Welcome to our comprehensive guide on finding the best card reader for your small business in the UK. As a small business owner, having a reliable and efficient card reader is essential for smooth payment processing and customer satisfaction.
In this article, we will explore the top card reader options that cater specifically to the needs of small businesses.
With the increasing shift towards cashless transactions, it’s crucial to invest in a card reader that not only meets your business requirements but also offers competitive rates and user-friendly features.
Whether you run a retail store, a food truck, or a pop-up stand, we have researched and evaluated various card reader options to help you make an informed decision.
In the sections below, we will highlight the best card readers for small businesses, taking into account factors such as price, transaction fees, scalability, ease of use, and integration with other software systems.
By the end of this guide, you will have a clear understanding of the top picks that can streamline your payment process and contribute to the growth of your small business.
Best Card Reader for Small Business
1. Takepayments: Best Overall Card Reader
The takepayments A920 is our top pick for the best overall card reader for small businesses. This portable card machine offers a range of features that make it an excellent choice for small businesses in the UK.
“The takepayments A920 is a game-changer for our business. It has everything we need in a card reader and more.” – Sarah Thompson, small business owner
With the takepayments A920, small businesses can enjoy features such as tip allocation, sales and inventory tracking, and bespoke price plans. These features allow businesses to streamline their operations and improve customer satisfaction.
The A920 has gained a reputation for outstanding customer service and ease of use. Small business owners appreciate the responsive support channels and user-friendly interface, which simplify the payment process.
This card machine is particularly suitable for medium to larger stores or restaurants that require a reliable and scalable card reader. Additionally, service-based industries that rely on gratuity features, such as salons or cafes, can benefit from the A920’s capabilities.
Key Features of the takepayments A920:
- Portable and lightweight design
- Tip allocation functionality
- Sales and inventory tracking
- Bespoke price plans
With its comprehensive set of features and positive customer feedback, the takepayments A920 stands out as the best overall card reader for small businesses.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent customer service | No contactless-only option |
| User-friendly interface | Not suitable for very small businesses |
| Range of useful features |
Overall, the takepayments A920 is a reliable and feature-rich card reader that offers small businesses in the UK the convenience and flexibility they need to thrive. Its portable design, robust functionality, and excellent customer service make it the top choice for small business owners.
2. Worldpay: Best for Larger Stores and Restaurants
When it comes to larger retail stores and busy restaurants, the Worldpay Reader stands as the best card reader option. Designed to cater to the needs of larger businesses, this card reader offers a payment structure that aligns perfectly with their operations.
One of the standout features of the Worldpay Reader is its excellent user support, ensuring that businesses have the assistance they need throughout their payment processing journey. Additionally, this card reader provides robust fraud protection, giving businesses peace of mind when it comes to securing their transactions.
What sets the Worldpay Reader apart from other options is its ability to handle a high volume of transactions effectively. These larger businesses require advanced features to streamline their operations, and this card reader delivers exactly that.
Countertop Card Machine
Worldpay’s countertop card payment terminal allows businesses to accept payments from a fixed point, including contactless payments, credit, and debit cards. The Ingenico Desk/5000 is specifically designed to speed up checkout at the counter, making it ideal for busy environments.
- Large 3.5-inch touchscreen
- PCI-PTS 5.x certified
- Accepts Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Diners, Discover, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
- One-stop portal for managing your Worldpay account
- Includes EMV chip and PIN, chip and sign, magstripe, and NFC/contactless
- Offers both Ethernet and dial connections
- Features a dedicated customer-facing NFC card reader zone
Simplicity Pricing Tariff
For businesses that prefer a pay monthly plan with access to a lower transaction rate, the Simplicity Pricing Tariff features an 18-month terminal hire agreement.
- Transaction fee on Mastercard and Visa transactions: 1.50%
- Monthly terminal hire fee: £17.50 pm (£10 pm until June 30)
- No joining fee: £0.00
Custom Pricing Tariff
Designed for businesses with over £75K in annual card turnover, the Custom Pricing Tariff provides tailored pricing options with no joining fee.
