8 best card machines and mobile card readers for small businesses

Our research found that the best card reader for UK small businesses is the takepayments card reader, which has low-cost hardware and four varied payment plans.

But if you're in the market for a card reader for your business, it's essential to understand the potential benefits of the different systems available, the equipment costs, and any ongoing transaction fees that could impact your bottom line.

While takepayments leads the pack, we've picked out seven other top options for you to consider from brands such as Square, Worldpay, and Zettle by PayPal, to ensure you invest in a card payment machine that is best for your small business.

Here's a quick overview of the top card reader brands that emerged from our research:

*Pricing is correct as of October 2023

What is a card machine?

Otherwise known as a card reader or a Chip & PIN, card machines allow you to take payments from your customer's credit cards. You can choose from a portable, mobile, and countertop card machine. Here's the difference:

• Portable: A portable reader uses wifi connect wirelessly to your POS system and can be taken around the premises, i.e. in a restaurant to take payment at the table.
• Mobile: A mobile card reader can connect to cellular networks or have in-built modems, which mean they're suitable for outdoor businesses or businesses that move from location to location (like pop ups or food truck businesses).
• Countertop: A countertop reader is a fixed sales point that uses wired internet or a phoneline to connect but was made to stay in one general location.

What's the best card machine for small businesses?

As the table above shows, the best credit card reader for UK small businesses is the takepayments A920. It is closely followed by the Worldpay card reader and the Zettle by PayPal card reader.

Card machines are a must-have for any business that needs to take payments from customers, so finding the right provider is crucial. You don't want to end up forking out hundreds of Pounds in hidden fees, so it's best to do your research before committing to a long-term contract.

Startups has been working with SMEs for more than 20 years, so we know all of the point-of-sale pain points that have arisen as a result of COVID-19 – including the need for contactless payments and a desire for faster, transparent transactions that are akin to shopping online.

We've picked eight of the top options based on several key factors, such as accompanying card processing fees, internet connectivity, and accounting software integrations. By honing in on these points, you're sure to be investing in the best card payment machine for your small business.

We also interviewed local business owners and staff to delve into their user experiences with the various card readers. Our intention was to gain first-hand experience and a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of the readers by identifying the commendable aspects and areas in need of improvement.

1. takepayments: Best for bespoke plans

Is the takepayments A920 card reader for me?

The TakePayments A920 is a compact and versatile payment terminal that is typically used by businesses to process card payments. It comes with a touchscreen interface, allowing customers to easily enter their payment information, and it can handle various payment methods, including chip and PIN, contactless, and mobile wallet payments. The A920 is portable, making it suitable for businesses that require a mobile payment solution.

Our expert researchers found that the A920 model is one of the best free POS software terminals, and can be shared with up to six users, which is great if you want to use it as a mobile checkout on the move around your business (which makes it one of the especially good POS systems for hospitality).

It also comes with a neat feature that allows you to allocate tips to each user, ensuring that gratuities are correctly distributed among your staff.

Real-time reporting and in-depth sales analysis are standard with the A920, which is great for measuring employee performance and daily/weekly sales figures to help identify customer trends.

How does takepayments A920 compare with its rivals?

While takepayments offers a competitive terminal for many elements, including hardware and transaction fees, its contracts are much lengthier than other options, such as Dojo's six-month contracts, which may suit your business better.

A shorter contract length, such as the six-month contracts offered by some payment service providers like Dojo, can be particularly advantageous for businesses that value flexibility and prefer to have the option to adapt to changing circumstances more quickly. For startups and seasonal businesses, in particular, shorter contracts can be beneficial as they align better with the fluctuating nature of their operations. It also minimises the risk of being tied into a service that may not meet your needs.

Compared to bulkier machines like the Dojo card reader, the A920 also leads on design. It offers a modern, fully touchscreen interface that easily blends in with your countertop. It can be wireless, unlike the Worldpay reader, which has numerous additional wires and could make your countertop look and feel cluttered.

Still, there is a flaw that needs to be addressed: it is the only mobile provider with no credit check function. This alone dramatically reduced its score given by our researchers during testing, receiving a low overall score of 3.2 out of 5 for features. We suggest that small business owners check all of the platform's charges before signing.

In comparison to SmartPay Anywhere for example, they require a 30 day written notice to cancel a contract, in which time you will still be accumulating cancellation fees which may be frustrating (and was the reasoning behind our researchers giving it a quite dire score in the area of pricing, at 2.3 out of 5).

