Pick up a modern card machine and there's a good chance it looks more like a small phone than the chunky keypad terminals of ten years ago. Many of these are Android card terminals, sometimes called smart POS terminals. They take card payments, but they also run apps, so the same device can be your till, your stock book and your receipt printer.

Here's what they are, how they differ from traditional terminals, what they cost and whether you need one.

What an Android card terminal is

An Android card terminal is a payment device that runs a version of Google's Android operating system, adapted and locked down for payments. On top of the secure payment part, it can run:

• A point of sale app with your products and prices
• Booking, ordering or loyalty apps
• Apps from the provider's own app store
• Custom apps built by software companies

The payment side, where the card is read and the PIN is entered, stays in a separate secure area that apps can't touch. That's how these devices stay PCI compliant while running other software.

How they differ from a traditional terminal

Our guide to PDQ machines covers traditional terminals in more detail.

Examples you'll come across

PAX A920 range. One of the most common Android terminals in the UK, used by several payment providers under their own branding. Our PAX A920 Pro review explains the specs.

Castles terminals. Castles makes Android and traditional terminals used by many UK providers. See our Castles card machines guide.

myPOS Android models. myPOS sells several Android based terminals alongside its simpler readers. Our myPOS card machine review compares them.

Provider branded smart terminals. Many providers, including SumUp, Square and PayPal, sell their own handheld terminals with built in POS apps. They work in a similar way, but you can only use the provider's own software and payments.

Top options compared

Prices from providers' official UK websites, checked October 2026.

Costs

There are three parts to the cost.

Buying or renting. Provider branded terminals typically cost £135 to £149 to buy outright. Traditional merchant account providers often rent smart terminals monthly as part of a contract.

Card fees. Flat rates of 1.69% to 1.75% from pay as you go providers, or custom rates from merchant account providers.

Software. Basic POS apps are often free. Advanced features, such as SumUp's POS Plus at £39 a month or Square's Plus plans from £29 a month, cost extra.

Example: a small café taking £8,000 a month

Assumes UK consumer cards. Amex, premium and overseas cards can cost more.

Integration with card payments and your EPOS

An Android terminal can work in three ways:

1. As your whole POS. Your products live on the terminal and you ring up sales directly. Ideal for small cafés, market stalls and salons.
2. Paired with a till. Your countertop EPOS sends the total to the terminal, which takes payment and sends the result back.
3. As a handheld. Staff take orders and payments at the table or in the queue, synced to the main till.

If you already have an EPOS, check that it supports your chosen terminal. Our best EPOS systems guide compares the main options.

Key considerations

• Who controls the apps? Some terminals only run the provider's own apps. Others allow third party apps, which is useful if you rely on a booking or loyalty system.
• Battery life. Handhelds with printers drain faster. Check how many payments they manage on a charge.
• Connectivity. A built in SIM keeps you trading if the WiFi drops.
• Printer. Built in printers are handy but add weight. Many customers prefer email receipts.
• Contract. Bought terminals are usually locked to the provider that sold them, so you can't move them to a new provider.

Pros and cons

Pros

• One device for POS and payments
• Big touchscreen that's easy for staff to learn
• Regular software updates
• Works on the go with 4G

Cons

• Costs more than a basic card reader
• Usually tied to one provider
• More to go wrong than a simple keypad terminal
• Bigger and heavier than a phone sized reader

Looking after a smart terminal

A few habits keep an Android terminal running smoothly:

• Install updates promptly. They often include security fixes and new card scheme rules.
• Charge it overnight in its dock or with the supplied cable.
• Use a case if it's going to be carried around a busy venue.
• Clean the screen with a soft, slightly damp cloth, not harsh sprays.
• Restart it weekly if it starts feeling slow, just like a phone.
• Keep paper rolls in stock if it has a printer.

If something goes wrong, our guide to what to do when a card machine is not working walks through common fixes.

Who it suits

• Cafés, bakeries and takeaways that want a till and card machine in one.
• Restaurants using handhelds at the table.
• Mobile businesses that need a standalone device with 4G.
• Retailers wanting a second till point or queue busting device.

If you only take a few payments a week, a basic reader paired with your phone, or Tap to Pay, will do the job for less. Our Tap to Pay guide explains how that works.

Next steps

1. Decide whether you need a full POS on the terminal, or just payments.
2. Check whether your existing EPOS supports the terminal.
3. Compare total costs for your monthly takings.
4. Check whether you're buying or renting, and what happens when you leave.

FAQs

What is a smart POS terminal?

A card machine with a touchscreen that runs apps, usually on Android, so it can act as a till as well as taking payments.

Is an Android card terminal secure?

Yes, when it's a certified payment device from a regulated provider. Card data is handled in a separate secure area, away from the apps.

Can I install any Android app on a card terminal?

No. Payment terminals only run apps approved through the provider's or manufacturer's app store, to keep payments secure.

Can I move my Android terminal to another provider?

Usually not. Terminals are normally locked to the provider that supplied them, even if you bought them outright.

Do Android card terminals take Apple Pay?

Yes. They accept contactless cards and mobile wallets, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, as well as chip and PIN.

Is an Android terminal better than a phone and card reader?

For busy businesses, usually yes, because it's a single standalone device. For occasional sales, a phone with a reader or Tap to Pay is cheaper.

How long does an Android card terminal last?

Most last several years with care. Over time, providers stop supporting older models as security standards change, so ask how long your terminal will be supported before you buy.

A business bank account is one of the first things you set up, and one of the hardest to change later once suppliers, customers and your card machine are all pointed at it. The right one depends on how you're paid, whether you handle cash, and how much you value a branch.

We've compared 10 popular UK business accounts on their published fees, checked October 2026. We haven't been paid to include or rank any of them.

Quick comparison

What to look for in a business bank account

Monthly fee and free period

Many high street banks offer 12 or 24 months free, then charge a monthly fee. Digital banks often have a free plan forever, with paid upgrades. Look at the cost after the free period ends, not just the headline.

Transaction fees

Some accounts include everyday payments in the monthly fee. Others charge per transfer, per Direct Debit or per cash deposit. If you make lots of small payments, these add up fast.

Cash handling

If you take cash, this is often the deciding factor. Branch deposits are usually easiest with a high street bank. Digital banks rely on the Post Office or PayPoint, and charges vary.

Card payment links

Some banks own card machine brands: NatWest has Tyl, Lloyds has Cardnet and Barclays has Barclaycard. Tide and Revolut have their own readers. Using the same company for both can mean faster payouts and one app, but always compare card fees separately.

Accounting integrations

Most accounts connect to Xero, QuickBooks or FreeAgent. If you already use one, check the connection is supported and reliable.

Protection

UK banks are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. E-money accounts protect money through safeguarding instead, which works differently if the firm fails.

How we chose

We looked at the published monthly fee, free periods, how you deposit cash, whether there's a branch, and how well the account works with card payments. We focused on accounts open to sole traders and limited companies with a simple online application. Interest rates, overdrafts and loans aren't included because they depend on your circumstances.

1. Starling Bank

Starling's business account has no monthly fee, a well rated app and full UK banking licence protection. You can deposit cash at the Post Office for 0.7% of the amount, with a £3 minimum. It has integrations with accounting software and a marketplace of add ons.

Pros: free, full bank, good app Cons: no branches, cash deposits cost 0.7%

Who it's for: most sole traders and small limited companies who don't handle much cash.

2. Tide

Tide's Free plan has no monthly fee, with paid plans at £12.49 (Smart), £27.49 (Pro) and £69.99 (Max) for more features. Its big draw for retailers is the Tide card reader, which pays into your account. Card fees on its readers start at 1.5% plus 5p on pay as you go for domestic consumer debit. Read our Tide card reader review.

Pros: free plan, card payments built in, invoicing Cons: transaction fees on the free plan, fees change on 1 December 2026

Who it's for: sole traders and small shops who want banking and card payments in one app.

3. Monzo Business

Monzo Business Lite is free, and Pro is £9 a month with tax pots, integrations and invoicing. It's known for its clean app and real time notifications.

Pros: easy to use, free option, tax pots on Pro Cons: no branches, cash deposits via PayPoint come with a fee

Who it's for: freelancers and small online businesses.

4. Mettle

Mettle is a free business account from NatWest Group, with Mettle+ at £4 a month for extra features. It's aimed at sole traders and small limited companies.

Pros: free, backed by NatWest Group, simple Cons: fewer features than bigger rivals, no branches

Who it's for: sole traders who want a simple, free account.

5. Revolut Business

Revolut Business plans cost £10 (Basic), £30 (Grow) or £90 (Scale) a month. It's strong on currency accounts and international transfers, and its card reader charges from 0.8% plus 2p on UK consumer cards. See our Revolut card reader review.

Pros: multi currency, low card fees, good tools Cons: monthly fee on every plan, no cash deposits

Who it's for: businesses with overseas suppliers or customers.

6. Countingup

Countingup combines a business account with bookkeeping. Its fee depends on how much you pay in: £5, £12 or £20 a month.

Pros: bookkeeping and receipts built in Cons: fees rise with deposits

Who it's for: sole traders who want to cut accounting time.

7. NatWest

NatWest offers 24 months with no monthly fee for new start ups. After that there's no monthly fee, but each automated payment costs 35p. You get branch access and the option of Tyl card machines. See our Tyl by NatWest review.

Pros: long free period, branches, Tyl integration Cons: per transaction charges after the free period

Who it's for: new businesses who want a high street bank.

8. Barclays

Barclays gives 12 months free, then charges £8.50 a month on its standard tariff. You get branches and access to Barclaycard card machines. Read our Barclaycard card machine review.

Pros: branches, strong brand, cash deposits in branch Cons: monthly fee after a year

Who it's for: cash handling businesses that want a branch nearby.

9. Lloyds

Lloyds offers 12 months free, then £10 a month. It works neatly with Lloyds Cardnet card machines.

