A credit card machine is a device for processing credit card payments. They’re usually found at the checkout counter when buying groceries or when a server brings them to your table to settle the bill at a restaurant.

Credit card machines help businesses process payments faster and reduce human error. This ensures that the cash flow is smooth and the transactions are accurate, saving your business money in the long term.

These machines are essential for small businesses like retail stores, restaurants, hair salons, and auto repair shops. They bring convenience to customers who may not have cash on hand, thereby increasing sales. In fact, as of September 2024, 383 million credit card transactions took place in the UK, with people preferring credit cards over carrying cash.[1]

The Geekflare team has researched and curated the best credit card machines for small businesses based on factors like core features, transaction fees, connectivity, contract lengths, and supported payment types.

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Credit Card Machine Comparison

In the table below, I’ve compared all the credit card machines on this list, considering their transaction fees, monthly fees, contract length, connectivity, and supported payment types.

Square
SumUp
Zettle
Dojo Go
takepaymentsplus
Worldpay
Tide
Revolut Terminal
Epos Now
Transaction Fees

1.75% per transaction for in-person payments, 2.5% per transaction for manual entry

1.69% per transaction

1.75% per transaction

1.2% fixed percentage rate

Varies depending on the payment method

From £1.5% per transaction on Visa and Mastercard

1% per transaction

Card fees starting from 0.8% + £0.02

1.5% per transaction

Starting Monthly Fees

£0

£0

£0

£15 for hardware

Varies depending on the business

£15 monthly hire fee

£0

£0

£0

Contract Length

No monthly contract

No monthly contract

No monthly contract

Options for 30-day and 12-month

12-month

18-month

No monthly contract

No monthly contract

No monthly contract

Connectivity

Bluetooth, WiFi

Bluetooth, WiFi, Mobile data

WiFi, Mobile data

WiFi, Mobile data

WiFi, Mobile data

WiFi, Mobile data

WiFi, Mobile data

WiFi, Mobile data

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Mobile data, Ethernet

Supported Payment Types

Debit/credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay

Debit/credit cards, Union Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay

Debit/credit cards, VPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay

Debit/credit cards

Debit/credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay

Debit/credit cards

Debit/credit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay

Debit/credit cards, VPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay

Debit/credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay

4.5
/5
4.5
/5
4.6
/5
4.3
/5
4.8
/5
4.0
/5
3.8
/5
4.2
/5
4.0
/5
Explore

Credit Card Machine Review

Below, I’ve reviewed the best credit card machines available today for small businesses, highlighting why they were picked, their features, and the pros and cons. I’ve also considered these factors when giving the machines an average rating.

1. Square

1. Square

Affordable and Easy to Use

Geekflare rating score 4.5 out of 5
4.5
|
  • Wireless
    Yes
  • Receipt Options
    Email, SMS, Printed
  • POS Integration
    Yes
£19/Card Machine
Try Square

Why We Picked Square

Square’s credit card machine, the Square Reader, is an affordable and user-friendly solution for small businesses to streamline payment processing. It’s easy to set up, allowing them to start accepting payments quickly and efficiently. This makes it ideal for those seeking a cost-effective and hassle-free payment solution.

I like that the Square Reader has a sleek design and robust functionality, ensuring transactions are processed smoothly, in-store or on the go. It offers businesses a secure and reliable way of handling payments, which is great for sales and the customer’s peace of mind.

Square Pricing

The Square Reader itself costs £19, and has 3 pricing plans, as shown below:

Free: £0/month

Plus: £29/month

Premium: Custom (for companies who process over £200K a year)

Square Features

  • Key feature

    Accepts Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other contactless payment methods.

  • Key feature

    Provides tools to manage stock levels and track inventory.

  • Key feature

    Allows businesses to create branded receipts for a personalised customer experience.

  • Key feature

    Offers detailed sales reports and customer insights to help businesses make informed decisions.

  • Key feature

    Supports operations across multiple locations with centralised reporting and management.

