8 best card machines and mobile card readers for small businesses

Card machines are essential for taking payments. But how do you choose the right one for your business? At Startups, we’ve been helping SMEs answer that question for over 20 years.

Using independent analysis, plus interviews with real-life business owners, I’ll outline the eight best card machine providers in 2024 — and ask whether they’re right for your business — below.

Whether you’re running a market stall or a bustling restaurant, this guide outlines all you need to know about card machines, including what a merchant account is, how mobile card readers compare to ‘traditional’ countertop card machines, how pricing plans work, and what card fees to watch out for.

To help you choose, we’ve thoroughly evaluated the best card machines in the UK on the criteria that matter most to small businesses, including:

• Pricing and transaction fees
• Capacity to scale
• Ease of use and setup
• Available user support channels
• Integrations with apps

What’s the best card reader for small business? Comparison table

Our research found the takepayments A920 to be the best card reader. This portable machine offers a breadth of features – including tip allocation – plus, it tailors its prices to each business, giving you the opportunity to negotiate your monthly charges. Still, the best option for you all comes down to what type of business you’re running, and how many transactions you tend to handle.

If you’re running a market stall or food truck, for example, a compact machine like the Square card reader is a perfect choice. For larger stores and restaurants handling a lot of covers, the more robust Worldpay card reader will be more suitable.

Below, I’ve rounded up my top picks of the best card machines, with essential need-to-knows including key features, prices, and credit card transaction fees:

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FEATURED PROVIDER	BEST OVERALL
Tide Card Reader Plus	takepayments A920	Worldpay Reader	Zettle by PayPal	Tyl (by Natwest)	Square Reader	SumUp	Dojo Go	Smartpay Anywhere (by Barclaycard)
Star Rating Not yet rated	Star Rating 4.8	Star Rating 4.7	Star Rating 4.6	Star Rating 4.6	Star Rating 4.3	Star Rating 4.1	Star Rating 4.0	Star Rating 3.2
Hardware cost £99+ VAT	Hardware cost Bespoke	Hardware cost Terminal Fee £19/mo	Hardware cost Starting from £29 + VAT	Hardware cost £14.95 + VAT per month	Hardware cost £19 + VAT	Hardware cost Starting from £29 + VAT	Hardware cost £20 per month	Hardware cost £29 per month + VAT
Transaction fees 1.5% for all payments	Transaction fees Personalised per business – range between 0.3% to 2.5%	Transaction fees 2.75% + 0.20p for pay-as-you-go 0.75% for debit cards or 2.75% for pay monthly	Transaction fees 1.75% for all contactless or card payments	Transaction fees 1.50%	Transaction fees 1.75% for all contactless or card payments	Transaction fees 1.69% for all contactless or card payments	Transaction fees 1.4% + 5p	Transaction fees 1.6% for credit card payments 0.3% for debit card payments
Includes payment software? N/A	Includes payment software? Yes	Includes payment software? Yes	Includes payment software? Yes	Includes payment software? No	Includes payment software? Yes	Includes payment software? Yes	Includes payment software? Yes	Includes payment software? Yes
Store fees N/A	Store fees N/A	Store fees N/A	Store fees N/A	Store fees N/A	Store fees 2.5%	Store fees 2.5%	Store fees N/A	Store fees N/A
Mobile/Wi-Fi? 4G and Wi-Fi	Mobile/Wi-Fi? GPRS, 4G, and Wi-Fi	Mobile/Wi-Fi? 4G and Wifi	Mobile/Wi-Fi? 4G and Wifi	Mobile/Wi-Fi? 3G and WiFi	Mobile/Wi-Fi? 4G and Wifi	Mobile/Wi-Fi? 4G and Wifi	Mobile/Wi-Fi? 4G and WiFi	Mobile/Wi-Fi? 4G and Wifi
Payment gateway Yes	Payment gateway Yes – via Barclaycard	Payment gateway Yes	Payment gateway Yes	Payment gateway Free access to Tyl, by Natwest	Payment gateway No	Payment gateway Available through integration with WooCommerce	Payment gateway No	Payment gateway Yes
Visit Tide	Compare Quotes	Compare Quotes	Compare Quotes	Compare Quotes	Visit Square	Compare Quotes	Compare Quotes	Compare Quotes

Buying guide: what to look for in a card machine

Before we get started, here’s a rundown of key considerations to choosing the right card machine for your business.