Pros: branches, Cardnet integration Cons: £10 a month after year one

Who it's for: businesses planning to use Lloyds Cardnet. See our Cardnet review.

10. Santander

Santander's Business Current Account Classic costs £9.99 a month after a first year with no monthly fee.

Pros: branches, straightforward tariff Cons: monthly fee after 12 months

Who it's for: businesses who want a high street bank with a simple fee.

Cost over two years

This ignores transaction fees, cash fees and paid plan upgrades, which can make a big difference.

The best account by business type

• Sole trader starting out: Starling, Tide Free or Mettle. No monthly fee and quick setup.
• Café, shop or market stall taking cash: a high street bank with a nearby branch, or Starling if you only bank cash occasionally.
• Freelancer or consultant: Monzo Business or Starling for the apps and tax tools.
• Business with overseas customers or suppliers: Revolut Business for currency accounts.
• Owner who hates bookkeeping: Countingup.
• New limited company wanting a high street name: NatWest for its long free period.

Business accounts and card payments

If you take cards, think about where the money lands. Some providers pay faster into their own accounts, such as Tide's readers and Teya's next day weekend payouts into the Teya Business Account. Others, like SumUp and Square, pay into any account. Our guide to next day settlement explains the options.

Cash deposits

If you take cash, check how you'll pay it in. High street banks let you deposit in branch, and most digital banks use the Post Office or PayPoint, usually for a fee. Starling, for example, charges 0.7% with a £3 minimum. Our cash handling cost calculator shows what deposits really cost.

Opening an account: what you'll need

• Photo ID such as a passport or driving licence
• Proof of address, usually checked digitally
• Business details, including your Companies House number if you're a limited company
• An idea of your turnover and what the business does
• Details of other directors or owners with a significant share

Digital banks usually check all of this in the app. High street banks may ask for extra documents or a call, especially for limited companies with several owners.

Mistakes to avoid

• Choosing on the free period alone. Two years free is great, but check the cost in year three.
• Ignoring cash. If you take cash, a free digital account can end up dearer than a high street one once deposit fees are added.
• Forgetting your card machine. Changing account means updating your payout details with your card provider, your payment gateway and any Direct Debit provider.
• Mixing personal and business money. Even as a sole trader, a separate account saves you hours at tax time.

How to switch business bank account

Many banks support the Current Account Switch Service for small businesses, which moves payments and closes your old account. Check eligibility with the new bank before you apply, and remember to update your card machine payout details.

Pros and cons of digital vs high street

Digital banks

Pros: free or cheap, fast setup, great apps Cons: no branches, cash deposits cost more

High street banks

Pros: branches, relationship managers, easier cash handling Cons: monthly fees after the free period, slower setup

Our verdict

For most small businesses, Starling is the best all rounder: free, a full bank and easy to use. Tide is the pick if you want a card reader built into your banking. If you handle a lot of cash or want a branch, NatWest's long free period makes it the strongest high street option, with Barclays and Lloyds worth a look if you plan to use their card machines. Whichever you choose, check the fees you'll actually pay after any free period ends, not just the headline price.

FAQs

Do I need a business bank account as a sole trader?

It isn't a legal requirement for sole traders, but it makes bookkeeping and tax much easier. Limited companies need a separate account.

What's the best free business bank account?

Starling, Tide's Free plan, Monzo Business Lite and Mettle all have no monthly fee. Starling is the most complete.

Which business account is best for cash?

A high street bank with a nearby branch, such as Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest or Santander, is easiest for regular cash deposits.

Can I use any bank with my card machine?

Most card machine providers pay into any UK business account, though some offer faster payouts into their own.

Are digital business accounts safe?

Accounts from UK licensed banks are covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme up to its limit. Some providers are e-money institutions, which protect your money differently, so check before you open one.

How long does it take to open a business bank account?

Digital banks can open accounts in a day or two. High street banks can take longer.

You'll find the seven names most UK small businesses end up shortlisting: SumUp, Square, Zettle by PayPal (now becoming PayPal Point of Sale), Dojo, Teya, takepayments and Worldpay. Every price here came from the provider's own site in October 2026. If a firm doesn't publish a price, we tell you, and we don't guess.

How we compared card machines

We judged each provider on the things that change what you pay and how smoothly you trade:

• Published transaction fees. We only quote rates that the provider publishes on its UK site. Quote-only providers are marked as such.
• Upfront and monthly costs. Hardware purchase price, hire fees, subscriptions and minimum monthly charges.
• Contract length. Rolling monthly, 12 months or 18 months makes a big difference if your business changes.
• Payout speed. When the money reaches an account you can spend from.
• Hardware. Whether the device works on its own, needs a phone, prints receipts and has 4G.
• Fit. Which type of business each one genuinely suits.

We've not been paid by any provider to rank them, and the order below reflects our view of value for a typical independent UK business.

Best card machines at a glance

Sources: each provider's official UK pricing page, checked October 2026. Hardware prices change often, and several providers run time limited discounts, so treat the table as a starting point and confirm at checkout.

Best overall

SumUp is our best overall pick for most small UK businesses. It has no contract, no monthly fee on pay as you go, a published rate of 1.69% and a choice of readers from £25 ex VAT. If you take more than about £3,000 a month, its Payments Plus plan (£19 a month) cuts the rate on domestic consumer cards to 0.99%, which is one of the lowest published rates in the UK. Money lands in the free SumUp Business Account by 7am the next day, including weekends. Read our full SumUp card reader review.

Best for low volume

If you take card payments only occasionally, the cheapest route is a reader with no monthly fee. SumUp Solo Lite (£25 ex VAT) and the Square Reader (£19 ex VAT list price) are both strong choices. You can also skip hardware completely with Tap to Pay on your phone, which SumUp, Square and Zettle all support. See our guide to Tap to Pay on iPhone and Android and our Square card reader guide.

Best for hospitality

Dojo is built around busy restaurants, pubs and cafes. Its terminals handle bill splitting, tip prompts and pre authorisation for bar tabs, it integrates with many EPOS systems, and its published 1.2% blended rate under £100,000 annual turnover is simple to budget for. Teya is the other name hospitality owners shortlist; it quotes rates individually and offers next day settlement into its business account, including weekends. Read our Dojo card machine review, our Teya card machine guide and our Dojo vs Teya comparison.

Best no contract

SumUp, Square and Zettle all work without a contract. You buy the hardware once and pay only per transaction. Zettle stands out if you already use PayPal, because takings land in your PayPal Business account typically within minutes. Read our Zettle card reader review and our Zettle vs SumUp comparison.

Best mobile

For tradespeople, market stalls and mobile services, you want a standalone device with its own SIM. SumUp Solo and the SumUp Terminal both work without a phone, and the Terminal includes a free SIM plus a built in printer. The Dojo Pocket is a good choice if you also want order taking on the same device. If you need a fully featured countertop alternative instead, a traditional PDQ machine from a merchant acquirer may suit you better.

Detailed reviews

SumUp

SumUp is a Berlin founded payments company with a large UK presence. It sells its hardware outright, so there's no hire fee.

• Fees: 1.69% per in person transaction on pay as you go. Payments Plus costs £19 a month (or £189 a year) and reduces the fee to 0.99% for domestic consumer cards; premium, international, corporate cards and American Express stay at 1.69%. Online payments cost 2.50% on Payments Plus.
• Hardware: Solo Lite £25 ex VAT (pairs with your phone), Solo £79 ex VAT (standalone), Terminal £135 ex VAT (standalone with printer). SumUp was running discounts on some bundles when we checked.
• Payouts: next day by 7am into the SumUp Business Account, 365 days a year.
• Best for: sole traders, small shops, mobile businesses and anyone who wants flexibility.

Square

Square is a full point of sale platform, with free software for retail, restaurants and appointments.

• Fees: 1.75% for in person payments with UK cards, plus 1.5% for non UK cards. Online is 1.4% + 25p for UK cards. Manually keyed and invoice payments are 2.5%.
• Hardware: Square Reader £19 ex VAT list price, Square Terminal £149 ex VAT, and larger Register and Stand setups. Interest free payment plans are available on hardware.
• Payouts: free transfers in one to two working days, or instant transfers for a fee.
• Best for: businesses that want strong free POS software and online selling in one system. Compare it head to head in our SumUp vs Square guide.

Zettle by PayPal (PayPal Point of Sale)

Zettle is PayPal's in person payments service. PayPal says Zettle is becoming PayPal Point of Sale, and the UK site now uses that name in places.

• Fees: 1.75% for card transactions, including American Express. Payment Links and invoices are 2.5%.
• Hardware: the PayPal Reader is £29 ex VAT for new business users (additional readers £69 ex VAT). The PayPal Terminal is £149 ex VAT.
• Payouts: funds typically arrive in your PayPal Business account within minutes, with free transfers to your bank.
• Best for: PayPal users and retailers who want free inventory and POS tools.

Dojo

Dojo is a UK payments company focused on hospitality and retail.

• Fees: 1.2% blended rate on all card transactions if your annual card turnover is below £100,000. Above that, Dojo offers a custom rate on a 12 month fixed plan or a 30 day rolling plan.
• Hardware: Dojo Pocket listed at £149 upfront (down from £229 when we checked) and Dojo Wired at £239 upfront, both with monthly payment options.
• Software plans: Essential is free; Plus was listed at £11.99 a month per location for new customers (normally £25).
• Payouts: next day.
• Best for: restaurants, pubs and busy counters.

Teya

Teya (formerly SaltPay) supplies card machines with a built in business account.

• Fees: Teya doesn't publish a standard price list; it quotes based on volume, sector and average transaction. If you settle to a bank other than Teya, it adds 0.10% to your transaction fees.
• Payouts: next day into the Teya Business Account, including weekends.
• Best for: hospitality and retail owners happy to negotiate a quote.

takepayments

takepayments is a UK provider (part of the DNA Payments group) that rents terminals to independent businesses.

