7 Best card reader for small business UK: tested & compared

Accepting card payments used to mean renting a terminal from your bank on a three-year contract, waiting two weeks for a decision, and paying fees so complicated they came with their own explanatory leaflet. That world still exists, but most small businesses don’t need to be in it anymore.

The readers on this list cost between £19 and £99, arrive within a couple of days, and can be set up in an afternoon. The trade-off is you’re paying per transaction rather than a flat monthly fee. At low volume, that’s fine. At high volume, it gets expensive and knowing the crossover point is about half the battle of choosing well.

We ran real transactions through these readers, used them in different locations and connection conditions, and worked through the fee maths at a few different monthly turnover levels. The goal was to find out what they’re actually like to use, not just what the spec sheets say.

Comparing the card machines that are ideal for small business 

Here’s how the seven card machines stack up side by side. This table shows the key differences that matter most to your business decision.

How much does a card reader cost?

Three key patterns emerge from this comparison. Budget-conscious businesses can start with SumUp Air or Zettle Reader 2 for under £50; for the ultimate budget approach, read our guide to getting a free card reader. Established retailers benefit more from standalone terminals like Square Terminal or Tide Card Reader Plus. High-volume operations should consider rental options with monthly fees but lower transaction rates.

Transaction fees matter more than device costs for busy businesses. A shop processing £3,000 monthly would save £180 per year choosing Tide’s subscription model over standard 1.75% rates. The upfront device cost becomes irrelevant after just a few months of operation.

Transaction fees matter more than upfront costs over time. Most providers charge 1.5-1.75% per transaction. Tide’s subscription model drops this to 0.79% + 3p so if you process £3,000 monthly then that saves £28 every month. Transaction fees typically range from 1.39% to 2.6% plus a small fixed fee per transaction. Some providers offer lower rates with subscription plans. For example, Tide’s subscription plan reduces fees to 0.79% + 3p per transaction, which can be cost-effective for businesses with higher sales volumes.

For in-depth information on transaction fees and costs, we’ve written a guide to card reader fees that helps you understand all the potential costs in processing cards.

Quick answer: For most small businesses starting out, Takepayments is a great choice as is Square Reader (£19 + VAT, 1.75% per transaction, no monthly fee) is the sensible default. If your monthly card sales are consistently above £2,000, SumUp Air saves you money over time at 1.69%. If you need same-day cash and don’t want to worry about settlement delays, myPOS Go 2 is the one to look at.

Best card reader by use case

Mobile businesses need portable solutions. Market traders, delivery services, and field workers benefit from lightweight readers like Zettle Reader 2 or SumUp Air. These connect to your phone and handle payments anywhere.

Fixed locations require different thinking. Shops, cafes, and offices process higher volumes. Standalone terminals like Square Terminal or Tide Card Reader Plus eliminate phone dependency. Your staff can focus on customers, not technology.

Service businesses have unique needs. Salons, consultancies, and restaurants benefit from appointment booking features. TakePayments Plus and Barclaycard Smartpay Touch include these business management tools.

We’ve written a guide specifically for sole traders requiring a card reader – which covers models that are great for freelancers and sole traders looking to accept card payments.

Our comparison covers seven standout options from card payment providers. The lightweight TakePayments Plus works perfectly for busy restaurants. Barclaycard Smartpay Touch handles food business needs with appointment booking. Square Reader keeps costs low at 1.75% per transaction with zero monthly fees.

Need next-day payouts? Dojo Go delivers. Want the lowest rates? Revolut Reader charges just 0.8% + 2p per transaction. And if you’re looking to combine a physical card reader with the option of an online payment provider, that’s also an option and we explain how it works.

Best card reader reviews

We tested the top card readers used across the UK to find the best card machine options for small business owners. Mobile or portable card readers start from £15-£30. Countertop machines range from £150-£200. Every budget has a solution.

The right card reader does more than process payments. It speeds up transactions. Keeps customers happy. Gets money into your account faster.