- Transaction fee on debit Mastercard and Visa card transactions: 0.75% + 4.5p
- Monthly terminal hire fee: £17.50 pm
- No joining fee: £0.00
Mobile Card Machine
For businesses that need flexibility, Worldpay offers a portable card payment terminal that enables you to take payments wherever you do business. The DX8000 is perfect for merchants who want to operate under a dual-band Wi-Fi connection and provide durable 4G connectivity for transactions across multiple indoor and outdoor locations.
- Easier navigation improves usability
- Provides a flexible transaction processing solution
- Accepts Visa, MasterCard, Amex, Diners, Discover, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
- One-stop portal for managing your Worldpay account
- Includes a large touchscreen display and contactless reader
- Offers simple menu, home, and back Android navigation, plus printed receipts for customers
Simplicity Pricing Tariff
For businesses that prefer a pay monthly plan with access to a lower transaction rate, the Simplicity Pricing Tariff features an 18-month terminal hire agreement.
- Transaction fee on Mastercard and Visa transactions: 1.50%
- Monthly terminal hire fee: £22.50 pm (£15 pm until June 30)
- No joining fee: £0.00
Custom Pricing Tariff
Designed for businesses with over £75K in annual card turnover, the Custom Pricing Tariff provides tailored pricing options with no joining fee.
- Transaction fee on debit Mastercard and Visa card transactions: 0.75% + 4.5p
- Monthly terminal hire fee: £22.50 pm
- No joining fee: £0.00
With its powerful payment processing capabilities, the Worldpay Reader is ideal for retail stores and restaurants that need a reliable solution to manage their transactions efficiently.
Advantages of the Worldpay Reader for larger businesses:
- Payment structure tailored to larger operations
- Excellent user support
- Robust fraud protection
- Ability to handle a high volume of transactions
“The Worldpay Reader is the perfect card reader for larger retail stores and busy restaurants. Its robust features and excellent support make it the top choice for businesses that handle a high volume of transactions.”\n\n- Sarah Thompson, Retail Expert
3. Zettle by PayPal: Best Mobile Card Reader
The Zettle by PayPal card reader is highly recommended for mobile businesses due to its portability and ease of use. It is perfect for businesses on the move, such as market stalls, food trucks, and other mobile setups. The device offers a simple and intuitive payment experience, making it easy for small businesses to manage transactions efficiently.
Key Features and Benefits of Zettle by PayPal
| Feature | Description |
| Portability | The Zettle card reader is compact and wireless, enabling you to accept card payments anywhere. It’s ideal for use at trade shows, markets, and when providing on-site services. |
| Easy to Use | The card reader connects seamlessly to your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to manage sales, track transactions, and accept a wide variety of payment options such as contactless payments, chip and PIN, and invoicing. |
| No Recurring Fees | There are no contracts or monthly fees; charges are applied per transaction. |
| Multiple Payment Options | Supports major cards (including American Express), mobile wallets, PayPal QR codes, payment links, and Zettle invoices (for sellers signed up before May 8, 2023). |
| Security | Complies with industry security standards and uses encryption to protect sensitive data. |
| POS and App Integration | The Zettle POS app allows you to manage products, inventory, and staff performance while also offering real-time sales reports. Integrations with popular POS systems and accounting software are available. |
| Customer Support | Zettle provides a dedicated support team along with online resources such as FAQs and tutorials to help troubleshoot any issues. |
Zettle by PayPal Payment Options and Fees
| Payment Type | Fee |
| Major Cards | 1.75% per transaction |
| Mobile Wallets | 1.75% per transaction |
| PayPal QR Codes | 1.75% per transaction |
| Payment Links | 2.5% per transaction |
| Zettle Invoice | 2.5% per transaction |
Zettle’s transparent fee structure allows businesses to avoid hidden costs and manage their payments efficiently. Businesses signed up before May 8, 2023, can also access the invoicing feature at a 2.5% transaction fee.
