Best Card Machines & Payment Terminals for UK Businesses

Choosing the right card machine or payment terminal can directly impact your customer experience, transaction speed, and profit margins. If you are a small cafe, retail shop, or service provider, the best solution depends on how you operate: in-store, mobile, or hybrid.

We have reviewed and compared the top payment terminal providers in the UK, analyzing transaction fees, hardware quality, connectivity, and support.

Top Payment Terminal Providers in the UK (2025)

Here are the top 10 payment terminal providers in the UK for 2025: 

• Takepayments (Best for Small Retailers Seeking Low Fees)

Takepayments is designed for small UK businesses wanting low transaction costs and quick setup. The touchscreen terminals are intuitive, and support for cash + card split payments makes it flexible for mixed transactions.

• Quick setup and plug-and-play terminals
• Accepts contactless, chip & PIN, and part-cash transactions
• Integrated POS option available
• UK-based support and next-day funding

Approx. 1.0% per transaction
Best for: Independent retailers and cafes.

Next Step: Find Out More

• Square (Best for Startups and Mobile Vendors)

Square combines hardware, software, and payment processing into a complete POS ecosystem. Its compact card reader and terminal work online and offline, making it a top pick for small, mobile businesses.

• All-in-one payment and POS solution
• Accepts chip & PIN, contactless, and mobile payments
• Offline mode for uninterrupted service
• Free app and no fixed monthly fees

1.75% per transaction
Best for: New businesses, pop-ups, and tradespeople.

Next Step: Get Matched Now

• SumUp (Best Value for Small Businesses)

SumUp delivers affordable payment terminals without monthly contracts. The devices include a built-in printer, long battery life, and support for all major cards.

• Battery-powered with integrated printer
• Supports debit, credit, and mobile wallets
• Simple app integration and cloud reporting
• Transparent, flat-rate pricing

1.69% per transaction
Best for: Cafés, food trucks, and small retail outlets.

Next Step: Compare Systems

• Zettle by PayPal (Best for Microbusinesses)

Zettle combines PayPal’s payment infrastructure with a sleek all-in-one terminal. Ideal for solo traders and small stores, it integrates with PayPal’s online payments and syncs effortlessly with your POS system.

• Touchscreen POS with integrated payments
• Instant connection to PayPal account
• Contactless and chip & PIN support
• No monthly contracts

1.75% per transaction
Best for: Mobile sellers, small boutiques, and local cafés.

Next Step: Get Matched Now

• Clover (Best All-in-One POS Terminal)

Clover’s smart terminal is both elegant and functional, offering POS software, payments, and hardware integration in one system. It’s ideal for service businesses that need reliability and speed.

• Built-in printer, barcode scanner, and fingerprint login
• Long-lasting 8-hour battery life
• Antimicrobial touchscreen
• Secure cloud reporting

1.8% per transaction
Best for: Retail shops, salons, and service providers.

Next Step: Compare Systems

• Global Payments (Best for Established Businesses)

Global Payments focuses on secure, enterprise-grade processing with flexible terminal options. It suits businesses needing stability, brand reputation, and multiple connection options.

• Accepts all major cards
• Connect via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or 4G
• Fast printing and e-receipts
• Comprehensive POS solutions

1.5% per transaction
Best for: Growing SMEs and established multi-branch retailers.

Next Step: Compare Providers 

• Dojo (Best for Fast, Reliable Payouts)

Dojo stands out for speed and reliability. Businesses get next-day payouts, real-time analytics, and responsive UK support.

• Process payments in seconds
• Always-connected terminals
• 24/7 customer support
• Next-day funding

1.4% per transaction
Best for: Restaurants and retail stores focused on cash flow.

Next Step: Request a Demo

• Barclaycard (Best for Trusted Payment Processing)

A long-standing name in payments, Barclaycard offers comprehensive merchant services and a solid all-in-one POS solution for businesses of all sizes.

• Reliable network backed by Barclaycard
• Simple admin dashboard
• Chip & PIN and contactless support
• Detailed sales insights

~1.4% per transaction
Best for: SMEs that value reliability and strong brand backing.

Next Step: Request a Free Demo

• MyPOS (Best for On-the-Go Businesses)

MyPOS provides powerful Android-based terminals for mobile businesses. Its all-day battery, built-in printer, and multi-network support make it perfect for busy service professionals.

• Fast printing and Android 10 interface
• Quad-core processor and touch display
• Supports all major payment types
• All-day battery performance

1.1% + £0.07 per transaction
Best for: Mobile merchants and delivery businesses.
Next Step: Compare Systems

• Revolut Reader (Best for Low Fees)

Revolut Reader offers transparent pricing and next-day access to funds, making it one of the most cost-effective options in the UK.

• Compact and mobile-friendly reader
• Accepts all major cards and digital wallets
• Low fees and no hidden charges 
• Simple catalogue and reporting tools

0.8% + £0.02 per transaction
Best for: Startups and freelancers prioritising low costs.

Next Step: Compare Systems

Card Machine Cost Comparison (UK 2025)

The table below shows the comparison of card machines cost in 2025: 

Note: Costs are approximate and may vary based on transaction volume and contract type.

How Do Card Machines Work in the UK?

Card machines (POS terminals) process debit and credit card payments through secure, regulated networks. Here’s how a typical transaction works: 

1. Card Tap or Insert: The customer pays via chip & PIN, contactless, or mobile wallet.
2. Secure Connection: The terminal connects to the payment network via Wi-Fi, 4G, or Ethernet. 
3. Encryption: Card details are encrypted before being sent to the processor.
4. Bank Authorization: The customer’s bank approves or declines the transaction.
5. Receipt Generation: A printed or digital receipt confirms the payment.
6. Settlement: Funds are transferred to the merchant’s account, typically within 1–2 business days. 

All terminals listed here comply with PCI DSS standards, ensuring transactions remain secure and data protected. 

Conclusion

The right card machine or payment terminal can redefine how efficiently your business operates. Our expert comparisons are designed to save you time, cut costs, and help you choose with confidence. Don’t settle for guesswork; select a provider that scales with your growth and delivers the support your business deserves.

Compare UK Payment Providers now and find the perfect fit for your business today.