• Fees: quote only. You sign two contracts: one with takepayments for the terminal and services, and one with an acquiring bank that takepayments nominates for processing.
• Contract: 12 months.
• Payouts: next day settlement, subject to the acquirer's terms and cut off time.
• Best for: established businesses with steady turnover who want a dedicated account manager. Full detail in our takepayments review.

Worldpay

Worldpay is one of the largest merchant acquirers in the UK.

• Fees: the Simplicity plan charges a single 1.50% fee on Mastercard and Visa, with no authorisation fee and no minimum monthly service charge. Custom pricing is aimed at businesses taking over £50,000 a year on cards.
• Hardware: terminals are hired, not bought. A £0 terminal hire offer for the first 12 months runs until 31 December 2026 for eligible new customers, but needs an 18 month agreement and minimum turnover.
• Payouts: free next business day settlement.
• Best for: higher volume businesses that want an acquirer relationship. Read our Worldpay card machine review.

Fees compared

The headline rate is only part of what you pay. Here is what three published rates cost on typical monthly card takings, ignoring hardware.

Notes on the table: SumUp Payments Plus assumes all payments are domestic consumer cards; premium cards and Amex stay at 1.69%. Worldpay excludes terminal hire after any promotional period and Amex, Diners and Discover, which are charged separately. Dojo excludes any paid software plan and hardware. Rates checked October 2026.

Two patterns stand out. Below roughly £3,000 a month, a no monthly fee option usually wins. Above that, Payments Plus, Dojo's blended rate or a negotiated quote from takepayments, Teya or Worldpay start to save real money. For a full breakdown of every charge, read our card machine fees UK guide.

Worked monthly cost examples

The table above shows smaller turnovers. Here is what the published options cost at £2,000, £10,000 and £30,000 a month, assuming UK domestic consumer cards and excluding hardware and hire (rates checked October 2026).

At £2,000 a month, Dojo's blended rate is cheapest on fees, but its hardware costs more upfront. Over a year, Dojo saves £117.60 in fees against SumUp pay as you go, which roughly covers the price difference between a Dojo Pocket (£149) and a SumUp Solo (£79 ex VAT).

At £10,000 a month, SumUp Payments Plus is the cheapest published option. Dojo, Worldpay custom, Teya and takepayments will all quote at this level, so get at least two quotes.

At £30,000 a month, every provider will negotiate. Use £316 (SumUp Payments Plus) as your benchmark; a good custom quote should beat it once you include all monthly charges.

Which card machine for your type of business?

Cafe

A cafe taking £8,000 a month would pay about £96 a month with Dojo, £98.20 on SumUp Payments Plus or £140 on Square or Zettle. Dojo's tipping and split bill tools are designed for this.

Market stall

Seasonal traders should avoid monthly fees. SumUp Solo costs nothing in a quiet month. See our myPOS card machine review for another option with its own account.

Hairdresser

Square Appointments adds online booking and reminders from £0 a month, which saves a separate booking subscription.

Trades

Take deposits by payment link and the balance on site with a standalone reader. Watch business card rates, as commercial cards aren't covered by UK interchange caps.

Taxi

Read our guide to card readers for taxi drivers for detail on battery life and signal.

How to choose

Start with your monthly card turnover

Add up a typical month of card takings. Under £1,000, avoid anything with a monthly fee. Between £1,000 and £3,000, flat rate providers are usually simplest. Over £3,000, compare subscription plans and blended rates. Over £10,000, it's worth getting quotes from acquirers and quote led providers too.

Decide where you take payments

At a counter, a countertop or wired device is fine. Around a venue, you need WiFi and a good battery. Out and about, you need 4G and ideally a built in SIM.

Check the contract before you sign

Rolling and no contract options let you leave whenever you like. Fixed contracts of 12 or 18 months often bring lower rates, but early exit fees can wipe out the savings if your business changes.

Think about payout speed

If cash flow is tight, next day settlement (including weekends) matters. SumUp, Dojo and Teya all pay next day; Zettle pays into PayPal typically within minutes.

Consider your till software

If you already use an EPOS system, check which card machines integrate with it before you choose. Integration saves keying errors and time at busy periods.

Setup and contract tips

• Track a month first. Use your bank statements to work out true monthly card takings and card mix.
• Get quotes in writing. Especially from takepayments, Teya and Worldpay, ask for every fee on one page.
• Check the term. Know your notice period and any early exit fees before you sign.
• Look for switching help. Dojo offers a contract buyout of up to £3,000.
• Don't surcharge. Charging consumers extra for paying by card has been banned in the UK since 13 January 2018 (GOV.UK). Build costs into prices instead.
• Review yearly. As turnover grows, ask your provider for a better rate or move.

Our methodology in detail

We read each provider's official UK pricing and product pages in October 2026, recorded every published rate and price, and noted where a provider gave no figure. We calculated monthly costs from those published rates only. Where a figure depends on a quote, we said so and didn't estimate it. We will update this guide when providers change their pricing.

FAQs

What is the cheapest card machine in the UK?

On upfront cost, the Square Reader (£19 ex VAT list price) and SumUp Solo Lite (£25 ex VAT) are the cheapest dedicated readers we found in October 2026. Tap to Pay on your phone costs nothing upfront. On transaction fees, SumUp Payments Plus (0.99% for domestic consumer cards, £19 a month) and Dojo's 1.2% blended rate are among the lowest published rates.

Which card machine has no monthly fee?

SumUp pay as you go, Square's Free plan and Zettle all have no monthly fee. You pay for the hardware once and then a percentage per transaction.

Do I need a merchant account for a card machine?

Not with SumUp, Square or Zettle, which act as payment facilitators and handle this for you. Traditional providers such as Worldpay, and takepayments through its nominated acquirer, set up a merchant account in your business's name. Our merchant account providers guide explains the difference.

Can I get a card machine with no contract?

Yes. SumUp, Square and Zettle have no contract. Dojo offers a 30 day rolling option for larger accounts. takepayments uses 12 month contracts and Worldpay terminal hire is 18 months.

Which card machine is best for a small shop?

For a small shop with steady sales, SumUp Solo or the Zettle Terminal work well with no contract. If you take more than £5,000 a month on cards, compare SumUp Payments Plus, Dojo and quotes from takepayments or Worldpay.

How quickly do card machine payments arrive?

SumUp pays by 7am the next day into its business account, every day of the year. Dojo and Teya pay next day. Worldpay and takepayments settle the next business day. Square transfers are free in one to two working days. Zettle pays into PayPal typically within minutes.

Which card machine is best for a market stall?

SumUp Solo is our pick: no monthly fee, a built in data connection and next day payouts every day of the week. Zettle and the Square Reader are good alternatives.

Which card machine is best for a hairdresser?

Square, for most salons, because Square Appointments adds booking and reminders. SumUp is cheaper on fees if you already have a booking system.

Can I charge customers a fee for paying by card?

No, not on consumer cards. The UK surcharging ban has applied since 13 January 2018.

Do I need a different card machine for online payments?

Not always. SumUp, Square and Zettle offer payment links alongside their readers, and Worldpay and takepayments offer online gateways and virtual terminals. Square's online rate is 1.4% + 25p for UK cards; Worldpay eCommerce starts at 1.3% + 20p on its Full package (checked October 2026).

What does a card machine cost for a business taking £30,000 a month?

On published rates, between £316 a month (SumUp Payments Plus) and £525 a month (Square or Zettle), before hardware. At that volume, ask Dojo, Teya, takepayments and Worldpay for custom quotes.

An EPOS system is the till, the stock book and the sales report rolled into one. When the card machine is built into it, the total goes straight to the terminal, nobody retypes amounts, and every sale lands in the same report. That's what "integrated card payments" means, and it's the single biggest time saver for most shops, cafés and salons.

This guide compares the main UK options, from free apps to full hospitality setups, with prices from each provider's official UK website, checked October 2026.

What an EPOS system is

EPOS stands for electronic point of sale. In practice it's software running on a tablet, a till screen or a smart card terminal, which:

• Lists your products or services with prices
• Adds up orders and handles discounts, refunds and tips
• Sends the amount to a card machine, or takes the payment itself
• Tracks stock and tells you what's selling
• Produces end of day, VAT and staff reports
• Often links to online ordering, bookings or an online shop

A standalone card machine just takes the amount you type in. An EPOS knows what was sold.

Top options compared

Prices exclude VAT where the provider quotes them that way.

1. Square Point of Sale

Square's free plan covers most of what a small business needs: item library, stock counts, reports, customer profiles, invoices, a virtual terminal and an online store. Plus plans for restaurants, retailers and appointment based businesses start at £29 a month and add features such as advanced stock tools, kitchen display support and staff permissions.

Card fees are 1.75% in person on UK cards, 1.4% + 25p online on UK cards and 2.5% for manually keyed payments and invoices. Square Terminal costs £149 ex VAT and the Reader £19, and there are bigger till setups too. Payments must go through Square.

Pros

• Genuinely useful free plan
• Online store and in person sales share one stock list
• No contract, cancel any time

Cons

• You can't use another card provider
• Flat rate gets expensive at higher volumes
• Advanced hospitality features need a paid plan

Our Square card reader review goes into more detail.

2. SumUp POS

SumUp's app includes basic POS features at no monthly cost, with 1.69% per in person payment. POS Plus at £39 a month adds advanced hospitality, retail and bookings tools such as floor plans and accounting sync. If you take £3,000 or more a month, Payments Plus at £19 a month cuts in person fees on domestic consumer cards to 0.99%.

Pros

• Low card fees with Payments Plus
• Payouts by 7am next day, every day
• Free business account included

Cons

• Advanced POS tools cost £39 a month
• Payments only through SumUp

3. PayPal Point of Sale (formerly Zettle)

Zettle is becoming PayPal Point of Sale. The app is free and covers products, stock, gift cards, staff tracking and sales reports. Card payments cost 1.75% on all major cards, including Amex. The PayPal Terminal is £149 ex VAT, with a barcode scanner version sold separately.