Enhanced Business Operations with the Zettle POS App
The Zettle POS app enhances your day-to-day business operations by offering various features that streamline tasks from the sales floor to the back office:
| POS App Features | Description |
| Inventory Management | Manage and track your inventory in real-time with the app. |
| Sales Reporting | View real-time sales reports to gain insights into your business performance. |
| Gift Card Creation | Create and redeem gift cards to boost customer engagement. |
| Channel Integrations | Sell across various channels with seamless integrations. |
| Staff Performance Tracking | Monitor staff performance, helping you manage your team effectively. |
Getting Started with Zettle by PayPal
Starting with Zettle by PayPal is quick and easy. The Tap to Pay feature allows you to accept contactless card and digital wallet payments without needing additional hardware. Simply download the Zettle POS app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store, and you’re ready to go.
| Zettle Card Reader 2 | Transaction Fee | Monthly Fee |
| Quick card and contactless payments | 1.75% | No monthly fee (terms apply) |
In summary, Zettle by PayPal offers small businesses an exceptional mobile card reader solution with its portability, user-friendly design, and seamless integrations. Its competitive pricing and robust support make it an ideal choice for businesses looking to manage payments on the go.
With Zettle by PayPal, small businesses can accept card payments anywhere, anytime, providing convenience to both merchants and customers.
4. Tyl by Natwest: Best for Fast Payment Processing
f fast payment processing is a priority for your small business, we recommend the Tyl by Natwest card reader, specifically the Clover Flex. With its quick and seamless transactions, it has earned the title of the best card reader for fast payment processing. It is designed to cater to businesses that consistently handle a high number of transactions each month, allowing you to serve your customers efficiently.
The Clover Flex is equipped with an all-in-one POS system, providing convenience and efficiency. It streamlines your payment process and ensures smooth transactions, enabling your small business to operate seamlessly. Whether you run a retail store, a restaurant, or a service-based business, the Clover Flex offers a reliable and user-friendly solution for your payment processing needs.
Partnering with Tyl, Natwest offers a comprehensive range of payment solutions tailored to small businesses in the UK. They understand the importance of fast and secure transactions, and their card reader solutions enable you to provide a seamless experience to your customers.
Key Features of the Tyl by Natwest Clover Flex
- Quick and seamless transactions
- All-in-one POS system
- User-friendly interface
- Reliable and secure
- Integrated payment solutions
Transaction Pricing
Up to £50k: Two clear prices for smaller businesses
- 1.39% + 5p fee per transaction for UK or European personal cards (debit or credit cards connected to a personal account).
- 1.99% + 5p fee per transaction for all other cards (business account cards or international personal debit/credit cards).
For example, on a £10 sale, transactions using personal cards will cost you 19p (14p + 5p), while transactions using other cards will cost you 25p (20p + 5p).
You’ll also enjoy:
- Your choice of card machine
- First 3 months free*
- Online payment gateway with a special offer^
Things You Are Charged For:
- Authorisation fees: A flat 5p per transaction
- No minimum charges or hidden extras
- No fees for processing refunds or international card payments
Over £50k: Custom Pricing for Larger Businesses
For businesses processing over £50k, Tyl offers a tailored pricing structure with five transaction rate categories for Mastercard, Visa, and Discover® Global Network payments.
- First 3 months free*
- Online payment gateway with a special offer^
Things You Are Charged For:
- Custom transaction rates based on the value of each transaction
- Authorisation fees: A flat fee for each transaction
- PCI DSS fees may apply based on specific requirements
Security and Compliance
All payments using our terminals, NatWest Tap to Pay, or Payment Gateways are securely encrypted using PCI SSC-approved Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE) by default.
No Hidden Fees
Tyl doesn’t charge extra for payments taken over the phone or through your website, or for international card payments. Refunds are also free of charge.
New Tyl by NatWest customers only. Minimum 12-month contract. After 3 months, standard hire fees per device will apply. Additional fees may apply for data usage or app downloads. Early cancellation fees may apply; eligibility criteria and fees apply. Offer available for new and existing Tyl by NatWest customers who do not currently have a payment gateway with Tyl.
With Tyl by Natwest, you can ensure that your payment processing is fast, efficient, and tailored to the specific needs of your business.
5. Square: Best for Pop-ups, Kiosks, and Stands
The Square Reader is our top pick for pop-ups, kiosks, and stands. It is compact and pairs effortlessly with your phone, allowing you to accept card payments wherever you have a signal. Square offers a range of software integrations and features that make it an excellent choice for small businesses operating in temporary or mobile locations.
