9 Best Card Machines for Small Businesses Compared

Woman holding a card reader
Rob Binns

All providers have been reviewed and tested by our Research team. By requesting a quote, we can match you with a potential supplier, and we may earn a small commission for this referral

Card payments are on the rise – and it pays to be ready to take them if you're a small business owner. According to UK Finance, they're predicted to account for 94% of the national transactions by 2031.

However, with so many card machines to choose from, picking a card reader can be daunting.

That's why we researched the market and found that Zettle Card Reader 2 is the best card machine for small businesses. It’s light, easy to use and packs a convenient EPOS integration.

We note that the best way to find the best one for you is to compare quotes. We can help with that: just give our free comparison tool a try and we'll quickly match you with trusted providers. They’ll then be in touch to provide bespoke quotes tailored to your needs.

That said, apart from Zettle Card Reader 2, we also found other providers in our research that might suit you better depending on your needs. Including our champion, our picks are:

What are the Best Card Machines & Readers?

Looking for a good deal? Use our cost comparison tool to find the right provider for your business

  1. Zettle Card Reader 2 – Best overall
  2. Revolut Reader – Best for cheap transaction fees
  3. Square Reader – Best for faster payouts
  4. Ingenico Desk 5000 – Best for integrations
  5. Verifone V200c – Best for fast payment processing
  6. Castles VEGA3000 – Best for new merchants
  7. Ingenico iWL series – Best for outdoor spaces
  8. Verifone VX 680 – Best for sturdiness
  9. Ingenico Move 5000 – Best for high-end retail

Swipe right to see more
0 out of 0

Zettle Reader 2

Revolut Reader

Square Reader

Ingenico Desk 5000

Verifone V200c

Castles VEGA3000

Ingenico iWL series

Verifone VX 680

Ingenico Move 5000

Card Machine Type

Mobile

Card Machine Type

Mobile

Card Machine Type

Mobile

Card Machine Type

Countertop

Card Machine Type

Countertop

Card Machine Type

Countertop

Card Machine Type

Portable

Card Machine Type

Portable

Card Machine Type

Portable

Best For

Features

Best For

Cheap transaction fees

Best For

Faster payouts

Best For

Integrations

Best For

Fast payment processing

Best For

New merchants

Best For

Outdoor spaces

Best For

Sturdiness

Best For

High-end hospitality

Hardware Cost

From £29 + VAT

Hardware Cost

£49 + VAT

Hardware Cost

From £16 + VAT

Hardware Cost

Available on request

Hardware Cost

Available on request

Hardware Cost

Available on request

Hardware Cost

Available on request

Hardware Cost

Available on request

Hardware Cost

Available on request

Transaction fee

1.75%

Transaction fee

From 1% + 20p online
0.8% + 2p in person

Transaction fee
  • 1.75% for card transactions
  • 2.5% for payment links and invoices
Transaction fee

From 1-1.5%

Transaction fee

Varies

Transaction fee

Varies

Transaction fee

Varies

Transaction fee

Varies

Transaction fee

1-1.5%

Customer Support

9am-5pm Mon-Fri

Customer Support

24/7

Customer Support

9am-5pm Mon-Fri

Customer Support

8am-6pm Mon-Fri

Customer Support

8am-8pm Mon-Sat

Customer Support

Online only

Customer Support

8am-6pm Mon-Fri

Customer Support

8am-8pm Mon-Sat

Customer Support

8am-6pm Mon-Fri

The best card machines for small businesses

We've rounded up some of the best mobile, countertop and portable card machines to help you make the right decision for your business.

1. Zettle Card Reader 2

Best overall card machine for small businesses

zettle logo
Zettle Card Reader 2
4.8
Pricing £29 (excl. VAT)
Quick overview

Zettle is a practical merchant account that has plenty to offer you. Its low cost, combined with its sales forecasting and inventory management tools, make it the best mobile merchant account for small businesses. Low cost is one of provider’s biggest selling points, although it does pack a considerably high 1.75% transaction fee.

