Choosing the cheapest card reader for your small business can be tricky. Some card machine providers quote flat fees for all transactions, whilst others create bespoke rates depending on your turnover – and those transaction costs can really add up when you’re processing lots of payments. Card machines range from £25 to £450 when you buy them outright, so we’ve compared 11 budget-friendly options to help you find the right fit.
We’ve looked at the card machines that are available in the UK, from the £19 Square Reader to alternatives like Tide, SumUp Air and myPOS Go 2, and explain the features, pricing and our view on the device itself.
If you’re in retail, a café owner, a plumber, or a mobile trader and you’re after the cheapest card machine to make sure you can accept payments from your customers, there’s a solution that won’t break the bank.
The 11 cheapest card readers for a small business in the UK
- Square Reader 2
- Sumup
- Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere
- MyPos
- Tide Card Reader
- PayPal Card Reader
- Revolut Reader
- Dojo Go
- Tyl by NatWest
- Takepayments card machines
- Clover Flex
1. Square Reader 2
At £19 plus VAT, the Square Reader 2 offers one of the most affordable entry points for small businesses wanting professional payment processing. This second-generation device handles chip and PIN, contactless cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay through Bluetooth connectivity with Android and iOS devices.
Cost and transaction fees
The device costs £19 plus VAT with no monthly fees or long-term contracts. Transaction pricing follows a straightforward structure — in-person payments processed through contactless or chip and PIN carry a flat rate of 1.75%. Card-not-present transactions work differently depending on the payment method. Manually keyed-in payments, invoices, and Virtual Terminal transactions cost 2.5%. Online payment products including Square Online, Online Checkout, and the eCommerce API charge 1.4% plus 25p for UK-issued cards and 2.5% plus 25p for non-UK cards.
International transactions add an extra layer of cost. Cards issued outside the UK attract an additional 1.5% fee on top of the base processing rates. This international transaction fee applies across all payment types, whether in-person or card-not-present. Businesses processing over £200,000 annually may qualify for custom pricing arrangements.
Square covers several costs within its standard fees — interchange fees, chargeback fees, account activation costs, and early termination charges come at no extra cost. Funds typically transfer to your linked bank account the next business day, though instant transfers are available for 1.5% of the balance.
Key features
The second-generation reader processes 20% more transactions per charge compared to its predecessor. This improved battery performance comes from upgraded BLE 5.3 connectivity, which replaced the previous BLE 4.2 standard. The newer Bluetooth technology provides better range, more reliable connections, and lower power consumption.
Offline payment processing lets the reader continue accepting transactions for up to 24 hours without internet connectivity. The device features a USB-C charging port, replacing the older micro-USB connection. Security measures include 24/7 fraud prevention, payment dispute management, and PCI compliance built into the hardware.
The reader works with Square’s ecosystem of business tools, including Point of Sale software, Square for Restaurants, Square for Retail, and Square Appointments. A two-year limited warranty covers hardware issues.
Best for
The Square Reader 2 works well for mobile businesses and service providers who need portable payment acceptance at customer locations. Food trucks, market traders, and tradespeople visiting client premises benefit from its compact design and wireless operation. The offline payment capability makes it practical for businesses working in areas with unreliable internet connectivity — though you must reconnect within 24 hours to preserve transactions.
2. SumUp Air
SumUp Air connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and sits comfortably amongst the cheapest card readers available for UK small businesses processing moderate transaction volumes. The device accepts chip and PIN, contactless cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay through the free SumUp app on Android and iOS devices.
Cost and transaction fees
The hardware costs £39 plus VAT as a one-time purchase with delivery included. Different sources quote £34 plus VAT, but the official pricing confirms the higher figure. No subscription fees or monthly costs apply to the basic pay-as-you-go plan.