Pros

• Same rate on every major card
• Money arrives in your PayPal Business account, usually within minutes
• Good integrations with ecommerce tools

Cons

• Payment links were temporarily unavailable for new sellers when we checked
• Fewer hospitality features than specialists

4. Lightspeed Retail

Lightspeed is a step up for retailers with large catalogues, several branches or complex stock. Its UK retail pricing page lists Basic at £75 a month, Core at £149 and Plus at £189, each with one register included. Integrated payments, stock management and supplier catalogues are standard, with ecommerce, loyalty, advanced reports and accounting integrations on higher tiers. Lightspeed notes that prices can vary and additional fees may apply depending on your business.

Pros

• Strong stock control for big catalogues
• Built for multi location retail
• Online and in store sales in one system

Cons

• Monthly cost is much higher than free apps
• Payments pricing is quoted, so compare carefully

5. Epos Now

Epos Now designs packages around your business, with countertop tills, its own card machines through Epos Now Payments and an app store of integrations. Pricing is by quote, so you'll need to talk to its team. It's popular with pubs, cafés and retailers who want hardware, software and payments from one company.

Pros

• Wide range of hardware
• Lots of integrations
• One supplier for till and payments

Cons

• No published prices
• Check contract length and hardware finance terms carefully

6. Shift4 SkyTab

SkyTab is a hospitality EPOS from Shift4, with handheld ordering, table management and kitchen displays. It's aimed at restaurants, pubs and bars rather than shops. Pricing is quoted. See our Shift4 SkyTab review.

Pros

• Built for table service
• Handheld ordering at the table

Cons

• Quoted pricing
• More than a small shop needs

What does an EPOS system cost?

There are three costs to add up.

Software. From free (Square, SumUp, PayPal) to £75 to £189 a month for Lightspeed Retail, and quoted prices for Epos Now and SkyTab. Extra registers and locations usually cost more.

Hardware. A card reader from about £19, a smart terminal around £135 to £149, and full countertop tills with cash drawers and printers costing several hundred pounds. Some providers offer hardware on monthly finance.

Card fees. Flat rates of 1.69% to 1.75% on free systems, or quoted rates on bigger systems. This is often the largest cost of all.

Worked example: a café taking £12,000 a month by card

Assumes UK consumer cards, before hardware. Amex, premium and overseas cards can cost more on some plans.

For quoted systems such as Epos Now, Lightspeed Payments or SkyTab, ask for the same breakdown on your real figures so you can compare like for like.

Integration with card payments

There are two ways an EPOS and card machine work together.

All in one. The EPOS company is also your payment provider: Square, SumUp, PayPal and, by default, Lightspeed. Setup is simple and support is one phone call. The catch is that you can't shop around for cheaper card rates without changing your till.

Integrated with a separate provider. Some EPOS systems connect to card machines from other providers, such as Dojo, Worldpay or Elavon. You get more choice on rates, but you need to check the integration works properly and know who to call when it doesn't.

Questions to ask

• Does the total go to the card machine automatically?
• Do refunds and tips sync both ways?
• Will end of day reports match my bank deposits?
• What happens if the internet drops?
• Can I take payments on a handheld at the table or in the queue?

Smart card terminals blur the lines further, because many run the EPOS app on the terminal itself. Our guide to Android card terminals explains how they work, and our PDQ machines guide covers traditional countertop terminals.

Key considerations by business type

Retail. Barcode scanning, variants such as size and colour, stock alerts and an online shop. Square, PayPal and Lightspeed are strong here.

Cafés and quick service. Fast item buttons, modifiers, kitchen printers and online ordering. Square and SumUp suit small cafés; Epos Now and SkyTab suit busier ones.

Restaurants and pubs. Table plans, tabs, split bills, tips and handheld ordering. Look at SkyTab, Epos Now, Square for Restaurants or SumUp POS Plus.

Salons and services. Bookings, deposits and reminders. Square Appointments and SumUp Bookings both connect bookings to payments.

Market traders and events. A phone app or handheld terminal with offline mode. Square, SumUp and PayPal work well.

Pros and cons of an integrated EPOS

Pros

• No retyping totals, so fewer mistakes
• Live stock and sales data
• Easier VAT and end of day reconciliation
• Faster service

Cons

• Locked into one payment provider on all in one systems
• Monthly software fees on bigger systems
• More to set up at the start

Hardware checklist

Not every business needs every piece. Here's what's typical:

Ask whether hardware is bought outright, financed or rented. Bought hardware is yours, but rented kit may need returning when you leave.

Switching from an old till

Moving to a new EPOS is easier than most people expect, but plan it.

• Export your products from your old system as a spreadsheet, then import them.
• Pick a quiet day to switch, such as a Monday morning.
• Run both for a day if you can, so staff can practise.
• Check your card contract before cancelling an old card machine, in case of exit fees. Our guide to merchant account providers explains typical terms.
• Train staff on refunds, voids and end of day. These cause the most mistakes in week one.

Common mistakes

• Choosing on software price alone, when card fees are the bigger cost.
• Signing a long contract for hardware you could buy outright.
• Not checking that the EPOS and card machine really talk to each other.
• Paying for advanced features you'll never set up.

How to choose

1. List the features you need now, and in a year.
2. Work out your monthly card takings.
3. Get total costs (software, hardware and card fees) from three providers.
4. Ask about contract length, cancellation and hardware ownership.
5. Try the software. Most free apps can be tested before you commit.
6. Check support hours. Weekend support matters for hospitality.

Next steps

If you're a small business taking under £10,000 a month, start with a free system such as Square or SumUp and upgrade when you outgrow it. If you're a bigger retailer, get quotes from Lightspeed and Epos Now. If you run a restaurant or pub, compare SkyTab and Epos Now with Square for Restaurants.

FAQs

What's the best EPOS system for a small business in the UK?

For most small businesses, Square Point of Sale, thanks to its free plan, online store and simple setup. SumUp is a strong alternative if card fees are your main concern.

Do I need a separate card machine with an EPOS system?

Not always. Many systems work with their own readers or smart terminals, or run on the terminal itself. Bigger setups usually pair a countertop till with one or more card machines.

Is there a free EPOS system?

Yes. Square, SumUp and PayPal Point of Sale all offer free POS software. You pay card fees on each payment and buy your own hardware.

Can I use my own card machine provider with an EPOS?

With some systems, yes. All in one systems such as Square, SumUp and PayPal only take payments through their own service. Others integrate with several providers, so ask before you commit.

How much is an EPOS system per month?

From £0 for free apps up to £75 to £189 a month for Lightspeed Retail's published plans, plus card fees and hardware. Hospitality systems are usually quoted.

What's the difference between EPOS and POS?

Nothing much these days. EPOS just means the point of sale is electronic. In the UK, people use both terms for the same thing.

Do EPOS systems work offline?

Many do for a while, storing sales and syncing later. Card payments offline are more limited, so check each provider's offline payment rules.

Will an EPOS system help with Making Tax Digital?

It can make it easier, because every sale is recorded and categorised automatically. Many systems export to accounting software such as Xero or QuickBooks, which then handles the digital records and submissions. Check that your chosen EPOS has an integration with the accounting tool you use.

A payment gateway is what lets your website, app or invoice take a card payment. Pick the wrong one and you'll pay too much on every sale, wait too long for your money or lose sales at the checkout.

We've compared 10 gateways that UK small businesses commonly use, based on their official UK pricing pages, checked October 2026. If you're new to the jargon, start with our guide to what a payment gateway is.

Quick comparison

How we chose

We looked at published fees for UK cards and international cards, monthly costs, dispute fees, how easy setup is, and how well each gateway works with common website platforms. We haven't been paid to include any provider.

1. Stripe

Stripe charges 1.5% plus 20p for standard UK cards, 2.8% plus 20p for premium UK cards and 2.5% plus 20p for international cards. There are no setup or monthly fees. Disputes cost £20, plus another £20 if you respond manually, which you get back if you win.

Stripe is the go to for developers, with excellent documentation and tools for subscriptions, invoicing and marketplaces. It also has no code options like Payment Links.

Pros: clear pricing, huge feature set, works with almost every platform Cons: premium cards cost more, can be complex for non technical users

Who it's for: online businesses that want room to grow. See our Stripe Terminal guide for in person payments.

2. Square

Square charges 1.4% plus 25p for online payments with UK cards, through its Online Store, Online Checkout and API, and 2.5% plus 25p for non UK cards. Manually keyed payments and invoices cost 2.5%. Its free online store builder is a big plus.

Pros: low UK online rate, free online store, ties in with Square POS Cons: invoices and keyed payments cost 2.5%

Who it's for: shops, cafés and service businesses that also sell online. Read our Square payment gateway guide.

3. PayPal

PayPal charges 2.9% plus 30p for online and virtual terminal payments, according to its pricing updated on 1 October 2026. It's more expensive than most, but some customers prefer paying with their PayPal balance.

Pros: trusted brand, fast checkout for PayPal users Cons: high fees, account holds can be frustrating

Who it's for: online sellers whose customers expect PayPal, usually alongside a cheaper card gateway.

4. SumUp

SumUp charges 2.5% for online payments and payment links, with no monthly fee. Its free online store and invoices make it simple to start.

Pros: easy, no monthly fee, works with SumUp card readers Cons: higher rate than Stripe or Square on most sales

Who it's for: small businesses that mostly sell in person and need the odd online payment.

5. myPOS

myPOS charges 1.30% plus 15p for online payments, with phone and mail order payments at the online rate plus 0.5%. Payments land instantly in your myPOS account.

Pros: low published online rate, instant access to funds Cons: fewer integrations than Stripe, inactivity fee after 10 months unused

Who it's for: myPOS terminal users who want online payments in the same account. See our myPOS review.

6. Viva.com

Viva.com charges 2.19% plus 24p for online and phone payments, with an extra 0.35% through plugins. Refunds cost the original fees plus 30p, and disputes cost £20.

