Offering seamless and secure payment options is essential for small businesses. Whether you run a bustling café, a boutique shop, or a mobile service, having the right card reader can significantly enhance your customer experience and streamline your operations.
With a wide range of card readers available, choosing the best one for your needs can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled a guide to the best card readers for UK small businesses. From cost-effective solutions to all-in-one POS systems, each option is designed to simplify payments while catering to your unique business requirements.
In this article, we’ll provide detailed profiles of some of the top contenders, covering their key features, pros and cons, and what makes them stand out. Whether you’re looking for portability, advanced functionality, or value for money, we’ve got you covered.
The best card readers for UK small businesses
Our 8 best card readers for 2025 are:
- Tide Card Reader
- Square Reader 2
- Takepayments
- SumUp Air
- Zettle Reader 2
- Clover Flex
- Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere
- myPOS Go 2
Tide Card Reader
The Tide Card Reader is an affordable, user-friendly solution for UK small businesses looking to take payments on the go. It offers a lightweight, portable device with no monthly fees and competitive transaction rates. For payments under £10, Tide eliminates transaction fees for the first three months, and new customers can earn a £200 cash reward after processing £1,000 in payments.
With features like lifetime free 4G connectivity, compatibility with a variety of payment methods, and quick setup via the Tide app, it ensures seamless payment processing. Security is robust, with PCI PTS-approved encryption for transactions. However, it requires a Tide business bank account, and the standard version lacks a printer. For higher-volume needs, the Tide Card Reader Plus offers integrated receipt printing.
Pros
- No monthly fees and low transaction rates
- Built-in 4G and WiFi ensure seamless operation anywhere
- Simple setup and operation via the Tide app or directly on the device
Cons
- Only compatible with Tide business bank accounts
- No receipt printing capability on the standard version
- Requires daily charging for full functionality
Key Features
- No monthly fees: Pay only per transaction
- Low transaction fee: Leading rate of 1.5%
- Fee-free small transactions: No fees for payments under £10 (first 3 months)
- Portable and lightweight: Ideal for mobile businesses
- Lifetime free 4G connectivity: Includes a SIM card with free data
- Fast payouts: Payments clear in 1-3 business days
- Secure: PCI PTS-approved and tamper-proof design
- Accepts multiple payment types: Chip + PIN, contactless, digital wallets (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, etc.)
- Easy setup: Integrates with the Tide app for fast installation
- Durable options: Choice of standard or premium device with added features like receipt printing
Square Reader 2
The Square Reader 2 is a compact, affordable, and professional solution for small businesses in the UK. Designed to accept chip and PIN, contactless cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, it provides secure transactions with a flat fee of 1.75% per payment. The device features a powerful battery, enabling 20% more transactions per charge than its predecessor, and supports offline payments for up to 24 hours without internet access.
With its sleek design, Bluetooth connectivity, and compatibility with a range of accessories, the Square Reader transforms into a complete mobile or countertop point-of-sale system. Setup is quick and simple, allowing business owners to start accepting payments and receive funds in their bank accounts as soon as the next day. Trusted by over 4 million sellers globally, it’s an excellent choice for businesses seeking portability, efficiency, and ease of use.
Pros
- Affordable and compact design for professional and portable use
- Simple flat fee of 1.75% per in-person transaction
- Supports offline payments for up to 24 hours
Cons
- Requires internet connection for full functionality
- Limited to a two-year warranty
- Instant payouts incur an additional fee
Key Features
- Affordable pricing: £19 + VAT for the device with no hidden costs
- Flat transaction fee: 1.75% per in-person payment
- Secure payments: Includes data security, fraud prevention, and dispute management
- Compatibility: Works with Android and iOS devices
- Bluetooth enabled: Features BLE 5.3 for stable and seamless pairing
- Offline payments: Keeps processing transactions for up to 24 hours without internet
- Powerful battery: Handles 20% more transactions per charge compared to the 1st generation
- Custom POS options: Works with Square Point of Sale and other specialised Square apps
- Two-year warranty: Peace of mind with a limited warranty on hardware issues
- Wide accessory range: Easily integrates into mobile or countertop POS setups
Takepayments
Takepayments offers a range of card machines tailored to meet the needs of UK small businesses, from traditional terminals to advanced touchscreen models. These machines enable secure acceptance of credit cards, contactless payments, and Apple and Google Pay, with next-day settlement to keep your cash flow smooth. The Takepayments Welcome Team assists businesses in setup, while their UK-based customer support is available 7 days a week.
Takepayments provides personalised pricing plans based on your turnover, payment preferences, and machine choice. With options like the A920 Pro for portable payments or the DX8000 for advanced receipt printing, Takepayments ensures every business type can find the perfect solution.