Here’s where it gets interesting – SumUp offers two pricing tiers. The standard pay-as-you-go option charges 1.69% per card reader transaction with no monthly commitment. This works well for businesses with fluctuating sales throughout the year. However, the Payments Plus plan costs £19 per month and brings the transaction fee down to 0.99% for domestic consumer cards. You’ll break even on this plan when processing over £3,000 monthly in card payments.
Online payments processed through payment links or invoicing attract a 2.50% fee. In-person payments with non-EU or corporate cards, including American Express, stay at the 1.69% rate regardless of which plan you choose. Virtual Terminal transactions for card-not-present payments incur a 2.95% fee plus 25p.
There’s an additional discount worth knowing about – businesses signing up for a SumUp Business Account receive a reduced card reader transaction fee of 1.49%. Payments typically reach your account within one business day under standard terms, or by 7am the next day including weekends and holidays.
Key features
The Air card reader operates through Bluetooth connection to your mobile device, so there’s no need for built-in connectivity. Battery life extends through an entire business day. The SumUp app provides transaction history, refund processing, digital receipt generation, and detailed sales reporting at no extra cost.
Multiple user profiles within the app allow employees to accept payments independently. The device supports all major debit and credit cards through contactless tapping, chip insertion, or magstripe reading. Software updates install automatically through the app.
Best for
SumUp Air works well for small businesses with annual card turnover up to £50,000. Coffee shops, market stalls, and small retailers benefit from its portability and straightforward pricing. Freelancers and service providers such as hairdressers or tutors can take payments on location without complicated contracts. The device particularly suits businesses preferring no monthly commitments whilst keeping the option to upgrade when transaction volumes increase.
3. Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere
Barclaycard takes a different approach with its Smartpay Anywhere card reader — offering customizable pricing rather than the fixed transaction rates you’ll find elsewhere. The device costs £29 plus VAT as a one-off purchase with no monthly fees and no contractual obligations.
Cost and transaction fees
Here’s where it gets interesting… transaction fees work on a bespoke basis, with rates tailored specifically to your business circumstances. For businesses with lower card turnover, Barclaycard offers a pay-as-you-go plan charging a flat 1.6% per transaction. This rate applies to all Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, and JCB cards — whether they’re debit, credit, commercial, or business cards.
The official pricing structure shows more competitive rates for established businesses. When a Visa or Mastercard personal debit card processes a £50 in-person transaction, the example fees total £0.38, comprising a 0.7% transaction charge (£0.35) plus a 3p authorisation fee. Businesses processing over £100,000 in annual card takings typically receive lower negotiated rates compared to the standard 1.6% PAYG arrangement.
Unfortunately, there’s one notable cost consideration with refunds. Barclaycard adds a 75p fee per refund processed, whereas most competitors only retain the original transaction charge. Settlement occurs the next working day provided transactions complete before 7pm.
Key features
The reader connects to your smartphone or tablet through the Barclaycard Anywhere app — available on iOS and Android. This combination provides straightforward chip-and-PIN and contactless payment acceptance. The app lets you track sales, manage product listings, apply discounts, and send electronic receipts to customers.
An online portal comes with the service, so you can manage employee access, view transaction history across custom date ranges, and export data to applications like Microsoft Excel. The system integrates with accounting software including FreshBooks to streamline tax returns and bookkeeping. The card reader charges via USB cable and needs at least three hours for the initial charge.
Best for
Sole traders and seasonal businesses with annual turnover below £1 million benefit most from this solution. Tradespeople, mobile service providers, hairdressers, and vendors at events like trade fairs or concerts can accept payments away from traditional shop environments. The repeat payments function suits charities and organisations collecting regular contributions. Businesses requiring employee management features and sales tracking whilst maintaining a budget-friendly entry point will find value in combining the basic reader with the companion app and portal.
4. myPOS Go 2
Here’s something different – the myPOS Go 2 works completely independently without needing your smartphone. This standalone portable card reader has integrated 4G connectivity built right in, weighing just 180g and actually smaller than most modern smartphones. You’ll pay £29 excluding VAT upfront with zero monthly fees.