Square Pros/Cons

  • Advantage

    Simple, intuitive design for easy payment processing

  • Advantage

    Compatible with mobile devices for on-the-go payments

  • Advantage

    Supports offline payments

  • Advantage

    Powerful battery for handling greater number of transactions

  • Disadvantage

    Customisation options are limited

  • Disadvantage

    Not cost-effective for businesses with high transaction volumes

2. SumUp

2. SumUp

Best for Retail, Restaurant and Services Businesses

Geekflare rating score 4.5 out of 5
4.5
|
  • Wireless
    Yes
  • Receipt Options
    Email, SMS, Printed
  • POS Integration
    Yes
£39+/Card Machine
7-day free trial
Try SumUp

Why We Picked SumUp

SumUp is a POS systems provider that helps businesses in the service industry process various payment types quickly and efficiently. Their credit card machines offer table-side payments for restaurants with built-in tipping features. With portable designs, the machines are ideal for service businesses that need to accept payments on the go.

These machines are simple to use and require minimal training. They also offer easy integration and no long-term contracts or hidden fees. This makes them a cost-effective choice for small businesses that must manage expenses carefully.

SumUp Pricing

SumUp’s credit card machines start from £39, and there are 3 pricing plans on offer, which are as follows:

Pay-as-You-Go: £0/month + 1.69% for in-person payments and 2.5% for digital payments

SumUp One: £19/month + 0.99% for in-person payments and 0.99% for digital payments

Custom: For businesses with over £60,000 in payments a year.

SumUp Features

  • Key feature

    Lightweight and easy to carry, ideal for on-the-go transactions.

  • Key feature

    Supports contactless, chip & PIN, and mobile payments.

  • Key feature

    Ensures reliability during busy periods without constant recharging.

  • Key feature

    Quick to install with minimal technical setup required.

  • Key feature

    Connects with POS systems, inventory, and accounting software.

SumUp Pros/Cons

  • Advantage

    No monthly fees or long-term contracts

  • Advantage

    Intuitive interface

  • Advantage

    Suitable for various business models and payment scenarios

  • Advantage

    Compliant with PCI standards for secure transactions.

  • Disadvantage

    Per-transaction costs add up for high-volume businesses

  • Disadvantage

    Customer service response times aren’t consistent

3. Zettle

3. Zettle

Best for Small Businesses with Growing Needs

Geekflare rating score 4.6 out of 5
4.6
|
  • Wireless
    Yes
  • Receipt Options
    Email, SMS, Printed
  • POS Integration
    Yes
£29 (1st Card Machine)
Try Zettle

Why We Picked Zettle

Zettle by PayPal is a payments solution provider that offers scalable solutions for growing small businesses without contracts or recurring fees.

I found their flat 1.75% transaction fee to be a great feature since businesses don’t need to worry about costs as their sales increase. Also, the platform’s PayPal integration enables them to seamlessly transition between in-person and online sales, which is great for businesses that want to expand into other markets.

Furthermore, I like that Zettle has a POS with features like inventory management, sales analytics, and customer tools. This allows businesses to grow efficiently without investing too much money in expensive external systems.

The mobile design of the credit card machine enables payments anywhere, from pop-up shops to storefronts, offering flexibility as businesses expand.

Zettle Pricing

Zettle has no monthly pricing plans, but there are the following costs to keep in mind:

– £29 for the first card reader and £59/additional card reader.

– 1.75% per transaction fee + other transaction types.

Zettle Features

  • Key feature

    Accepts contactless, chip & PIN, and mobile wallet payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

  • Key feature

    POS system with inventory tracking, sales reports, and customer management.

  • Key feature

    No long-term contracts, allowing businesses to scale payment solutions up or down.

  • Key feature

    Easy pairing with mobile devices through Bluetooth for immediate use.

  • Key feature

    Supports both physical store transactions and online sales through payment links.

Zettle Pros/Cons

  • Advantage

    Transparent pricing with no monthly fees

  • Advantage

    Ideal for businesses on the move or expanding

  • Advantage

    Smooth integration with PayPal

  • Disadvantage

    No customer support during the weekends

  • Disadvantage

    Fewer choices in terms of hardware compared to some competitors

4. Dojo Go

4. Dojo Go

Best for Fast Transactions

Geekflare rating score 4.3 out of 5
4.3
|
  • Wireless
    Yes
  • Receipt Options
    Email, Printed
  • POS Integration
    Yes
£179/Card Machine
1-month free trial
Try Dojo Go

Why We Picked Dojo Go

Dojo Go is a credit card terminal by Dojo. I noticed on the website that the company claims it can process payments 50% faster than the industry average. Completing contactless payments with the Dojo Go can take less than 2 seconds, according to them.