Pros
- Range of card machines to suit various business types
- Next-day settlement for fast cash flow
- 7-day UK-based customer support
Cons
- Pricing is tailored, so upfront costs are not standardised
- You have to enter into a separate contract with an acquiring bank, which will also charge transaction fees
- Requires an on-premises visit for a personalised pricing quote
Key Features
- Wide range of devices: Choose from basic to advanced touchscreen models
- Secure transactions: Accepts chip and PIN, contactless, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
- Next-day settlement: Quick access to funds for most transactions*
- Customised pricing plans: Tailored quotes based on business needs
- Portable options: Machines like the A920 Pro feature built-in 4G SIM and long battery life
- Advanced features: DX8000 offers receipt printing and 4G/WiFi connectivity
- Real-time reporting: Track transactions easily on select devices
- Easy setup: Welcome Team ensures smooth onboarding
- Contactless payments: Supports transactions up to £100 with a simple tap
- 7-day customer support: UK-based team available for assistance all week
SumUp Air
The SumUp Air card reader is an excellent option for small businesses looking for an affordable, portable, and efficient payment solution. Priced at just £34*, the device requires no monthly fees and offers a competitive transaction fee of 1.69%. Compatible with all major credit and debit cards, the Air card reader processes payments via chip and PIN or contactless methods. It connects seamlessly to your smartphone through the free SumUp app, enabling you to accept payments right away.
With a long-lasting battery capable of handling over 500 transactions on a single charge, the SumUp Air is ideal for businesses on the move. Pair it with a charging station or SumUp Business Account to unlock added convenience and functionality, including next-day payment settlements. Simple, contract-free, and transparent, the SumUp Air is a smart choice for businesses of any size.
Pros
- No monthly costs and a low transaction fee of 1.69%
- Portable design with long battery life for over 500 transactions per charge
- Seamless integration with the free SumUp app
Cons
- Requires a smartphone connection to operate
- Limited additional features compared to more advanced models
- Lacks an integrated receipt printer
Key Features
- Affordable pricing: £34 with no monthly fees or hidden costs
- Low transaction fee: Competitive rate of 1.69% per transaction
- Portability: Lightweight design and long-lasting battery for on-the-go use
- Smartphone connection: Works via the free SumUp app for quick setup and operation
- Payment methods: Accepts chip and PIN, contactless, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
- Broad compatibility: Supports all major credit and debit cards
- Fast payouts: Funds settle the next day, even on weekends and holidays, with a SumUp Business Account
- Charging station bundle: Includes a charging dock that doubles as a display stand for £44
- No contracts: Fully contract-free with no paperwork required
- User-friendly setup: Easy 4-step process to start accepting payments in minutes
Zettle Reader 2
The Zettle Reader 2 is a versatile and stylish card reader designed for small businesses, offering seamless payment options both in-store and on the go. Starting at £59 (excl. VAT), the device connects to the Zettle app via Bluetooth, enabling businesses to accept chip and PIN or contactless payments quickly and efficiently. With a long standby battery life of up to 48 hours and operational use of up to 12 hours, the Zettle Reader 2 is dependable throughout the workday.
Pairing it with the optional Dock 2 ensures constant charging and a secure, professional setup. Its compact size and lightweight design make it portable, while no monthly fees and a flat transaction fee keep costs predictable. Ideal for businesses seeking an easy-to-use, reliable card reader, the Zettle Reader 2 delivers speed and convenience without compromising on performance.
Pros
- No monthly fees or hidden costs
- Compact, portable design with up to 48-hour standby battery life
- Pairs with the Zettle app for inventory management and product tracking
Cons
- Requires pairing with a smartphone or tablet to operate
- Dock 2 sold separately for £19–£39
- Limited compatibility with external hardware like barcode scanners
Key Features
- Affordable pricing: Starts at £59 (excl. VAT), with no monthly fees
- Fast transactions: Contactless payments in around 5 seconds, chip and PIN in 10 seconds
- Bluetooth connectivity: Easily pairs with the Zettle app on smartphones or tablets
- Battery life: Up to 48 hours on standby or 12 hours of operational use
- Zettle Dock 2 compatibility: Secure the reader in place with constant charging
- Integrated app support: Manage sales, inventory, and product libraries seamlessly
- Compact design: Lightweight and portable for on-the-go businesses
- Free support and returns: 30-day satisfaction guarantee and free customer support
- Multiple payment methods: Accepts chip and PIN, contactless, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
- Printer integration: Connects with Zettle-supported printers for receipt printing
NatWest Tyl Clover Flex
The Clover Flex from NatWest/Tyl is a compact yet powerful all-in-one POS system designed for small businesses. Offering much more than just card payment processing, it features inventory tracking, customer management, and app integrations via the Clover App Market. With the ability to accept payments via Wi-Fi or 4G, it ensures uninterrupted service, even in low connectivity environments.
The device has a sleek 5.99-inch high-resolution touchscreen, 8-hour battery life, and next-day settlement for quick access to funds. New customers benefit from three months of free hire, making it a cost-effective option for businesses starting out. Designed to simplify operations and enhance customer experiences, the Clover Flex is ideal for SMEs seeking versatility and control.
