Best Card Machines for Small Businesses in 2026
Finding the right card machine for small business use is increasingly important as UK customers continue to favour cards, contactless payments and mobile wallets.
According to UK Finance, card payments accounted for 64% of all UK payments in 2025, while cash represented only 8%. Contactless payments reached 19.2 billion transactions during the year, and around 65% of UK adults were registered for at least one mobile wallet.
That does not mean every business needs an expensive traditional card terminal. Small retailers, cafés, tradespeople, market sellers and freelancers can now choose between inexpensive pay-as-you-go readers, standalone 4G terminals, smartphone Tap to Pay services and complete EPOS systems.
This guide compares 12 of the best card machines for small businesses in the UK in 2026, including their current advertised fees, hardware costs, contracts, connectivity and the type of business each option suits.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Card Machine?
The cheapest advertised transaction rate does not automatically mean the cheapest payment service for your business.
Transaction Fees
Compare both percentage and fixed charges.
A provider charging 0.8% + 2p could be inexpensive for many domestic debit card transactions, while a fee containing a larger fixed charge can become more significant if your average transaction value is low.
Also check whether the advertised rate applies to:
- UK Consumer Cards
- Commercial Cards
- International Cards
- American Express
- Manually Entered Transactions
- Online Payments
- Refunds
Monthly And Hardware Costs
Card machines generally use one of three pricing models:
- One-Off Hardware Purchase
- Monthly Terminal Rental
- Pay-As-You-Go Processing
- A Combination Of Rental And Transaction Charges
A seasonal trader may be better suited to a reader with no monthly fee, while a busy restaurant could save money by accepting a monthly terminal charge in return for better processing rates and operational features.
Contracts
Providers including SumUp, Square and myPOS offer highly flexible options, whereas traditional merchant-service packages can involve 12-month or 18-month agreements.
Check cancellation terms before signing.
Connectivity
A Bluetooth card reader normally depends on a smartphone or tablet.
Standalone terminals containing Wi-Fi and 4G are more suitable for tradespeople, markets, delivery businesses and hospitality venues where losing a phone connection could stop customers from paying.
Payment Methods
A modern machine should ideally accept:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Contactless Cards
- Chip And PIN
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
Support for American Express and international or commercial cards should also be checked if these payments are common among your customers.
Settlement Speed
Getting money into your account quickly can matter significantly to a small business.
Some providers offer next-day settlement, while others provide access to funds through their own business or merchant account almost immediately.
EPOS And Business Tools
Retailers and hospitality businesses should consider whether the payment terminal integrates with:
- Stock Management
- Product Catalogues
- Accounting Software
- Staff Management
- Table Management
- Tipping
- Sales Analytics
- Customer Receipts
Top 12 Best Card Machines for Small Businesses in the UK in 2026
1. SumUp Solo Lite
Best Overall For Startups And Small Sellers
SumUp introduced the Solo Lite in the UK in February 2026, making it the logical replacement for the older SumUp Air in this comparison.
The Solo Lite costs £25 excluding VAT, or £30 including VAT, and connects to a smartphone running the SumUp Business app.
Businesses using SumUp’s standard pay-as-you-go pricing pay 1.69% per card-reader transaction, with no monthly subscription. SumUp also offers Payments Plus, which can reduce eligible domestic consumer-card transaction fees to 0.99% in return for a subscription.
Key Details
- Reader Cost: £25 + VAT
- Standard Transaction Fee: 1.69%
- Monthly Fee: £0 on PAYG
- Connectivity: Smartphone paired
- Payments: Chip & PIN, contactless and mobile wallets
- Best For: Startups, freelancers, markets and low-volume sellers
Another advantage is settlement into the SumUp Business Account, where SumUp says accepted funds can become available the following day, including weekends and bank holidays.
For many new businesses wanting an inexpensive card machine without committing to a contract, the Solo Lite is one of the simplest places to start.
2. PayPal Card Reader
Best For Businesses Already Using PayPal
The former Zettle by PayPal service is now presented as PayPal Point of Sale, although businesses may still encounter the Zettle name in older documentation and accounts.
The first PayPal Card Reader currently costs £29 excluding VAT, while additional readers are £69 excluding VAT.