1. Type of card machine

• Portable: a portable reader that uses WiFi connect wirelessly to your POS system and can be taken around the premises (ideal for waiting tables)
• Mobile: connects to cellular networks or in-built modems. Suitable for outdoor businesses or those on-the-move (such as food truck businesses)
• Countertop: a fixed sales point that uses wired internet or a phoneline to connect but was made to stay in one location (ideal for shops and salons)

2. Pricing

You can either purchase a card reader in one, upfront purchase, or lease it for a monthly charge. Remember that a higher price tag doesn’t always indicate higher quality. Take Square’s reader, for instance, which at £19 + VAT upfront is £10 cheaper than the Smartpay Anywhere. However, our research and testing rates the Square Reader more highly.

3. Transaction fees

Transaction fees are charged on every sale. Cheaper fees tend to start at around 1.5%, while more expensive fees sit closer to 3% (some providers will enable you to negotiate rates, so do ask about this if it feels appropriate). Examine whether a provider’s fees are:

• Fixed = sticking at the same percentage per transaction no matter what
• Variable = changeable depending on the type of payment eg. credit or debit card
• Tiered or sliding = cheaper the higher your transaction volume

4. Monthly fees

Watch out for sneaky, additional monthly charges, such as security license fees or chargeback charges (a fee incurred when a customer disputes a transaction). Some providers also levy fees for hardware  maintenance, customer support access, or software updates. Evaluate these against the services provided and ensure they align with your business’s needs.

5. Contract lengths

Assess contract lengths (typically minimum one year) and termination clauses, as you might be charged if you leave your contract early. Finding a provider that offers maximum contract flexibility is key, especially if your business is seasonal or just starting out.

Other considerations when choosing a card reader:

• Battery life: for mobile or portable machines, longer battery life means fewer interruptions during transactions and more satisfied customers
• Accepted payment types: ensure your machine supports major card networks (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) and emerging methods like Apple Pay or Google Pay
• Features: inventory management, reporting tools, or integration capabilities with your existing systems can streamline operations and enhance business efficiency
• Compliance: ensure your chosen machine adheres to Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requirements to safeguard sensitive information
• Support options: look for providers offering reliable customer service, preferably with multiple channels of support

1. takepayments: Best overall card reader

The takepayments A920 touch screen card machine

takepayments was founded in 2016 by Clive Kahn, a payment expert who began his career volunteering in his parent’s shop aged 13. That experience might be why the takepayments A920 card reader boasts such a customer-centric design. I found it to be a very portable terminal, with a good-sized touchscreen interface that will return a response in 1-5 seconds.

4.8 out of 5

• Price
  4.2
• Taking Payments
  5
• Features
  5
• Customer Support
  3.8
• Customer Score
  4.4

Hospitality firms will like that the A920 offers the ability to allocate tips to each user, ensuring that gratuities are correctly distributed among your staff (which will be especially important to get right when the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act comes into play in October 2024). It also boasts real-time reporting on inventory and employee sales to help you stay on top of stock; handy for running a kitchen.

I’m equally impressed by takepayments’ 16 ecommerce integrations, which are ideal for omnichannel sellers. takepayments can take payments through the phone and its virtual terminal (which is fully protected against fraud thanks to 3D secure authentication). Plus, it accepts multiple currencies, so store owners are able to sell internationally.

I’m very aware of how delayed payments can impact SMEs, so it’s great to see that takepayments will transfer funds to your bank account within 24 hours. If there are any issues, customers can contact takepayments’ support team via phone, live chat, or a knowledge base (although email support is not available, which is a rare miss for takepayments).

takepayments A920 pricing

takepayments’ bespoke pricing structure is one of the most generous I’ve come across. Based on your annual turnover, takepayments works out bespoke monthly and transaction fees, giving you more power to negotiate your overall costs. Typical charges include:

• Card machine price: around £25 + VAT per month for terminal, software, and SIM card
• Contract length: 18 months
• Account fees: minimum of £20
• Transaction fees: between 0.3% to 2.5%
• Online transaction fees: 10p (first 400 transactions free)
• Setup fee: N/A
• Termination fee: £40 (+ £30 “non-use charge” for every month remaining)

Who outperforms takepayments A920?

Square offers a slightly more compact terminal, which might be a more suitable design for kiosks, stalls and food trucks.

Dojo uses the same A920 card reader as takepayments. Some firms may prefer Dojo’s shorter 6-month contract, compared to the 18-month minimum for takepayments.