Strengths

Supports all 25 major currencies

No monthly costs, and affordable rates across the board

Offers a wide range of EPOS systems to complement its card reader

Fully PCI and EMV compliant

Simple to set up and use

Weaknesses

No virtual terminal service

Ecommerce services are only available via an additional third-party integration with Selz

No weekend or evening customer support

Some reviews suggest that the company is still undergoing a few ‘teething’ problems as a result of the PayPal acquisition

Has an average customer rating of 2.4 on Trustpilot

Pricing
Card readerTransaction fee (in-person)Invoicing/payment linksPayPal-generated QR codes
£29 (excl. VAT) 1.75% 2.5% 1%

Zettle Card Reader 2's key features

  • Comes in black or white
  • Keyboard-operated
  • 8-hour battery life
  • Charging dock available for extra £39 + VAT
  • Takes contactless payments in 5 seconds and card payments in 10 seconds
Payments accepted
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • JCB
  • UnionPay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Maestro
  • Visa Electron
  • VPay
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Samsung Pay
  • PayPal QR codes

What's Zettle Card Reader 2's main draw?

Zettle combines a lot of products in one, which makes it a great choice for small businesses looking for the best value for money. In its association with PayPal, this reader comes coupled with a payment gateway that's incredibly helpful if part of your business is ran online. Plus, the reader itself is intuitive and low-cost.

How does Zettle Card Reader 2 compare to its competitors?

With its basic reader costing £29 + VAT, Zettle has more expensive hardware than Square, which charges £16 + VAT for its equivalent and offers a free EPOS system, like Zettle. For business owners that only need a basic reader and reporting tools for a brick-and-mortar shop, Zettle does the trick. That said, Square is more poised to help those with an online presence (or keen on having one), as it also offers a free webstore.

Customer review

I own a training academy and I have to say that Zettle have made taking deposits via link and payments at the centre very easy. Our previous card machine cost us a monthly fee and a higher % per transaction. We had been with them for years and they still charged us over £300 for cancellation. With Zettle I love the ‘pay as you go’ feature and the fact we have all our courses in an easy to use list. Very pleased with its usability and functionality. Would highly recommend

Leanne Ellis, Zettle user
- Source: Trustpilot

2. Revolut Reader

Best for cheap transaction fees

Revolut Logo
Revolut
4.8
Pricing £49 (exc. VAT)
Quick overview

Revolut takes second place in our research, scoring an overall 4.8/5. Revolut has been declared as the best for cheap transaction fees, at 0.8% +2p for in-person transactions and 1% +20p for online transactions. As this is typically the only recurring fee, this is great for small businesses that keep a close eye on their purse strings.

Strengths

Cheap transaction fees

30+ integrations

Weaknesses

Lack of email support

Pricing
Transaction fee Hardware
0.8% +2p in-person transaction £49
1% +20p online transaction

Revolut Reader's key features

  • Only comes in white
  • Doesn't connect to receipt printer
  • Takes payments in 5 seconds
  • Touchscreen-operated (no keyboard)
  • Doesn't accept American Express
Payments accepted
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Maestro
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Samsung Pay

What's Revolut Reader's main draw?

Revolut Reader's is great for small businesses that deal with great sales volumes, like cafes or takeaway eateries, as they can benefit from the really cheap transaction rates this reader packs.

How does Revolut Reader compare to its competitors?

One of our highest rated mobile card readers, Revolut supports over 30 currencies, which is more than Zettle (25) and Square, which doesn’t support multi-currency payments at all. If your business sells internationally, this is a great plus. That said, Square and Zettle offer fraud prevention features, more integrations, and a wider choice of reports than Revolut. That makes these providers better fits if you're looking for extra security and more data insights with which to grow your business.

Customer review

All around a 5 star experience. The ease of payments, the speed of transfers, the friendly ux app & the customer support team, especially their communication skills.

