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The best card reader for a small business in the UK depends on how often you take payments, your average card turnover and whether you need a simple mobile reader or a complete point-of-sale system.
Square Reader is a strong all-round option, while SumUp suits many sole traders and mobile sellers.
PayPal Reader can work well for businesses already using PayPal, while providers such as Worldpay, takepayments and Dojo may be more suitable for businesses processing higher volumes.
Businesses should compare the device price alongside transaction fees, monthly charges, settlement times and contract requirements. A cheap card reader is not necessarily the cheapest option over the long term if its transaction fees are higher.
Best Card Readers At A Glance
- Square Reader – Best overall card reader for small UK businesses
- SumUp – Best for sole traders, market sellers and mobile businesses
- PayPal Reader – Best for businesses already using PayPal
- Shopify POS – Best for retailers selling both online and in-store
- Worldpay DX8000 – Best for businesses with higher and more consistent card turnover
Prices, fees and product information were checked in September 2026. Provider pricing, promotions and eligibility requirements can change, so businesses should confirm the latest terms before applying.
What Is A Card Reader And How Does It Work?
A card reader is a device that allows a business to accept debit cards, credit cards and digital wallet payments. Depending on the model, customers can pay using Chip and PIN, contactless cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay or other supported digital wallets.
Some card readers connect to a smartphone or tablet through Bluetooth, while standalone machines have their own Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.
Once a payment is approved, the payment provider processes the transaction before transferring the money to the merchant account or linked business bank account.
Contactless payment capability is particularly important for UK businesses.
UK Finance contactless payment data shows that contactless accounted for 76% of debit-card transactions and 67% of credit-card transactions as of December 2025, demonstrating how established tap-to-pay behaviour has become.
What Should Small Businesses Look For In A Card Reader?
Choosing a card reader should involve more than comparing the initial device price.
A business processing only occasional payments may benefit from a pay-as-you-go reader, while a retailer, café or restaurant with consistent monthly sales may save money with negotiated transaction rates.
Consider:
- Transaction Fees – Compare the percentage and any fixed charge applied to each payment
- Device Cost – Check whether the machine is purchased outright or rented
- Monthly Fees – Some readers have no subscription while others require monthly payments
- Contract Length – Check minimum terms and possible exit costs
- Settlement Speed – Faster payouts can help businesses manage cash flow
- Connectivity – Consider Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and 4G depending on where payments are taken
- Payment Methods – Check support for major cards and digital wallets
- Integrations – Retailers may need compatibility with POS, accounting or ecommerce software
- Business Turnover – Higher-volume merchants may benefit from customised processing rates
Owners who are still starting a small business in the UK should avoid choosing a long contract based only on a low advertised transaction rate. Consider expected payment volumes and how the business is likely to operate as it grows.
Where relevant, businesses can also verify the regulatory status and legal entity behind a financial or payment provider through the FCA Firm Checker.
Top 10 Best Card Readers For Small Businesses In The UK
1. Square Reader – Best Overall Card Reader For Small Businesses
Square Reader remains one of the simplest options for small businesses that want to start accepting payments without committing to a monthly POS subscription.
The second-generation Square Reader currently costs £19 + VAT. Square charges 1.75% for UK card-present transactions, while its basic Point of Sale software has no monthly fee.
Standard transfers to a linked bank account can arrive as soon as the next day, with instant transfers available for an additional charge.
The reader accepts Chip and PIN, contactless cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay. It connects wirelessly to a compatible device and can work alongside Square’s wider inventory, invoicing, analytics and POS tools.
Best For: Small retailers, cafés, market traders and businesses wanting straightforward pricing.
Key Points:
- Device Price From £19 + VAT
- 75% UK Card-Present Fee
- £0 Basic POS Monthly Fee
- Next-Day Standard Transfers
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Apple Pay And Google Pay Support
2. SumUp – Best For Sole Traders And Mobile Businesses
SumUp is particularly suitable for mobile sellers and smaller businesses that prefer pay-as-you-go pricing without a long contract.