2. Worldpay: Best for larger stores and restaurants

Global merchant provider Worldpay is perhaps the largest ‘traditional’ payment brand, and a solid choice for larger retailers and restaurants. I don’t recommend it to smaller setups as its more expensive processing fees can penalise the sale of low-cost items. However, larger firms wanting a safe, secure machine will find Worldpay a satisfactory fit.

4.7 out of 5

• Pricing
  3.7
• Features
  4.5
• Customer Support
  5
• Customer Score
  3.8

Worldpay offers two card readers: the countertop Ingenico Desk/5000, and the mobile Ingenico Axium DX8000, both of which process payments in 1-3 seconds (2 seconds faster than takepayments). Both come with a range of contracts, rates, and add-ons. For £4.99/mo, business owners can access reports on sales, settlements, and invoices.

If I had to pick Worldpay’s top benefit it would be speed. Funds are transferred within a rapid 30 minutes, as part of Worldpay’s Same Day Funding guarantee. Support channels include phone, live chat, and email, ensuring queries are met with a prompt response.

This haste doesn’t sacrifice security, either. Under the Worldpay Merchant Guarantee service, Worldpay will cover loss of funds arising from third party fraud on guaranteed transactions. It also features PCI-compliance for £29.99 per year, compared to takepayments’ much more costly charge of £15 per month.

Worldpay is suitable for online sellers, with many of its 100+ integrations applying to ecommerce firms. Sellers can process transactions via virtual terminal and accept multiple currencies. However, its much more expensive transaction fees of 2.75% means I only recommend Worldpay to those selling big-ticket items, such as luxury goods.

Worldpay pricing

Worldpay users pay an astonishing 2.75% + 20p on every transaction. If you’re selling products that cost less than £2, you’ll lose out on over 10% of every purchase – putting real pressure on your Cost of Goods Sold. Here’s how the Worldpay costs break down:

• Contract length: 18 months
• Account fees: £9.95 + VAT
• Monthly transaction fees: £19.95/mo + 2.75% (credit cards) and 0.75% (debit card)
• Pay as You Go transaction fees: 2.75% + 20p per transaction
• Setup fee: none
• Termination fee: pay out existing contract
• Card machine price: £17.50/mo
• Virtual terminal cost: £9.99/mo
• Minimum monthly service charge: £15

If you’d prefer a fixed payment plan, there are two available to SMEs:

• The fixed monthly plan costs £49.99 per month (inc VAT) with transaction fees of 1%–2.75%
• The custom plan costs just £19 for the card reader, but comes with significantly higher transaction fees

Who outperforms Worldpay?

Square, SumUp, and takepayments each boast lower transaction fees on small purchases, making them a better choice for micro-sellers, such as coffee stands.

3. Zettle by PayPal: Best mobile card reader

We tested out a Zettle by PayPal card reader at Snow White, a dry cleaners in Shoreditch, London

With ultra-low costs and one of the highest-rated apps around, Zettle by PayPal is a great alternative to traditional processing card readers for innovative and budget-conscious businesses owners. You can learn even more about the features included with the system in our full Zettle by Paypal review.

4.6 out of 5

• Price
  3.9
• Features
  4.9
• Customer Support
  5
• Customer Score
  4.5

Thanks to Zettle’s recognisable parent company, PayPal, the brand boasts a huge number of high-profile integrations with big-name software including Quickbooks and Xero. Small businesses can use Zettle with third-party hardware – including receipt printers, cash drawers, and barcode scanners – as part of a complete POS system.

Alternatively, you can sync the Zettle Go app to your smartphone or tablet if you need to take card payments on the go. I recommend that its excellent 3G and 4G connectivity would be brilliantly-suited to taxi firms. It can also print receipts manually or automatically, which is now a Transport For London requirement.

Business owners won’t need to worry about taking added security measures because all sensitive credit card information is handled on Zettle’s secure, PCI-compliant servers, at no additional cost to the merchant. Plus, Zettle promises transaction protection of up to £250 in eligible chargebacks per month.

Now, the bad bits. Zettle takes a very long time to process payments (1-2 working days). It also doesn’t have as many reporting functions as more specialist providers like Worldpay or takepayments. Users can track staff hours and view inventory from the app, but cannot monitor customisable data (such as product categories) or make real-time stock checks.

Zettle by PayPal pricing

Because Zettle does not demand any fixed monthly fees, you’re free to leave the contract at any time (a clear advantage compared to brands like takepayments, which force business owners into a minimum 18-month long contract. Other charges include:

• Contract length: N/A
• Transaction fees: 1.75%
• Online transaction fees: 2.5% for payment links and invoices
• Card machine price: £29 + VAT
• Setup fees: N/A
• Termination fees: N/A

Zettle’s device costs the same as the SumUp Air card reader. However, its transaction fees are a tad more expensive (1.75% vs. 1.69%). Learn more in our guide to SumUp vs. Zettle.