Pros: strong in Europe, multi currency accounts Cons: higher rate than Stripe or Square for UK cards

Who it's for: businesses selling across Europe. Read our Viva.com review.

7. GoCardless

GoCardless isn't a card gateway. It collects bank payments, mainly Direct Debit. The Standard plan costs 1% plus 20p per transaction, capped at £4, with Advanced at 1.25% plus 20p and Pro at 1.4% plus 20p. Prices exclude VAT, and GoCardless charges VAT on its fees.

Pros: much cheaper on large payments thanks to the cap, great for subscriptions Cons: not instant, customers need to set up a mandate

Who it's for: gyms, clubs, consultants and anyone billing regularly. See our Direct Debit guide.

8. Adyen

Adyen charges £0.11 per transaction plus the actual interchange and scheme fees, plus 0.60%. It's built for larger businesses with high volumes.

Pros: transparent Interchange++ pricing, global reach Cons: hard to predict costs, aimed at bigger merchants

Who it's for: high volume businesses. Read our Adyen guide.

9. Worldpay

Worldpay prices its online payments by quote. It's one of the oldest names in UK payments and offers both online and in person services.

Pros: big established provider, wide range of services Cons: no published small business rates, contracts to check

Who it's for: established businesses wanting a single large provider. See our Worldpay review.

10. Barclaycard

Barclaycard's online payment pricing is also by quote. It's a natural option if you already bank with Barclays.

Pros: strong brand, bank relationship Cons: no published rates, sales led sign up

Who it's for: Barclays business customers. See our Barclaycard review.

What it costs on real numbers

Here's what each published card gateway costs on a £50 online sale with a UK card.

On a £10 sale the order changes a little: myPOS 28p, Square 39p, Stripe 35p, SumUp 25p, Viva.com 46p and PayPal 59p. Fixed fees matter more on small online orders.

GoCardless would cost 70p on a £50 payment, and is capped at £4 however large the payment.

International cards

If you sell abroad, international card fees can matter more than the UK rate.

For the other gateways, check the provider's pricing page for overseas cards before you sign up. Some charge a currency conversion fee on top.

Payment methods worth offering

A gateway is about more than cards. Customers increasingly expect choice at the checkout.

• Apple Pay and Google Pay. Fast on mobile, and supported by Stripe, Square and most others.
• PayPal. Some customers won't buy without it.
• Pay by bank. Customers approve the payment in their banking app. It's often cheaper than cards and growing fast.
• Buy now, pay later. Square offers Clearpay at 6% plus 30p per transaction. It can lift basket sizes but costs much more than cards.
• Direct Debit. Best for subscriptions and regular invoices.

Setting up a gateway: what to expect

1. Sign up and verify. Expect to provide business details, ID and bank details.
2. Connect your platform. Most website builders have a plugin or built in option.
3. Test it. Use test mode or a small real payment you then refund.
4. Turn on fraud checks. 3D Secure is required for most UK online card payments.
5. Check your first payout. Make sure fees and timings match what you expected.

New accounts sometimes face rolling reserves or delayed first payouts while the provider gets to know your business. That's normal, but ask about it upfront if cash flow is tight.

Hidden costs to watch

• Premium and business cards. Stripe charges 2.8% plus 20p for premium UK cards.
• Disputes. Stripe and Viva.com both charge £20 a dispute.
• Refunds. Viva.com charges the original fees plus 30p. Stripe doesn't return its fee on refunds.
• Plugins. Viva.com adds 0.35% through plugins.
• Currency conversion. Selling in other currencies can add a percentage.

How to choose a payment gateway

• Check your platform. Shopify, WooCommerce, Wix and Squarespace all support different gateways. Pick one that plugs in cleanly.
• Look at your card mix. If many customers are overseas, compare international rates.
• Think about payouts. How quickly do you need the money?
• Consider disputes. Chargebacks cost money and time. See our guide to chargebacks.
• Use more than one. Many shops offer cards and PayPal side by side.

Which gateway for which business?

• Online shop on Shopify or WooCommerce: Stripe, plus PayPal as a second option.
• Café or shop adding online orders: Square, so stock and sales sit in one place.
• Tradesperson sending invoices: SumUp or Square payment links, or Stripe Invoicing.
• Gym, club or subscription box: GoCardless for Direct Debit, with a card option for one off payments.
• Seller with lots of European customers: Viva.com or Stripe.
• Business taking millions a year: Adyen, or a quote from Worldpay or Barclaycard.

Gateways and card machines together

If you take payments in person too, using the same provider for both can make life easier. Stripe, Square, SumUp, myPOS and Viva.com all offer card readers as well as online payments. Compare in person rates in our card fees index before you commit.

Pros and cons of using a single provider for everything

Pros

• One dashboard for online and in person sales
• Simpler reconciliation

Cons

• All your eggs in one basket if an account is frozen
• You may miss cheaper rates elsewhere

Our verdict

For most UK small businesses selling online, Stripe is the best all round gateway, with clear pricing and the widest range of tools. Square is the better pick if you also sell in person and want one system for both. myPOS has the lowest published online rate on many sales, though with fewer integrations. Add PayPal as a second option if your customers expect it, and use GoCardless for anything recurring. Larger businesses should get quotes from Adyen, Worldpay and Barclaycard and compare them on real transaction data, not headline rates.

Prices change often, so check each provider's UK pricing page before you sign up, and revisit your choice once a year as your sales grow.

FAQs

What's the cheapest payment gateway in the UK?

On published rates for UK cards, myPOS at 1.30% plus 15p and Square and Stripe are among the cheapest on typical sales. For regular payments, GoCardless is cheaper still.

Is Stripe or PayPal cheaper?

Stripe is cheaper for standard UK cards at 1.5% plus 20p, compared with PayPal's 2.9% plus 30p.

Do payment gateways charge monthly fees?

Most of the gateways on this list have no monthly fee on their standard online pricing. Some charge for extra features.

Can I use a payment gateway without a website?

Yes. Payment links and invoices from Stripe, Square, SumUp and others let you take payments without a website.

What's the difference between a gateway and a merchant account?

A gateway passes the payment securely, while a merchant account holds the funds. Most modern providers bundle both. Our merchant account guide explains more.

Are payment gateways safe?

Reputable gateways are PCI DSS compliant and use encryption and 3D Secure checks. See our guide to PCI compliance.

Most card machine providers show you a percentage and leave the maths to you. That's fine until you try to compare a flat 1.69% with 1.10% plus 7p, a monthly plan and a rented terminal. The cheapest headline rate isn't always the cheapest bill.

This calculator does the sums for you. Pop in what you take on cards each month and your typical sale, and it works out a monthly and yearly cost for each provider using their published UK prices.

How to use the calculator

You'll need five numbers. Rough figures are fine, and your last three bank statements or your till reports will give you most of them.

1. Monthly card turnover. The total value of card payments you take in a typical month.
2. Average transaction. Turnover divided by the number of card payments. A coffee shop might sit around £6, a furniture shop nearer £300.
3. Debit and credit split. Most UK small businesses take far more debit than credit. If you're not sure, start with 80% debit.
4. Business card share. Corporate and business cards cost more to accept. Trades and B2B suppliers see plenty of these.
5. Number of terminals. This matters for rental contracts, where each machine has its own monthly fee.

The calculator then shows each provider's monthly cost, yearly cost and effective rate, which is your total bill as a percentage of turnover. That last figure is the one to compare.

How card fees work

Every card payment you take gets split a few ways before the money reaches you:

• Interchange goes to the customer's bank. UK rules cap it at 0.2% for consumer debit cards and 0.3% for consumer credit cards.
• Scheme fees go to Visa or Mastercard. They're small but they add up.
• The provider's margin covers the acquirer, the app, support and their profit.

Flat rate providers bundle all three into one number, so you pay the same on a debit card as on a premium credit card. Contract providers often quote interchange plus a margin, or a set of rates by card type, and add a monthly rental. We go deeper on this in our guide to card machine fees and our explainer on interchange fees.

The formula we use

For each provider:

Monthly cost = turnover x percentage rate + number of transactions x fixed fee + monthly plan fee + terminal rental x terminals

Number of transactions is turnover divided by average sale. Effective rate is monthly cost divided by turnover. Hardware bought outright is shown separately, because it's a one off cost and not part of the monthly bill.

Published rates we use (checked October 2026)

These are standard published rates for UK consumer cards taken in person. Monthly fees are shown before VAT, where VAT applies. Card transaction fees themselves are generally VAT exempt.

Teya, Dojo, Barclaycard, Worldpay and most contract providers quote rates individually, so they're in the calculator as "quote" with a box for you to enter the rate you've been offered.

Worked examples

Here's what the sums look like for two typical businesses. We've assumed all payments are on UK consumer debit cards, which flatters the providers whose rates vary by card type.

A small café taking £3,000 a month

That's 150 sales at an average of £20.

At this size, monthly fees eat most of the saving from a lower rate. Tyl's lower percentage gets swallowed by the £13.99 machine hire.

A busy shop taking £10,000 a month

That's 400 sales at an average of £25.

Now the subscription plans pull ahead. Paying £19 a month to save 0.7% is a good deal once you're past roughly £2,700 a month on SumUp.

Cheapest by turnover

Patterns from running the calculator across different sizes:

• Under £1,000 a month: stick with no monthly fee. A flat rate around 1.69% to 1.75% is normal. myPOS is cheaper on bigger tickets but the 7p fixed fee hurts on £3 coffees.
• £1,000 to £5,000 a month: it's close. Low fixed fees and no plan charges tend to win.
• £5,000 to £20,000 a month: subscription plans and banking bundles usually come out ahead. This is also where it's worth getting a quote from a contract provider.
• Over £20,000 a month: ask for interchange plus pricing. Our merchant account providers guide covers who offers it.