This can make it practical for a sole trader, market seller, tradesperson or seasonal business that does not take the same volume of card payments every month.
SumUp’s pay-as-you-go option currently charges 1.69% per in-person card transaction with no monthly cost. Its Payments Plus plan costs £19 per month and can reduce eligible domestic consumer-card transaction fees to 0.99%.
Businesses can choose from app-connected and standalone devices. Funds transferred to a SumUp Business Account can be available the following day, including weekends and bank holidays.
Best For: Sole traders, pop-ups, mobile businesses and seasonal sellers.
Key Points:
- Pay-As-You-Go Available
- 69% Standard Transaction Fee
- £0 Monthly Cost On PAYG
- Optional Lower-Fee Monthly Plan
- Apple Pay And Google Pay Support
- Mobile And Standalone Devices Available
3. PayPal Reader – Best For Businesses Already Using PayPal
The old Zettle branding has now been replaced by PayPal Point of Sale, making PayPal Reader the current product to consider rather than the discontinued PayPal Here machines.
The first PayPal Reader is currently offered for £29 excluding VAT, with standard card-present transactions charged at 1.75%. There are no monthly or setup fees for the standard POS service.
The reader connects to a smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth. Funds from POS sales are generally available in the merchant’s PayPal Business account within minutes, from where they can be transferred to a bank account.
Businesses already handling ecommerce transactions through PayPal may find having online and physical sales within the same payment ecosystem convenient.
Best For: Small businesses already using PayPal for online payments.
Key Points:
- First Reader £29 Excluding VAT
- 75% Card-Present Transaction Fee
- No Standard Monthly POS Fee
- Bluetooth Connection
- PayPal Business Integration
- Contactless And Chip Payments
4. Tide Card Reader Plus – Best For Simple Business Payments
Tide provides several card-reader options, including the more robust Tide Card Reader Plus. The Plus model includes a 5.5-inch display, 4G connectivity and the ability to provide paper as well as email receipts.
On its pay-as-you-go option, the Card Reader Plus is currently listed at £199 + VAT.
Tide’s PAYG transaction fee for domestic consumer debit cards is 1.5% + 5p, with no monthly subscription fee.
Businesses processing more payments can instead consider Tide’s Sell In-Person subscription, which provides lower eligible transaction rates for a monthly charge.
One limitation is that Tide Card Readers are designed to operate within Tide’s business ecosystem, so businesses should consider whether that fits their banking setup.
Best For: Businesses wanting card payments and business finance tools within one platform.
Key Points:
- Card Reader Plus £199 + VAT On PAYG
- £0 PAYG Monthly Subscription
- 4G Connectivity
- Paper And Email Receipts
- Lower Rates Available With A Paid Plan
- Tide Account Integration
5. Takepayments A920Pro – Best For Shops And Hospitality Businesses
Takepayments takes a more traditional merchant-services approach than app-based readers such as Square or SumUp.
Its A920Pro is a portable Android card machine with a built-in mobile connection and long battery life, making it suitable for shops, restaurants, cafés and other businesses that regularly take payments away from a fixed till.
Takepayments states that its card-machine contracts are generally 12 months, while eligible merchants can receive funds on the next working day.
Transaction pricing is customised according to factors such as business type, payment solution and card turnover.
This makes direct fee comparisons harder, but customised pricing can be useful for established businesses whose transaction volumes justify negotiating their merchant fees.
Best For: Shops, restaurants, cafés and businesses wanting dedicated merchant services.
Key Points:
- A920Pro Portable Terminal
- 4G Connectivity
- Customised Transaction Pricing
- 12-Month Contract
- Next-Working-Day Settlement For Eligible Merchants
- Dedicated Merchant Account Setup
6. Worldpay DX8000 – Best For Businesses With Higher Card Turnover
Worldpay’s DX8000 replaces older-generation readers in its current mobile card-machine range. It is a standalone terminal with Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity, meaning businesses do not need to pair it with a smartphone.
Worldpay currently offers both customised pricing and a Simplicity pricing structure.
