The UK is going cashless; in fact, cash is no longer being used. In 2024, UK Finance estimated that over half of all transactions in the UK were made using debit cards, and 39% were made contactlessly.
If you don’t accept card payments in your business, that’s not just a convenience you’re missing out on; you are also actively losing customers.
However, selecting the card machine provider can be daunting. Transaction fees, hardware costs, contract lengths and settlement times can all vary wildly from one provider to another. Get it wrong, and you risk being locked into an expensive contract that eats away your margins.
That is where this guide steps in. With that in mind, we’ve researched and compared the 5 best card machine providers available to merchants in the UK for 2026 and broken down everything from pricing and features to pros, cons, and which businesses each one is most suitable for.
No matter if you are a sole trader, a busy restaurant or a growing retail chain, we have got the perfect card machine for your business in this list.
What Is A Business Card Machine?
A business card machine (also known as a card reader, card terminal, or PDQ machine) is a piece of equipment that enables your business to process payments through debit cards, credit cards, or digital wallets.
When the customer taps, inserts, or swipes, the machine communicates with the card network (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) and the customer’s bank to authorise and process your payment.
Modern card machines are capable of much more than payments. Most include inventory tracking, sales reporting, tip management, receipt printing and integration with accounting software. Some function as standalone devices, and others pair with your smartphone or tablet over Bluetooth.
A card machine is no longer just a payment tool; in short, it’s central to how businesses function throughout the UK.
Want to learn more about card machines? Then see our guide: How Does a Card Machine Work (2026 Guide)
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Different Types Of Card Machines Available For Businesses
To better compare card machine providers, it’s useful to know about the top 3 main types of card machines available in the UK:
1. Countertop Card Machines
Countertop terminals are stationed at one point, connecting via Ethernet or WiFi. These are well-suited for retail stores, hairdressing and salons, as well as any other business that has a designated checkout place. They’re usually accurate and quick, but they have no portability.
2. Portable (Wireless) Card Machines
Portable card machines link through WiFi or Bluetooth and can be walked around a venue. Restaurants, pubs, and cafes frequently use them to facilitate table payments instead of relying on a static station.
3. Mobile Card Readers
Mobile card readers are small, portable devices that connect to your smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth. In some standalone models, only one SIM card is embedded. It is well suited for sole traders, market stallholders, tradespeople and mobile businesses.
Top 5 Best Card Machine Providers In The UK: A Quick Glance
If you want to compare at a glance, here’s a shortlist of the top 5 best card machine providers in the UK:
| Provider | Hardware Cost | Transaction Fee | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Square Reader |
£19 + VAT |
1.75% |
No contract |
|
MyPOS Go 2 |
£29 + VAT |
1.1% + £0.07 |
Monthly |
|
Tide Card Reader |
£159 + VAT |
1.39% + 5p |
No Contract |
|
Worldpay DX8000 |
£15/month |
1.50% |
18 months |
|
TakePayments |
£7.50 + VAT |
0.3% to 2.5% |
1 year |
Want to learn more about the cost of card machines? Then see our guide: How Much Does Card Machine Cost? Rates & Fees Explained (2026 Guide)
Now let’s take a deeper look at the details of the best card machine providers in the UK:
1. Square Reader
Overview:
Square is one of the biggest names in card machines in the UK, and for good reason. Originally launched in the UK in 2017, Square is well-known for its transparent, no-nonsense pricing and a robust free POS app. The Square Reader is the cheapest card reader on the UK market, which means that businesses of any size, from a single weekend market trader to an established retail outlet, can take payments.
Key Features:
- It uses chip-and-PIN and contactless technology such as Google Pay and Apple Pay.
- You can manage inventory, track sales, and oversee your team using the free Square POS app on iOS and Android.
- Settlement happens on the next business day, or you can pay a 1.5% fee for immediate settlement.
- No monthly fees or minimum transaction requirements.
- Tap to pay on iPhone; just turn your phone into a card reader. No hardware is necessary.
- It offers Xero, QuickBooks, WooCommerce and other integrations.
