Independent Comparison — Updated 2026

Best Card Machines for UK Businesses

Whether you need a simple mobile card reader or a full EPOS system, we've compared prices, fees, and features from the UK's leading providers to help you choose the right card machine.

Types of Card Machines

There are four main types of card machine available in the UK. The right choice depends on your business type, location, and how you take payments.

Countertop Card Machines

Fixed card terminals designed for retail counters and checkout desks. They connect via Ethernet or Wi-Fi and are the most reliable option for businesses with a dedicated point of sale.

Best for: Shops, restaurants, salons, and any business with a fixed checkout point.

Contactless, chip & PIN, and swipe payments
Receipt printing (thermal or digital)
Fast, stable connection via Ethernet or Wi-Fi
Compatible with most EPOS systems

Portable Card Machines

Wireless terminals that connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, giving you the freedom to take payments anywhere within your premises — tableside in a restaurant, on the shop floor, or at events.

Best for: Restaurants, pubs, hotels, market stalls, and pop-up shops.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
Long battery life for all-day use
Lightweight and easy to carry
Contactless and chip & PIN support

Mobile Card Readers

Compact, smartphone-connected card readers that pair with an app on your phone or tablet. Ideal for sole traders, mobile businesses, and anyone who needs to take payments on the go.

Best for: Tradespeople, delivery drivers, market traders, and freelancers.

Pairs with iOS and Android devices
Low upfront cost — often under £50
Accept contactless, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
No fixed contract required with many providers

EPOS Systems

All-in-one electronic point of sale systems that combine card payment processing with stock management, reporting, and staff tools. A complete solution for businesses that want more than just a terminal.

Best for: Retail chains, hospitality venues, and growing businesses needing integrated reporting.

Integrated inventory and stock management
Staff management and shift tracking
Detailed sales reporting and analytics
Multi-location support

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Card Machine Providers Compared

A quick-reference comparison of the UK's most popular card machine providers, including transaction fees, monthly costs, and contract lengths.

Provider	Machine Type	Transaction Fee	Monthly Cost	Contract
SumUp	Mobile Reader	1.69%	£0	None
Square	Mobile Reader	1.75%	£0	None
Zettle	Mobile Reader	1.75%	£0	None
Worldpay	All Types	From 0.75%	From £15	12–18 months
Barclaycard	Countertop/Portable	From 1.0%	From £17	18 months
Takepayments	All Types	From 0.4%	From £17	12 months
Dojo	Countertop/Portable	From 1.4%	£0	None
Global Payments	All Types	Custom	From £20	12–36 months

Fees shown are indicative and may vary based on business type, turnover, and risk profile. Last updated January 2026.

How to Choose the Right Card Machine

Choosing the right card machine for your business comes down to a few key factors: how you sell, how much you process, and how much flexibility you need.

Consider Your Sales Channels

If you only sell face-to-face from a fixed location, a countertop terminal is the most reliable and cost-effective option. If your staff need to move around — for example, taking payments tableside in a restaurant — a portable terminal with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is essential. For mobile businesses like tradespeople or market traders, a mobile card reader that pairs with your smartphone is the most practical choice.

Understand the Fee Structure

Card machine costs break down into three main areas: the hardware cost (one-off purchase or monthly rental), the transaction fee (a percentage of each sale), and any monthly service fees. Low-cost readers like SumUp have no monthly fees but charge higher per-transaction rates. Traditional providers offer lower transaction rates but come with monthly costs and contracts.

Think About Volume

If you process under £2,000 per month, a pay-as-you-go reader is usually cheapest. Above £5,000 per month, you'll likely save money with a traditional provider offering negotiated rates. The more you process, the more important it is to compare providers — even a 0.5% difference in transaction fees can save you thousands over a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I buy or lease a card machine in the UK?

For many small businesses, buying a reader outright is cheaper and more flexible than signing a long rental agreement. Leasing can make sense for higher-volume businesses that want bundled support, replacement cover, or negotiated acquiring rates, but you should always compare the full cost over the contract term.

Which type of card machine is best for restaurants and cafés?

Portable card machines are usually the best fit for hospitality because staff can take payments at the table. Countertop terminals suit takeaway counters and fixed tills, while integrated EPOS setups work best for busier venues that need table management, reporting, and stock control.

Can a card machine work without Wi-Fi?

Yes. Many card machines use SIM connectivity or mobile data so they can process payments without relying on your premises Wi-Fi. This is especially useful for outdoor events, market stalls, mobile businesses, and backup resilience if your broadband goes down.

Do card machines integrate with EPOS systems?

Many do, but integration varies by provider and software stack. If you use an EPOS system in retail or hospitality, check whether the terminal supports direct till integration, bill splitting, tipping, stock sync, and reporting before choosing a provider.

How quickly do card machine payments settle into my bank account?

Settlement speed depends on the provider. Some pay-as-you-go providers and acquirers can offer next-day settlement, while others take 2–3 working days. If cash flow matters, settlement speed should be compared alongside transaction fees and contract terms.

What should I compare besides the transaction fee?

Look at terminal cost, monthly service fees, PCI charges, authorisation fees, contract length, exit penalties, integration options, support, and settlement times. A low headline rate can still be poor value if the rest of the commercial terms are expensive or restrictive.

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