Its Simplicity option advertises a 1.50% Mastercard and Visa transaction rate, subject to applicable terms and card types. Terminal arrangements generally involve an 18-month hire agreement, while next-business-day settlement is available.
Businesses should consider their business turnover before choosing between flat-rate readers and merchant-service providers. Even a small reduction in transaction fees can become important when annual card sales are high.
Best For: Established small businesses processing consistent or higher card volumes.
Key Points:
- Standalone DX8000 Terminal
- Wi-Fi And 4G
- Custom And Simplicity Pricing
- 18-Month Terminal Hire Agreement
- Next-Business-Day Settlement Available
- Suitable For Higher Card Turnover
7. Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere – Best For Flexible Business Payments
Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere is a compact reader intended for businesses that need to take payments while moving between customers or locations.
The current main product page lists a £29 + VAT one-off device fee with customised transaction pricing and no contract. Barclaycard says takings can reach the merchant’s account as soon as the next working day, subject to its terms.
Smartpay Anywhere works with a mobile app and includes tools for tracking payments, managing products and viewing reports.
Businesses should check the latest contractual terms when applying because Barclaycard offers several merchant-payment products with different agreements.
Best For: Tradespeople, mobile businesses and smaller retailers wanting a compact Barclaycard solution.
Key Points:
- £29 + VAT One-Off Reader Cost
- Customised Transaction Pricing
- Mobile App Integration
- Next-Working-Day Settlement Available
- Contactless And Digital Wallet Payments
- Sales Reporting Tools
8. Shopify POS – Best For Shopify Retailers
Shopify POS makes the most sense for businesses already selling online through Shopify and wanting their physical and ecommerce operations connected.
The WisePad 3 Reader currently costs £59 in the UK. Shopify’s Basic plan starts at £25 per month when paid monthly, with in-person card rates starting at 1.7%. Lower in-person rates are available on higher Shopify plans.
The main advantage is integration. Retailers can manage online and physical inventory, customer information, orders and payments through the same Shopify system.
Businesses reviewing how card payments fit within their wider spending and cash-flow setup may also want to compare appropriate business credit cards rather than treating payment acceptance and business spending as completely separate decisions.
Best For: Ecommerce businesses already running a Shopify store.
Key Points:
- WisePad 3 £59
- In-Person Fees From 1.7%
- Shopify Plan Required
- Online And Offline Inventory Integration
- Apple Pay And Google Pay Support
- Strong Ecommerce Integration
9. myPOS Go 2 – Best For Businesses Wanting A Standalone Reader
The myPOS Go 2 is a compact standalone card reader that does not require a smartphone to process payments.
It currently costs £29 excluding VAT and includes Wi-Fi plus a mobile data SIM.
For businesses processing under £10,000 in monthly card turnover, pricing starts from 1.10% + 7p per card-present transaction, although rates vary according to the card used. There are no fixed monthly costs on the pay-as-you-go option.
One of its distinguishing features is settlement. myPOS says accepted payments can reach the merchant’s myPOS account within seconds, although transferring money elsewhere is a separate step.
Best For: Mobile sellers wanting a standalone device without a fixed monthly payment.
Key Points:
- £29 Excluding VAT
- Fees From 1.10% + 7p
- £0 Fixed Monthly Cost
- Standalone Device
- Wi-Fi And Mobile Data
- Instant Settlement To myPOS Account
10. Dojo Go Max – Best For Growing Small Businesses
Dojo is aimed more towards businesses processing consistent card volumes than occasional sellers looking for the cheapest possible reader.
Its current Dojo Go Max provides Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity, point-to-point encryption, EPOS integrations and next-day settlement options.
Dojo currently advertises a 1.2% blended transaction rate for businesses with annual card turnover below £100,000, while higher-volume merchants can receive customised pricing.
Hardware can be purchased or paid for monthly, depending on the package. This makes Dojo particularly relevant to cafés, restaurants, salons and retailers where payment speed and integrations matter alongside transaction costs.
Best For: Growing retailers, hospitality businesses and companies processing consistent card volumes.