Antonia Teaha, Revolut user
- Source: Trustpilot
Compare quotes from leading card machine providers in the UK and save
Do you already have a card machine?
It takes just 30 seconds...

3. Square Reader

Best for faster payouts

SQUARE LOGO
Square card reader
4.4
Pricing From £16 + VAT
Quick overview

With a range of versatile, mobile card machines for small businesses (and a sumptuous set of POS equipment to boot) Square is well-suited to forward-thinking merchants – particularly those with an eye for aesthetics. This reader connects wirelessly to Android and iOS devices, and can accept Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay, as well as the usual card providers. And If you upgrade to Square’s instant deposits, you’ll see payments in your account within 20 minutes.

Strengths

Provides next-day deposits into your business bank account

Fully PCI compliant

Outstanding customer reviews

Real-time sales reporting and analytics

No credit check required

No contracts or long-term commitments

Weaknesses

Because it lacks a pin pad, it’s a tad less user-friendly than other credit card machines on this list

No 24/7 phone support

Doesn’t currently support JCB, Union Pay, or Discover in the UK

Pricing
Card readerTransaction fee (in-person)Online transaction feeVirtual terminal fee
£16 (excl. VAT) 1.75% 1.9% for European cards, 2.9% for non-European cards 2.5%

Square Reader's key features

  • Only comes in white
  • 8-hour battery life
  • Charging dock available for £25 + VAT
  • No keyboard nor touchscreen, so PIN transactions need to be done on connected smartphone or tablet
Payments accepted
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Maestro
  • Visa Electron
  • Vpay
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Samsung Pay

What's Square Reader's main draw?

Square Reader is the prime weapon of choice if your business hasn't got a lot of stored budget and really depend on quick cash flow to stay afloat. These have every reason to rejoice at Square Reader's swift payout time: it transfers your funds by the next working day (the fastest among the providers we researched).

How does Square Reader compare to its competitors?

Square’s fee of 1.75% is a big blow for businesses that deal in a lot of transactions, especially when compared to Revolut's 0.4% for debit card transactions, for example. That said, at £16 + VAT, its reader is cheaper than Zettle's (£29 + VAT) and Revolut's (£49 + VAT). It's also second to none when it comes to integrations – which are so plentiful our research team was unable to quantify them – and it packs a convenient EPOS integration, like Zettle. For business owners that need the data insights to scale, Square is a solid choice.

Customer review

A great experience so far! I have found Square to do exactly what I needed and wanted it to do for my business, which has been to handle card and international payments. Creating invoices has been easy as has monitoring the stage of the payment. There are no hidden costs and their fees are comparable with other solutions on the market. I will continue to use them as my business grows.

Elizabeth Bell, Square user
- Source: Trustpilot

4. Ingenico Desk 5000

Best for integrations

Ingenico Logo
Ingenico Desk 5000
Pricing Available on request
Quick overview

The Desk 5000 from Ingenico belongs to a new era of credit card machines, for a new generation of small businesses. Capable of handling just about any payment method you can conceive of – including Apple and Android Pay, as well as all major card types – it’s not only fast; it’s flexible, too. Ingenico’s operating system integrates with a host of smart business apps, so you won’t just be taking payments; you’ll be getting a range of insights into sales and employee performance, too.

Strengths

Affordable

Offers signature capture capabilities for electronic payments and receipt storage

Its operating system, Telium, is one of the most security-focussed on the market

Comes with the pedigree of over 30 years of experience

Jumbo 3.5-inch touchscreen offers superlative levels of user experience

Weaknesses

Pricing information isn’t readily available

No phone-based customer support

Ingenico Desk 5000's key features

  • Only comes in black
  • Robust outer casing
  • Requires power cable connection to function
  • Keyboard-operated
  • Prints receipts
  • Available through merchant account providers such as takepayments
Payments accepted
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Most chip and swipe cards (dependent on merchant account provider)

What's Ingenico Desk 5000's main draw?