Retail Merchant Services scores 5 out of 5 for pricing but, in addition to buying yourself out of the rest of your contract, you would be required to fork out £1000 in administration fees if don't provide the required notice for cancellation.

With takepayments, you can also expect to pay a monthly minimum service charge. The exact amount of the monthly minimum service charge can be subject to negotiation and may differ based on the specific terms of the contract.

Costs vary for the actual A920 device.

2. Worldpay: Best for Customer Service

Is a Worldpay mobile card reader for me?

Payment provider Worldpay is all about the options, offering a range of contracts and transaction fee rates, which you qualify for based on your monthly sales income. There are also multiple machines to choose from. Overall, our researchers gave it a strong score of 4.7 out of 5, mostly due to its top-rated customer service (and its 24/7 support).

The two card reader models available are: the countertop Ingenico Desk/5000, and the mobile Ingenico Axium DX8000 with Wi-Fi (designed for table service).

In terms of security, Worldpay is also a formidable provider because it gives you robust fraud protection and complete PCI compliance (security standards for card payments).

However, it's high transaction fees mean Worldpay is not a good option for businesses that sell lots of cheap items. However, if you’re an established business that sells expensive, boutique items, then we recommend Worldpay's fixed monthly plan for your shop's point of sale area.

There's also a range of plans available, giving you more flexibility than a lot of other providers.

How does Worldpay compare to rivals?

Our researchers found that Worldpay has some of the least generous transaction fees available on the card machine market, which is why it only scores 3.6 out of 5 for pricing.

When compared with rival budget brands like Square (1.75%) and SumUp (1.69%), Worldpay users pay an astonishing 2.75% + 20p on every transaction. This means that if you're selling products that cost less than £2, you'll lose out on over 10% of every purchase.

Kameron Patel, the manager at Nisa Local described the Worldpay machine as “a basic payment reader”, which was a positive point for Patel, who didn't want any bells or whistles. He explained that it hadn't ever caused him any hassle, and did what it was meant to do efficiently and with no problems. Because the connectivity relies on a broadband server, he mentioned that, at times, it could be slow (at no fault of Worldpay), and that most small businesses would be wise to have a backup system in place in case of any emergencies.

Before using Worldpay, Patel was using Paymentsense, which he described as “the worst machine, worse than even HSBC or Barclays”. It was apparently outdated, old and slow, and printed double receipts, which he noted was a waste for the environment.

Patel says he is on a good contract and described Worldpay as “very competitive”.

3. Zettle by PayPal: Best for Payment Features

Is the Zettle by PayPal card reader for me?

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

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. Its excellent 3G and 4G connectivity makes it brilliant for taxi firms – and it can print receipts manually or automatically, which is now a Transport For London requirement.

The card reader pairs with the iZettle Go app via Bluetooth. To use and take payments through the app, you'll need Wi-Fi or a 4G connection. Customers who require a receipt can have one sent to their email address immediately after a transaction is completed.

This provider is an ideal option if you're experienced with card readers and won't require additional guidance or support. Although Zettle received a 5 out of 5 for customer service, its phone lines are only available between 9am and 5pm on weekdays.

How does Zettle by PayPal compare with its rivals?

Zettle's closest rival is Square, another software provider that released a small business card reader at a similar time.

PayPal is a payment gateway, but Square is a fully-formed POS system that also integrates with the Square website builder, which makes it the better choice for ecommerce sales.

Zettle's reader is more expensive than Square's, however Zettle outranks the latter in terms of deposit speed and because it has a stronger mobile app, which makes it the better choice for firms making transactions on the move.

SumUp, Square, Tyl, and Dojo do not offer multi-currency options, whereas all the other providers do offer this feature, including Zettle by PayPal.

A review of Zettle from The Rugged Bunch, London

Frederico, the owner of Rugged Brunch, a cafe in North London (pictured), has had a Zettle card reader since he opened the cafe in 2020.

He said: “I find Zettle easy to use and straightforward. It has everything we need. I love that it is small and easily transportable so that customers can pay at their tables. The software is also really easy to use, and accessible for my customers. I haven’t considered switching to a different device and don’t plan to any time soon.”

“That said, to make it even more customer-centric, and like the Square card machine, the Zettle could have a larger display screen. Some of my customers also prefer buttons to input their data rather than a touchscreen.”