Pros
- Combines payments, inventory, and customer management in one device
- 3-month free hire for new customers
- Access to over 150 apps via the Clover App Market
Cons
- Minimum 12-month contract with early cancellation fees
- Additional monthly charges for 4G usage (£9.99 + VAT)
- Costlier upfront hire fee compared to some competitors (£16.99 + VAT/month)
Key Features
- Multi-functional POS system: Combines payments, inventory, and customer management
- High-res touchscreen: 5.99-inch glass display with an ADA PIN overlay for accessibility
- Long battery life: Up to 8 hours on a single charge with quick base charging
- Broad payment acceptance: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and contactless
- Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity: Reliable payment options even in areas with weak Wi-Fi
- Tyl portal access: Free tool to track sales, settlements, and transaction data
- Clover App Market: Over 150 apps for business management, customer trends, and more
- Next-day settlement: Fast access to funds for better cash flow management
- Receipt printing: Built-in feature with included receipt paper roll
- Easy setup: Quick-start guide for seamless onboarding in minutes
Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere
The Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere card reader offers a straightforward and affordable solution for UK small businesses seeking a reliable, portable payment system. With a one-off cost of £29 (plus VAT) and a 1.6% transaction fee, it operates on a pay-as-you-go model with no monthly fees or contracts, making it ideal for businesses of all sizes. The Smartpay Anywhere app allows businesses to take contactless payments, track sales, and send email receipts. Funds are settled as early as the next day, helping with cash flow.
Its compatibility with Amex, Apple Pay, and digital wallets ensures customers have diverse payment options. The device pairs with a smartphone or tablet to simplify admin tasks and track sales in real-time. Backed by 24/7 customer support and a user-friendly online portal, the Smartpay Anywhere card reader is a cost-effective, accessible choice for growing businesses.
Pros
- No contracts or monthly fees
- Next-day settlement for improved cash flow
- Compatible with major cards and digital wallets
Cons
- Requires a compatible smartphone or tablet
- Limited functionality compared to full POS systems
- Personalised pricing plans may be necessary for larger businesses
Key Features
- Affordable pricing: £29 (plus VAT) with no recurring fees
- Pay-as-you-go: Flexible transaction-based fee of 1.6%
- Accepts multiple payment methods: Contactless, Amex, Apple Pay, and digital wallets
- Next-day settlement: Funds received quickly for improved cash flow
- Free FreshBooks account: Simplifies accounting and tax returns
- Customisable app: Add products, apply discounts, and send email receipts
- Real-time sales tracking: View reports through the app and online portal
- 24/7 customer support: Comprehensive help available any time
- Portable design: Small and lightweight with USB charging
- Personalised pricing plans: Options for businesses with high turnover
myPOS Go 2
The myPOS Go 2 is a lightweight, standalone portable card reader designed for small businesses that value affordability, mobility, and simplicity. Priced at £39 (excl. VAT) with no monthly fees, it offers a seamless way to accept all major payment methods, including contactless, Chip & PIN, and Magstripe. Its integrated 4G SIM card and Wi-Fi connectivity mean you can process payments anywhere, without needing to pair with a smartphone. Money is settled instantly to your free myPOS merchant account, and users receive a free business VISA card for quick access to funds.
With a compact design, tactile keyboard, and a battery that lasts all day, the myPOS Go 2 is a reliable choice for on-the-go businesses. It’s ideal for merchants seeking simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Pros
- Affordable price with no monthly fees
- Instant settlement of funds to a free business account
- Truly portable with an integrated 4G SIM and no smartphone required
Cons
- Limited functionality compared to full POS systems
- No printed receipts – only digital receipts via email or SMS
- Small screen may not suit high-volume businesses
Key features
- Standalone device: No smartphone or tablet connection required
- Integrated 4G SIM card: Free, pre-installed for reliable on-the-go payments
- Wi-Fi connectivity: Ensures seamless operation in any environment
- Digital receipts: Send via email or SMS directly from the device
- Accepts all payment types: Contactless, Chip & PIN, and Magstripe
- Compact and lightweight: Weighs just 180g, with a size smaller than most smartphones
- Tactile keyboard: Durable and accessible, ideal for rapid entry and accessibility
- Instant settlement: Funds appear in your myPOS account within 3 seconds
- Free business VISA card: Quick access to accepted funds
- Multi-operator mode: Track staff performance and split tips with ease
FAQs
1. What is the best card reader for small businesses in the UK?
The best card reader depends on your business needs. Options like the SumUp Air and myPOS Go 2 offer affordability and portability, while devices like the Clover Flex provide more advanced features like inventory and customer management.
2. Do I need a contract to use a card reader?
Not all card readers require a contract. Devices like the Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere and SumUp Air operate on pay-as-you-go models with no long-term commitments.
3. What are the transaction fees for card readers?
Transaction fees vary:
- SumUp Air: 1.69%
- Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere: 1.6%
- myPOS Go 2: From 1.10% + £0.07
4. Can I use a card reader without a smartphone?
Some card readers, like the myPOS Go 2 and Clover Flex, are standalone devices and do not require a smartphone to operate. Others, like the Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere, need a smartphone or tablet.
5. How quickly will I receive funds from card payments?
Settlement times vary:
- SumUp Air: Next working day
- Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere: Next day if transactions are before 7 PM
- myPOS Go 2: Instant settlement