Ingenico Desk 5000's countertop design means it's more suited to businesses with brick-and-mortar locations – especially those that are expanding. They're the most likely to benefit the integration with other services, such as an Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system.

How does Ingenico Desk 5000 compare to its competitors?

Ingenico 5000 includes a printer, like Verifone V200c and Castles VEGA3000. If your business prints a lot of receipts during a regular day, this makes Ingenico Desk 5000 a better fit than the readers of Zettle, Revolut, and Square, which don't come with printers. Its Cortex A5 processor, however, means it's slower in processing than the Verifone V200c, which carries the Cortex A9 – which means it's unlikely to flourish in high-speed hospitality environments.

You’re about halfway through our list of the nine best credit card machines for small businesses in the UK – time to start comparing quotes?

Simply hit one of the buttons below to start our quick, quote-finding questionnaire.

It takes just 30 seconds to complete, and by telling us more about your small business’s specific requirements, we can help ensure that you receive the best, most personalised rates on credit card machines.

Compare quotes from leading card machine providers in the UK and save
Do you already have a card machine?
It takes just 30 seconds...

5. Verifone V200c

Best for fast payment processing

VERIFONE
Verifone V200c
Pricing Available on request
Quick overview

With a trendy, robust design, a powerful processor, and best in class security features, the Verifone V200c is ideal for small businesses looking to get started accepting credit and debit card payments – without breaking the bank! The V200c’s huge memory means it can support a wide range of business apps, which will help you foster greater customer loyalty, and create a more engaging experience at the point of sale.

Strengths

Superb online and phone-based customer support

PCI and EMV compliant

Boasts a whopping 384MB of memory

Works with WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet… and even dialup!

Top-notch customer support

Multimedia capabilities included as standard

Weaknesses

Pricing information isn’t readily available

Not as suitable for seasonal businesses, or those with a smaller sales volume

It’s not a mobile solution, either!

Verifone V200c's key features

  • Only comes in black
  • Fastest processor among the card machines on this list
  • Prints receipts
Payments accepted
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Most chip and swipe cards (dependent on merchant account provider)

What's Verifone V200c's main draw?

Verifone V200c's speedy payment processing makes it ideal for fast-paced, high-volume businesses, such as bars and coffee shops. Among the card machines listed here, it's the one most poised to help you deal with bottlenecks in service and growing queues during your peak times.

How does Verifone V200c compare to its competitors?

Verifone V200c packs a 2.8″ display, which is way smaller than 3.5″ present both in Ingenico Desk 5000 and the touchscreen version of Castles VEGA3000. For business owners keen on seeing their payment information in bigger fonts, this can pose an issue. On the flip side, Verifone V200c is faster than its competitors when it comes to processing.

6. Castles VEGA3000

Best for new merchants

castles logo
Castles VEGA3000
Pricing Available on request
Quick overview

Castles Technology’s VEGA3000 credit card machine for small business is one of the most widely-used countertop devices in the industry; which is reassuring when you’re looking for your very first reader. Boasting wifi, GPRS, Bluetooth and USB connectivity (the full house!), this reliable card machine is simple to use: an imperative for newbies. It also comes equipped with the latest high-tech software to safeguard transactions, assuaging the security concerns you might have when you’re just starting up. Its lightning-quick transaction speeds also make for a positive experience for your customers, which can only serve to help build a good reputation.

Strengths

PCI and EMV compliant

A powerful microprocessor enables speedy payments

Boasts an optional rechargeable backup battery for mobility

Simple to set up and use

Touchscreen model also available

Weaknesses

Customer support could be improved

Opaque pricing

You’ll have to pay extra for its PIN pad privacy shield – and the charging cradle isn’t included as standard, either

Castles VEGA3000's key features

  • Comes only in black
  • Comes in both touchscreen and keyboard-operated versions
  • Prints receipts
  • Detachable battery available as an accessory
Payments accepted
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Most chip and swipe cards (dependent on merchant account provider)

What's Castles VEGA3000's main draw?