I believe this speed can be a game changer for busy establishments like restaurants and retail stores during peak hours. And with built-in mobile connectivity, businesses can have peace of mind knowing that the device will work even when WiFi is out.

Dojo Go Pricing

The following costs are associated with the Dojo Go card machine:

– Hardware costs start from £179

– Hardware costs can be spread with a monthly fee, starting from £15.

– Businesses can opt for a 1.2% all-inclusive charge

– A custom rate is available based on business needs

Dojo Go Features

  • Key feature

    Seamlessly switches between Wi-Fi and 4G for uninterrupted service.

  • Key feature

    Daily transfers, even on weekends and bank holidays.

  • Key feature

    A 5-inch display with a smooth, user-friendly interface.

  • Key feature

    Monitor transactions and sales on the go through the Dojo app.

  • Key feature

    Utilises point-to-point encryption for enhanced data security.

Dojo Go Pros/Cons

  • Advantage

    Transparent pricing model with clear transaction fees

  • Advantage

    Customer support is available 24/7

  • Advantage

    Integrates with over 600 EPOS systems

  • Advantage

    10-hour battery life

  • Advantage

    Supports PayPal integration

  • Disadvantage

    Requires a minimum contract term for businesses with lower turnover

  • Disadvantage

    Monthly fees aren’t cost-effective for businesses with minimal transactions

  • Disadvantage

    Primarily optimised for UK businesses

5. takepaymentsplus

5. takepaymentsplus

Best for Multi-user Needs

Geekflare rating score 4.8 out of 5
4.8
|
  • Wireless
    Yes
  • Receipt Options
    Email, SMS, Printed
  • POS Integration
    Yes
Pricing on Request
Try takepaymentsplus

Why We Picked takepaymentsplus

takepaymentsplus’s credit card machine caters to the needs of businesses with multiple users. I like its Cashier Management feature since it lets small business owners add different users and give them a PIN to unlock the machine when they need to use it.

This credit card machine is ideal for restaurants and retail stores that require strict control over who can handle payments.

takepaymentsplus offers detailed reporting for individual user transaction tracking and performance monitoring. This feature enables effective staff management and accountability, which is especially useful for businesses with high turnover rates.

I like the fact that it offers consistency in both performance and customer service. This is reflected directly in its Trustpilot page, showing a 4.9/5 rating with an “Excellent” tag.

takepaymentsplus Pricing

The takepaymentsplus service offers custom pricing based on your requirements. You’ll have to fill out a form on their website for a free quote.

takepaymentsplus Features

  • Key feature

    Quick item selection and customisation directly from the device.

  • Key feature

    Built-in gratuity feature for adding tips to transactions.

  • Key feature

    Allows customers to pay with both cash and card.

  • Key feature

    Real-time inventory tracking to manage stock levels efficiently.

  • Key feature

    Online management portal for in-depth analytics and settings adjustments.

takepaymentsplus Pros/Cons

  • Advantage

    Super simple to set up and start transacting

  • Advantage

    Available 7 days a week for immediate assistance

  • Advantage

    Next-day settlement of funds

  • Advantage

    No initial setup fees, making it cost-effective to start

  • Disadvantage

    Requires a 12-month contract, which might not suit all businesses

  • Disadvantage

    Hardware costs are higher than some competitors

  • Disadvantage

    Limited hardware options

6. Worldpay Card Machines

6. Worldpay Card Machines

Trusted by Global Enterprises

Geekflare rating score 4.0 out of 5
4.0
|
  • Wireless
    Yes
  • Receipt Options
    Email, Printed
  • POS Integration
    No
£15/month Hiring Fee
Try Worldpay Card Machines

Why We Picked Worldpay Card Machines

Worldpay’s card machines, the DX8000 and DX4000, are trusted by global enterprises due to their robust security features, comprehensive payment options, and scalability. They use the latest PCI security standards to facilitate safe transactions, which is crucial for small businesses that handle sensitive payment data.