“The money comes into my account the next day if a payment is made Monday to Friday. However, if a transaction takes place over the weekend, it won't appear in my account until the next Wednesday. I've not looked into other transaction fees, but I am happy with Zettle's. Another sore point is battery. If the machine is new, it will last for days, but I have had this for three years and it now only lasts about one hour when charged fully.”

4. Tyl by Natwest: Best for Fast Payment Processing

Is the Tyl by Natwest card reader for me?

Weighing in at 453 grams, the Tyl by Natwest card reader is a literal and metaphorical heavyweight in the card reader market – and one of the most powerful machines on this list.

As a comprehensive POS system, you can use the Tyl reader to take payments and manage your business from one device, including inventory and customer management as well as itemised receipts. This makes it an exceptionally convenient and hassle-free solution.

Plus, thanks to its association with the Natwest bank, you only need to wait one day for payments to go through and you get access to the Tyl payment gateway.

Due to its fast turnaround time, we recommend it to businesses wanting speedy payments, such as those using numerous freelancers. With some freelancers making as much as £68.16 an hour, according to My Accountant Friend, a fast and reliable way to have your money transferred quickly is essential.

How does Tyl by Natwest compare with its rivals?

If you're after an affordable card machine, Tyl by Natwest is not it. It's the second priciest option on this list and should not be an option for businesses that just want to take payments. Instead, choose a more affordable option like SumUp Air.

Tyl by Natwest should be utilised as an all-in-one merchant account that allows you to manage your inventory, oversee staff, and even take payments with no card necessary. Customers can pay over the phone via your internet browser, giving them more options to pay for your products and services.

It combines the payment gateway of PayPal, the management integrations of Square, and the reporting tools of takepayments. If this is what you're after, it's unbeaten. Otherwise, Tyl by Natwest is not worth the investment.

5. Square: Best for Side Hustles

The Square card reader at I Got That Crystal Healing in London.

Is the Square card reader for me?

Square is designed for small business owners wanting to keep costs low without missing out on good features, such as the option to integrate its accompanying POS software with food delivery apps or customer relationship management systems – a feature that contributed to Square's features score of 3.5 out of 5.

Square's card reader is a high-spec device that allows customers to enter their pins on your phone or tablet, rather than tapping buttons on a keypad. While this is unconventional, you can rest assured that Square applies the highest security standards to its products.

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.

How does Square compare with its rivals?

Our team of expert researchers found that Square is a great tool for ecommerce websites because it offers users high-spec integrations that are included with the Square software portfolio. It also scores a solid 4.4 out of 5 in our research for customer satisfaction as it offers the most integrations of any other provider.

It is also a competitively priced, costing just £19.20. It also sports a modern design that is compact, lightweight machine and can easily blend into your countertop – unlike the bulky takepayments A920 terminal.

However, this stripped back approach means it is lacking in some areas. Those who need traditional, customer-led functions – like the ability to print receipts – will want to choose a docked machine like the one offered by Worldpay.

We found the Square card reader in use at a beautiful crystal store (pictured) and at Scoobys Coffee, a small cafe stall based in North London. We talked to Anthony, the owner of Scoobys Coffee who uses the Square POS card reader.

“The Square card reader is pretty easy to use and a nice bit of kit. Because it's so small, it's ideal for my setup because I have a limited amount of space. It was also simple to setup and cheap to buy. Plus, the money goes into my account the next day.

“My customers seem happy with it. The charge also lasts for ages. One charge will last for three days. I charge it every night and it never drops below four bars.

“The biggest problem is the signal. Square randomly disconnects every hour and a payment won't go through. I have to wait a minute for it to connect back up again,” said Anthony.

6. SumUp Air: Best for 3G Connectivity

The SumUp card reader, shown by Jerry at his store in London.

Is the SumUp Air card reader for me?

With low transaction fees in the UK (just 1.69%) and crystal-clear, flat-rate prices, SumUp pricing receives a respectable overall score of 3.6 out of 5 in our research. This marks it as a perfect option for beginners and savvy business owners who want to minimise expenses.

Whether you’re running a mobile coffee stall, or simply want something a little more compact in store, SumUp Air travels well and measures 8.4cm by 8.4cm. It also has a long-lasting battery life to boot, being able to make 500 transactions in one charge. This makes it a popular option among businesses fresh on the startup scene.

