer this flexibility, with no lock-in contracts.
Contract-Free vs Contract-Based Card Readers
- Contract-Free: Ideal for small or seasonal businesses. Pay only when you use it.
- Examples: SumUp, Zettle, Square
- Examples: SumUp, Zettle, Square
- Contract-Based: Offer more features, support, and advanced hardware, but with fixed terms and sometimes cancellation fees.
- Examples: Dojo, Barclaycard, Worldpay
- Examples: Dojo, Barclaycard, Worldpay
Are Free Card Machines a Scam?
Some companies offer free card machines, usually in exchange for long-term contracts or higher fees per transaction. Always check the fine print, especially for:
- Setup fees
- Early termination penalties
- POS integration limitations
Mobile Card Machines vs Countertop Terminals
- Mobile Card Machines: Work with smartphones/tablets using Bluetooth or SIM. Perfect for:
- Market stalls
- Food trucks
- Mobile services
- Market stalls
- Countertop Terminals: Static and often connected via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Ideal for:
- Retail shops
- Hospitality counters
- High-volume businesses
- Retail shops
Tips for Choosing the Best Card Payment Machine
- Calculate Your Monthly Card Volume
- High volume may justify a lower per-transaction fee with a monthly subscription.
- High volume may justify a lower per-transaction fee with a monthly subscription.
- Check Customer Support Availability
- 24/7 UK support is vital, especially for in-store payment issues.
- 24/7 UK support is vital, especially for in-store payment issues.
- Look at Payout Times
- SumUp and Zettle: typically 1–2 days
- Dojo: Next working day
- Square: Standard 1–2 days, instant available for a fee
- SumUp and Zettle: typically 1–2 days
- Read Reviews
- Real business feedback can help you assess hardware reliability and provider trustworthiness.
- Real business feedback can help you assess hardware reliability and provider trustworthiness.
Conclusion
Choosing the best card payment machines in the UK depends on your business size, transaction volume, and industry. For small or mobile businesses, SumUp, Zettle, and Square offer affordable, contract-free options with great flexibility. Meanwhile, larger or hospitality-focused businesses may benefit from full-featured terminals like Dojo Go or Barclaycard Smartpay.
Ultimately, your goal should be to balance cost, convenience, and customer experience. The right payment terminal can do more than process cards — it can empower your business to grow confidently in a cashless economy.
