Taking Payments: Card Readers, Payment Terminals & Processing Guides
Accepting card and contactless payments is no longer a nice-to-have for UK small businesses – it’s essential. With over half of all UK consumers preferring to pay by card or smartphone, and cash usage continuing to decline year on year, businesses that only accept cash are actively turning away customers.
The good news is that taking card payments as a small business has never been more affordable or easier to set up. Mobile card readers from providers like SumUp, Square, and Zettle start from as little as £19 with no monthly fees and no long-term contracts. For businesses that need more advanced features, portable payment terminals and integrated EPOS systems offer everything from inventory management to table-service ordering – all in one device.
But the sheer number of payment options on the market makes choosing the right one genuinely confusing. Transaction fees range from 0.8% to 2.5% depending on the provider and the type of card being used. Some providers charge monthly fees but offer lower per-transaction rates, which works out cheaper for high-volume businesses. Others operate on a pure pay-as-you-go model that suits businesses processing smaller amounts.
Understanding which pricing structure actually saves you money requires knowing your monthly card turnover – and most guides don’t explain this clearly enough.
That’s where our payment guides come in. We’ve tested the leading card readers and payment terminals available in the UK, comparing them on the factors that matter: upfront cost, transaction fees, payout speed, ease of setup, and the quality of the accompanying app or software. We also cover online payment gateways for businesses that sell through websites, and explain merchant account fees in detail so you understand exactly what you’re paying for.
Whether you’re a market trader looking for a portable card reader, a café owner choosing between a basic reader and a full EPOS system, or an online retailer comparing payment gateways, the guides below will help you find the right solution and avoid overpaying.