When you close your eyes and picture a card machine, chances are you'll imagine something really similar to Castles VEGA3000. Its all-time classic design renders it perfect for merchants new to card machines, as its simplicity makes it super easy for them to grasp the ins and outs of it.

How does Castles VEGA3000 compare to its competitors?

Processing-wise, Castles VEGA3000 is on par with Ingenico Desk 5000 but is slower than Verifone V200c. In its touchscreen version, it comes with a 3.5″ display, like Ingenico Desk 5000 – a bigger one than Verifone V200c's 2.8″. It accepts all major card types, like its countertop competitors, but boasts a more user-friendly interface. Also, unlike Ingenico Desk 5000 and Verifone V200c, it offers a detachable battery as an optional feature.

7. Ingenico iWL series

Best for outdoor spaces

ingenico logo
Ingenico iWL series
Pricing Available on request
Quick overview

Ingenico’s iWL card machine series constitutes a range of lightweight, feature-heavy handheld devices that are ideal for small businesses. You can connect using GPRS, 3G, wifi, or Bluetooth technology, and charge them easily via a set of portable, professional-looking charging ports. What’s more, the iWL card terminals are water and shock resistant, making them an ideal choice if your bar or restaurant operates in an outdoor space.

Strengths

One of the most popular and enduring credit card machine lines in the UK

PCI compliant, and meets the highest industry requirements when it comes to security

Powered by innovative operating system Telium, which offers additional payment services and a library of more than 2,000 applications

The range’s built-in receipt printers are capable of delivering 30 lines per second – the fastest on the market

Weaknesses

Pricing information isn’t readily available

The iWL series isn’t the most aesthetically-pleasing set of devices

No phone-based customer support

Ingenico iWL series' key features

  • 1-day battery life
  • Keyboard-operated
  • Anti-shock system and water resistant
  • Offered by merchant account providers such as Retail Merchant Services
  • Currently being phased out by manufacturer
Payments accepted
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Most chip and swipe cards (dependent on merchant account provider)

What's Ingenico iWL's main draw?

If you run an outdoor business (like a food truck), you can't risk not being able to charge because of the weather. Ingenico iWL tackles this problem with its anti-shock system and water resistance – both of which allow you to charge even in not-ideal conditions.

How does Ingenico iWL series compare to its competitors?

As it'd be expected for a card machine released so long ago, its ARM 7 processor has long been overtaken by faster ones such as the Cortex 5 (included in the Ingenico Tetra Move 5000) and the Cortex 9 (present in the Verifone V400m). This means it processes payments slower than more modern card machines. Plus, its design is clunkier than Zettle Card Reader 2's and Revolut Reader's, which will harm its chances to fit in businesses where looks are a must. Also, at 2.5″, its display is considerably smaller than Ingenico Tetra Move 5000's and Verifone V400m's.

8. Verifone V400m

Best for sturdiness

VERIFONE
Verifone V400m
Pricing Available on request
Quick overview

The V400m is Verifone’s most compact payment terminal yet, but that doesn’t mean it compromises on features. It boasts Bluetooth, 4G, USB, and wifi connectivity, as well as an almost IMAX-sized colour touchscreen display (despite being, according to Verifone, the world’s smallest full-function payment device). Oh, and when you add in its Herculean battery life and quick processing speeds? Well, then the V400m weighs in as one of the most versatile mobile PDQ machines on the market – not to mention being ideal for small businesses!

Strengths

Durable and reliable

Long-lasting battery and colour touchscreen display

EMV and MSR enabled

Install additional apps to fully customise your small business credit card machine’s user experience

Weaknesses

Pricing information isn’t readily available

Not as highly rated by customers as models from some of its competitors

Verifone V400m's key features

  • Only comes in black
  • Works with both keyboard and touchscreen
  • Sturdy casing
  • Big 3.5” colour display
  • Prints receipts
  • Available through Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system providers such as Lightspeed
Payments accepted
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • Most chip and swipe cards (dependent on merchant account provider)

What's Verifone V400m's main draw?