Cost and transaction fees
The pricing structure splits into two tiers depending on how much you process each month. When you’re handling under £10,000 monthly, you’ll pay 1.10% plus £0.07 per transaction for domestic and EEA consumer cards. So a £100 payment settles as £98.83 into your myPOS account. American Express bumps up to 2.45% plus £0.07, whilst all other consumer and commercial cards cost 2.85% plus £0.07.
Once you exceed £10,000 in monthly card turnover, custom rates become available tailored to your specific business. Card-not-present transactions work differently – domestic consumer cards cost 1.30% plus £0.15, American Express charges 2.50% plus £0.15. Mail order and telephone payments add an extra 0.5% on top of the online payment fee.
The standout feature here is instant settlement – funds appear in your myPOS merchant account within seconds. You also get a free multi-currency merchant account with dedicated IBANs in 14 currencies, plus a complimentary business Mastercard for accessing your funds.
Key features
The integrated 4G SIM card gives you free 3G/4G connectivity across Europe without extra costs. There’s also 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity, so you can switch between 4G and Wi-Fi depending on where you’re working.
Even without internet, offline mode lets you accept payments by storing transactions locally… they’ll sync automatically or manually once you reconnect. The tactile keyboard is designed for accessibility, helping with faster finger positioning and assisting people with disabilities. Battery life covers a full business day.
Multi-operator mode tracks individual staff performance and splits tips between team members. Digital receipts go out via email or SMS directly from the device. The reader accepts all the usual suspects – Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other mobile wallets through contactless, chip and PIN, or magstripe.
Best for
Mobile businesses that want true independence from smartphones will find this particularly useful. The instant settlement really suits businesses needing immediate access to funds rather than waiting until the next business day. If you’re trading across multiple European markets, the free roaming SIM card becomes quite handy. The multi-operator functionality makes sense for businesses with several staff members processing payments.
5. Tide Card Reader
Here’s something important to know upfront – you’ll need a Tide business bank account to use their card reader, which links your payments directly to your banking setup. This differs from other providers who work with any bank account. Tide offers two models: the standard reader at £159 plus VAT and the Plus version at £199 plus VAT.
Cost and transaction fees
You’ve got three pricing options to choose from. The Pay As You Go plan has no monthly fees but charges 1.39% plus 5p per transaction. This works well if your card payments vary month to month or you’re just testing whether card acceptance suits your business.
The Sell In-Person (buy device) plan costs £12.99 plus VAT monthly and drops your transaction fees to 0.79% plus 3p. You buy the reader upfront at the standard price. The Sell In-Person (rent device) plan costs £24.99 plus VAT per month, gives you the device at no upfront cost, and offers the lowest rate of 0.69% plus 3p. Keep in mind this rental option ties you into a 12-month commitment.
When you’re processing over £2,200 monthly in card payments, the subscription plans start saving you money. Tide has a promotional code ZEROFEES right now, giving you three months of free processing on domestic card payments under £10.
Your funds reach your Tide account within three working days as standard. Want faster access? The Next Day Settlement Boost costs £2.99 plus VAT monthly and gets your money to you within one business day.
Key features
Both readers come with lifetime free 4G connectivity plus WiFi, so you won’t need to worry about mobile data costs. The standard reader weighs 170g with a 4-inch touchscreen, whilst the Plus model is heavier at 495g but includes a 5.5-inch display and built-in receipt printer. Battery life lasts through a full business day for both.
These are PCI PTS-approved secure readers with tamper-proof designs. Your payment data encrypts the moment a card interacts with the device. Each unit comes with a one-year warranty. Both accept contactless payments, chip and PIN, plus digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Best for
Mobile businesses benefit from the standard reader’s portability and built-in connectivity. The Plus model suits cafés, salons, and retail shops where you need printed receipts and handle frequent transactions at a fixed location. This solution makes most sense if you’re already banking with Tide or happy to switch – you’ll get seamless integration between your payments and banking.