- It has an offline mode for a few transactions when the communication links go down.
Best For:
It is best for solo traders, startups and small businesses looking for a simple, inexpensive way to start accepting card payments without long-term commitments. It is also great for businesses that want strong free POS software without the cost of a monthly subscription.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
It is the UK's cheapest card machine at £19 + VAT |
The 1.75% transaction fees could be expensive for high-volume businesses |
|
No monthly fees or long contracts |
The account freezes for suspicious transaction patterns |
|
It has free POS software |
You will need to pay more for advanced POS features |
|
Standard next-day settlement |
No access to customer support outside of weekday business hours |
|
No dongle required: just tap to pay on your iPhone |
|
|
The charges are the same for Visa, MasterCard, and Amex |
|
Pricing:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
|
Square Reader |
£19 + VAT |
|
Square Terminal |
£149 + VAT |
|
Contactless Transaction Fee |
1.75% |
|
Online Transaction Fee |
2.5% |
|
Monthly Fee |
£0 |
|
Contract |
None |
|
Settlement |
Next business day |
2. MyPOS Go 2
Overview:
It is a European fintech. MyPOS’s flagship portable card reader is the myPOS Go 2, a fully standalone device that requires no smartphone to run. It includes a 3G/4G SIM card, with the upfront cost providing connectivity at no extra charge, so you can accept payments anywhere in the UK without relying on WiFi.
One of myPOS’s most remarkable features is their quick settlement time; the funds are paid to your myPOS account in less than three seconds, and a cash card with your business Mastercard allows you to access those funds right away.
Key Features:
- The terminal is a stand-alone device that does not require a smartphone.
- It comes with 3G/4G SIM card integration and a free data bundle.
- It accepts the following: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Amex, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
- Money is credited to your myPOS account in less than 3 seconds.
- It gives you a business Mastercard for immediate fund access.
- No long-term contracts or monthly service fees.
- It sends you email and SMS receipts.
- It also supports managing tips and tracking personnel.
Best For:
MyPOS Go 2 is perfect for mobile businesses, market traders, taxi drivers and sole traders who want a standalone device they can rely on wherever there is mobile coverage. It is especially well suited for businesses who value quick access to their funds.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
It is a standalone device; no need for a phone |
Bank transfers from myPOS account cost £1.50 per transfer |
|
Instant fund settlement within 3 seconds |
No built-in receipt printer |
|
It has a free business Mastercard |
Transaction fees are not fully disclosed upfront |
|
No monthly fees or contracts |
It has a functional design but not the most modern-looking |
|
Built-in 3G/4G |
|
Pricing:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
|
myPOS Go 2 |
£29 + VAT |
|
myPOS Go Combo (with docking station) |
£179 + VAT |
|
myPOS Pro (full POS terminal) |
£229 + VAT |
|
Transaction Charge |
1.1% + £0.07 |
|
Bank Transfer Fee |
£1.50 per transfer |
|
Monthly fee |
£0 |
|
Contract |
None |
|
Settlement |
Instant settlement to your myPOS account |
3. Tide Card Reader
Overview:
While most people associate Tide with a UK business banking app, its card reader has now emerged as a formidable player in the card machine marketplace. The Tide Card Reader has the cheapest pay-as-you-go transaction fee as compared to its competitors at 1.39% + 5p. It uses WiFi or a free, lifetime 4G SIM and links directly to the Tide business account for seamless financial management.
Key Features:
- It has the UK’s lowest pay-as-you-go transaction fee.
- No charger for a 4G sim card.
- It offers easy integrations with business bank accounts.
- It has no translation fee on domestic translations under £10 for the first 3 months.
- It sends instant email receipts to customers.
- The Tide Card Reader offers a £200 cash bonus for taking £1,000+ payments within the first 3 months.