The credit card machines support various payment methods, including contactless, chip & PIN, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, making them ideal for global operations. Furthermore, they integrate smoothly with existing business systems and run on Android for easy navigation.

Worldpay Card Machines Pricing

The pricing information for the Worldpay card machines is as follows:

– Terminal hiring fee starts from £15

– 1.5% per transaction fee on Visa and Mastercard.

– Custom plans are available for businesses with a lower transaction rate.

Worldpay Card Machines Features

  • Key feature

    Supports dual-band Wi-Fi connections, ensuring transactions can be processed reliably in various settings.

  • Key feature

    Large display with clear, user-friendly navigation for both staff and customers.

  • Key feature

    Built-in printer for issuing receipts, essential for customer service in enterprise settings.

  • Key feature

    Portal for managing all aspects of your Worldpay services, including transaction monitoring, account settings, reporting, and support.

  • Key feature

    Next-business-day settlement ensures businesses receive funds on the business day following a successful transaction.

World Card Machines Pros/Cons

  • Advantage

    Worldpay services are available worldwide

  • Advantage

    Custom pricing for businesses with high transaction volumes

  • Advantage

    Advanced reporting tools for detailed analytics

  • Advantage

    Durable design for the credit card machine

  • Advantage

    No joining fee

  • Disadvantage

    18-month terminal hire agreement

  • Disadvantage

    Difficult to integrate with complex systems

  • Disadvantage

    Monthly terminal rental fees are high for small or low-volume businesses

7. Tide Card Reader

7. Tide Card Reader

Best for Existing Tide Bank Customers

Geekflare rating score 3.8 out of 5
3.8
|
  • Wireless
    Yes
  • Receipt Options
    Email, Printed
  • POS Integration
    No
£49/Card Machine
<strong>1% Transaction Fees</strong><br>for the first 3 months
Try Tide Card Reader

Why We Picked Tide Card Reader

The Tide Card Reader is tailored for existing Tide Bank customers. I like that it seamlessly integrates with their business accounts, allowing them to accept payments directly into their Tide account, simplifying cash flow management for small businesses already using Tide’s banking services.

Tide account holders benefit from the card reader’s digital features, including no monthly contracts, free internet connectivity, and simple transaction fees.

The seamless integration with Tide’s banking platform creates an all-in-one solution for payment processing and financial management.

Tide Card Reader Pricing

There are 2 versions of the credit card machine provided by Tide, as highlighted below:

Tide Card Reader: £49 (email receipts only).

Tide Card Reader Plus: £79 (email and printed receipts).

Tide Card Reader Features

  • Key feature

    Payments accepted are credited to your Tide account within 3 business days.

  • Key feature

    Free SIM card with unlimited 4G mobile connectivity for transacting anytime, anywhere (can also connect to WiFi).

  • Key feature

    Real-time notifications in the Tide app when payments are made and settled.

  • Key feature

    One full charge lasts up to one full working day.

Tide Card Reader Pros/Cons

  • Advantage

    £150 cash reward for each £500 in payments processed

  • Advantage

    No monthly fees

  • Advantage

    Designed for mobility

  • Advantage

    PCI PTS-approved secure card reader

  • Disadvantage

    Limited to Tide account holders

  • Disadvantage

    Internet connectivity is required at all times

  • Disadvantage

    Upfront costs are high

8. Revolut Terminal

8. Revolut Terminal

Best for Existing Revolut Customers

Geekflare rating score 4.2 out of 5
4.2
|
  • Wireless
    Yes
  • Receipt Options
    Digital, Printed
  • POS Integration
    Yes
£169/Card Machine
Try Revolut Terminal

Why We Picked Revolut Terminal

The Revolut Terminal is suited for existing Revolut customers who want to smoothly integrate a payment solution with their Revolut Business accounts.

If you are an existing Revolut customer, I recommend the Terminal for its real-time settlement feature, which reduces the wait time for funds to arrive in the account. This goes a long way toward enhancing cash flow.

I also find the Revolut Terminal especially useful for businesses that want to leverage Revolut’s multi-currency accounts and low international transfer fees.