6. PayPal Card Reader
Already using PayPal for your online business? The PayPal Card Reader might be perfect for you – it connects directly with your existing PayPal Business account and processes payments through their POS app on your mobile device. The hardware works via Bluetooth 5.1 or a wired USB-C connection to your smartphone or tablet.
Cost and transaction fees
Your first PayPal Card Reader costs £29 excluding VAT, though additional units will cost £69 each. There are no monthly fees or startup costs to worry about. The transaction pricing is straightforward… mostly.
Card and contactless payments charge a flat 1.75% rate. But if you need to manually key in card details, that jumps to 3.4% plus £0.20 per transaction. Payment links work differently – PayPal payments (including PayPal Checkout, pay later options, or guest payments) cost 2.9% plus £0.30, whilst cards and alternative payment methods process at 1.2% plus £0.30.
Here’s something you’ll appreciate – funds transfer automatically to your PayPal Business account within minutes. You can also trigger manual transfers that complete within two hours. Same-day transfer happens automatically as the default option.
Key features
Speed is where this reader really shines. It powers on in just two seconds and processes contactless payments in under five seconds. When you’ve got queues forming, every second counts. Battery life reaches up to eight hours depending on how busy you are. The device charges via the included USB-C cable, with charging docks available separately if you want them.
Compatibility covers iOS 14 or higher on Apple devices and Android 8.0 or higher on most Android phones and tablets, connecting through Bluetooth with a 15-metre range. The reader measures 11 x 7 x 2 cm and weighs just 130 grammes. UV fade-resistant, easy-clean plastic construction means it’ll handle regular use. Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE) certification keeps transactions secure.
You get a 12-month warranty covering hardware issues. The reader accepts chip and PIN cards, contactless payments including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Available in white or black.
Best for
This works brilliantly if you’re already part of the PayPal ecosystem – you’ll have unified payment processing across all your sales channels. The rapid startup and processing speeds make it ideal for busy environments like markets or events where queue management really matters. Mobile service providers will find the 130-gramme weight easy to carry between client appointments.
7. Revolut Reader
Revolut makes things a bit more complicated by offering two different account options for card payments, each with its own pricing structure. Companies need to open a Business account costing £10 to £125 monthly, but sole traders can use the free Pro account. The Revolut Reader costs £49 plus VAT with a £5 shipping fee.
Cost and transaction fees
Your transaction fees depend entirely on which account type you choose. Business account holders pay 0.8% plus 2p for domestic Visa and Mastercard consumer debit and credit cards. Domestic consumer American Express cards cost 1.7% plus 2p, whilst premium, corporate, commercial, and non-UK cards attract higher rates at 2.6% plus 2p.
Sole traders with a Pro account get a much simpler deal – you pay a flat rate of 1.5% for any card type processed through the reader. This removes the headache of working out different rates for different card types.
Online transactions cost less, starting at 0.8% plus £0.02 for domestic consumer cards. International and commercial cards incur 2.6% plus £0.02 for online payments.
Here’s something to watch out for with refunds. Revolut keeps the original transaction fees when processing refunds, though they don’t add an extra refund fee. Chargebacks cost £15 each. Your funds transfer to your Revolut account the next day at no charge. Pro account users face a 7-day waiting period for the first payout, then settlements speed up to 24 hours.
Key features
Payment processing completes in under 5 seconds. The reader works 24/7 with all-day battery life. You can create a custom product catalogue with colour-coded items and categories to speed up your queue processing. The analytics feature gives you sales insights for better business decisions. Customers can add digital tips, and the device accepts payments in over 25 foreign currencies. Real-time fraud monitoring keeps things secure. You get a 30-day money-back guarantee and 1-year warranty.
Best for
This works well if you’re already banking with Revolut and want to keep everything in one place. Sole traders particularly benefit from the Pro account’s straightforward 1.5% flat fee structure. Companies processing mainly domestic consumer cards can achieve competitive rates through the Business account pricing.