Fee types to watch

The headline rate is only part of the bill. Before you sign, check for:

• Authorisation fees, a few pence per transaction, often hidden in contract pricing.
• PCI compliance fees, charged monthly by some contract providers. See our PCI compliance fee guide.
• Minimum monthly service charges, where you pay a set amount even in a quiet month.
• Higher rates for business, Amex and overseas cards.
• Faster payout fees for same day settlement.
• Exit fees if you leave a contract early.

Pros of using a fee calculator

• Turns different pricing models into one comparable number
• Shows when a monthly plan starts paying for itself
• Makes it easier to challenge a quote

Cons

• It can't predict your exact card mix
• Promotional rates change, sometimes monthly
• Contract quotes vary by business, so you'll need your own figures

Who this calculator is for

It's built for UK small businesses taking card payments in person: cafés, shops, salons, trades and market traders. If most of your sales are online, use it as a rough guide but check gateway and payment link rates separately in our payment gateway guide.

Calculator details

The calculator uses the published rates in the table above, checked October 2026. We update the data when providers change their pricing pages. It doesn't store anything you enter.

FAQs

What's a good effective rate for card payments in the UK?

For a small business on standard pricing, somewhere between 1% and 1.75% is typical. Below 1% usually means you're on a subscription plan, a bank bundle or interchange plus pricing with decent volume.

Why does my bill come out higher than the headline rate?

Fixed fees per transaction, monthly charges and higher rates on business or overseas cards all push it up. Low average sales make fixed fees count for more.

Does the calculator include VAT?

Monthly plan and rental fees are shown before VAT, matching how most providers publish them. Card transaction fees are generally exempt from VAT.

How often are the rates updated?

We check providers' published pricing pages and update the data when something changes. The rates shown were checked October 2026.

Should I always pick the cheapest result?

Not always. Payout speed, contract length, support and features like tipping or stock control matter too. Use the cost as your starting point, then check our cheapest card machine guide for the trade offs.

Can I pass card fees on to customers?

Not for most consumer card payments in the UK, where surcharging has been banned since 2018. Our card surcharge rules guide explains the exceptions.

Card machine pricing in the UK is a mess to compare. Some providers charge a flat percentage, some add a fixed fee per payment, some charge a monthly plan, and many won't publish prices at all. This index puts the published numbers side by side and turns them into a monthly bill you can compare.

We've included 20 well known UK providers. Thirteen plans from 10 providers have public in person rates we could check on their official UK pages in October 2026. Adyen publishes an Interchange++ model, and the other nine price by quote. You can download the full index as a CSV.

How the index works

For each published plan we calculated the monthly cost for two typical small businesses:

• Small: £1,000 a month on cards at a £10 average sale (100 payments)
• Growing: £4,000 a month on cards at a £25 average sale (160 payments)

Monthly cost = turnover x percentage rate + number of payments x fixed fee + monthly fee

We kept both examples under £50,000 a year so Tyl by NatWest's published rates apply, and under £10,000 a month so myPOS's standard rate applies. Monthly fees are shown before VAT. Where a provider has different rates by card type, we used its rate for UK consumer cards, which most customers use. Business cards, Amex and overseas cards usually cost more.

The index: growing business (£4,000 a month)

At £4,000 a month, the gap between the cheapest and dearest published option is about £32 a month, or £388 a year.

The index: small business (£1,000 a month)

The order flips. At low volumes, monthly fees dominate, so simple pay as you go readers with no fixed fee come out on top.

Providers that price by quote

Adyen's model means you pay the actual interchange and scheme fees for each card, plus Adyen's 0.60% and 11p. It's aimed at larger businesses and is hard to express as one rate, so it isn't in the ranked tables.

For quote based providers, we don't publish guessed rates. If you get a quote, put the numbers into our card fee calculator to see where it would sit in this index.

What the index tells us

1. Volume decides the winner

There's no single cheapest provider. Monthly plans pay off as turnover grows, but they're poor value for small or seasonal businesses. Our no monthly fee card machines guide covers the best options if you're starting out.

2. Fixed fees punish small sales

A 5p, 7p or 10p fee per payment barely matters on a £50 sale but is a big chunk of a £3 one. Stripe's 10p fixed fee is why it falls down the small business table.

3. Headline rates hide card mix

Most published rates in this index apply to UK consumer cards. myPOS charges 2.85% plus 7p for business and non EEA cards, Square adds 1.5% for non UK cards, and Tide's published rates cover domestic consumer debit only. If many of your customers are tourists or businesses, your real cost will be higher than shown.

4. Hardware and VAT change the picture

We've left out the one off cost of readers, from about £19 to £179, and VAT on monthly fees. For a non VAT registered business, add 20% to every monthly fee. Hardware costs spread over two years add a little to each month.

Notes on each published provider

Revolut Business tops the growing business table thanks to a low 0.8% plus 2p on UK consumer cards, but you need a paid Revolut Business plan, from £10 a month, and the rate applies to UK consumer cards only.

Tide appears three times because its plans differ so much. Premium is the cheapest Tide option at higher volumes but ties you in for 12 months. All Tide figures are for domestic consumer debit cards.

myPOS is strong on bigger sales and pays out instantly, but its 7p fee and higher rates for business and overseas cards are worth checking against your card mix.

SumUp is the cheapest at low volumes on pay as you go, and Payments Plus becomes worth it at about £2,700 a month.

Square and Zettle both charge a flat 1.75%, with no monthly fee. They're predictable, and both come with free point of sale software.

Lloyds Cardnet mPOS matches the flat 1.75%, but payouts take about three working days and the reader costs £49.

Viva.com charges 1.69% but its Default plan adds £3.99 a month, which pushes it down the small business table.

Stripe Terminal suits businesses already using Stripe online. Its 10p fixed fee hurts on small payments.

Tyl by NatWest sits at the bottom here because the terminal hire is included. It comes with a full countertop terminal and printer, and there's no minimum monthly charge, which a pay as you go reader can't match on features.

What we left out

To keep the comparison fair, we didn't include online payment rates, payment links or phone payments, which are usually priced higher. We also left out cash advance, banking and point of sale add ons. If you need those, compare them separately in our guides to online payment systems and payment gateways.

Rate types explained

• Flat rate: one percentage for every card. Easy to predict.
• Percentage plus fixed fee: a lower percentage with a pence charge on each payment.
• Subscription: a monthly fee in exchange for a lower rate.
• Interchange++: the real card scheme costs passed through, plus a margin. See our guide to interchange fees.
• Blended quote: a custom rate set after a sales conversation.

Worked example: picking from the index

Jo runs a gift shop taking about £4,000 a month on cards, with an average sale of £25. Most customers pay with UK debit cards, but in summer some are tourists.

From the growing business table, Revolut Business, Tide Premium and myPOS look cheapest. But Jo checks the details. Revolut needs a paid plan, and its headline rate is for UK consumer cards. Tide's rates are for domestic consumer debit only, and Premium has a 12 month contract. myPOS charges 2.85% plus 7p on non EEA cards, which matters in summer.

So Jo works out a summer month with 20% overseas cards for each option, adds VAT to the monthly fees, and compares again. The winner might change. That's the point of the index: it's a starting shortlist, not the final answer.

How to use this index

1. Find your monthly card turnover and average sale from your last statement.
2. Check which table is closer to your business.
3. Shortlist two or three providers.
4. Ask the quote based providers to beat your shortlist in writing.
5. Check contract terms, payout speed and hardware before you switch.

Pros and cons of the cheapest options

Subscription plans

Pros: lowest effective rates at higher volumes Cons: you pay in quiet months, and some have contracts

Pay as you go readers

Pros: no commitment, cheapest at low volumes Cons: higher rates as you grow

Who this index is for

Small business owners choosing or reviewing a card machine, accountants advising clients, and journalists comparing UK card fees. Please credit PaymentMachine and link to this page if you use the data.

Methodology and updates

All rates come from providers' official UK pricing pages, checked October 2026. We use the standard published rate for in person UK consumer card payments and the cheapest standard plan or hardware hire where needed. Figures are rounded to the nearest penny. Providers change prices often. Tide, for example, has said its fees will change on 1 December 2026, so always check the provider's site before signing up. We review the index regularly.

Key takeaways

• There's no single cheapest provider. Your turnover, average sale and card mix decide it.
• Monthly plans win at higher volumes and lose at low ones.
• Fixed pence fees matter most on small sales.
• Quote based providers can be competitive, but only a written quote tells you.

FAQs

Which UK card machine provider is cheapest?

It depends on your volume. In our index, SumUp's pay as you go plan was cheapest at £1,000 a month, and Revolut Business's Basic plan was cheapest at £4,000 a month on UK consumer cards.

Why aren't Dojo or Worldpay ranked?

They price by quote, so there's no public rate we could verify. Get a quote and compare it with the index.

Does the index include VAT?

No. Monthly fees are shown before VAT. Transaction fees on card payments are generally exempt from VAT.

Does the index include hardware costs?

No. Reader prices vary from about £19 to £179 and are a one off cost.

How often is the index updated?

We check published rates regularly. This version was checked October 2026.

Can I download the data?

Yes. The CSV file includes every provider, rate and calculated cost.

Fewer people carry cash, and that's a real problem for charities that rely on collection tins, raffles and bake sales. A card machine, or a simple tap to donate setup, lets supporters give in seconds, and the average contactless donation can be more than the coins someone happens to have in their pocket.

Here's how charities, community groups and churches can take card donations, what it costs and how to keep Gift Aid in the picture. Prices are from providers' official UK websites, checked October 2026.

Your options

Readers for events and charity shops

The pay as you go readers that small businesses use work just as well for charities.

No monthly fees, no contracts. That's ideal for groups that only collect at a few events a year.

Some providers offer discounted rates or programmes for registered charities. It's worth asking each one directly, as offers change.