Best For:
The Tide Card Reader is the best solution if you are looking for the best card machine for current Tide business customers or for any small business owner who is looking to sign up on a pay-as-you-go basis with no monthly fee commitment.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
It has the lowest pay-as-you-go transaction fee |
You need a Tide business bank account |
|
It offers a free 4G SIM card for life |
The hardware costs begin at £159 + VAT, which is pricier than competitors |
|
No contract |
It takes 1 to 3 working days for payments to clear |
|
The Tide Card Reader offers great integration with the Tide business account |
Transaction rates depend on the subscription plan |
|
There is no charge on smaller payments under £10 for the first three months |
|
Pricing:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
|
Tide Card Reader |
£159 + VAT |
|
Tide Card Reader Plus |
£199 + VAT |
|
Pay-as-you-go Transaction Fee |
1.39% + 5p |
|
Subscription Rate |
1.5% + 11p |
|
Monthly Fee |
£0 |
|
Contract |
None |
|
Settlement |
1 to 3 working days (£2.99 + VAT/month for next-day settlement boost) |
4. Worldpay DX8000
Overview:
Worldpay is a payment processor in the UK with decades of experience, taking care of transactions for companies large and small. Its flagship portable card machine, the DX8000, is a sleek, touch-screen terminal that connects to both dual-band WiFi and 4G. It’s best for established businesses with larger transaction volumes since Worldpay provides next-day settlement and comprehensive merchant account services.
Worldpay also has one of the fastest settlement times: money can show up in your account in as little as 30 minutes.
Key Features:
- The WorldPay DX8000 has a high-resolution colour touchscreen and a fast and intuitive GUI.
- It offers dual-band WiFi and 4G connectivity.
- It offers a next-day settlement (30-minute settlements are available).
- It accepts all major cards, along with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and contactless.
- The WorldPay DX8000 offers live reporting through the Worldpay Dashboard.
- It also offers 135 currencies and over 300 variations of payment methods.
- Built-in receipt printing.
- It also offers PCI DSS compliance for a £5 monthly support fee.
Best For:
Worldpay is best for established businesses and retailers with consistent, higher-volume card transactions who want the support of a large, trusted payment processor with a complete merchant account, rapid settlements, and comprehensive fraud protection.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
It is a well-established trusted UK card machine provider |
Minimum 18-month contract longer than most competitors |
|
It offers 30-minute fast payment settlement |
PCI compliance fees apply if you leave before the contract ends |
|
Full merchant account with no third-party acquirer needed |
Not ideal for low-volume businesses |
|
It has lots of payment method options |
|
Pricing:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
|
DX8000 mobile card machine rental |
£15 + VAT |
|
Transaction Fee |
1.5% fixed on Visa and Mastercard |
|
Monthly Fee |
£15 + VAT |
|
Contract Length |
18 months |
|
PCI Compliance Fee |
£5/month |
|
Settlement |
30-minutes payment settlement |
5. TakePayments
Overview:
TakePayments is a well-established UK company with a good reputation, especially for small- and medium-sized businesses. With a Trustpilot score of 4.9 out of 5, this rating is one of the highest ratings for any card machine provider.
TakePayments is highly rated for customer service and flexibility. It’s pricing is bespoke; transaction rates and monthly fees are personalised for your business according to turnover, card mix, and transaction volume.
It has several options for hardware, and they range from the sleek A920 Pro (a portable terminal that works with 4G and comes with long battery life) to the TakePayments Plus terminal that offers on-screen reporting.
Key Features:
- TakePayments offers personalised pricing based on your business’s turnover.
- It offers 7-day UK-based customer support.
- It offers device types: portable, countertop and mobile.
- TakePayments offers 7-day UK-based customer support.
- It takes both online and virtual terminal payments.
- It accepts payments via chip and pin, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Amex.
Best For:
TakePayments is ideal for small and medium-sized merchants that need personalised pricing with excellent UK-based support and a trusted British provider while processing moderate to high volumes.