SumUp keeps its users happy with its customer support and scores 3.5 out of 5, losing a few points from our researchers because its the only mobile provider with no live chat function. It also scores a 4.8 out of 5 in our research for its fuss-free nature which is great for newcomers to the world of card machines, as it simplifies the setup and operation of the card reader and makes it accessible to those who may not be tech-savvy. It's also easy to get started: 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.

Just don’t expect all the bells and whistles at this price point – this is an uncomplicated card reader with a simple app, but it has everything you need to start growing your business.

How does SumUp Air compare with its rivals?

In terms of transaction fees, SumUp Air has a generous plan available for SMEs. Its fixed rate of 1.6% puts it ahead of competitors like Zettle by Paypal (1.75%), letting users feel assured about how much they'll be charged per sale they make.

The actual SumUp Air machine (costing £29 + VAT) is also generously prices when compared with what other providers on the market charge.

As a one-off purchase, it easily speeds past Tyl by Natwest's card reader (£14.95 per month + VAT), despite the fact that it does lack some of the sophisticated – but ultimately unnecessary – sales tools.

We found the SumUp card reader in use at Jerry's, a food stall in Angel, London. We spoke to the owner about the reader, who has used the product for the last eight months and is “very happy” with it.

Jerry said that issues with the service were “quite rare”, but when they did occur, there was good communication and issues were dealt with quickly without much interruption to the service. “It's not too difficult to communicate with a human being either, which is quite nice,” he said.

He noted that it is easy to use because the customer also has a screen to look at as it runs through his iPad, which he felt enhanced the user experience.

SumUp Air pricing

At just £29, this makes the SumUp Air card reader great value for a small businesses. It is also a much better deal than what you'll pay for readers from its competitors.

Plus, lower ongoing transaction fees mean that SumUp's device is suitable for small businesses making any number of sales – a standard fee of 1.69% per transaction applies for all their card readers.

As it's name suggests, it's also a great choice for trading on the go, with no mobile data fee for using the card reader!

7. Dojo: Best for Flexibility

The Dojo card reader at Melek's Jewels store in London.

Is the Dojo card reader for me?

Dojo's mid-range price means that it doesn't stand out from the market in terms of value, so our experts scored it an above average 3.7 out of 5. However, it is still an ideal choice for small businesses that want a merchant provider that requires little commitment, without being tied to long-term contracts or high fixed costs.

The small business owners who will find Dojo most appealing are those who have used merchant accounts before. Dojo allows SMEs that are swapping from a rival provider to enter a monthly, rolling contract, so you can leave easily and at any time.

Amazingly, Dojo even offers to pay up to £3,000 of your exit fees from your previous contract.

How does Dojo Go compare to rivals?

Dojo Go's closest rival is the takepayments A920. Both are examples of touchscreen, docked readers that offer an attractive and accessible method for customers to buy your products.

However, Dojo is lacking the business-centric tools that helped boost takepayments up in our ranking, such as a money-back guarantee. Dojo's simplicity and cost-effectiveness may make it a better fit for smaller businesses, while Worldpay could be the preferred choice for larger enterprises with more advanced requirements.

Its minimum monthly service charge, coupled with an expensive £20 monthly rental fee, make it a pricey option that makes it a better choice for large, established firms.

Dojo's card reader was being used at Burrito (a food truck) and the owner described it as “great” and that there have been “no problems at all.”

“I was with Lloyd's before and it's contracted, so I had to carry on a three or four-year contract, and sometimes you just don't want that. Another main reason is that [with Dojo] on weekdays, weekends, or whatever it is, you get your payments the next day. By 10:30am usually, the money is in your account.”

She also described her Dojo machine as having great battery life, but doesn't use the receipts feature very often as a way to reduce the impact on the environment.

“I was with Lloyds for 10 years and had to pay to get out, but Dojo actually paid the fees to help me get out. It's a short-term contract – I'd only just have to give notice if I wanted to get out,” she said.

8. SmartPay Anywhere (by Barclaycard): Best for Brand Familiarity

A tabletop Barclaycard reader is being used at P Shah's Opticians in London.

Is the SmartPay Anywhere card reader for me?

SmartPay Anywhere (by Barclaycard) accepts credit and debit card payments through the mobile connection of your smartphone or tablet, and now comes with an app that can provide sales reporting, inventory, supplier management, and other features.

Any money you do receive will be deposited and accessible on the same day. As many retailers pay their staff weekly, this is handy if you need a steady cash flow in your business account.