Standard card-present payments cost 1.75%, with no setup or monthly POS software fee.
Key Details
- First Reader: £29 + VAT
- Additional Readers: £69 + VAT
- Card-Present Fee: 1.75%
- Monthly POS Fee: £0
- Payments: Cards, contactless and supported wallets
- Best For: PayPal sellers, markets, cafés and pop-ups
Businesses needing more capable hardware can also choose PayPal’s standalone Terminal, currently advertised from £149 excluding VAT.
This makes PayPal particularly convenient for businesses already managing online and in-person income through the PayPal ecosystem.
3. Square Reader
Best For Free POS Software And Simple Pricing
Square remains one of the strongest all-round payment platforms for small UK businesses.
One of the most important corrections to the old article is its transaction fee. Square’s current UK fee for card-present chip and PIN and contactless payments is 1.75%, not 2.6% + 10p.
The latest Square Reader is currently £19 excluding VAT.
Key Details
- Reader Cost: £19 + VAT
- In-Person Fee: 1.75%
- Monthly Fee: £0 for standard payment processing
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Settlement: Standard next-day transfers
- Best For: Shops, salons, cafés and service businesses
Square’s main advantage is its wider ecosystem. The reader works with Square’s point-of-sale software and can be expanded into appointments, retail, restaurant and other business-management tools.
It also supports temporary offline card payments, although businesses must reconnect within Square’s specified timeframe to upload the transactions.
4. myPOS Go 2
Best Standalone Budget Card Machine
The myPOS Go 2 remains one of the most attractive options for businesses that want portability without depending on a smartphone.
It costs £39 excluding VAT and includes Wi-Fi plus a built-in SIM with mobile data.
Businesses with less than £10,000 of monthly card turnover can use its pay-as-you-go arrangement with no fixed monthly fee and transaction pricing from 1.10% + 7p.
Key Details
- Machine Cost: £39 + VAT
- Transaction Fee: From 1.10% + 7p
- Monthly Cost: £0 on PAYG
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and integrated mobile data
- Phone Required: No
- Best For: Tradespeople, taxis, markets and mobile services
The machine accepts chip and PIN, contactless cards and wallets including Apple Pay and Google Pay.
myPOS also provides instant settlement into its merchant account. The company states that accepted payments can reach the account within seconds.
That combination of independence, mobile connectivity and low upfront cost makes the Go 2 particularly competitive for businesses operating away from a fixed premises.
5. Revolut Reader
Best For Low Domestic Consumer-Card Processing Fees
The Revolut Reader remains available for £49 and integrates with Revolut Business.
Its headline rate is particularly competitive. In-person Visa and Mastercard payments made with UK domestic consumer cards currently cost 0.8% + 2p.
However, businesses should not assume that rate applies to every transaction.
Domestic American Express consumer cards cost 1.7% + 2p, while commercial cards and international cards can cost 2.6% + 2p.
Key Details
- Reader Cost: £49
- UK Consumer Visa/Mastercard: 0.8% + 2p
- Business Account: Revolut Business required
- Settlement: Generally within 24 hours
- Payments: Chip & PIN, contactless and mobile wallets
- Best For: Businesses already operating through Revolut
Businesses should factor in their Revolut Business subscription when comparing total costs. The Basic Revolut Business plan is currently £10 per month.
Revolut also now offers larger standalone terminals, including its £169 + VAT Revolut Terminal.
6. Worldpay Mobile Card Machine
Best For Established Businesses Wanting Traditional Merchant Services
Worldpay operates differently from most app-based pay-as-you-go readers.
Its mobile card machines are available through merchant-service agreements, including variable pricing and its Simplicity tariff, which currently advertises a 1.50% transaction rate for applicable Visa and Mastercard transactions.
Worldpay’s current mobile-terminal offer shows £0 monthly terminal hire against a standard displayed price of £22.50 on the Simplicity plan, although promotional pricing can change. The standard agreement is 18 months.
Key Details
- Machine Cost: Rental-based
- Transaction Rate: 1.50% under advertised Simplicity pricing for applicable transactions
- Contract: 18 months
- Settlement: Free next-business-day settlement advertised
- Connectivity: Mobile terminal options available
- Best For: Established shops, restaurants and growing businesses
Worldpay becomes more attractive when a business is processing enough money to justify negotiating its overall merchant-services package rather than simply selecting the cheapest reader.
7. Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere
Best Bank-Backed Pay-As-You-Go Option
The older Barclaycard Anywhere branding should now be updated to Smartpay Anywhere.
The reader currently costs £29 + VAT as a one-off payment and Barclaycard advertises it without a monthly service charge or standard fixed-term contract.
Unlike SumUp and Square, transaction pricing is customised according to the business.
Key Details
- Reader Cost: £29 + VAT
- Monthly Machine Fee: £0
- Contract: No standard fixed-term contract
- Transaction Fee: Customised
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and mobile data
- Settlement: Potentially next working day
- Best For: Sole traders, mobile services and existing Barclays customers
Smartpay Anywhere is particularly suitable for businesses wanting the portability of a small reader while preferring a traditional UK payment provider.
Do not assume that Barclaycard’s example transaction rates will necessarily be your rate. The actual processing price is provided as part of the merchant quote.
8. takepaymentsplus
Best For Businesses Wanting Personal Support
takepaymentsplus is more than a basic card reader.
It is available on terminals including the A920Pro and compact A77, with functions including product management, gratuities, split cash and card payments, staff users and transaction reporting.
Unlike the major flat-rate readers, takepayments does not publish one universal transaction percentage because merchant processing charges depend on the acquiring agreement.
Key Details
- Hardware Price: Quote required
- Transaction Fees: Quote-based
- Contract: 12 months
- Settlement: Next working day subject to conditions
- Connectivity: Depends on selected terminal
- Best For: Shops, salons, cafés and hospitality businesses
Its main appeal is support and onboarding rather than simply having the lowest headline transaction rate.
Businesses should request a complete quote showing terminal rental, processing rates, authorisation charges and any additional costs before comparing it with pay-as-you-go competitors.
9. Tyl By NatWest PAX A920 Pro
Best For Businesses Wanting Transparent Traditional Pricing
Tyl by NatWest has become considerably easier to compare because it now publishes pricing for smaller businesses.
For businesses processing up to £50,000 in annual card payments, Tyl currently charges 1.39% + 5p for qualifying UK and European personal cards and 1.99% + 5p for other cards. American Express pricing varies.
Its PAX A920 Pro costs £19.99 + VAT per month.
Key Details
- Machine Rental: £19.99 + VAT/month
- Personal Card Fee: 1.39% + 5p for qualifying cards
- Other Cards: 1.99% + 5p
- Connectivity: 4G and Wi-Fi
- Settlement: Next business day
- Best For: Retail, hospitality and professional services
Smaller businesses wanting less expensive hardware can also choose the PAX A80 at £13.99 + VAT per month or PAX A50 at £14.99 + VAT per month.
Tyl also offers Tap to Pay with no monthly machine rental, meaning compatible smartphones can accept contactless transactions without separate card-reader hardware.
10. Dojo Go Max
Best For Busy Small Businesses And Hospitality
The current portable Dojo terminal is the Dojo Go Max, replacing the older Dojo Go naming used in the original article.
Dojo currently advertises a 1.2% blended transaction rate for businesses processing below £100,000 in annual card turnover. Businesses above that level can receive custom rates.
The Dojo Go Max starts from around £20 per month for small businesses, although hardware and package pricing can vary according to the selected arrangement.
Key Details
- Hardware: From around £20/month
- Transaction Rate: 1.2% blended below £100,000 annual card turnover
- Higher Turnover: Custom rates
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi with 4G backup
- EPOS Integration: Available
- Best For: Restaurants, pubs, cafés and busy retailers
Its selling points are speed, connectivity and integration rather than being the cheapest entry-level card reader.
For businesses where queues or slow restaurant payments directly affect customer experience, that can be more important than saving a few pounds on hardware.
11. Clover Flex
Best Portable POS Card Machine
Clover Flex combines payment acceptance with many of the functions normally associated with a larger point-of-sale system.
Current UK pricing lists the Clover Flex at £15 + VAT per month, although payment processing rates are individually determined based on factors such as turnover and average transaction size.