So to help you understand which merchant account you need and the type of features to look for from your card payment provider, we’ll guide you through the range to show you exactly which card reader fits your business. If you’re looking for more technical information, take a look at our guide that explains how card readers work.

TakePayments Plus

Find out more

TakePayments Plus bridges the gap between basic card readers and complex EPOS systems. This handheld device packs payment processing and point-of-sale features into one compact unit. Small businesses get the functionality they need without the headache of complicated systems.

TakePayments Plus key features

Payment processing meets basic retail management in this single handheld device. The 5.5″ IPS touchscreen springs to life, opening straight to the PIN pad for fast transactions. Setup takes four simple steps. Then you’re ready to take payments.

Card and cash payments run through the same device. End-of-day reconciliation becomes a breeze when everything flows through one system. Customers can split payments between card and cash, giving them the flexibility they want.

Product management stays simple. Add items directly on the device. Organise them into categories. Checkout speeds up when everything has its place. Service businesses can preset tip amounts by percentage or specific values.

Real-time reporting puts business performance at your fingertips. Transaction histories appear instantly. Filter reports by date. Break down sales data however you need it.

TakePayments Plus pros and cons

Pros:

• Ergonomic design fits comfortably in your hand during long shifts
• Built-in receipt printer tears paper cleanly every time
• Next-day settlement keeps cash flow moving
• Clear, bright display makes operation simple
• 12-month contract keeps commitments reasonable
• Multiple user logins with custom permissions for staff
• UK-based support team available seven days a week

Cons:

• Monthly fee stays the same whether business is busy or quiet
• Refund process needs a code, which slows customer service
• Getting printed sales summaries takes several steps
• Rental-only model means you never own the device
• No tap-to-pay support for Android or iPhone

TakePayments Plus pricing

Monthly rental costs £25 + VAT. This covers device rental, software access, and the SIM card for connectivity. Setup fees don’t exist with standard packages.

Transaction fees work differently here. TakePayments creates bespoke rates based on your business type, transaction volume, and specific needs. Established businesses with higher volumes often negotiate better rates through this personalised approach.

Contract length stays at 12 months – shorter than many industry standards. Cancellation requires just one month’s notice. No complicated exit clauses to worry about.

Best use case for TakePayments Plus

Retail shops, cafes, and restaurants find this device perfect for mobile payment needs. Wait staff carry it easily during busy service periods thanks to the lightweight, ergonomic design. Independent businesses get more functionality than basic card machines without the complexity of full EPOS systems.

Mobile businesses without fixed premises love the portability and all-day battery life. Employee performance tracking becomes possible with separate user logins and detailed individual staff reporting.

Cash and card businesses benefit from unified system reconciliation and record-keeping. Appointment-based services and tradespeople appreciate the versatility and remote payment capabilities.

Quick customer checkouts and detailed sales reporting come together at £25 per month. Perfect for businesses wanting functionality without full EPOS investment.

Tide Card Reader Plus

Find out more

Your shop till and business banking should work together, not against each other. Tide Card Reader Plus makes this happen by connecting your payments directly to your business account.

This isn’t just another card reader. It’s a standalone payment terminal that runs independently without needing your phone or tablet. Press “Payment,” type the amount, and you’re done.

Tide Card Reader Plus key features

The 5.5″ touch display makes entering transaction amounts simple, even during busy periods. You get both WiFi and lifetime free 4G through the included SIM card. No monthly data charges. No connection worries.

The built-in receipt printer handles both customer and merchant copies automatically. When customers decline their receipt, the system still prints your copy for records.

Payment options cover the essentials:

• Contactless payments
• Chip and PIN
• Apple Pay and Google Pay
• International cards (GBP only)

At 495g and measuring 20 x 7.8 x 5.6cm, it sits comfortably on counters but moves easily when needed. The battery runs a full business day without charging.

