Choosing the cheapest card reader for your small business can be tricky. While the upfront costs of some devices may seem affordable, hidden charges like transaction fees, monthly fees, or additional setup costs can quickly add up. Pricing structures also vary significantly—some providers charge flat transaction fees, while others have bespoke rates or offer discounts based on turnover. Additionally, features such as fraud monitoring, real-time settlement, and multi-currency support can impact the overall value of each machine.
To help you navigate these complexities, we’ve ranked the cheapest card machines based on their upfront costs, transaction fees, and key features. This comparison ensures a balanced view of affordability and functionality, allowing you to find the right fit for your business needs.
The 10 cheapest card machines for UK small businesses
- Square Reader 2
- Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere
- SumUp Air
- myPOS Go 2
- Tide Card Reader
- PayPal Card Reader
- Takepayments
- Clover Flex
- Revolut Reader
- Dojo Go
1. Square Reader 2
A compact, affordable card reader with no monthly fees, the Square Reader supports chip & PIN, contactless, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, with a 1.75% flat transaction fee. Bluetooth-enabled, it works seamlessly with the Square app on Android and iOS.
Cost: £19 + VAT, no monthly fees
Transaction Fee: Flat rate of 1.75% per in-person payment
Features:
- Compact and affordable with Bluetooth connectivity
- Handles offline payments for up to 24 hours
- 20% longer battery life than the previous model
- Supports chip & PIN, contactless, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
- Works with Android and iOS devices via the Square app
2. Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere
Lightweight and USB rechargeable, this card reader has a 1.6% transaction fee and integrates with a free app for real-time tracking. Supports contactless, Amex, and digital wallets with next-day settlement.
Cost: £29 + VAT, no monthly fees
Transaction Fee: 1.6% pay-as-you-go model
Features:
- Accepts contactless, Amex, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets
- Free app for real-time sales tracking and email receipts
- Funds settle the next day
- Lightweight, USB rechargeable design
- Free FreshBooks account integration for accounting
3. SumUp Air
Portable and user-friendly, the low-cost (currently only £12.50) SumUp Air offers flexible transaction fees, free next-day payouts, and 500+ transactions per charge. Fees are 1.69% per transaction on pay-as-you-go or 0.99% with a Payments Plus subscription (£19 per month), which is the best option if you take £3,000+ per month. Compatible with chip & PIN, contactless, and digital wallets.
Cost: Currently £12.50 + VAT (usually £25)
Transaction Fee: 1.69% on pay-as-you-go, 0.99% with Payments Plus subscription (£19 per month)
Features:
- Compact, portable design with 500+ transactions per charge
- Connects via the free SumUp app on smartphones
- Next-day payouts with SumUp Business Account
- Works with chip & PIN, contactless, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
- Optional charging dock/display available for £44
4. myPOS Go 2
MyPOS Go 2 is a standalone device with built-in 4G SIM, custom rates, and instant fund settlement. It accepts contactless, chip & PIN, and Magstripe payments with free SMS/email receipts. We love that you get a free Mastercard that provides instant access to your funds.
Cost: £29 + VAT, no monthly fees
Transaction Fee: Custom rates (varies)
Features:
- Fully standalone device with built-in 4G SIM (free data)
- Instant settlement of funds to a free myPOS merchant account
- Accepts contactless, Chip & PIN, and Magstripe payments
- Digital receipts sent via email or SMS
- Includes a free business VISA card for easy fund access
5. Tide Card Reader
The Tide Card Reader is a lightweight and compact machine, offering seamless Tide app integration and transaction fees starting from as low as 1.39% + 5p. Payments typically clear within 1-3 working days. Free lifetime 4G SIM and secure encryption included.
Cost: £59 + VAT (standard version), no monthly fees
Transaction Fee: From 1.39% + 5p, with no fees for payments under £10 (first 3 months). Custom pricing available if you take £8,300+ each month.
Features:
- Lightweight, portable, and integrates with the Tide app
- Free lifetime 4G SIM connectivity included
- Secure PCI PTS encryption for transactions
- Accepts chip & PIN, contactless, and digital wallets
- Option to upgrade to a premium device with receipt printing
6. PayPal Card Reader
The PayPal card reader is a sleek, Bluetooth-enabled reader with a flat 1.75% fee. It works with chip & PIN, contactless, and digital wallets and offers app support for inventory tracking.
