In today’s fast-paced world, digital payments have become the norm. If you’re a small business in the UK, not having the right card payment machine could mean missing out on sales. In 2023, debit cards made up over 50% of all payments in the UK, and that number is only set to grow. UK Finance predicts that card payments will surpass 30 billion transactions by 2033. Meanwhile, contactless payments accounted for nearly half (47%) of all card transactions, according to Statista. With these numbers, it’s clear: offering card payment options isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity for staying competitive.
In this article, we’re diving into the 8 best card payment machines for small UK businesses in 2024. You’ll get an overview of their features, advantages, and how each option can help you streamline transactions and grow your business. Let’s get started!
8 Best card machine for small business
- Paymentsave Card Machines
- Square Reader
- Tide Card Reader
- TakePayments
- SumUp Air
- Zettle Reader 2
- MyPOS Go
- Dojo Go
1. Paymentsave Card Machines
Paymentsave offers flexible card payment machines for small businesses, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. Known for their fast transaction processing and easy integration, Paymentsave card machines are ideal for both mobile and fixed-location businesses.
Features & Advantages:
- No hidden fees and transparent pricing.
- Multiple device options: mobile, portable, and countertop.
- Supports chip and pin, contactless, and mobile payments.
- Quick setup with easy integration into your existing systems.
- Fast transaction processing for smooth customer payments.
Paymentsave Pro Pricing
Pricing Element
Cost
Device Cost
From £15 + VAT
Transaction Fee
Lowest
CNP Fee
2.75% per transaction
Key Features
– Digital receipts via email or SMS.
– Instant access to funds at no added fees
– Accepts all major payment types, including Google and Apple Pay, Amex, JCB, UnionPay, Bancontact, plus contactless and Chip & PIN
– Tracks individual staff performance and splits tips
– Tactile keyboard
2. Square Reader
Square Reader is an affordable and portable card payment machine, perfect for small businesses that need flexibility on the go. With no monthly fees and a simple pricing structure, Square allows you to accept all major debit and credit cards, including contactless and mobile payments. It’s a great choice for businesses that want an easy-to-use system without hidden costs.
Features & Advantages:
- No monthly fees; pay-as-you-go with transparent pricing.
- Portable design for businesses on the move.
- Accepts all major debit and credit cards, as well as mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Integrates seamlessly with Square’s free app for detailed sales reports and business insights.
- Quick, reliable transaction processing for smooth customer experiences.
Square Reader Pricing:
Pricing Element
Cost
Device Cost
From £19 + VAT
Transaction Fee
1.75% per transaction (in-person payments)
CNP Fee
2.6% + 10p per transaction
Key Features
Simple and intuitive setup, real-time sales insights, no long-term contracts or hidden fees
3. Tide Card Reader
Tide Card Reader offers an easy-to-use, no-monthly-fee solution perfect for small businesses that need a simple, cost-effective payment method. It works in conjunction with Tide’s mobile banking app to help you manage payments and finances seamlessly, with real-time transaction tracking.
Features & Advantages:
- No monthly or hidden fees.
- Quick setup with easy integration with Tide’s mobile app.
- Accepts all major cards and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Real-time payment tracking through the Tide app.
- 24/7 customer support available.
Tide Card Reader Pricing:
Pricing Element
Cost
Device Cost
Free with a Tide business account
Transaction Fee
1.25% per transaction (for debit/credit cards)
CNP Fee
2.5% per transaction
Key Features
Seamless integration with Tide mobile app, secure payment processing
4. TakePayments
TakePayments offers a range of reliable card payment machines that cater to both mobile and fixed-location businesses. With competitive transaction fees and easy integration into existing POS systems, TakePayments is ideal for businesses seeking flexibility and cost-efficiency.
Features & Advantages:
- No long-term contracts or hidden fees.
- Offers portable, countertop, and mobile card machines.
- Advanced fraud protection features.
- Easy integration with POS systems and accounting software.
- Multiple payment options, including chip and pin, contactless, and mobile payments.
TakePayments Pricing:
Pricing Element
Cost
Device Cost
From £39.99 + VAT
Transaction Fee
From 1.3% per transaction
CNP Fee
2.75% per transaction
Key Features
Real-time reporting, fraud protection
5. SumUp Air
SumUp Air is a compact, portable card reader that connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone or tablet. Ideal for businesses that need a mobile payment solution, SumUp charges competitive fees and provides simple, no-fuss payment processing.
Features & Advantages:
- No monthly fees; pay-per-transaction pricing.
- Compact and easy to carry, ideal for businesses on the move.
- Accepts all major debit/credit cards and mobile wallets.
- Free app for transaction management, invoicing, and reporting.
- Low transaction fees, making it cost-effective for small businesses.
SumUp Air Pricing:
Pricing Element
Cost
Device Cost
£29 + VAT
Transaction Fee
1.69% per transaction
CNP Fee
2.75% per transaction
Key Features
Mobile and Bluetooth connectivity, free app for payments and invoices
6. Zettle Reader 2
Zettle Reader 2 is a versatile card machine perfect for small businesses, offering a user-friendly interface and sleek design. It supports all major debit and credit cards, mobile wallets, and contactless payments, making it a solid choice for businesses of any size.
Features & Advantages:
- Compact and portable design.
- No monthly fees and low transaction costs.
- Seamless integration with the Zettle app for managing sales and performance.
- Real-time sales insights and reporting.
- Supports all major card types, including contactless and mobile payments.
Zettle Reader 2 Pricing:
Pricing Element
Cost
Device Cost
£29 + VAT
Transaction Fee
1.75% per transaction
CNP Fee
2.5% per transaction
Key Features
User-friendly, advanced reporting features
7. MyPOS Go
MyPOS Go is an all-in-one portable card reader, ideal for small businesses and pop-up shops. Offering no monthly fees and next-day settlements, it enables businesses to accept payments anywhere, while providing essential features to enhance your sales operations.
Features & Advantages:
- Portable and lightweight design.
- Accepts payments anywhere via 3G, 4G, or Wi-Fi.
- No monthly fees or hidden charges.
- Next-day settlement for fast access to funds.
- Built-in printer for receipts, adding convenience to every transaction.
MyPOS Go Pricing:
Pricing Element
Cost
Device Cost
£49.90 + VAT
Transaction Fee
From 1.75% per transaction
CNP Fee
2.5% per transaction
Key Features
Built-in printer, instant access to funds
8. Dojo Go
Dojo Go offers a versatile card payment solution that’s great for small businesses looking for a reliable machine with low fees. Designed for portability and ease of use, Dojo Go is perfect for businesses that need a flexible, cost-effective solution.
Features & Advantages:
- Lightweight and portable design.
- Accepts all card types, including contactless and mobile wallets.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
- Next-day funding ensures fast access to payments.
- Supports integration with POS systems for seamless transactions.
Dojo Go Pricing:
Pricing Element
Cost
Device Cost
From £39.99 + VAT
Transaction Fee
From 1.69% per transaction
CNP Fee
2.75% per transaction
Key Features
No hidden fees, next-day access to funds
Conclusion
Choosing the right card payment machine is crucial for small businesses looking to stay competitive in today’s digital-first world. Paymentsave flexible card machines, with their transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and fast transaction processing, make them an excellent choice for both mobile and fixed-location businesses. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, Paymentsave’s range of devices and features can help streamline your payment processes, boost customer satisfaction, and improve overall efficiency. With competitive pricing and seamless integration, Paymentsave ensures you have a reliable payment solution that grows with your business.
By selecting a payment system like Paymentsave, you’re not only making it easier for customers to pay but also positioning your business for long-term success in a cashless society.