The SmartPay Anywhere card reader is for those who would prefer to stick with a bank they can trust – and having this card machine will save you some hassle if you already have an account with Barclays.

How does SmartPay Anywhere compare with its rivals?

The first thing we need to highlight about the SmartPay Anywhere is its incredibly low transaction fees (1.6%). This is more than a whole percent less than rival provider Worldpay, and is a significant pull factor for firms selling low-cost goods, like a corner shop.

Like Tyl by Natwest, SmartPay Anywhere is best for users who already have a business account with the linked bank. If you have a Barclays Business account you'll be able to take full advantage of the device.

Because it's not been designed by a software-specialist company, its integrations are lacking and it doesn't do a lot for online retail, unlike Square.

Still, we rate SmartPay Anywhere as a good option for facilitating quick payments because of its speedy deposit times – which are next day, as opposed to Zettle for instance which lingers at around 1-2 days for its processing time.

Shah Opticians – an independent optician for 37 years – has been using a tabletop Barclaycard machine for taking card payments, so we asked them a few questions about their experience with the machine.

They told us their Barclaycard machine is “relatively easy and straightforward to use”, but that it “can be slow to connect sometimes; we're still connected via telephone”.

They notes their machine did not take American Express cards.

How does a card machine work?

There are six main steps a card machine follow to take payment from your customers.

1. You enter the payment amount
2. The customer inserts or taps their card
3. The chip interacts with the machine, which sends encrypted transaction data to your merchant account
4. An authorisation request is sent
5. Verification checks are completed
6. The payment is sent

What types of businesses are card machines suitable for?

Card machines are best suited for brick-and-mortar businesses that need to take payments from customers in person. However, the type of business can vary as card machines can be countertop readers, mobile, or portable. In other words, they're not suitable for exclusively ecommerce businesses.

Buying guide: How to choose a card machine

Choosing a card machine isn't just about tapping into transactions; it's about tapping into reliability, flexibility, and efficiency for your business. Here's a rundown of key considerations to ensure you're not just swiping cards but also securing a seamless payment experience.

Type of card machine:

Selecting the right type—mobile, portable, or countertop—depends on your business's mobility needs. Mobile machines can connect to the cellular network or come with built-in modems, and so suit on-the-go businesses like pop-ups and food trucks. Meanwhile, countertop card machines are ideal for fixed checkout points, such as those in shops, cafes, and salons. Portable card machines balance between both. They're able to connect wirelessly to your POS system to be used around your premises, and so suit businesses like restaurants where payments are taken at the table.

Price of the card machine:

Card readers are available for either a one-time upfront purchase, or can be leased for a monthly charge. Ultimately, choosing a card reader should be based on its suitability for your business needs, rather than solely its price tag.

Remember that a higher price tag doesn't always indicate higher quality. Take Square's reader, for instance, which at £19 + VAT upfront is cheaper than the Smartpay Anywhere, which costs £29 + VAT per month. However, our research and testing rates the Square Reader more highly.

Transaction fees:

Dig deep into transaction fees, as they can eat into your profits. Compare rates offered for different card types (debit, credit), and negotiate where possible. Even seemingly minor differences in transaction fees can significantly impact your bottom line over time.

Monthly fees:

Watch out for sneaky monthly charges. Some providers levy fees for maintenance, support, or software updates. Evaluate these against the services provided and ensure they align with your business's needs.

Contract lengths:

Don't get locked in without an escape hatch. Assess contract lengths and termination clauses. Flexibility is key, especially if your business undergoes rapid changes or if you're dissatisfied with the service.

Battery life:

For mobile or portable machines, battery life dictates operational convenience. Longer battery life means fewer interruptions during transactions and more satisfied customers.

Accepted payment types/methods:

Versatility in payment options is a must. Ensure your machine supports major card networks (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) and emerging methods like Apple Pay or Google Pay. The broader the acceptance, the wider your customer reach.

Features:

Beyond the basics, consider additional functionalities. Features like inventory management, reporting tools, or integration capabilities with your existing systems can streamline operations and enhance business efficiency.

Compliance measures:

Security and compliance standards are non-negotiable. Ensure your chosen machine adheres to Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requirements to safeguard sensitive customer information.

Help and support:

A responsive and efficient support system can be a lifesaver when technical glitches arise. Look for providers offering reliable customer service, preferably with multiple channels of support.

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.