8. Dojo Go
The Dojo Go stands out because it doesn’t need your smartphone to work – it has its own built-in 4G connectivity through a PAX A920 platform. You’ll pay £179 plus VAT upfront, though there’s a £100 discount running until 31 March 2026. If buying outright isn’t for you, rental options start from £15 plus VAT monthly for businesses with over £100,000 annual card turnover, or £20 plus VAT monthly for smaller operations.
Cost and transaction fees
The pricing gets a bit complex with three different tiers depending on your business size. The Fix plan costs £39.99 per month and covers transactions up to £3,999 monthly card turnover – anything over £4,000 attracts a 1% flat rate. This 12-month price-locked plan includes American Express payments.
For businesses processing under £150,000 annually, you’ll pay 1.4% plus 5p for consumer Visa and Mastercard transactions, whilst business debit and credit cards cost 1.8% plus 5p. Companies processing over £150,000 in annual turnover can access the Flex plan with custom rates. Those reaching £1 million annually qualify for the Pro plan with reduced bespoke fees.
There are additional charges to consider – a minimum monthly payment of £24.95, refunds at 50p each, secure transaction fees of 5p per payment, and chargebacks at £28 plus VAT. Online transactions cost 1.9% plus 5p for consumer cards and 2.3% plus 5p for business cards. The good news? Next-day settlements arrive by 10am at no extra charge, including weekends and bank holidays.
Key features
Independent research shows transaction speeds process 58% faster than market average. The 5-inch HD touchscreen makes everything straightforward, and the built-in 58mm thermal receipt printer means you won’t need separate equipment. Battery life supports 10 hours of continuous use or approximately 650 transactions. The device works with over 600 EPOS systems and accepts all major cards, contactless payments, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Best for
High-volume hospitality businesses, busy retail stores, and food service establishments will appreciate the rapid processing and durable construction that’s been tested to withstand 1.2-metre drops.
9. Tyl by NatWest
NatWest takes a different approach with rental-only card machines starting from £13.99 plus VAT monthly, and you’ll need to commit to a 12-month contract. You can choose from three PAX models depending on your setup: the countertop A80 at £13.99 monthly, the portable A50 at £14.99 monthly, and the premium A920 Pro at £19.99 monthly. There’s also a Tap to Pay smartphone app that handles contactless payments without any hardware costs.
Cost and transaction fees
The fee structure is fairly straightforward if you’re processing under £50,000 annually. You’ll pay fixed rates of 1.39% plus 5p for UK and European personal cards, whilst all other cards cost 1.99% plus 5p. That flat 5p authorisation fee applies to every transaction regardless of how much the payment is worth. Companies processing over £50,000 can negotiate custom pricing with tailored transaction rates.
The online payment gateway adds £14.95 plus VAT monthly to your costs, though there’s currently a promotional offer waiving this fee for six months until 31 December 2025. You won’t face monthly service charges, and processing refunds doesn’t cost extra. Your funds arrive by the next business day as standard across all payment channels.
Key features
This service handles payments in person, online, and over the phone through integrated systems. The card machines process Visa, Mastercard, Discover Global Network, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and contactless payments. You get access to a customer portal for sales tracking, invoice access, and multi-user management at no extra cost.
Best for
UK-based small to medium businesses will find this particularly useful, especially if you’re already banking with NatWest, RBS, or Ulster Bank since everything integrates smoothly. Cafés, retail shops, and service providers who want flexible payment acceptance across multiple channels should consider this option.
10. Takepayments card machines
Takepayments takes a different approach – instead of standard rates, they create bespoke pricing packages based on your specific business type, expected card turnover, and which card reader model you choose. A local specialist actually visits your premises to work out a customised package rather than offering one-size-fits-all rates.
Cost and transaction fees
You’ve got two rental options to choose from: the Easy Deal starts at £7.50 plus VAT monthly but includes a £150 setup fee, or the Takepaymentsplus at £25 plus VAT monthly with no setup costs. Both options require 12-month contracts. Transaction rates vary quite a bit – from 0.3% to 2.5% depending on your card types and business volume. Domestic debit cards get the lowest rates at 0.28%, whilst business or corporate cards typically cost between 1.8% to 2.5% plus a fixed authorisation charge.
