As your business grows, so do your needs for a reliable, scalable, and cost-effective card reader. With the increase in customer volume, transactions, and revenue, finding the right payment solution can help you stay efficient, keep fees manageable, and maintain great customer experiences.
There are countless card reader options for small businesses, so how do you choose the right one? We’ve weighed up a range of machines based on how they meet the demands of scaling businesses and ranked them accordingly.
1. Square Reader
Device Cost: £19 + VAT
Transaction Fee: 1.75%
When it comes to flexibility and speed, the Square Reader is a great option for growing businesses. At just £19 + VAT, this portable, wireless reader is affordable and designed to accept chip and PIN, contactless cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay with a simple, flat rate of 1.75% per in-person payment.
Square’s latest reader puts an increased emphasis on security, with 24/7 fraud prevention, payment dispute management, and data protection at no extra cost. If you’re a small or mobile business looking for a payment solution that you can set up and start taking payments with quickly, Square could be the one for you.
Key features:
- Quick setup: Connect wirelessly and start accepting payments almost instantly
- Fast payouts: Funds can land in your account as soon as the next day, or instantly for a small fee
- Longer battery life: Handles 20% more transactions per charge compared to its predecessor
- Offline mode: You can carry on selling for up to 24 hours without internet access.
- Custom pricing available: If you process more than £200K+ annually, you might be able to access custom rates
2. Tide Card Reader
Device Cost: £19.99 or upgrade to the Tide Card Reader Plus for £29.99 + VAT (Use code GETPAID)
Transaction Fee: From 0.79% + 3p with Tide Card reader & Tap to pay
The Tide Card Reader is a smart, portable reader that connects via WiFi or free lifetime 4G, so you can take chip & PIN, contactless and digital wallet payments even if your connection is down. Your customers get email receipts instantly, and payments arrive in your Tide business account within three working days.
We also like that it has a range of options for how you pay that suit different business needs and preferences. You can choose to buy the device outright for £159 + VAT (as well as a monthly fee of £12.99), rent the device for £24.99 per month, or pay as you go. If buying or renting, transaction fees start from 0.69 per cent + 3p. If you choose pay-as-you-go, you still pay the £159 upfront, but there’s no monthly cost and transaction fees start from 1.39 per cent + 5p. You can also pay £2.99 + VAT per month to get next-day settlement of funds.
Key features:
- Compact and easy to carry: Tide’s card readers are great for mobile businesses
- Free lifetime 4G and WiFi connectivity: So you don’t lose the ability to take payments even if you lose your connection
- Accepts contactless, chip & PIN, and digital wallets: Flexible payment options maximise your chances of successful payments
- Payments clear in up to 3 working days: Funds go straight into your Tide business account within a few days
3. TakePayments
Device Cost: Custom pricing depending on card machine model and turnover
Transaction Fee: 0.3%-2.5%
takepayments offers a flexible range of card machines designed to suit small businesses. Whether you’re after a countertop machine, a portable option, or a mobile device that travels with you, you’ll find something to suit your needs.
All takepayments machines accept contactless, chip & PIN, Apple Pay and Google Pay, and offer next day settlement so your money reaches your account quickly. Options include the takepaymentsplus terminal with on-screen reporting, fast transaction speeds, and simple setup, and the A920 Pro, a sleek 4G-enabled model, which has the longest battery life.
Key features:
- Next day settlement: You get paid fast, with funds in your account the next working day
- Portable and mobile options: You can accept payments anywhere via WiFi or 4G
- Range of models available: Including touchscreen and paperless receipt options, so you can find a device that suits the way you work
- Takes all major payment types: Contactless, chip & PIN, Apple Pay, Google Pay
- Tailored pricing: Custom quotes based on your turnover that work for any business
- Ongoing support: UK-based customer service 7 days a week
4. SumUp Air
Device Cost: £25
Transaction Fee: 0.99% (pay-as-you-go) 1.69% (subscription)
The SumUp Air is a card reader that connects to your smartphone or POS system to let you take payments quickly and reliably. It accepts a wide range of payment types, including Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Diners Club, UnionPay, and more, so you can meet the requirements of your customers.
Setup is quick, and with the free SumUp app, you get access to reporting tools, transaction history, and other digital business features at no extra cost. Priced at just £25, the Air offers decent value for businesses looking for a mobile payments solution without long-term commitments or hidden fees.
SumUp gives you flexible pricing too, with pay-as-you-go at 1.69% per transaction, or a subscription option, Payments Plus, for £19/month, which reduces fees to just 0.99%.
