The Cheapest Card Machines in 2026
Ranked by overall value — factoring in reader cost, transaction fees, and monthly charges.
SumUp Air
£39 (one-off)Our take: Best overall value for most small businesses. Lowest per-transaction fee of any pay-as-you-go reader.
Square Reader
£19 + VAT (one-off)Our take: Cheapest reader to buy. Slightly higher transaction fee than SumUp but comes with a powerful free POS app.
Zettle Reader 2
£29 + VAT (one-off)Our take: PayPal-backed reader with seamless integration for PayPal sellers. Good all-rounder.
Dojo Go
Free (on plan)Our take: Free terminal with competitive rates. Best for businesses wanting a professional countertop/portable terminal without upfront cost.
Teya
Free (on plan)Our take: Lowest starting transaction rate on the list. Free terminal included. Good for higher-volume businesses.
How to Find the Cheapest Card Machine
Upfront Cost vs Total Cost
The cheapest card reader to buy isn't always the cheapest to use. A reader that costs £19 but charges 1.75% per transaction could end up costing more than a free terminal charging 1.25%. Calculate your total monthly cost based on your expected card turnover.
Watch Out for Hidden Fees
Pay-as-you-go providers (SumUp, Square, Zettle) have transparent, flat-rate pricing with no hidden fees. Traditional providers may charge PCI compliance fees, statement fees, minimum monthly charges, and early termination penalties that add up quickly.
The Volume Tipping Point
If you process under £2,000/month, pay-as-you-go readers are almost always cheapest. Between £2,000 and £5,000/month, compare both types. Above £5,000/month, a traditional provider with negotiated rates will usually save you money despite the monthly fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest card machine in the UK?
The Square Reader is the cheapest to buy at £19 + VAT. However, SumUp offers the lowest per-transaction fee at 1.69%. If you process more than £3,000/month, SumUp's lower fee saves more over time despite the higher reader cost. Dojo and Teya offer free terminals with no upfront cost.
Can I get a free card machine?
Yes. Providers like Dojo and Teya include a free card machine when you sign up for their payment processing. There are no upfront costs — you only pay transaction fees on each sale. These are professional countertop or portable terminals, not basic mobile readers.
Are cheap card machines any good?
Yes. Budget card readers from SumUp, Square, and Zettle all support contactless payments, chip & PIN, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. They're reliable, well-designed, and backed by responsive customer support. The main limitation is they require a smartphone to operate (though standalone options are available at higher prices).
What hidden fees should I watch out for?
With pay-as-you-go providers (SumUp, Square, Zettle), there are genuinely no hidden fees — no monthly charges, no minimum transaction requirements, and no cancellation penalties. With traditional providers, watch for PCI compliance fees (£5–£10/month), statement fees, and early termination charges.
Which cheap card machine is best for market stalls and pop-ups?
SumUp Air or Square Reader. Both are small, lightweight, and connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth. They work anywhere with a phone signal and don't need Wi-Fi. SumUp has the edge on transaction fees (1.69% vs 1.75%).