Tap to donate setups

A fixed amount donation point lets supporters give without a volunteer. The device shows a set amount, such as £3 or £5, and the supporter just taps. These suit:

• Reception areas in hospices and community centres.
• Churches and places of worship.
• Museum and heritage site entrances.
• Charity shop counters.

You can do this with a dedicated donation device, an unattended contactless reader, or a standard terminal set to a fixed amount in the app. Our guide to contactless vending machine readers covers unattended readers in more detail.

Things to check:

• Upfront and monthly costs.
• The fee per donation, especially if there's a fixed pence charge that hurts small gifts.
• Whether it needs mains power and WiFi, or runs on battery and 4G.
• How secure it is against theft.

Fees on small donations

On a £3 donation, a 1.69% fee is about 5p. A fixed fee per payment changes things: Stripe's 10p on top of 1.4% would be about 14p, or nearly 5% of the gift. For lots of small donations, a simple percentage with no fixed fee is usually better.

Figures rounded to the nearest penny.

Gift Aid and card donations

Card donations can still attract Gift Aid. If a UK taxpayer makes a Gift Aid declaration, you can claim an extra 25p for every £1 they give. The challenge with a quick tap is collecting the declaration. Options include:

• A short form or QR code next to the reader linking to an online declaration.
• Asking regular supporters to sign a declaration that covers future gifts.
• Using a donation system that collects declarations as part of the giving process.

There's also the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme, which lets eligible charities claim a top up on small cash and contactless donations of £30 or less without a declaration, within annual limits. Check HMRC's guidance for the rules that apply to you.

Charity shops

A charity shop needs a reliable counter setup. A terminal with a printer or a reader with a point of sale app works well. Add product buttons for common items, such as "Books £1" or "Clothing £3". If you sell donated goods for Gift Aid supporters under the retail Gift Aid scheme, check your system can record what you need.

Events and fundraisers

For fun runs, fetes and bake sales:

• Charge readers the night before.
• Set up quick buttons for raffle tickets and cakes.
• Have a volunteer with Tap to Pay as backup.
• Display a clear "Donate by card" sign.
• Test signal at the venue.

Which setup for which charity?

A worked example

A village hall committee runs a summer fete and a Christmas fair each year, plus a monthly coffee morning. Together they take about £3,000 a year by card. With a £25 reader at 1.69%, card fees come to about £51 a year, plus the reader. If card payments bring in just a few extra pounds at each event from people who'd otherwise have walked past, they've paid for themselves.

Making donations easy

• Put the amount on a sign. "Tap £3 to donate" works better than a blank reader.
• Explain what it pays for. "£5 buys a hot meal" gives people a reason.
• Make the reader visible. Eye level, near the entrance or exit.
• Thank people. A thank you on the screen or a smile from a volunteer goes a long way. People who feel appreciated are more likely to give again next time.
• Offer higher amounts too. Some supporters will happily give £10 or £20 if the option is there.

Choosing a provider

Ask each provider:

• Do you accept registered charities and unincorporated community groups?
• Do you have charity rates?
• Can donations go straight into our charity bank account?
• Can volunteers have separate logins?
• What reports do you provide for our accounts?

Safeguarding the money

• Give each volunteer their own login, so you can see who took what.
• Send payouts to the charity's bank account, not a personal account.
• Reconcile takings after each event.
• Keep the provider's reports for your accounts and trustees.

FAQs

Can charities take card payments?

Yes. Charities can use the same card readers as businesses, and many providers accept registered charities and community groups.

What's the cheapest way for a charity to take card donations?

Tap to Pay on a phone costs nothing to start. The cheapest reader is the Square Reader at £19 ex VAT list price. Ask providers whether they offer charity rates.

Can I claim Gift Aid on contactless donations?

Yes, if the donor makes a Gift Aid declaration. Small contactless donations of £30 or less may also qualify under the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme. Check HMRC's guidance.

Do I need a business bank account?

You'll usually want donations paid into the charity's own bank account. Check each provider's requirements for charities.

What is a contactless donation box?

A device that takes a fixed donation when someone taps their card or phone, with no volunteer needed.

Are card donations safe?

Yes, if you use a regulated provider. Card details are encrypted and the money goes straight to your account.

Can a church take contactless donations?

Yes. Many churches use a fixed amount donation point near the door, plus a reader for events, concerts and the coffee rota. Make sure donations go into the church's own account and that more than one person can see the reports.

What a card machine contract covers

When you take cards with a traditional provider, you're often agreeing to two separate things:

1. A processing agreement with the acquirer, the company that handles your card payments and pays you. This sets your transaction rates, settlement times and chargeback rules.
2. A terminal agreement for the card machine itself. That might be a hire, rental or lease, sometimes with a different company from the acquirer.

takepayments, for example, says on its own support pages that customers sign one agreement with takepayments for the terminal and services and another with the acquiring bank it nominates, and get two separate bills. Knowing which agreement does what matters when you want to leave, because each can have its own notice period and fees.

App based providers such as SumUp, Square, Zettle and Revolut work differently. You buy the reader and accept online terms with no fixed term, so you can stop whenever you like.

Typical contract lengths in the UK

Exit fees and how they work

Exit or early termination fees are what you pay if you leave before the end of the term. They're usually worked out in one of three ways:

• Remaining rental: you pay the hire charges left on the agreement, sometimes all at once.
• A fixed fee: a set amount stated in the contract.
• Lost revenue: an estimate of what the provider would have earned. These are the ones to watch.

Some providers will cover exit fees to win your business. In October 2026 Dojo advertised a contract buyout of up to £3,000, and Paymentsense said it could pay exit fees up to £3,000 when you switch. Get the exact conditions in writing.

Your rights under the Payment Services Regulations

The Payment Services Regulations 2017 give some protection on the payment processing part of the deal. Under regulation 51, for a framework contract:

• you can end the contract at any time, unless you agreed a notice period of up to one month;
• termination charges must reasonably reflect the provider's actual costs; and
• the provider can't charge you for ending a framework contract once it's been in force for six months.

The catch is in regulation 40(7). If your business isn't a consumer, a micro enterprise or a charity, the provider and you can agree that these rules don't apply. A micro enterprise under the regulations has fewer than ten staff and annual turnover or balance sheet of no more than €2 million. Most small UK businesses fit that, but check.

Two more caveats. These rules apply to payment services, so a separate terminal hire or lease agreement may not be covered. And this is a summary, not legal advice. If a big exit fee is at stake, talk to an adviser.

Source: legislation.gov.uk, Payment Services Regulations 2017, regulations 40 and 51, checked October 2026.

Auto renewal

Many contracts roll on automatically at the end of the term, sometimes for another full year. Before you sign, find out:

• whether it renews monthly or for another fixed term;
• how much notice you need to give, and how (email, letter or portal); and
• whether your rate can change on renewal.

Put the notice date in your calendar the day you sign. It's the simplest way to avoid another year you didn't want.

Worked examples

These show why contract terms matter as much as rates. They're illustrations, not quotes.

£2,000 a month cafe on an 18 month hire. If the hire costs £20 a month and you close after six months, you could face 12 remaining months, or £240 plus VAT, depending on the agreement.

£10,000 a month shop switching for a better rate. Moving from 1.75% to 0.99% saves £76 a month. A £300 exit fee is paid back in about four months.

£30,000 a month restaurant. A 0.25% rate cut saves £75 a month, or £900 a year. That's worth negotiating hard for at renewal, even if you stay put.

Contract tips for different businesses

Cafe and restaurant

You'll probably want integrated terminals and fast support, which often means a contract. Negotiate the rate and terms, not just the hardware price.

Market stall

Avoid fixed terms if your trade is seasonal. Paying rental through winter can wipe out a summer's savings.

Hairdresser

A no contract reader keeps things simple. If you're offered a contract, compare the total yearly cost, not the headline rate.

Trades

If you only need cards for some jobs, a no contract reader or Tap to Pay on your phone avoids monthly costs.

Taxi

Check whether your licensing authority or operator has requirements before signing a long term deal for a terminal.

Red flags in a card machine contract

A few clauses deserve a second read before you sign:

• "Liquidated damages" or "loss of profit" on exit. This can mean paying an estimate of everything the provider would have earned for the rest of the term.
• A lease with a third party finance company. Some terminals are supplied on a lease from a separate finance firm. Leaving the card processor doesn't end the lease, and leases can run for several years.
• Rates "subject to review". If your rate can change at any time, a great quote today may not last.
• Minimum monthly service charges. You'll pay this even in a quiet month, so check it against your slowest month's takings.
• Notice by post only. Ask whether email is accepted. A posted letter that gets lost can cost you another year.
• Verbal promises. If a rep promises a free month, a matched rate or a paid exit fee, get it written into the agreement.

How to leave a card machine contract

1. Find both agreements. Check whether your terminal and processing are with the same company.
2. Check your dates. Note when each agreement started and its notice period.
3. Work out the cost. Ask each provider for a written statement of any exit charges.
4. Line up your new provider first. Make sure your new machine works before you cancel, so you don't lose a day's trading.
5. Give notice in writing. Keep proof of when you sent it.
6. Return the hardware if required. Rental machines usually have to go back, and some agreements charge if they don't.
7. Check your final statements. Make sure charges stop when they should.

If you think a fee is unfair

Ask the provider for its complaints procedure and set out your case in writing. If your business is a micro enterprise or small charity, you may be able to take a complaint about a payment service to the Financial Ombudsman Service once you've been through the provider's own process. Check the Ombudsman's website for whether your complaint is covered.

Checklist before you sign

1. Get the full schedule of charges, including PCI, minimum monthly charges and authorisation fees.
2. Ask how long the term is for each agreement, and who each is with.
3. Ask how exit fees are calculated, with a worked example.
4. Check auto renewal terms and notice periods.
5. Ask if your rate is fixed for the term.
6. Keep copies of everything you sign.

Our merchant account providers guide and PDQ guide explain the companies and kit behind these contracts.

Contracts at a glance: what each type suits

FAQs

How long are card machine contracts in the UK?