Tide Card Reader Plus pros and cons

Pros:

• Works without phone apps or external devices
• Receipt printer built right in
• Free 4G for life – no data bills
• Staff learn it quickly with minimal training
• Pay-as-you-go option with no monthly fees
• Links directly to Tide business banking
• Setup takes minutes, not hours

Cons:

• Doesn’t accept American Express
• Limited customisation options
• GBP payments only
• Basic reporting compared to advanced POS systems
• Must buy outright – no rental option
• Previously had £5 minimum (now £1)

Tide Card Reader Plus pricing

The device costs £79 + VAT, down from £199 originally. One payment, no ongoing rental fees.

Choose between two transaction pricing models:

Pay As You Go:

• No monthly charges
• 1.39% + 5p per card payment
• 1.5% + 11p for Tap to Pay on iPhone

Sell In-Person Subscription:

• £12.99 + VAT monthly
• Lower rates at 0.79% + 3p per payment
• 0.79% + 9p for Tap to Pay

Process over £2,200 monthly? The subscription saves money. Funds reach your Tide account within 1-3 business days.

Best use case for Tide Card Reader Plus

This terminal works best for established shops, cafes, and offices with regular customer flow. The standalone design handles busy periods without depending on phone connectivity.

Already bank with Tide? The integration makes financial management simpler. Areas with patchy WiFi benefit from the built-in 4G connection.

Perfect for businesses that:

• Want physical receipts for every transaction
• Process steady daily card volumes
• Prefer simple operation over complex features
• Need reliable connectivity regardless of location

At £79 plus transaction fees, it offers solid value for growing businesses ready to move beyond basic card readers but not ready for full EPOS complexity.

Square Card Reader

Find out more

Picture this: Your busy Saturday afternoon rush hits, and you’re juggling orders, payments, and receipts across multiple devices. Square Terminal changes that story completely.

This all-in-one payment solution handles everything from inventory management to receipt printing in one sleek device. No more scattered equipment cluttering your counter space.

Square Terminal key features

Square Terminal runs independently. No smartphone required. No tablet needed. Just power it on and start taking payments.

The responsive touchscreen accepts every payment method your customers use. Chip and PIN, contactless cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay—it handles them all. Your customers choose how they want to pay.

Here’s what sets it apart: offline mode keeps you trading when the internet goes down. The device stores up to 24 hours of transactions, processing them once you’re back online. Never miss a sale because of connection issues.

The built-in thermal receipt printer eliminates another piece of equipment from your setup. Print customer receipts instantly. No external printer needed.

Battery life lasts a full business day. Carry it between tables, move around your shop floor, or take it to customers without worrying about power.

Square’s point-of-sale software comes pre-installed. Track inventory, monitor sales, customise your checkout experience—all from the same device. The system works with Square for Restaurants, Square for Retail, and Square Appointments.

Connectivity options include WiFi and Ethernet through an optional Hub accessory. The device doesn’t offer 4G connectivity.

Square Terminal pros and cons

Pros:

• Intuitive design requires minimal staff training
• Zero hidden fees or long-term contracts
• Built-in receipt printer saves counter space
• Offline capability prevents lost sales
• 24/7 phone support comes standard
• Complete security package with fraud prevention
• Interest-free payment plans available

Cons:

• No 4G option limits portability
• Heavier than pocket-sized card readers
• Higher upfront investment than basic readers
• Offline mode requires reconnection within 24 hours
• USB connections only—no Bluetooth peripherals

Square Terminal pricing

Square Terminal costs £149 + VAT upfront. Concerned about the initial outlay? Square offers six monthly payments of £25 + VAT with zero interest.

Transaction fees stay simple: 1.75% per payment. This rate applies to all card types. No premium fees for international cards. No monthly charges. No subscription costs.

Your money reaches your bank account the next day at no extra cost. Process over £200,000 annually? You’ll qualify for custom rates that could reduce your transaction costs.

Best use case for Square Terminal

Square Terminal works best for established businesses with fixed locations needing professional payment processing.

Restaurant owners find it particularly useful. Staff can take orders, process payments, and print receipts tableside without returning to a central till. This speeds up service and improves the dining experience.

Retail shops benefit from the space-saving design that replaces multiple devices. Service businesses like salons can manage appointments while processing payments from the same device.