Key Details
- Machine Cost: £15 + VAT/month
- Transaction Rate: Custom pricing
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and LTE
- Payments: Chip, contactless, digital wallets and supported cards
- POS Features: Available
- Best For: Restaurants, cafés and retail businesses
Clover Flex can be particularly useful in hospitality because employees can take the terminal directly to customers rather than requiring payment at a fixed checkout.
Clover also offers the smaller Flex Pocket, Clover Mini and larger Station Duo for businesses requiring different point-of-sale configurations.
12. Epos Now Payments
Best For Businesses Wanting Payments And EPOS Together
Rather than listing PAX A920 as a standalone payment provider, the final place goes to Epos Now Payments.
Epos Now is particularly relevant to retail and hospitality businesses that want their card machine integrated with a broader EPOS environment.
Its currently advertised standard processing rate is 1.7% for Visa and Mastercard payments, with separate arrangements for some additional card schemes.
There are no standard authorisation or PCI compliance charges under its advertised Epos Now Payments pricing, although hardware costs apply.
The company offers several terminal formats including portable and fixed devices.
Key Details
- Hardware: Quote required
- Visa And Mastercard Processing: 1.7%
- Refund Fee: £0
- Settlement: Next-day payouts advertised
- EPOS Integration: Yes
- Best For: Retail, restaurants and hospitality
It makes the most sense for businesses that need an operational POS system rather than simply a small reader for occasional card transactions.
What Is the Best Card Machine for Small Business?
There is no single best machine for every business.
For businesses wanting a simple low-cost reader with no monthly commitment, SumUp Solo Lite is one of the strongest options.
Square Reader stands out if you also need free point-of-sale software, while myPOS Go 2 is particularly useful for mobile businesses because it works independently without a smartphone.
Businesses processing larger volumes may benefit from quote-based providers such as Worldpay, Dojo, Barclaycard, takepayments or Clover, where pricing can be structured around turnover.
| Card Machine | Hardware Or Monthly Cost | Advertised In-Person Fee | Best For |
| SumUp Solo Lite | £25 + VAT | 1.69% PAYG | Startups and low-volume sellers |
| PayPal Card Reader | £29 + VAT first reader | 1.75% | PayPal users and pop-ups |
| Square Reader | £19 + VAT | 1.75% | Retail and service businesses |
| myPOS Go 2 | £39 + VAT | From 1.10% + 7p | Mobile businesses |
| Revolut Reader | £49 | From 0.8% + 2p | Revolut Business users |
| Worldpay Mobile | Terminal hire plans | 1.50% on Simplicity tariff* | Established businesses |
| Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere | £29 + VAT | Custom pricing | Sole traders and mobile businesses |
| takepaymentsplus | Quote | Custom pricing | Retail and hospitality |
| Tyl PAX A920 Pro | £19.99 + VAT/month | From 1.39% + 5p* | Shops, cafés and hospitality |
| Dojo Go Max | From £20/month | 1.2% blended under £100k turnover | Busy businesses |
| Clover Flex | £15 + VAT/month | Custom pricing | Restaurants and retailers |
| Epos Now Payments | Quote | 1.7%* | Businesses wanting integrated EPOS |
*Eligibility, card type, turnover and other conditions can affect the final rate. Promotional hardware prices and provider fees can also change.
Pay-As-You-Go Vs Monthly Card Machines
There is an important distinction between card machines designed for occasional sellers and traditional merchant-service contracts.
Pay-As-You-Go Card Machines
These typically offer:
- Low Upfront Costs
- No Long Contract
- No Terminal Rental
- Fixed Transaction Rates
- Simple Setup
They work particularly well for startups and businesses with unpredictable turnover.
Monthly Or Contract Card Machines
These can offer:
- Negotiated Processing Rates
- Standalone Connectivity
- EPOS Integration
- Receipt Printers
- Faster Support
- Advanced Reporting
- Multiple Terminals
They can become more economical as transaction volumes increase.
Businesses should therefore compare total annual payment costs, rather than simply choosing the provider displaying the lowest transaction percentage.
What Extra Card Machine Fees Should Small Businesses Check?
The headline transaction fee is only part of the cost.