Furthermore, the Revolut Pay integration allows customers to pay directly through their Revolut app. This enables quicker payments while they earn RevPoints, which they can redeem for various perks. The RevPoint system works well to ensure customer loyalty.

Revolut Terminal Pricing

– £169 for hardware costs

– Processing fees start from 0.8% + £0.02/transaction

Revolut Terminal Features

  • Key feature

    The Terminal comes with a Revolut Business account.

  • Key feature

    Businesses can customise the interface and enhance functionality with widgets.

  • Key feature

    Earn RevPoints on transactions, which can be used for various perks.

  • Key feature

    Integrated with Revolut’s tools for detailed transaction analytics and business insights.

  • Key feature

    Manage payments across different business locations from one device or dashboard.

Revolut Terminal Pros/Cons

  • Advantage

    Competitive rates, especially for Revolut Pay transactions

  • Advantage

    99.9%+ uptime for peak hours and days

  • Advantage

    One-time hardware purchase with no ongoing rental fees

  • Advantage

    Uses Revolut’s cross-border payment feature

  • Disadvantage

    Limited availability (can only be purchased in the UK and Ireland)

  • Disadvantage

    Requires businesses to fully commit to Revolut’s ecosystem for maximum benefits

  • Disadvantage

    Only one credit card machine option

9. Epos Now

9. Epos Now

All-in-One POS System

Geekflare rating score 4.0 out of 5
4.0
|
  • Wireless
    Yes
  • Receipt Options
    Email, Printed
  • POS Integration
    Yes
Pricing on Request
Try Epos Now

Why We Picked Epos Now

Epos Now is considered an excellent all-in-one POS because it combines hardware and software solutions that allow businesses to manage sales, inventory, staff, and customers in one place.

By centralising all aspects of commerce, your business can reduce the need for multiple software and hardware solutions, simplifying daily operations and cutting costs.

The POS and credit card machines are adaptable to various business types. From retail to hospitality, they provide the features needed to enhance efficiency. This makes it easy to integrate into existing workflow with minimal disruption, especially when you’re expanding your POS capabilities.

Epos Now Pricing

Epos Now provides custom pricing based on your business requirements.

Epos Now Features

  • Key feature

    Process payments, handle multiple payment methods, split bills, print receipts, and manage operations anywhere.

  • Key feature

    Provides clear, fixed-rate payment solutions with no hidden fees.

  • Key feature

    PCI-compliant card payments with encrypted technology and automatic cloud syncing for data safety.

  • Key feature

    The My Business account offers fast transfers, a free card, no monthly fees, and direct POS sales tracking.

Epos Now Pros/Cons

  • Advantage

    Integrates with a wide range of third-party applications

  • Advantage

    Web chat support with real agents

  • Advantage

    Helps you recover £150 in monthly revenue lost to errors and inefficiencies

  • Advantage

    Software gets frequent updates with new features and security enhancements

  • Disadvantage

    Requires a monthly subscription

  • Disadvantage

    Not ideal for businesses with simple transactions

  • Disadvantage

    Primarily for UK customers

What Is the Difference Between a Card Machine and a POS System?

A card machine is a device (usually handheld) that allows individuals and businesses to process credit and debit card transactions to record and complete a sale. They can accept remote payment methods, such as Google Pay and Apple Pay, allowing people to make payments using their devices (smartphones and smartwatches).

On the other hand, a POS (Point Of Sale) is a system comprising hardware and software that manages not only payments but also inventory and employees. It also provides detailed sales analytics. Card machines are usually part of POS systems, along with other hardware like cash drawers, receipt printers, and display screens.

Since card machines are a single device, their costs are usually lower than a POS system. They’re suitable for individuals or businesses that want to take payments in multiple locations. For instance, a restaurant might want its waiters to accept payments at different tables, or a market vendor might need to process payments at various stalls.

POS systems generally have higher initial costs since they require multiple hardware. Regardless, they provide long-term value with a host of features (employee & inventory management, sales analytics, etc.) that you won’t find in a card machine. They’re suitable for businesses that want to process customer payments from a single location, such as retail stores or cafes with fixed checkout counters.

References

Citations
  1. 1. Card spending December 2024 – UK Finance