Key Points:
- Portable Dojo Go Max
- Wi-Fi And 4G
- 2% Blended Rate For Eligible Lower-Volume Businesses
- Custom Rates For Higher Turnover
- Next-Day Settlement Options
- EPOS Integrations
Comparison Of The Top 10 Card Readers For Small Businesses
| Card Reader | Best For | Device Cost | Transaction Fee | Monthly Fee | Contract | Settlement |
| Square Reader | Overall Small Businesses | £19 + VAT | 1.75% UK Card-Present | £0 Basic POS | No Long-Term Contract | As Soon As Next Day |
| SumUp | Sole Traders And Mobile Sellers | From Around £25 | 1.69% PAYG | £0 PAYG | No Contract | Next Day To SumUp Business Account |
| PayPal Reader | Existing PayPal Users | £29 + VAT First Reader | 1.75% | £0 | No Long-Term Contract | Minutes To PayPal Balance |
| Tide Card Reader Plus | Tide Business Users | £199 + VAT PAYG | 1.5% + 5p PAYG Domestic Consumer Debit | £0 PAYG | PAYG Available | Next-Day Options Available |
| Takepayments A920Pro | Shops And Hospitality | Custom/Rental | Custom | Custom | 12 Months | Next Working Day* |
| Worldpay DX8000 | Higher Card Turnover | Rental | From 1.50% On Applicable Simplicity Transactions | Varies | 18 Months | Next Business Day |
| Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere | Mobile Businesses | £29 + VAT | Custom | No Device Subscription | No Contract Listed | As Soon As Next Working Day |
| Shopify POS WisePad 3 | Shopify Retailers | £59 | From 1.7% | Shopify Plan From £25 | Shopify Plan Required | Plan Dependent |
| myPOS Go 2 | Standalone Payments | £29 + VAT | From 1.10% + 7p | £0 | No Lock-In PAYG | Seconds To myPOS Account |
| Dojo Go Max | Growing Businesses | Purchase Or Monthly Options | From 1.2% Blended For Eligible Businesses | Package Dependent | Plan Dependent | Next-Day Options |
*Settlement and pricing can depend on eligibility, banking windows, card type and provider terms. Prices and fees were checked in September 2026.
How To Choose A Card Reader?
Compare The Total Cost
Don’t choose a card machine based only on its purchase price. Transaction charges can have a much greater impact over several years.
For example, a business processing £1,000 each month may place more importance on avoiding monthly fees. A company processing tens of thousands of pounds may benefit more from negotiating a lower percentage rate.
Decide Between PAYG And Contract Pricing
Pay-as-you-go card readers are useful for businesses with inconsistent payment volumes because there may be no monthly charge.
Contract-based merchant services can make more sense when card turnover becomes predictable, particularly where the provider offers lower customised fees.
Check Settlement Times
Settlement determines how quickly a completed sale becomes usable business cash.
Next-day settlement can be valuable to businesses that regularly need money for suppliers, wages or stock. However, check whether “next day” means the next calendar day, next working day or simply settlement into the provider’s own payment account.
Consider How You Take Payments
A market seller may only need a lightweight Bluetooth reader. Restaurants may prefer portable terminals that support tipping and tableside payments, while retailers may want a complete POS system with inventory management.
Check for:
- Wi-Fi Connectivity
- 4G Connectivity
- Bluetooth
- Built-In Printer
- Digital Receipts
- POS Integration
- Accounting Integration
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Major Debit And Credit Cards
Card Reader Security And PCI DSS Requirements
Payment security should be considered alongside price and convenience.
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard applies to organisations involved in payment processing.
The PCI Security Standards Council guidance for small merchants states that PCI DSS applies to merchants regardless of their size or transaction volume, although smaller merchants may have simpler compliance requirements.
Using a payment provider that handles much of the sensitive card data can reduce the technical burden, but businesses should still follow the provider’s security requirements and maintain appropriate PCI DSS compliance.
