Card Machines UK: Compare PDQ Machines & Card Readers
Types of Card Machines
There are three main types of card machine available to UK businesses:
Countertop Card Machines
Fixed terminals connected via ethernet or phone line. Best for retail shops, restaurants, and any business with a fixed checkout point. They typically have a built-in receipt printer and are the most reliable option for high-volume businesses.
Portable Card Machines
Wireless terminals that work via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi within a limited range (typically 100m from the base unit). Ideal for restaurants, pubs, and cafés where staff bring the machine to the customer's table.
Mobile Card Machines & Card Readers
Compact devices that connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth and use mobile data. Perfect for market traders, tradespeople, pop-up shops, and delivery drivers. Providers like Square and SumUp dominate this category with low-cost readers and simple pricing.
Card Machine Fees Explained
The cost of a card machine in the UK is made up of several components:
- Hardware cost — one-off purchase (£19–£300+) or monthly rental (£10–£30/month).
- Transaction fees — a percentage of each sale, typically 1.5%–1.75% for blended rates or lower on IC++ pricing.
- Monthly fees — some providers charge a monthly service fee (£5–£25) on top of transaction fees.
- PCI compliance fees — annual charge for maintaining payment security standards (£30–£100/year).
UK Card Machine Comparison
| Provider | Device | Cost | Transaction Fee | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SumUp | SumUp Air | £19 | 1.69% | None |
| Square | Square Reader | £19 + VAT | 1.75% | None |
| Zettle (PayPal) | Zettle Reader 2 | £29 + VAT | 1.75% | None |
| Worldpay | Countertop/Portable | From £20/month | From 0.3% + IC | 18 months |
| Dojo | Dojo Go | From £20/month | From 1.4% | Flexible |
| Takepayments | Countertop/Portable | From £17/month | From 0.4% + IC | 12–18 months |
Best Use Cases
- Market traders / mobile businesses — SumUp Air or Square Reader. Low cost, no contract, works from a smartphone.
- Cafés and restaurants — Portable terminal from Worldpay or Dojo. Wireless range lets staff take payments tableside.
- Retail shops — Countertop terminal with receipt printer. Consider IC++ pricing if turnover exceeds £5,000/month.
- Events and pop-ups — Square or SumUp with mobile card reader. No monthly costs when not in use.
Use our free comparison tool to find the best cheapest card machine for your business based on your monthly turnover and sales channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a card machine?
A card machine (also called a PDQ machine or card terminal) is a device that lets businesses accept debit and credit card payments in person. Modern card machines support contactless, chip & PIN, and mobile wallet payments like Apple Pay.
How much does a card machine cost in the UK?
Costs range from £19 (SumUp Air) for a basic mobile reader to £300+ for a countertop terminal with built-in receipt printer. Some providers offer free terminals on monthly contracts. Transaction fees are separate — typically 1.5%–1.75% for blended rates.
Do I need a merchant account for a card machine?
Yes, but some providers bundle both. Square, SumUp, and Zettle include a payment facilitor merchant account — you don't need to apply separately. Traditional providers like Worldpay require a separate merchant account application.
What is the cheapest card machine in the UK?
The SumUp Air at £19 (one-off) with 1.69% transaction fees is currently the cheapest. Square Reader is £19 + VAT at 1.75%. For higher volumes, a traditional terminal on an IC++ rate from providers like Worldpay or Global Payments may be cheaper overall.