Card Machines
Compare card machines and save on fees
Tell us a little about your business and we'll compare leading UK card payment providers to find you the right machine at a better rate.
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Take payments however your customers prefer
How it works
01
Tell us about your business
02
We compare the providers
03
Pick your deal and start saving
Machine types
Which card machine is right for you?
Sell to customers face-to-face, online, or over the phone.
Countertop
Fixed at the till and plugged into your broadband or phone line. Reliable and ideal for shops with one checkout point.
Portable
Connects over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth so staff can take payment at the table, perfect for restaurants, bars and cafés.
Mobile / pocket
Runs on a SIM or pairs with your phone, so you can take payments anywhere. Great for trades, markets and events.
Online payments
Payment links, virtual terminals and checkout gateways for taking card payments over the phone or on your website.
Compare them side by side
A quick look at how the four machine types stack up on features, fees and payments.
| Feature | Countertop | Portable | Mobile / pocket | Online payments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Shops with a fixed till | Restaurants, bars and cafés | Trades, markets and events | Phone and website sales |
| How it connects | Broadband or phone line | Wi-Fi or Bluetooth | Built-in SIM or your phone | Works over the internet |
| Monthly rental * | From around £15 per month | From around £15 to £25 per month | From around £20 per month, or pay as you go | No terminal rental |
| * Card machines can be bought to avoid a monthly rental | ||||
| Transaction fees | Around 0.3% to 1% per debit sale | Around 0.3% to 1% per debit sale | Around 0.5% to 2% per sale | Around 1.4% to 2.9% per transaction |
| Payment methods | Chip & PIN, contactless, Apple Pay, Google Pay | Chip & PIN, contactless, Apple Pay, Google Pay | Chip & PIN, contactless, Apple Pay, Google Pay | Payment links, virtual terminal, online checkout |
| Works away from base | No | Within your Wi-Fi range | Yes, anywhere with signal | Yes, from any device |
Swipe the table sideways on mobile. Figures are typical guide rates, your quote will be based on your business.
Understanding fees
What you'll pay
- Transaction fees. A percentage of each sale, usually lower for debit cards than credit or business cards.
- Monthly rental. A fixed monthly charge for the terminal, or a one-off cost if you buy the machine outright.
- Authorisation fees. A small fixed fee some providers charge each time a payment is approved.
- Minimum monthly charge. Some contracts charge a minimum if your card takings fall below a set level.
Your rates
What affects your rates
- Monthly takings. Higher card volumes usually unlock lower percentage rates.
- Average transaction. Many small sales suit different pricing to fewer large ones.
- Your sector. Providers price risk differently across industries.
- Contract length. Rolling monthly deals offer flexibility, longer terms can be cheaper.
FAQs
Card machine questions
Next step
Paying too much in card fees?
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