Who outperforms Zettle?

While Zettle’s parent company, PayPal is a payment gateway, Square is a fully-formed POS system that integrates with the Square website builder, which makes it the better choice for ecommerce sales.

4. Tyl by Natwest: Best for Fast Payment Processing

The Tyl by Natwest card machine

4.6 out of 5

• Price
  4.8
• Features
  3.5
• Customer Support
  4.2
• Customer Score
  3.4

Card machines exclusively take card payments, whereas a POS (Point of Sale) system also includes other functions, such as inventory management and sales tracking. Tyl by Natwest’s card reader is a hassle-free solution that does both; allowing users to take payments and manage their business from the Tyl portal.

Tyl has multiple card readers available for small business users, but our top-recommended option is its all-in-one POS device (the Clover Flex). This reader features a 5.99-inch glass touchscreen, and it can take payments from every major debit card, credit card, and digital wallet (such as Apple Pay).

Alongside a decent battery with around 8 hours of charge, Tyl’s all-in-one POS is also fully PCI-compliant, and as an added security bonus, you’ll be able to carry out a card check instantly from the machine, bringing extra reassurance to entrepreneurs.

But the key reason to choose Tyl is that it offers access to the Tyl Portal, a management platform that lets you see all the most important information about your business, including sales tracking, average purchase value, and even when your busiest selling period is; all of which is crucial to inform sales and marketing strategies.

There are some drawbacks to Tyl that I think are worth being aware of. Namely, cost. At £16.99 per month, its card machine prices are considerably more expensive than SumUp’s or Square’s, while its transaction fees can get as high as 1.99% + 5p. Companies taking home over £50,000 per year will also need to argue for a better, bespoke quote.

Email support is not available (only phone and live chat) and Tyl also only integrates with four accounting tools. However, the Tyl Portal will carry out most of the functions required from third-party apps, which should soften the blow for business owners.

Tyl by Natwest pricing

• Contract length: minimum 12 months
• Transaction fees (for businesses with under £50,000 turnover)
  – 1.39% + 5p per transaction (UK & Europe cards)
  – 1.99% + 5p per transaction (other cards)
• Card machine prices per month:
  • All-In-One POS: £14.99 Wifi, £16.99 4G
  • Portable: £19.99 Wifi, £21.99 4G
  • Countertop: £13.99
  • Pocket: £6.99/mo, £75.99 buy outright
• Setup fees: N/A
• Termination fees: Yes

How does Tyl by Natwest compare with its rivals?

SumUp Air and Square are both much more affordable card machines for budget-conscious business owners.

Worldpay‘s hardware includes buttons, which some customers might prefer to the futuristic style of Tyl’s touch screen machine.

5. Square: Best market stalls, pop-ups and kiosks

We tested out a Square card machine at Got That Crystal Healing, a shop in Shoreditch, London

Despite being a financial services platform, Square’s standout feature is its smartly-designed, 8cm x 8cm card reader that set a new standard for the sector when it was first revealed in 2009. Though it pairs with your phone, and is barely any bigger, Square’s card reader is a high-spec device that links to your phone or tablet for the ultimate sleek design.

4.3 out of 5

• Price
  3.3
• Features
  4.6
• Customer Support
  5
• Customer Score
  4

If you run a coffee stand, pop-up shop, food truck or market stall, or if you take on-the-spot payments from customers – as a personal trainer or masseuse, for example – then you’re going to want to get one of these little devices, too.

It may be small, but Square applies the highest security standards to its reader. All sensitive credit card information is handled on Square’s secure, PCI-compliant servers, and non-encrypted payment data won’t ever be saved on your business’ hardware or software. Square’s advanced AI software can also monitor current fraud trends.

Based on our in-depth research, I recommend Square to small business owners who are wanting to keep costs low without missing out on good features. There are countless integrations available: Square offers everything from ecommerce integrations through to accounting software and invoicing software integrations, plus delivery apps and CRM systems.

If you’re looking for a comprehensive payment solution, you may want to check out the Square Terminal, which also allows you to manage items and print receipts from one device. It also offers sophisticated inventory and team management features, meaning this tiny card reader is still suitable for larger teams of five people or more.

Square pricing

Who outperforms Square?