Verifone V400m's sturdy casing is a great choice for business that will have it moving often and potentially subject to damage. For instance, it's a great choice for restauranteurs looking for a card machine that waiting staff can constantly take to tables.

How does Verifone V400m compare to its competitors?

Verifone V400m's battery life (it can last for a day) is on the same level as its competitors. It processes payments faster than the Ingenico iWL series and it also packs more integration that older card machine. It can be connected to a barcode scanner, like Square Reader, but because it doesn't come with one, it's not as practical as Ingenico Tetra Move 5000 in this sense. For retailers, this means that choosing the Verifone V400m will also mean expending more on a separate barcode scanner, which isn't ideal.

9. Ingenico Tetra Move 5000

Best for high-end retail

ingenico logo
Ingenico Tetra Move 5000
Pricing Available on request
Quick overview

With a slick touchscreen, sleek design, and highly pushable buttons, the Ingenico Tetra Move 5000 is about as easy on the eyes as they come. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t more to it than meets the eye, because the Move 5000’s capabilities go well beyond the tabletop. You’ll also get access to Ingenico’s cloud-based reporting and analytical capabilities, and be able to manage your online receipts and transaction history with ease.

Strengths

Compatible with Ingenico’s suite of cloud services, including back office reporting and e-receipt management

Large, 3.5-inch touchscreen

Accepts in-person payments via contactless, swipe and sign, and chip and PIN, as well as mobile wallets

PCI and EMV compliant

Weaknesses

Slightly more expensive than some of Ingenico’s other card terminals

The higher monthly costs may not be worthwhile for seasonal businesses, or those with a smaller sales volume

Ingenico Tetra Move 5000's key features

  • Only comes in black
  • Works both connected to main and battery-powered
  • Includes a barcode scanner and a rear camera
  • Works with both keyboard and touchscreen
  • Prints receipts
  • Available through merchant account providers such as takepayments

What's Ingenico Tetra Move 5000's main draw?

Ingenico Tetra Move 5000's sleek integration of barcode scanner and rear camera in a portable device is a flashy feature that make more suited to high-end, sophisticated retail environments (such a high street boutique). If you run one of these, you know how crucial the customer experience is – and this machine can help you by not only doing the job, but look good doing it.

How does Ingenico Tetra Move 5000 compare to its competitors?

Ingenico Tetra Move 5000's Cortex A5 processor improves on the Ingenico iWL series' ARM 7 and makes it process payment faster, despite still lagging behind Verifone V400m in this regard. Its battery life is advertised as lasting an entire day, which puts it on par with both Ingenico iWL series, Verifone V400m, and Square Reader, but easily beats Zettle Card Reader 2's 8 hours.

The different kinds of card machines for small businesses

On this page, we reviewed the best mobile credit card machines, the best countertop credit card machines, and the best portable credit card machines. Should you need a quick recap on what those mean:

  • Mobile credit card machines can function without a wifi connection or power source, so they’re ideal for taking payments in a variety of different locations, including outdoors.
  • Countertop credit card machines are designed to sit in a fixed spot at your premises, as they need power and internet connections. You usually see these card machines on shop and cafe tills.
  • Portable credit card machines are battery-powered and can connect wirelessly to your wifi, so can be carried around your premises. Think restaurants and bars that take payments at customers’ tables.
Customer paying on a portable card machine
Take payments at your customer's table with a portable credit card machine

How we rate card machines

To provide this wide comparison between card readers and find the ones featured in this top nine, we researched across 11 merchant account providers.

We looked into the card machines they offered, analysing them across four categories: price, features, customer support, and customer score. 

  • In price, we analysed account charges and transaction fees;
  • In features, we went over integration offering and reporting tools;
  • In customer support, saw us verify the support channels and opening hours;
  • We then generated the customer score by compiling data from various online review aggregators (such as Trustpilot). We also took the feedback the companies received into account.