Before signing an agreement, check whether you could also pay:
- Terminal Rental
- Authorisation Fees
- PCI Compliance Fees
- Chargeback Fees
- Contract Cancellation Charges
- Minimum Monthly Charges
- International Card Rates
- Commercial Card Rates
- American Express Rates
- Instant Settlement Fees
- Payment Gateway Charges
- Replacement Terminal Costs
Ask the provider for a complete schedule of charges if these costs are not clearly published.
Should Small Businesses Consider Tap To Pay In 2026?
Yes. Tap to Pay has become an increasingly credible alternative for businesses that only need to accept contactless transactions.
Services from providers including Tyl, Revolut, Square and others allow compatible smartphones to accept payments without a separate physical card reader.
This is particularly useful for:
- Tradespeople
- Market Sellers
- Delivery Workers
- Mobile Services
- Occasional Sellers
- Backup Payment Devices
It is also increasingly relevant because mobile-wallet adoption continues to rise. UK Finance reported that 65% of UK adults were registered for at least one mobile payment service during 2025.
Physical contactless card payments generally remain subject to the UK’s £100 contactless limit, while authenticated mobile-wallet payments can exceed £100 because identity is verified using features such as Face ID or fingerprints.
A traditional chip and PIN terminal may still be preferable if customers frequently make larger payments or if the business needs printed receipts and other POS functions.
How To Choose The Best Card Machine For Your Small Business?
Start by calculating three numbers:
- Expected Monthly Card Turnover
- Average Transaction Value
- Expected Number Of Transactions
Then compare the complete cost of each provider.
For example, a 0.8% rate can appear substantially cheaper than 1.69%, but the actual calculation may change once fixed transaction charges, business-account subscriptions, commercial-card rates and international-card fees are included.
Next, consider where payments will take place.
A market seller needs reliable mobile connectivity. A restaurant may prioritise tableside payments and tipping. A retailer may need stock management. A tradesperson may simply need a small reader that fits into a pocket.
Finally, consider how quickly you need your money.
Settlement time can have a bigger impact on cash flow than a small difference in processing fees.
Conclusion
The best card machine for a small business depends on your transaction volume, business type and the features you need.
Before choosing a provider, compare hardware costs, monthly fees, transaction rates, contract terms, settlement speed and additional business tools.
Consider whether you need a portable device, integrated EPOS features, inventory management or support for multiple payment methods.
The right option should be reliable, easy to use and cost-effective for your typical sales volume. Taking time to compare the full pricing structure and features can help you choose a card machine that supports your business as it grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Cheapest Card Machine For Small Businesses?
Among the major pay-as-you-go readers reviewed here, SumUp Solo Lite has one of the lowest upfront hardware prices at £25 + VAT. Square Reader is currently £19 + VAT, although transaction rates and overall costs should also be compared.
Which Card Machine Has The Lowest Transaction Fees?
Revolut advertises rates from 0.8% + 2p for in-person UK Visa and Mastercard consumer-card transactions. However, commercial, international and American Express transactions have different rates, and a Revolut Business account is required.
Can I Get A Card Machine Without A Monthly Fee?
Yes. SumUp, Square, PayPal Point of Sale and myPOS all offer card-reader arrangements without mandatory monthly payment-processing subscriptions. Transaction charges still apply.
Do I Need A Business Bank Account For A Card Machine?
Requirements vary by provider and business structure. Most providers require an approved settlement account, but this does not always have to be a conventional high-street business current account.
For example, myPOS provides its own merchant e-money account, while SumUp provides a Business Account option.
Do Card Machines Need Wi-Fi?
No. Some terminals contain mobile connectivity through a SIM, including myPOS Go 2, Tyl’s portable PAX machines and Dojo Go Max. Smaller Bluetooth readers normally communicate through a connected smartphone or tablet.
Which Card Machine Is Best For Restaurants?
Dojo Go Max and Clover Flex are strong options for restaurants because they combine portable payments with hospitality and EPOS functionality. Tyl PAX A920 Pro and takepaymentsplus are also worth comparing.
How Quickly Do Card Machine Payments Reach A Business Account?
It depends on the provider. Many traditional providers offer next-business-day settlement. myPOS provides rapid settlement into its own merchant account, while Revolut advertises settlement within 24 hours.
Always check settlement cut-off times and account requirements before choosing a provider.
One Comment