With the Square Reader, you can transform your smartphone or tablet into a portable card reader. Simply connect the Square Reader to your device, download the Square Point of Sale app, and you’re ready to accept card payments on the go.
Thanks to its portable design, the Square Reader is ideal for pop-up shops, market stalls, kiosks, food trucks, and other temporary or mobile businesses. Its compact size allows for easy setup and transportation, making it a convenient solution for on-the-go entrepreneurs.
In addition to its portability, the Square Reader offers a range of software integrations that can enhance your business operations. You can integrate Square with popular inventory management systems, accounting software, customer relationship management (CRM) tools, and more. This seamless integration enables you to streamline your business processes and gain valuable insights into your sales and customer data.
The Square Reader also provides features that cater specifically to pop-ups, kiosks, and stands. For example, you can create a custom point of sale screen optimized for quick and easy transactions. You can also set up employee access permissions and create individual accounts for different users. These features enable efficient operations and ensure smooth customer interactions.
Key Features of the Square Reader:
- Compact and portable design
- Easy setup and pairing with smartphones and tablets
- Software integrations with popular business tools
- Customizable point of sale screen
- Employee access control
With its user-friendly interface and tailored features, the Square Reader is the best choice for businesses seeking a portable card reader solution for pop-ups, kiosks, and stands. Its compact design, software integrations, and customizable features make it a versatile payment option for small businesses operating in temporary or mobile locations.
6. SumUp Air: Cheap Transaction Fees for Small Stores
For small stores looking for affordable transaction fees, the SumUp Air is a highly recommended choice. It offers competitive rates and is suitable for businesses with lower sales volumes. The SumUp Air is compact and easy to use, making it a practical option for small businesses with limited space or resources.
The SumUp Air provides small businesses with a cost-effective card reader solution, allowing them to accept card payments without breaking the bank. With a standard fee of 1.69% per transaction for all card readers and no VAT on any transaction fees, it helps businesses save on processing costs while delivering a reliable and secure payment experience.
Additionally, businesses can take advantage of SumUp One memberships to enjoy reduced transaction fees. Members benefit from a flat transaction fee of 0.99% per transaction for all domestic payments.
The fee is applied during the payout process, meaning businesses won’t be charged for declined or refunded transactions, and there’s no fee for cash transactions. The card transaction fees are always a flat rate, covering interchange fees and all other additional costs, so businesses will only be charged the rates listed above.
The SumUp Air is designed to meet the needs of small stores, offering an affordable card reader solution without compromising on quality. Its compact size ensures it won’t take up much space on store counters or mobile setups, making it ideal for businesses with limited room. With easy setup and user-friendly features, businesses can start accepting card payments quickly and smoothly.
Key features of the SumUp Air include:
- Compact and lightweight design
- Support for contactless, chip, and magnetic stripe cards
- Integration with iOS and Android devices
- SumUp App for managing sales and inventory
- Real-time transaction tracking
Hardware and Membership Pricing:
- Air card reader: €39.00 (including delivery but excluding VAT)
- Solo card reader: £79.00 (including delivery but excluding VAT)
- POS Lite: £339.00 (one-time purchase, including delivery but excluding VAT)
With SumUp Air, small stores can enjoy the convenience and affordability of a reliable card reader solution. Whether operating a boutique, salon, or small cafe, the SumUp Air can help streamline the payment process and enhance the customer experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best card reader for your small business is crucial for efficient and secure payment processing. We have reviewed and highlighted the top card reader options available in the UK, considering factors such as price, transaction fees, scalability, and user support.
When selecting a card reader, it’s essential to consider your specific business needs. Choose a card reader that offers the features and functionality that align with your requirements, such as portable card readers for on-the-go businesses or card readers with fast payment processing for businesses with a high volume of transactions.
Additionally, negotiate fees with the card reader provider to maximize your cost savings. It’s also important to ensure that the selected card reader integrates seamlessly with your existing software and systems, streamlining your payment processes.
By investing in the right card reader, you can enhance your small business’s payment solutions, providing convenience to your customers and driving growth in your business.
