In an increasingly cashless society, if you don’t have card payment machines, you risk losing out on sales.
A survey carried out by UK Finance in 2023 found that debit card payments made up more than half of all payments made in the UK, and payments are expected to reach over 30 billion instances in 2033.
There are countless card machines for small businesses on the market today, and most enable you to take chip and PIN, contactless, and mobile payments.
But there are differences in features, fees, and upfront costs which will make some more or less suitable for your business than others.
This article will break down the hardware and functionality of the best payment machines currently on the market to help you choose the one that’s right for you.
You can jump straight to a particular card machine or read on to find more info on the 10 (plus one bonus!) best card payment machines for small UK businesses in 2024.
40% of the UK’s micro businesses do not accept card payments – This is despite digital payments being the preferred way to pay for 47% of shoppers.
Card Payment Machines
- Paymentsave Card Machines
- Square Reader
- Tide Card Reader
- TakePayments
- SumUp Air
- Zettle Reader 2
- MyPOS Go
- Dojo Go
- Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere
- Tyl (by NatWest)
1. Paymentsave Card Machines
Paymentsave provides a reliable card payment machine service for small businesses, offering easy integration and competitive fees. With flexibility in mobile, portable, and countertop models, Paymentsave enables businesses to accept payments anywhere, boosting both in-person and remote sales.
Features & Advantages:
- No hidden fees, with clear and transparent pricing.
- Offers a wide range of devices to suit different business needs.
- Easy setup with seamless integration into your existing systems.
- Flexible payment options, including chip and pin, contactless, and mobile payments.
- Fast transaction processing, ensuring smooth customer transactions.
2. Square Reader
Square offers affordable mobile card readers with flexible pricing options. Ideal for small businesses, it accepts all major debit and credit cards, as well as mobile payments, and has a straightforward fee structure.
Features & Advantages:
- Compact and portable design, perfect for businesses on the go.
- No monthly fees, pay as you go with transparent transaction costs.
- Compatible with a wide range of devices including smartphones and tablets.
- Provides detailed analytics and reporting to track business performance.
- Quick, reliable transactions, including contactless and chip-and-pin.
3. Tide Card Reader
Tide provides an intuitive card reader with no monthly fees, perfect for small businesses looking for an easy-to-use solution with low upfront costs. Tide’s mobile app seamlessly integrates with your payments.
Features & Advantages:
- No monthly or hidden fees, making it cost-effective for small businesses.
- Quick and easy setup, ideal for businesses with little tech knowledge.
- Integrated app that allows you to manage payments and business finances.
- Secure payments, accepting all major cards and mobile wallets.
- 24/7 customer support to assist with any issues or queries.
4. TakePayments
TakePayments offers a range of card payment machines with low transaction fees. From portable to countertop models, TakePayments is perfect for any small business requiring reliable and secure payment processing.
Features & Advantages:
- Offers a variety of models to suit both mobile and fixed-location businesses.
- Flexible payment plans with competitive transaction fees.
- Easy integration with POS systems and accounting software.
- Provides advanced fraud protection features for secure transactions.
- No long-term contracts, offering flexibility for businesses of all sizes.
5. SumUp Air
SumUp Air is a top choice for mobile payments. It’s compact, lightweight, and connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. SumUp charges competitive fees, making it an ideal solution for entrepreneurs on the go.
Features & Advantages:
- Wireless design with Bluetooth connectivity, providing flexibility and mobility.
- No monthly fees, just pay per transaction.
- Accepts all major debit and credit cards as well as mobile wallet payments.
- Free app for managing transactions, invoicing, and reporting.
- Low transaction fees, making it cost-effective for small businesses.
6. Zettle Reader 2
Zettle Reader 2 is a reliable and affordable option for small businesses. With its sleek design and easy-to-use features, it enables businesses to accept card payments quickly and securely.
Features & Advantages:
- Compact and portable, ideal for businesses on the move.
- Accepts all major debit and credit cards, as well as mobile payments.
- Simple setup and integration with the Zettle app for seamless payment management.
- No monthly fees and low transaction costs.
- Provides real-time sales insights and reporting, helping businesses track performance.
7. MyPOS Go
MyPOS Go offers a portable card payment machine with no monthly fees and the flexibility of mobile payments. It’s perfect for small businesses, including those working in pop-up shops or on the go.
Features & Advantages:
- Portable and lightweight design, easy to carry around.
- Allows you to accept payments anywhere with 3G, 4G, or Wi-Fi connectivity.
- No monthly fees or hidden charges, keeping costs low.
- Offers next-day settlement, ensuring quick access to funds.
- Built-in printer for receipts, adding convenience to every transaction.
8. Dojo Go
Dojo Go is a flexible mobile card payment machine designed for small businesses looking for low fees and high performance. Ideal for retailers and service providers, it offers great features at an affordable price.
Features & Advantages:
- Compact and lightweight, easy to transport.
- Accepts all types of card payments, including contactless and mobile wallets.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees, offering full cost control.
- Provides next-day funding, ensuring fast access to payments.
- Supports integration with various POS systems for a seamless workflow.
9. Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere
Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere offers flexible, reliable payment solutions for small businesses. It is ideal for retailers, restaurants, or any business that requires on-the-go payments.
Features & Advantages:
- Wide coverage across the UK, with both 3G/4G and Wi-Fi options.
- Easy integration with your existing systems, reducing setup time.
- Secure and reliable payment processing with advanced fraud protection.
- Accepts all major card payments, including chip and pin, contactless, and mobile wallets.
- 24/7 customer support to ensure your business never faces payment interruptions.
10. Tyl (by Natwest)
Tyl from NatWest is a comprehensive solution that provides flexible card payment machines suitable for businesses of any size. It’s a great choice for small businesses looking for an all-in-one payment system.
Features & Advantages:
- Competitive rates for transaction fees, helping small businesses save money.
- Easy integration with other NatWest business solutions, streamlining operations.
- Provides fast and secure payment processing with advanced encryption.
- Offers a range of devices, including mobile, portable, and countertop options.
- Dedicated customer support to help with any technical or operational issues.
Choosing the right card payment machine is essential for small businesses looking to stay competitive in today’s cashless society. With various options like Paymentsave, Square, and SumUp offering flexibility, low fees, and easy integration, businesses can find a solution that meets their unique needs. Whether you’re looking for portability, low upfront costs, or advanced features, these top 10 card payment machines provide reliable payment processing and enhanced customer satisfaction. By selecting the best payment system for your business, you can ensure seamless transactions, improve cash flow, and boost growth in 2025.