Businesses should also keep payment hardware and software updated, restrict access to payment systems and regularly check terminals for signs of physical tampering.
Which Card Reader Is Best For Different Types Of Small Businesses?
Different businesses have different payment requirements, so the cheapest reader will not always be the most suitable.
| Business Type | Card Reader To Consider | Why |
| Sole Traders | SumUp | Flexible PAYG pricing |
| Market Sellers | Square Reader | Low Hardware Cost And Simple Setup |
| Mobile Tradespeople | Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere | Compact Mobile Setup |
| Cafés And Restaurants | Takepayments A920Pro | Portable Dedicated Terminal |
| Shopify Stores | Shopify POS | Strong Ecommerce Integration |
| Higher-Turnover Businesses | Worldpay DX8000 | Custom Pricing Options |
| PayPal Users | PayPal Reader | PayPal Ecosystem Integration |
| Growing Hospitality Businesses | Dojo Go Max | Fast Payments And EPOS Integration |
| Tide Business Users | Tide Card Reader Plus | Payments And Business Account Integration |
| Standalone Mobile Payments | myPOS Go 2 | No Smartphone Required |
The right option ultimately depends on monthly card turnover, typical transaction value, payment location and the additional business tools required.
How We Compared The Best UK Card Readers?
This comparison was produced using desk research rather than claiming hands-on testing. Current information was checked against official provider material in September 2026.
Card readers were considered according to:
- Current UK Availability
- Hardware Cost
- Transaction Fees
- Monthly Charges
- Contract Requirements
- Settlement Times
- Connectivity
- Supported Payment Methods
- POS And Business Integrations
- Suitability For Small UK Businesses
Promotional prices were not treated as long-term standard pricing where an expiry date was identified. Custom-priced providers are labelled accordingly rather than assigning them an estimated transaction rate.
Conclusion
The best card reader for a small business in the UK depends largely on transaction volume and how payments are taken.
Square Reader remains a strong all-round choice for businesses wanting low upfront costs and straightforward fees, while SumUp offers flexible pay-as-you-go pricing that can suit sole traders and mobile sellers.
PayPal Reader is particularly convenient for businesses already using PayPal.
Businesses with larger or more consistent payment volumes should also compare Worldpay, takepayments and Dojo, where customised or volume-based pricing may become more attractive.
Shopify merchants have a different priority because Shopify POS can connect online and physical sales within one system, while myPOS Go 2 offers a low-cost standalone alternative.
Before choosing any provider, compare the full cost of accepting payments rather than looking only at the advertised card-machine price.
FAQs About The Best Card Readers For Small Businesses UK
What Is The Best Card Reader For A Small Business In The UK?
Square is a strong all-round option because of its low hardware cost, simple pricing and free basic POS software. However, the best choice depends on turnover, payment volume and required features.
What Is The Cheapest Card Reader For A Small Business?
Entry-level readers from providers such as Square, SumUp, PayPal and myPOS can be purchased relatively cheaply. Compare transaction fees as well as hardware prices because processing charges usually matter more over time.
Can A Sole Trader Get A Card Reader?
Yes. Sole traders can use card readers from providers including Square, SumUp, PayPal and myPOS, subject to the provider’s account and eligibility requirements.
How Much Does A Card Machine Cost In The UK?
Basic mobile card readers can cost roughly £20–£60, while standalone terminals and more advanced POS hardware may cost £100 to several hundred pounds. Some providers rent machines through monthly contracts instead.
Do Card Readers Charge A Monthly Fee?
Not always. Square, SumUp PAYG, PayPal and myPOS offer options without standard monthly fees, while other providers may charge monthly terminal rental or subscription costs.
How Quickly Do Card Reader Payments Reach My Bank Account?
Settlement varies by provider. Some services offer next-working-day transfers, while others make funds available immediately in their own merchant or business account before they are transferred elsewhere.
Do Small Businesses Need To Be PCI DSS Compliant?
PCI DSS applies to merchants accepting card payments regardless of business size. The exact validation and reporting requirements depend on the payment setup, card brands and acquiring provider.