The device works well for table service or floor sales within establishments with reliable WiFi. Its professional appearance impresses customers more than smartphone-based readers.

Square Terminal fills the gap between basic card readers and complex EPOS systems. At £149 + VAT with straightforward pricing, it offers the right balance for growing businesses focused on efficient payment processing.

Barclaycard Smartpay Touch

Find out more

Picture this: You’re running a busy café during the lunch rush. Orders are flying in, customers are queuing, and you need to track everything from cappuccinos to sandwich sales. Barclaycard Smartpay Touch handles payment processing and business management in one device, making it perfect for small business owners who need more than basic card acceptance.

This handheld EPOS system packs serious functionality into a compact design. Think of it as your pocket-sized business manager that also happens to take payments.

Barclaycard Smartpay Touch key features

The Smartpay Touch works as a mini EPOS device with a large touchscreen and built-in receipt printer. Dual connectivity through WiFi and 4G means you can accept payments anywhere—in-store or on the move. The device handles chip and PIN, contactless, digital wallets like Apple Pay, and telephone payments.

Here’s where it gets interesting. The device creates product listings, monitors stock levels, and delivers real-time reporting directly from your hand. You can set up different user profiles—supervisor level for owners with full access, and restricted POS user level for staff.

The appointment management system stands out for service businesses. Preset appointment types and lengths to reduce downtime. Automated SMS reminders cut down those expensive no-shows. Hospitality businesses can enable gratuity options through the online portal.

Your companion online portal (smartpaytouch.uk.barclaycard) extends functionality beyond the device. Manage settings, staff, tax rates, and stock from any computer. The portal-device combination provides detailed reporting and dashboards for tracking business performance around the clock.

Barclaycard Smartpay Touch pros and cons

Pros:

• Battery lasts through full business days
• Switches seamlessly between WiFi and 4G connectivity
• Next-day settlement for transactions before 7pm
• Full stock management capabilities
• Free FreshBooks accounting plan worth over £300 annually
• Built-in fraud protection with 24/7 monitoring
• Stores customer information for personalised service

Cons:

• Higher monthly rental than basic card readers
• 12-month contract commitment required
• Inventory management can be time-consuming
• Less responsive in extremely fast-paced environments
• Limited offline functionality
• Poor Trustpilot rating of 1.3 from 3,158 reviews

Barclaycard Smartpay Touch pricing

Monthly rental costs £29 plus VAT. This covers device rental, software package, and portal access. Small businesses with annual card turnover under £100,000 get a fixed 1.6% transaction rate.

Higher-volume businesses can access customised pricing plans. The 12-month contract is shorter than many merchant agreements. No setup fees. No cancellation costs.

Real-world example: A £50 transaction using a personal debit card in person costs around £0.38 (0.7% transaction charge plus £0.03 authorisation fee). The same £50 telephone payment with a credit card runs approximately £1.06 (2.05% plus £0.03).

Best use case for Barclaycard Smartpay Touch

Perfect for small independent retailers, cafés, and service providers who need basic product management without a full EPOS system. At £29 monthly, it typically costs less than separate EPOS software and hardware.

Food businesses benefit from its ability to separate different courses—starters, mains, and snacks get distinct areas for streamlined order-taking. Long battery life and dual connectivity work well for businesses operating both in fixed locations and on the move.

Service businesses like salons or consultancies gain value from appointment booking and customer information storage. Build customer loyalty through personalised experiences—record allergies, favourite stylists, or birthdays.

High-value transaction businesses such as jewellers or vehicle dealers appreciate Barclaycard’s 24/7 fraud monitoring. However, extremely fast-paced environments might find the device’s responsiveness limiting.

Zettle Reader 2

Find out more

Market traders know the struggle. Customers want to pay by card, but you’re stuck with a bulky till or expensive rental fees. The Zettle Reader 2 solves this problem with a device that fits in your pocket and costs just £49.

This lightweight card reader has become the go-to choice for mobile businesses across the UK. It weighs only 106g and delivers seamless payment processing without the complexity of larger terminals.