Square’s stripped back approach means it is lacking in some areas. Those who need traditional, customer-led functions – like the ability to print receipts – may want a docked machine like Worldpay’s. Square’s fee structure may also not be as appealing for larger restaurants and stores, who may prefer to look to Worldpay for an alternative.

6. SumUp Air: Cheap transaction fees for stalls, small stores and stands

We observed a SumUp card reader taking payments at Jerry’s, a food and drink kiosk in London

Global finance company SumUp has made it its company mission to service the smallest UK businesses. Naturally, SumUp Air is a great mobile card reader for micro operations, such as market stalls, or on-the-go businesses – for example, if you do home visits to customers and take payments on the spot – such as freelance hairdressing.

4.1 out of 5

• Price
  3.7
• Features
  3.9
• Customer Support
  3.2
• Customer Score
  4.7

It’s easy to get started with SumUp Air. Users can simply go onto the brand’s website, complete an online sign-up form, then wait 2-3 working days to receive the reader via post (although SumUp will complete a credit check to make sure you are who you say you are).

The SumUp Air has an ideal, compact design. It also has a long-lasting battery life: it’s able to make 500 transactions on one charge. You won’t want your payment device conking out in the middle of a busy lunch trade, so this is a nice bit of reassurance.

Core payment features are not a problem for SumUp. You’ll be able to invoice clients, and produce transaction reports. Plus, all payment history is stored in SumUp’s secure, PCI-compliant servers, at no additional cost to your business. However, I must stress that customer support is not available through live chat – only over the phone or by email.

In fact, I would say don’t expect any bells and whistles at this price point. There’s only 11 integrations available (mainly with accounting software like QuickBooks), and you’re unable to print receipts using just SumUp Air alone. If that’s something you do need, I recommend you spend a little more on the SumUp 3G and Printer combo (pricing below).

SumUp pricing

• Contract length: N/A
• Transaction fees:
  – 1.69% for cards
  – 2.5% for Invoices, Online Store, and Payment Links
• Card machine prices:
  – Air: From £29
  – Solo: From £79
  – 3G and Printer: From £129
• Setup fees: N/A
• Termination fees: N/A

Who outperforms SumUp?

Square‘s cheapest card reader is less expensive than the SumUp Air. Unlike SumUp, it also has an excellent tie-in with ecommerce through Square Online, which could be a dealbreaker if you sell online.

That said, here’s a reason to love SumUp Air: the card reader is a one-off purchase, while Tyl by Natwest‘s reader costs £14.95 per month + VAT (although the trade-off is that SumUp does lack some sophisticated sales tools).

7. Dojo: Best for Flexibility

We tested out a Dojo card machine at Malek’s Jewels, a jewellery stall based in London

4.0 out of 5

• Price
  3.5
• Features
  3.1
• Customer Support
  3.8
• Customer Score
  4.2

Dojo is a payment provider that specialises in getting small business up and running quickly. Its signup incentives are impressive, as are its flexible contracts. However, Dojo’s focus on ease-of-use means it is short of the more sophisticated features that some SMEs might need.

Who should choose the Dojo card reader?

Dojo is very keen to win over small business owners. Amazingly, the company even offers to pay up to £3,000 of your exit fees from your previous contract to encourage you to sign up. That said, it will undergo credit checks to ensure your business is what you claim.

Dojo’s mid-range price and flexible contract approach make it ideal for SMEs who want a merchant provider with little commitment. Dojo allows SMEs that are swapping from a rival provider to enter a monthly, rolling contract, so you can leave at any time (and, you can take your money almost immediately, thanks to Dojo’s 24-hour fund processing time).

Practically speaking, Dojo’s Oracle stack is protected from fraud with embedded security checks and authorisation mechanisms. Your PCI compliance is reduced to just two documents and two questions. Once you’ve read and understood the documents, you can become compliant from your Dojo account online or via the app.

That said, I’d caution side hustlers against choosing Dojo. High rental costs and minimum service fees mean you could be spending a lot on a contract without any money coming in. Plus, if you need integrations with DIY accounting software (as sole traders often do), you should be aware that Dojo has few reporting features and only integrates with Quickbooks.

Dojo pricing

• Card machine price: £20 + VAT/mo
• Contract length: 6 months
• Account fees: Minimum £24.95
• Transaction fees: 1.4% Credit & debit card rate
• Setup fee: None
• Minimum service fee: £20 to £40

Who outperforms Dojo?