Commonly 12 to 18 months for traditional providers. Elavon and takepayments use 12 months; Worldpay's Simplicity offer has an 18 month hire. App based readers usually have no contract.

Can I get out of a card machine contract?

Usually, but you may pay an exit fee. If you're a micro enterprise or charity, the Payment Services Regulations 2017 stop a provider charging you to end a payment services framework contract after six months.

Why have I got two bills?

Because you may have separate agreements for the card machine and for card processing, sometimes with different companies.

Will a new provider pay my exit fees?

Some will. Dojo and Paymentsense both advertised paying up to £3,000 in October 2026. Check the conditions.

Do card machine contracts renew automatically?

Many do. Check the renewal and notice terms before you sign.

Is there a cooling off period on a card machine contract?

Business contracts don't generally come with the cooling off rights consumers get. Ask the provider whether it offers one.

What you pay explained

Every card payment you take carries a cost that's shared between several parties:

1. Interchange: paid to the customer's card issuer. For UK consumer cards this is capped by law (see the interchange caps section below).
2. Scheme fees: paid to Visa or Mastercard.
3. Acquirer or provider margin: what your payment provider keeps.

Flat rate providers such as SumUp, Square and Zettle wrap all three into one percentage. Traditional acquirers often break them out (sometimes called interchange plus or interchange plus plus pricing) or quote separate debit and credit rates. Blended rate providers like Dojo charge one rate on every card.

Flat rate vs blended vs custom

Typical costs in the UK

Transaction fees

Sources: official UK pricing pages for each provider, checked October 2026.

Monthly fees

Hardware

Buying outright is the norm with app based providers. In October 2026: Square Reader £19 ex VAT list price, SumUp Solo Lite £25, PayPal Reader £29 for new users, SumUp Solo £79, SumUp Terminal £135, Square Terminal and PayPal Terminal £149, Dojo Pocket £149 and Dojo Wired £239. Acquirers usually hire terminals monthly instead.

Over two years, buying a £79 reader costs far less than hiring a terminal at a typical monthly fee. Hire can still make sense if it includes fast replacements and you need a specific terminal.

PCI fees

PCI DSS is the card industry security standard. Many traditional providers charge a monthly PCI compliance fee, and some add a higher non compliance fee if you don't complete an annual self assessment questionnaire. Dojo lists easy PCI compliance in its free Essential plan; app based providers generally handle compliance within their service. Always ask whether a PCI fee applies and how to avoid non compliance charges.

Exit fees

Fixed term contracts can carry early termination fees, and terminal hire agreements may require you to pay remaining rental. Worldpay terminal hire runs for 18 months and takepayments contracts for 12 months. SumUp, Square and Zettle have no contract. Dojo offers a contract buyout of up to £3,000 if you switch to it from another provider.

Interchange caps and surcharging: the rules

UK interchange caps

The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) is the lead authority for the UK Interchange Fee Regulation. According to the PSR, where the merchant, the acquirer and the card issuer are all in the UK, interchange fees are capped at 0.2% of the transaction value for consumer debit cards (including prepaid cards) and 0.3% for consumer credit cards. The caps took effect on 9 December 2015 (PSR: The IFR and merchants, checked October 2026).

Two important limits on those caps:

• Commercial cards aren't capped. The PSR's guidance confirms that business and corporate card transactions are exempt.
• Cross border payments aren't capped. If either the issuer or the acquirer is outside the UK, including cards issued in the EU, the UK caps don't apply (PSR: The IFR).

That is why so many providers charge more for business, premium or international cards, and why your card mix matters as much as your headline rate.

The surcharging ban

Since 13 January 2018, UK businesses must not charge consumers extra for paying with a consumer debit or credit card, or with electronic payment services such as PayPal. The rule is in regulation 6A of the Consumer Rights (Payment Surcharges) Regulations 2012, as amended by the Payment Services Regulations 2017 (legislation.gov.uk; GOV.UK announcement, checked October 2026).

• Commercial cards are excluded, but any surcharge on other payment methods must not exceed your actual cost of accepting that method.
• Trading Standards enforce the rules, and customers are entitled to a refund of any unlawful surcharge.

In practice, build your card costs into your prices rather than adding a fee at the till.

Worked monthly cost examples

Here is what each published pricing model costs at three turnover levels, using rates checked October 2026 and assuming UK domestic consumer cards. Hardware and hire are excluded.

The gap between the most and least expensive published option is £14.80 a month at £2,000, but £209 a month at £30,000. As your turnover grows, the pricing model you choose matters more than almost any other cost in the business.

Typical costs by type of business

Cafe

A cafe taking £8,000 a month, mostly small contactless payments on debit cards, should avoid pence per transaction authorisation fees, which hurt small baskets. A blended rate (Dojo 1.2% = £96 a month) or SumUp Payments Plus (£98.20) are both strong.

Market stall

A stall taking £1,500 a month in summer and very little in winter should pay no monthly fees. SumUp pay as you go costs about £25 in a busy month and nothing in a quiet one. A contract with a minimum monthly charge would cost money all winter.

Hairdresser

A salon taking £4,000 a month on consumer cards pays £70 on Square, £67.60 on SumUp pay as you go or £58.60 on Payments Plus. Square's free appointments tools may be worth the difference.

Trades

A builder taking £12,000 a month, often from business customers paying with company cards, should check commercial card rates carefully, because those cards are outside the interchange caps. SumUp's Payments Plus keeps business cards at 1.69%.

Taxi

A driver taking £3,000 a month needs mobile data and long battery life. SumUp pay as you go costs £50.70; Payments Plus £48.70. See our guide to card readers for taxi drivers.

Reading your merchant statement

If you already take cards, your statement is the best starting point. Look for these lines:

• Merchant service charge: the main transaction fee, sometimes split by card type.
• Interchange and scheme fees: shown separately on interchange plus pricing.
• Authorisation or transaction fees: a fixed pence amount per payment.
• Terminal rental: monthly hire per device.
• PCI fee or non compliance fee: monthly security charges.
• Minimum monthly service charge top up: if your fees fall below a minimum.

Add these together, divide by your card takings for that month and you've your effective rate. Compare it with the published rates in this guide. Many businesses discover their effective rate is far higher than the headline rate they were quoted.

Hidden fees to watch

• Authorisation fees: a few pence per transaction, which hurts businesses with small average sales. Worldpay Simplicity has none.
• Minimum monthly service charge: you pay a minimum in fees even in quiet months. Worldpay Simplicity has none.
• Premium and business card surcharges: rewards, corporate and international cards often cost more. SumUp's 0.99% Payments Plus rate excludes them.
• Non UK card fees: Square adds 1.5% for non UK cards.
• Separate settlement bank charges: Teya adds 0.10% if you settle to a bank other than Teya.
• Chargeback fees: a fixed fee when a customer disputes a payment.
• Amex and other schemes: often charged separately by acquirers.
• Hardware delivery and accessories: printers, docks and chargers.

How to cut your costs

Work out your effective rate

Add every card related charge for a typical month (fees, hire, subscriptions, PCI) and divide by your card takings. That single percentage lets you compare quotes fairly.

Match the pricing model to your volume

Compare what each published rate costs

Negotiate and review yearly

If you're on a custom rate, ask for a review each year. Your turnover may now qualify for a lower band. Use any switching offers, such as contract buyouts, to cover exit fees.

For specific providers, see our best card machines UK comparison, our merchant account providers guide and our PDQ machine guide.

Setup and contract tips

• Request a full fee schedule. Every rate, fixed charge and exit term on one page.
• Ask for card type rates. Debit, credit, business, premium and international separately.
• Check minimum terms. 12 and 18 month contracts are common with terminal hire.
• Avoid paying twice. If you switch, time your move with the end of your notice period or use a buyout offer.
• Read your statement monthly. Check that the rates charged match your agreement.

FAQs

How much do card machines cost per transaction in the UK?

Published in person rates range from 0.99% (SumUp Payments Plus, domestic consumer cards) to 1.75% (Square and Zettle) as checked in October 2026. Quote based providers may be lower for larger businesses.

Are there card machines with no monthly fee?

Yes. SumUp pay as you go, Square's Free plan and Zettle have no monthly fee. Dojo's Essential plan is free, though hardware is extra.

What is a PCI compliance fee?

A monthly charge some providers make for managing card security compliance. Some also charge extra if you don't complete an annual questionnaire.

Is it cheaper to buy or rent a card machine?

Buying is usually cheaper over time for small businesses. Renting can suit those wanting a specific terminal and fast replacements.

Can I pass card fees on to customers?

Not as a surcharge on consumer cards, which has been banned since 13 January 2018. You can build card costs into your prices instead.

Is surcharging card payments legal in the UK?

Not for consumer cards. Since 13 January 2018, regulation 6A of the Consumer Rights (Payment Surcharges) Regulations 2012 bans surcharges on consumer debit and credit cards and services like PayPal. Commercial cards are excluded.

What are the UK interchange caps?

0.2% for consumer debit and prepaid cards and 0.3% for consumer credit cards, where the merchant, acquirer and issuer are all in the UK, according to the PSR.

Why do business cards cost more to accept?

Commercial cards are outside the interchange caps, so issuers can charge more, and providers pass that on.

What is an effective rate?

Your total card costs for a month (transaction fees, fixed fees, hire, PCI and subscriptions) divided by your card takings. It's the fairest way to compare a quote with a published flat rate.

Do UK interchange caps apply to cards from abroad?

No. The PSR says the caps only apply where the merchant, acquirer and issuer are all in the UK. Cross border payments, including with EU cards, are outside the caps.

Are fees charged on refunds?

Policies differ between providers. Check your agreement or your provider's help centre before you rely on getting fees back.

How often should I review my card fees?

At least once a year, and whenever your turnover changes significantly. Pull three months of statements, work out your effective rate and compare it with current published rates. If you're on a contract, diary your renewal date so you can negotiate before it rolls over.