There are some additional costs to factor in: a £10 monthly minimum service charge, £9 per chargeback, and 30p for each refund you process. Your funds settle by the next working day.
Key features
The A920Pro connects through WiFi, 4G, and Bluetooth with a 5.5-inch touchscreen and built-in receipt printer. Setup is straightforward – just three steps to get going. All machines handle contactless payments up to £100, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, plus chip and PIN for Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, and American Express.
Best for
This works particularly well for businesses with higher average transaction values – restaurants, beauticians, retail shops, and car dealerships tend to get competitive fees. However, if you’re running a café or convenience store processing lots of low-value transactions, you might find better value with other alternatives.
11. Clover Flex
This one’s quite different from the basic readers we’ve looked at so far. Clover Flex works more like a complete point of sale system packed into a handheld device – so you’re getting payment processing plus business management tools all in one. The pricing reflects these extra capabilities, which means it sits in a different category to the simple card readers.
Cost and transaction fees
Getting exact pricing for Clover Flex can be tricky because they tailor rates based on your business turnover, transaction history, and typical payment amounts. If you’re processing up to £100,000 annually, you’ll see flat transaction rates up to 1.49%. Process more than that? You’ll get into bespoke negotiated territory.
Monthly service fees start from £9.99, and that includes the device. Some providers rent them from £15 monthly, whilst others might charge £21 plus VAT. Want to buy outright? Expect to pay between £450 and £600 depending on where you shop and what promotions are running.
Key features
The device handles chip and PIN, contactless, magnetic stripe, and digital wallets. Battery lasts about 8 hours, which should see you through most business days. You get an integrated thermal receipt printer and barcode scanner built in – no need for separate equipment. The 5-inch touchscreen is antimicrobial too.
It connects via Wi-Fi and 4G. Here’s where it gets interesting though – you can access Clover’s app market to add inventory management, employee tracking, and customer loyalty programmes. That’s what makes this more than just a card reader.
Best for
Mobile vendors, table-service restaurants, food trucks, and salons work well with this setup. The lightweight design helps when your staff are juggling multiple tasks. Really, it’s for businesses that want payment processing and business management rolled into one device.
Quick Comparison: 11 Cheapest Card Readers
We’ve put together this comparison table to help you quickly see the key differences between each card reader. You can compare costs, fees, and features side by side to find what works best for your business needs.
| Card reader | Device cost | Monthly fees | Standard transaction fee | Contract required | Connectivity | Settlement time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square Reader 2 | £19 + VAT | £0 | 1.75% (in-person) | No | Bluetooth (BLE 5.3) | Next business day | Mobile businesses, food trucks, market traders, tradespeople |
| SumUp Air | £39 + VAT | £0 (PAYG) or £19 (Payments Plus) | 1.69% (PAYG) or 0.99% (Payments Plus) | No | Bluetooth | 1 business day | Small businesses up to £50,000 turnover, coffee shops, market stalls, freelancers |
| Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere | £29 + VAT | £0 | 1.6% (PAYG) or bespoke rates | No | Bluetooth via app | Next working day | Sole traders, seasonal businesses under £1m turnover, tradespeople, charities |
| myPOS Go 2 | £29 (excl. VAT) | £0 | 1.10% + £0.07 (under £10k monthly) | No | 4G SIM + Wi-Fi | Instant | Mobile businesses needing immediate settlement, European traders |
| Tide Card Reader | £159 + VAT (standard) or £199 + VAT (Plus) | £0 (PAYG), £12.99 (buy device), or £24.99 (rent device) | 1.39% + 5p (PAYG) to 0.69% + 3p (rental) | 12 months (rental only) | 4G + Wi-Fi | 3 working days (standard) or next day (with boost) | Mobile businesses, cafés, salons (requires Tide business account) |