Zettle Reader 2 key features

Speed matters when you have queues forming. The Zettle Reader 2 handles contactless payments up to £100 in just a few seconds. Your customers get through faster, and you serve more people during busy periods.

The device connects to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, which means you don’t need WiFi when you’re out and about. Perfect for food trucks, market stalls, or home service calls.

Battery life covers a full working day. You get up to eight hours of active use or roughly 100 transactions per charge. The device starts up in about 2 seconds, processes contactless payments in 5 seconds, and chip payments in around 10 seconds.

Payment flexibility keeps customers happy:

• All major contactless cards
• Apple Pay and Google Pay
• Contactless-enabled smartwatches
• Chip and PIN for Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Maestro

Zettle Reader 2 pros and cons

Pros:

• No monthly fees with straightforward pay-as-you-go pricing
• Ultra-portable at just 106g – fits easily in your pocket
• Quick setup completed in minutes
• Wide payment network support
• All-day battery life

Cons:

• Extra readers cost £59 each – much more than the first unit
• Occasional connection delays during payment processing
• Basic functionality compared to advanced terminals
• Needs smartphone or tablet connection to work
• Less privacy for PIN entry compared to standalone terminals

Zettle Reader 2 pricing

The Zettle Reader 2 costs £49 excluding VAT. New customers often get promotional pricing, so check current offers.

Transaction fees are simple: 1.75% for all card and contactless payments. This rate stays the same regardless of which card your customer uses.

Digital invoicing costs more at 2.5% per transaction. But there are no monthly fees, hidden charges, or long-term contracts.

Best use case for Zettle Reader 2

Mobile businesses get the most value from this reader. Market traders, food truck owners, and mobile service providers benefit from its portability and simple setup. If you process modest transaction volumes and want to avoid monthly fees, this pay-as-you-go approach works well.

Service providers visiting customers – plumbers, hairdressers, tutors – can accept payments on the spot rather than sending invoices later. The physical buttons also provide haptic feedback, making it easier for visually impaired customers to enter their PIN.

Small independent retailers who need a backup payment method or want to test card acceptance before investing in larger systems will find this reader meets their needs without major commitment.

Clover Flex

Find out more

_{Image Source: Clover}

Need all the power of a full POS system in your pocket? The Clover Flex delivers exactly that. This portable payment terminal handles everything from basic transactions to complete inventory management, making it perfect for businesses that need flexibility without giving up functionality.

Clover Flex key features

The Clover Flex features a nearly 6-inch antimicrobial touchscreen display that’s easy to see while staying portable. You can accept every major payment method including chip, swipe, and contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay).

What sets this device apart from basic card readers:

• Built-in thermal receipt printer for immediate documentation
• Integrated 1D/2D barcode scanner for inventory management
• Dual connectivity via both WiFi and 4G LTE
• Battery life of at least 8 hours, sufficient for a typical business day

The cloud-based system lets you access business data from anywhere. Run sales reports through the Clover Dashboard and mobile apps. Track inventory and manage employee access with customizable user profiles.

Clover Flex pros and cons

Pros:

• Highly portable design ideal for mobile businesses
• All-in-one functionality for payments and checkout
• Offline mode for processing during internet outages
• Charges in an hour, lasts up to 8 hours
• Recently upgraded model with improved features

Cons:

• Slightly bulky compared to basic card readers
• Ongoing subscription costs increase total expense
• Customer service quality issues reported by some users
• May be expensive for smaller operations

Clover Flex pricing

The Clover Flex costs £594.83 outright or can be financed from £31.77 monthly for 36 months. Transaction fees vary based on selected plans:

• Payments plan: From 2.6% + 10p per transaction
• Essentials plan: £23.79 monthly plus transaction fees
• Services Growth plan: £67.46 monthly with reduced transaction fees (2.5% + 10p)

Best use case for Clover Flex

The Clover Flex works best when mobility matters most. Food trucks benefit from its compact design and ability to process payments anywhere. Restaurant servers use it for tableside ordering and payment processing, speeding up table turnover.