Pros and Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
It has a wide range of hardware options |
The price is not disclosed; you need to request a quote |
|
TakePayments offers personalised pricing |
12-month minimum contract |
|
It has a 7-day dedicated UK-based customer support team |
A monthly minimum service fee applies |
|
It offers next-day settlement |
Not suited for very low-volume or seasonal businesses |
Pricing:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
|
Hardware Rental |
£7.50 + VAT |
|
Transaction Fee |
0.3% to 2.5% |
|
Monthly Fee |
Custom |
|
Contract Length |
12 months |
|
Subscription Model |
Customised quote needed |
|
Settlement |
Next business day |
Advantages Of Using A Card Machine For Your Business
Most UK businesses can no longer survive by purely accepting cash. The main advantages to getting a card machine set up are as follows:
- Boost Sales: Cashless customers feel free to spend more since they do not need exact change or cash on hand. Not accepting cards is lost sales.
- Be Professional: Your customers can trust your business with a dedicated card machine, especially if this transaction is their first experience with you.
- Speed and Convenience: Contactless and chip and PIN payments are much quicker than counting cash, which reduces queues during busy periods.
- Better Cash Flow Management: Most providers settle transactions the next day; this means that the money from today’s sales is in your account by tomorrow.
- Reporting Down to the Penny: Modern card machines deliver real-time sales data, allowing you to track revenue and identify trends so that you can make smarter business decisions.
- Minimise the risk of handling cash: The less cash you have on site, the lower the risk of theft, counting errors, and bank runs.
- Support every payment type: Accept contactless, Apple Pay, Google Pay and all major cards; every customer can pay their way.
How To Find The Best Card Machine Provider In UK
With so many providers on the market, choosing the right card machine comes down to understanding your own business needs. Here is what to consider:
1. Estimate Your Monthly Card Turnover
The bottom line is what matters: all of the above. Pay-as-you-go flat-rate providers (no monthly fees) work well if you have a low-volume business. Higher-volume businesses save through lower per-transaction rates, even if it means a monthly fee.
2. Think Hard About Your Type of Business and Its Location
Do you have a brick-and-mortar store, a restaurant, or operate a mobile type of business? In the case of a market trader, however, you would require a separate device with a SIM card. A restaurant needs mobility for payments at the table. A merchant with a fixed retail operation might like a reliable countertop terminal solution.
3. Check Contract Terms
Others require 12 or 18-month contracts and charge fees for early exit. If you need flexibility, such as if your business is seasonal, go with a contract-free provider like Square, SumUp or PayPal Reader.
4. Compare Settlement Times
Settlement times matter when you need money in your account quickly. While most providers will settle the next business day, myPOS settles in under 3 seconds, and the Square Reader typically settles the next business day.
5. Look Beyond The Headline Rate
But transaction costs are only one portion of the cost. Before you compare providers based on price alone, factor in hardware costs, monthly fees, PCI compliance fees, and minimum service charges.
6. Use ComparedBusiness UK
The best and easiest way to find the best card machine providers is through ComparedBusiness UK. All you need to do is fill out a quick form, and we will connect you with multiple of the best card machine providers in the UK.
Find The Best Card Machine Provider With ComparedBusiness UK
Finding the best card machine provider is one of the biggest bottom-line decisions that you can easily make for your business. The difference between providers can be hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds in a year.
ComparedBusiness UK simplifies the process. Simply comparing quotes from many leading UK card machine providers in one place helps you find the best deal for your individual business and saves you hours of research.
Just fill in our quick quote form and we will connect you with the best card machine providers in the UK.
FAQs
The best card machine provider for you will depend on the size and volume of your business. Square Reader is a perfect option for sole traders and startups. Worldpay and TakePayments are better suited to established companies with larger volumes. Compare and find the right fit for your business with ComparedBusiness UK.
Not necessarily. Payment service providers, such as Square Reader, play the role of a merchant account for you, which means you can start accepting payments straight away. Traditional acquirers like Worldpay provide you with an actual merchant account, a more involved process that may yield lower rates.
Most card machine providers today allow you to sign up and be ready to accept payments within a few hours. You can configure providers like Square, TakePayments, and myPOS Go on the same day. Conventional acquirers such as Worldpay often take 1 to 3 working days to provide access to your account.