| PayPal Card Reader | £29 (excl. VAT) first unit, £69 additional | £0 | 1.75% (card/contactless) | No | Bluetooth 5.1 or USB-C | Within minutes (automatic) | Businesses using PayPal online, high-volume environments, mobile service providers |
| Revolut Reader | £49 + VAT (+ £5 shipping) | £10-£125 (Business) or £0 (Pro account) | 0.8% + 2p (Business) or 1.5% (Pro) | No | Bluetooth via app | Next day (24 hours for Pro after initial 7 days) | Businesses using Revolut banking, sole traders (Pro account) |
| Dojo Go | £179 + VAT (£100 discount until 31 March 2026) | £15-£20 (rental) or £39.99 (Fix plan) | 1.4% + 5p (under £150k) or custom rates | 12 months | 4G + Wi-Fi | Next day by 10am | High-volume hospitality, busy retail, food service establishments |
| Tyl by NatWest | Rental only | £13.99-£19.99 + VAT | 1.39% + 5p (under £50k) or custom rates | 12 months | Wi-Fi/4G (model dependent) | Next business day | UK small to medium businesses, NatWest/RBS/Ulster Bank customers |
| Takepayments | Rental only | £7.50-£25 + VAT | 0.3%-2.5% (bespoke pricing) | 12 months | Wi-Fi, 4G, Bluetooth | Next working day | Restaurants, beauticians, retail shops, car dealerships (higher transaction values) |
| Clover Flex | £450-£600 (purchase) | £9.99-£21 + VAT | Up to 1.49% (under £100k) or bespoke | Varies by provider | Wi-Fi + 4G | Not mentioned | Mobile vendors, table-service restaurants, food trucks, salons |
Use this table to narrow down your options, then read the detailed sections above for each card reader that catches your eye. Remember to factor in your monthly transaction volume when comparing fees – what looks cheapest today might not be the most economical as your business grows.
Choosing a cheap card reader for your business
Choosing the right card reader really comes down to understanding your business needs and how much you’re processing each month. Square Reader 2 and SumUp Air give you simple entry points under £40 with no monthly commitments, whilst myPOS Go 2 delivers something special – instant settlements.
Processing over £3,000 monthly? That’s when subscription plans like SumUp Payments Plus or Tide’s rental options start making financial sense. You’ll cut those per-transaction costs significantly.
Here’s what we’d suggest: calculate your monthly card turnover first. This single number determines which pricing structure actually saves you money. The cheapest option today might not be the best choice as your business grows… and that’s perfectly normal.
Your payment processing needs will evolve alongside your business, so pick something that works now but gives you room to scale up when the time comes.
See also our guide to the best card reader for a small business.
FAQs
The Square Reader 2 is one of the most affordable options at £19 plus VAT, with no monthly fees or long-term contracts. It charges a flat 1.75% transaction fee for in-person payments and works via Bluetooth with your smartphone or tablet.
Not necessarily. Several card readers operate on a pay-as-you-go basis with no monthly fees, including Square Reader 2, SumUp Air, and myPOS Go 2. However, subscription plans like SumUp Payments Plus (£19/month) can reduce transaction fees if you process over £3,000 monthly.
Settlement times vary by provider. Most card readers transfer funds within one to three business days. However, myPOS Go 2 offers instant settlement, whilst PayPal Card Reader can transfer funds within minutes. Some providers charge extra for faster settlement options.
Yes, several standalone card readers don’t require smartphone pairing. The myPOS Go 2, Dojo Go, and Tide Card Reader Plus all have built-in 4G connectivity and touchscreens, allowing them to operate independently without connecting to a mobile device.
Transaction fees typically range from 0.69% to 1.75% for standard domestic card payments, depending on your provider and monthly turnover. Higher fees apply to business cards, international cards, and American Express (usually 1.7% to 2.85%). Businesses processing larger volumes often qualify for custom reduced rates.