Dojo’s reader uses the exact same hardware as the takepayments A920. I found the takepayments software to be a little more user friendly, and takepayments has a money-back guarantee, too. But, you may prefer the upfrontness of Dojo’s pricing structure, versus takepayments’ insistence on tailoring prices to each client’s need.

8. SmartPay Anywhere (by Barclaycard): Best for Barclays business bank account holders

Already have a Barclays business bank account? Then this is the card reader for you. With a seamless integration for Barclays business customers, it will be an easy device to get up and running with – although setup might be complicated by Barclay’s poorly-rated helpdesk.

3.2 out of 5

• Price
  2.3
• Features
  3.6
• Customer Support
  2.3
• Customer score
  1.3

The reader itself is something of a competitor to the Square and SumUp devices. It accepts credit and debit card payments through the mobile connection of your smartphone or tablet. That means it’s a good choice for businesses that are based out and about – food trucks, stalls, and travelling workers who need to process payments.

Smartpay ticks a lot of boxes for businesses. Its fund transfers are same-day, before 7pm. Tick. It can be used to make sales over the phone, and has a virtual terminal. Tick. For fraud prevention it has 3D secure authentication, along with IP address, AVS, and CV2 checks. Tick, tick, tick, and tick.

It may look like a limited little reader, but the SmartPay Anywhere also syncs with an app that can provide sales reporting, inventory, and supplier management features; three core integrations that will certainly be helpful for bookkeeping, for those with a Barclays business bank account.

However, those without a Barclays account might be better off looking elsewhere for a brand that can offer more, for a lower cost. Smartpay charges a minimum of £4.80 per month for data security features, or £15 a month for more advanced Proactive Security Services (PSS).

I have also heard from multiple customers that Smartpay onboarding is complicated by a lack of support. You’ll only be able to get help over the phone, not by email or live chat, which is a big disadvantage when you’re dealing with something as important as company profits. Plus, Barclaycard charges a £60 setup fee.

SmartPay Anywhere pricing

At 1.6%, the SmartPay Anywhere card reader offers one of the lowest transaction rates of the top providers we tested, but your compromises are that the card reader only accepts Visa and Mastercard, and refunds cost 75p to process.

• Contract length: minimum 12 months
• Card machine price: £29 + VAT
• Transaction fees: 1.6%
• Setup fee: £60 (or up to £150 for the “growing” plan)
• Termination fee: pay out existing contract (plus 30-day written notice to Barclays)

Who outperforms SmartPay Anywhere?

Like Square, Barclaycard’s device comes with low up-front hardware costs. However, its integrations are lacking and it doesn’t have the brilliant ecommerce tie-in that Square does with its Square Online store.

SmartPay Anywhere’s expensive setup costs are also decidedly ungenerous compared to Zettle, Square, and SumUp, all of which charge zero setup and onboarding fees.

How we test card processing products and merchant services for small businesses

We tested 11 merchant account products and services to evaluate them in terms of functionality, usability, price, compliance, and more so we can make the most useful recommendations to small UK-based businesses.

Our rigorous testing process means these products have been scored and rated in six main categories of investigation and 25 subcategories – in fact, we covered 36 areas of investigation in total. We then gave each category score a ‘relevance weighting' to ensure the product's final score perfectly reflects the needs of our Startups.co.uk readers.

Our main testing categories for merchant account products and services are:

Compliance: the adherence of the merchant account product to relevant regulations and standards, such as data security, anti-fraud measures, and legal requirements.

Customer Support: the assistance and resources provided by the merchant account provider to users in resolving issues, answering questions, and providing guidance.

Customer Score: external customer opinion; the feedback and ratings given by customers who have used a particular merchant account. Also, the market position and reputation a merchant account holds.

Features: the functionalities and capabilities provided by the merchant account product, including online payment processing and payment gateway integration.

Taking Payments: the process and options available for accepting payments through the merchant account product.

Price: the cost associated with using the merchant account product, such as transaction fees, setup fees, monthly fees, and any additional charges.

The Startups product testing process

Verdict

If you own a small business that’s just getting off the ground, takepayments should be the ideal first card reader. Its fees are reasonable and in line with the functional capabilities of the accompanying software.

takepayments offers shorter contracts than most (12 months) and there are no joining or leaving fees, making it perfect for brand-new business needing a zero-risk, short-term commitment.

For fast-growing businesses, a Square card reader or Worldpay card reader are two options that really stand out from the competition in terms of value for money. To compare Square and Zettle by PayPal side by side, read our Square vs Zettle review.