Best Card Readers for Small Businesses in the UK (2026)

Card readers have transformed how small businesses take payments. No monthly fees, no contracts — just buy the reader and start accepting cards. We've tested the leading options for UK small businesses in 2026.

Quick Comparison

SumUp Air — Best Value

The SumUp Air is the UK's most popular card reader, and for good reason. At just £29 with a 1.69% flat fee, it offers the lowest cost of any major provider. It connects via Bluetooth to your phone, accepts contactless, chip & PIN, and Apple/Google Pay. Settlement takes 1–2 business days.

• Cheapest per-transaction fee of any flat-rate provider
• No monthly fees, no contract, no hidden charges
• Battery lasts 500+ transactions on a single charge
• Free invoicing and payment link features included

Square Reader — Best Free POS

Square's edge is its software ecosystem. The free POS app includes inventory management, staff scheduling, customer directories, and basic analytics. The reader costs just £19 and the 1.75% rate is competitive. Square also offers a free online store.

• Industry-leading free POS software
• Free online store builder included
• Next-day deposits available
• Scales with your business — upgrade to Square Terminal or Register as you grow

Zettle by PayPal — Best for PayPal Users

If you already use PayPal for online sales, Zettle provides a seamless bridge to in-person payments. The Reader 2 is well-built and reliable, with a 1.75% transaction fee. You can view all your PayPal and Zettle transactions in one dashboard.

SumUp Solo — Best Standalone Reader

The SumUp Solo has a built-in screen and optional SIM for mobile data — so you don't need a phone at all. It's perfect for market traders, delivery drivers, or anyone who needs a truly portable solution. At £79 with the same 1.69% rate, it's excellent value.

What to Consider When Choosing

• Transaction volume: If you process less than £1,000/month, flat-rate readers are ideal. Above £5,000/month, traditional merchant accounts start to offer savings.
• Phone dependency: Most budget readers need a smartphone. If that's inconvenient, choose a standalone device like the SumUp Solo or Square Terminal.
• Software needs: Square offers the best free POS. If you need advanced features (table management, kitchen displays), consider Clover or a dedicated EPOS system.
• Settlement speed: Square offers next-day, SumUp takes 1–2 days, Zettle takes 1–2 days to PayPal (instant to your bank from there).
• Connectivity: Bluetooth readers need a phone with data. Wi-Fi/SIM-enabled terminals work independently.

Need help choosing? Get free advice from our team.