With that data in hand, we ranked our findings, giving features that benefit small business a heavier weight. For instance, easy of use, low-cost, and sturdiness – which help new merchants or those looking to only invest in one single card machine – contributed to particular readers (such as the Square Reader and the Verifone V400m) making the cut.

Verdict

With its pocket-friendly ease of use and convenient EPOS functionality, the mobile Zettle Card Reader 2 is our top card machine for small businesses. If you’re in the market for a countertop machine, the Ingenico Tetra Desk 5000‘s plentiful integrations make it our pick, but if you’re after a portable credit card machine, the shock-proof, waterproof Ingenico iWL series is our go-to choice.

Ultimately, it’s best to remember that the best card machine for you depends on the unique needs and qualities of your small business. You’ll need to consider key factors including upfront costs, transaction fees and other charges, and user-friendliness.

If you’re still stuck on which card reader is right for you, our free quote-finding tool can help. We’ll match your small business with the credit card machine suppliers that meet your requirements, and they’ll be in touch to offer free, personalised quotes and advice, with zero obligation.

Compare quotes from leading card machine providers in the UK and save
Do you already have a card machine?
It takes just 30 seconds...

FAQs

What's the cheapest way to take card payments?
According to our research, Retail Merchant Services is the cheapest way to take payments. The provider is a merchant account that works with an array of Ingenico and Verifone card machines. While it charges a minimum £10 monthly account fee, it packs some of the cheapest transaction rates out there: 0.4% for debit cards and 0.8% for credit cards.
How do I get a card machine for my small business?
You can purchase a credit card machine for your small business either directly through the supplier (as is the case with models from Zettle, Revolut, and Square), or rent one as part of an agreement with a merchant account provider.
Do you need a business account for a card machine?
You don't need a business account to operate a card machine, but you do need a merchant account service. This service will store the funds during the period between the transaction and the payout.
What’s the cost of a card machine for a small business?
Card machines can cost between £7 and £45, depending on which type you go for.

If you’re opting for a mobile card reader, you’ll pay just a single, one-off fee to purchase the device outright – typically anywhere between £16 and £45 (excl. VAT) – plus a transaction fee of around 1.69% to 2.5% per sale.

This contrasts with the monthly rental fees you’ll usually have to pay to secure the services of a portable or countertop card machine for your small business. Costs here normally come in at between £7 and £30 per month, with transaction fees ringing up at around 1% to 1.5% per sale.

Are there free wireless card machines for small businesses?
There aren't free wireless card machines. Even if a provider decides to waive the cost of you buying or renting the machine itself, it'll still take a cut of every sale you process it with in the form of transaction fees.
Can I get a small business card machine without a contract?
Yes! Contract-free plans are usually more common among mobile card readers than any other kinds. Square and Zettle, for example, won’t ask you to sign a contract to use its card reader, so you’ll have the flexibility to opt out when you want to.
Compare quotes from leading card machine providers in the UK and save
Do you already have a card machine?
It takes just 30 seconds...

Our site is reader-supported. Some featured providers are our partners, so we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through our site. This is at no extra cost to our readers, and this doesn’t affect the independence of our reviews. Whether or not we have a partnership with a company does not affect our rating and review of the service.

Written by:
Rob Binns
Rob Binns Services Expert

Rob writes mainly about the payments industry, but also brings to the table industry-specific knowledge of CRM software, business loans, fulfilment, and invoice finance. When not exasperating his editor with bad puns, he can be found relaxing in a sunny (socially-distanced) corner, with a beer and a battered copy of Dostoevsky.

Reviewed by:
Ruairi Shirlow Business Services Researcher

Ruairi uses his 3+ years of research experience to uncover insights which can help Expert Market provide the best business solutions for their users. He has done this by meeting with business owners to find out what is important to them and what challenges they face on a daily basis. Ruairi specialises in tools that can be used to grow your business and has done research for a wide range of categories on Expert Market, such as EPOS, Website Builders, and Merchant Accounts.