Cost: £29 + VAT (for first reader, £69 for each additional reader)
Transaction Fee: Flat 1.75% rate
Features:
- Sleek, portable design with up to 48-hour standby battery life
- Bluetooth-enabled; pairs with the PayPal app for easy operation
- Optional dock for constant charging (sold separately)
- Accepts chip & PIN, contactless, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
- Integrated app support for sales, inventory, and product tracking
7. Takepayments Card Machines
Takepayments offers tailored pricing and a range of devices for various business needs. It provides next-day settlements and 7-day UK-based support.
Cost: Tailored pricing based on business needs (contact for quote)
Transaction Fee: Variable based on the pricing plan
Features:
- Broad range of devices, from basic terminals to touchscreen models
- Next-day settlement for fast cash flow
- Accepts contactless, chip & PIN, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
- Portable options with long battery life and built-in 4G
- UK-based support team available 7 days a week
8. Tyl by NatWest
A powerful all-in-one POS system with a touchscreen, built-in receipt printer, and inventory tools. Requires a monthly hire fee starting at £13.99 + VAT.
Cost: £13.99 + VAT/month hire fee (minimum 12-month contract)
Transaction Fee: Custom rates (varies by business)
Features:
- All-in-one POS system with inventory and customer management
- 5.99-inch high-res touchscreen and built-in receipt printer
- Operates via Wi-Fi or 4G for uninterrupted payments
- Access to over 150 apps via the App Market
- New customers get 3 months of free hire
9. Revolut Reader
The Revolut Reader is affordable at £49, with no monthly fees. Transaction fees start at 0.8% + £0.02 for domestic payments. Includes fraud monitoring and sales analytics, multi-currency support, and 24-hour settlements.
Cost: £49, no monthly fees
Transaction Fees: between 0.8% + £0.02 and 2.6% + £0.02 depending on card/transaction type
Features:
- Accepts Visa, Mastercard, and Amex
- Refunds processed at no additional cost
- Real-time fraud monitoring and multi-currency acceptance
- 24-hour settlement for payments
- Custom branding for payment links and invoices
10. Dojo Go
DoJo Go offers ultra-fast payments and flexible payment options. The device is £15/month if your turnover is above £100,000/year, or you can pay £79 upfront with no ongoing cost. Transaction fees start at 1.2%. Features include back-office tools and flexible contracts.
Cost: £15/month for the device (turnover must exceed £100,000/year for pay monthly option) or £79 upfront
Transaction Fees: All-inclusive rate from 1.2%, as well as bespoke rates based on card turnover
Features:
- Ultra-fast payments and award-winning customer support
- Back-office management tools included
- Free card machine offer based on turnover (limited-time)
- Flexible contracts: 30-day rolling or annual plan available
- Market-leading technology for payment processing
FAQs
1. How do I determine which card machine is the cheapest for my business?
The cheapest card machine depends on your business’s specific needs, such as the number of transactions you process, your turnover, and whether you prefer paying upfront or monthly. While some machines have low upfront costs, others may offer competitive transaction fees or include free features like fraud monitoring or real-time settlement.
2. Are there any hidden costs associated with card machines?
Yes, some providers charge additional fees like setup fees, monthly service charges, or costs for extras such as paper receipts or SMS notifications. Always review the full pricing structure, including transaction fees, before committing to a provider.
3. Do all card machines offer next-day payouts?
No, payout times vary by provider. Machines like the myPOS Go 2 and Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere offer near-instant or next-day settlements, while others may take longer. Check the payout schedule if cash flow is a priority for your business.
4. Are all card machines compatible with mobile devices?
Not all card machines require mobile connectivity. Devices like the SumUp Air and Zettle Reader 2 need a smartphone or tablet to operate, while standalone machines like the myPOS Go 2 or Revolut Terminal work independently with built-in 4G or Wi-Fi.
5. Can small businesses with low turnover find affordable card machines?
Yes, many providers cater to small businesses with low turnover. Devices like Square Reader 2 and SumUp Air are affordable upfront and come with no monthly fees, making them accessible for startups or small operations. Additionally, bespoke pricing plans can sometimes help reduce costs.
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