Retail shops can deploy it during busy periods to create extra payment points and reduce queues. Field service providers—plumbers, electricians, event planners—find real value in collecting payment immediately after completing work rather than sending invoices later.

SumUp Air

Find out more

Sometimes the best solution is the simplest one. The SumUp Air proves this point perfectly – a compact card reader that strips away complexity while delivering exactly what small businesses need.

SumUp Air key features

This palm-sized device measures just 84 x 84 x 23 mm and weighs only 142g. It connects to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, using the free SumUp app to handle transactions. The OLED display with capacitive glass touchpad makes customer interactions smooth and professional.

Battery life impresses at every level. You can process over 500 transactions on a single charge. That’s enough power for even your busiest trading days.

Payment options cover all the essentials:

• Contactless cards and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
• Chip and PIN transactions
• Magnetic stripe payments

The device works with major networks including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Maestro, Diners Club, Discover, and Union Pay.

SumUp Air pros and cons

Pros:

• Fits in your pocket – perfect for mobile businesses
• Battery lasts up to 12 hours of active use
• Zero monthly fees or contracts
• Setup takes minutes, not hours
• Next-day payouts by 7am with SumUp Business Account

Cons:

• Needs smartphone or tablet connection to work
• Charging dock costs extra (£10 + VAT)
• Basic features compared to full terminals
• PIN pad feels less solid than physical buttons

SumUp Air pricing

The SumUp Air costs £34 + VAT. Transaction fees run at 1.69% per payment. Open a free SumUp Business Account and this drops to 1.49%.

No monthly fees. No setup costs. No minimum transaction requirements. What you see is what you pay.

Best use case for SumUp Air

Perfect for small businesses processing up to £50,000 in annual card sales. Market traders love its portability. Pop-up shops appreciate the quick setup. Mobile services benefit from its reliable battery life.

This device works best for businesses that:

• Move between locations regularly
• Work with tight counter space
• Handle moderate transaction volumes
• Want simple pay-as-you-go pricing
• Need dependable all-day battery performance

The SumUp Air offers an affordable entry point into card payments. No complexity, no surprises – just reliable payment processing that fits your business.

How we selected and tested

A few things knocked readers off the shortlist immediately: anything requiring a fixed-line internet connection, anything on a minimum 12-month contract, and anything that doesn’t accept contactless and Apple/Google Pay. What remained was mostly the field below. They’re all available to UK businesses without a lengthy application, all work on pay-as-you-go or optional monthly plans, and all connect via Bluetooth to a phone or have their own built-in connectivity.

Are you losing customers because you only accept cash? More than half of all UK transactions now happen with debit cards so if you don’t accept debit and credit cards, or smartphone payments with a card reader, you’re turning away nearly half your potential customers.

Choosing the right card machine for your small business

Your card machine choice shapes how customers experience your business. We tested seven options across different price points and business needs. Each serves specific situations better than others.

Budget matters, but it shouldn’t drive your decision alone. The £34 SumUp Air works perfectly for a weekend market stall. A busy restaurant needs the robust features of Clover Flex at £595. Match the tool to your business reality.

Contract terms affect your flexibility. Seasonal businesses struggle with fixed monthly fees during quiet periods. Contract-free options from SumUp, Square, and Tide let you scale payments with demand.

Connectivity determines reliability. Bluetooth readers depend on your phone’s connection. WiFi and 4G terminals work independently. Poor signal areas need built-in connectivity.

Consider your specific situation:

• Average transaction value
• Daily transaction count
• Physical space constraints
• Staff technical abilities
• Growth plans for the next two years

Most providers offer trial periods or demonstrations. Test the device during your busiest periods. Watch how staff adapt to the interface. Check if customers struggle with the payment process.

Card payments are becoming the norm, not the exception. UK transactions will hit 5.7 billion by 2033. Your choice today sets the foundation for tomorrow’s growth. Pick the solution that grows with your business rather than limiting it.

The right card machine pays for itself through improved customer satisfaction and faster transactions. Choose wisely.

FAQs