Key features:
- £25 one-off cost: The device cost includes everything meaning, SumUp claims, there are no hidden costs
- Connects via your phone’s WiFi or data: So you can use the free SumUp app on your smartphone
- Accepts all major cards and wallets: Including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Amex, UnionPay, and more
- All-day battery: Designed to last all day so you can focus on selling
5. PayPal Reader
Device Cost: £29 + VAT
Transaction Fee: 1.75 per cent
Priced from £29 + VAT, the PayPal reader pairs with the PayPal POS (formerly Zettle) app via Bluetooth or cable (Android), giving you access to smart tools like inventory tracking and product libraries, all in one place.
With a claimed startup time of just 2 seconds and quick transaction speeds (5 seconds for contactless, 10 for chip & PIN), it’s a speedy little machine that should be able to handle to even your busiest trading days. The reader runs for up to 8 hours on a single charge, or all day with the optional PayPal Reader Dock (£29). It accepts all major card types, including contactless and chip & PIN, and integrates seamlessly into your existing PayPal ecosystem.
Key features:
- £69 + VAT one-off cost: This includes free shipping and 30-day returns
- Fast setup and quick transactions: PayPal claims that you can power on in 2 seconds and start taking contactless payments within 5 seconds
- Pairs with PayPal POS app: Track products, manage inventory, and send receipts
- All major cards accepted: Contactless, chip & PIN, and mobile wallets
- Battery life up to 8 hours: Or you can charge continuously with the optional dock (£29)
6. myPOS Go 2
Device Cost: £14.90 + VAT (until 23 October 2025, then £29)
Transaction Fee: 1.1% + 7p per transaction (Amex: 2.45% + 7p)
The myPOS Go 2 is a standalone, portable card reader. It has no monthly fees and doesn’t require a smartphone connection to operate. For just £14.90 + VAT (reduced from £29 until 23 October 2025), it comes with a built-in 4G SIM, WiFi connectivity, and the ability to send digital receipts via SMS or email directly from the device.
The myPOS Go 2 offers instant settlement, meaning funds from sales are transferred to your myPOS merchant account in under 3 seconds, at no extra cost. You’ll also get a free myPOS Mastercard to spend your earnings right away, along with access to a powerful mobile app and online account tools.
Key features:
- £14.90 + VAT one-off cost: MyPOS claims there are no subscriptions or hidden charges
- Works independently of smartphone connection: Meaning you don’t need a phone or app to take payments
- Accepts all major payment methods: Contactless, Chip & PIN, and magstripe
- Instant settlement: The provider claims you can have the funds available in your myPOS account in seconds
- Send receipts by SMS or email: So you don’t need a printer to issue receipts, which keeps costs down
7. Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere
Device Cost: £29 + VAT
Transaction Fee: Custom
At just £29 + VAT, The Smartpay Anywhere is a one-off purchase with no contract, and it connects via Wi-Fi or mobile data through the Smartpay Anywhere app on your phone or tablet.
It accepts contactless, chip & PIN and digital wallet payments, and you can add multiple users or devices — great if others in your business also need to take payments. The Smartpay Anywhere gives you access to real-time sales tracking and easy receipt sending via email, and your takings could reach your account as soon as the next working day.
Key features:
- £29 + VAT one-off cost: With no monthly contract or long-term tie-ins
- Customised pricing: Transaction fees are tailored to your business, which can help to keep costs predictable
- Accepts all major payments: Contactless, chip & PIN and mobile wallets
- Fast settlement: BarclayCard claims that funds can arrive as early as the next working day
- Multi-user capability: Add extra card readers and staff logins
8. Tyl by NatWest
Device Cost: From £13.99/month + VAT
Transaction Fee: 1.39%-1.99% + 5p
Tyl offers a range of card machines and mobile payment options to suit how you work — from countertop setups to portable devices and phone-based payments. Prices start at £13.99 + VAT/month on a 12-month contract, with no hidden fees and setup usually completed within 48 hours.
Choose from the PAX A80 (countertop), PAX A50 (pocket-sized), or PAX A920 Pro (smart terminal). All accept contactless, chip & PIN and mobile wallet payments, and give you access to Tyl’s sales reporting tools. This range of readers makes Tyl a great option for scaling businesses with changing needs.
If you would prefer not to use a reader, you can get Tyl Tap to Pay feature on your iPhone or Android.
Key features:
- From £13.99 + VAT/month: 12-month contract, no hidden fees
- Fast setup: Ready to use in around 48 hours
- Range of terminals: Portable, countertop, and smart options
- Tap to Pay: Accept card payments using just your phone
- Backed by NatWest: With bank-grade security and UK-based support
9. Worldpay
Device Cost: £15 per month (£1 per month for 12 months on an 18-month contract)
Transaction Fee: Custom pricing or Simplicity tariff (1.50% per Mastercard and Visa transaction)
The Worldpay DX8000 is a portable, touchscreen card machine built for businesses that need to take payments in multiple locations. With dual-band Wi-Fi, contactless support, and compatibility with all major cards and digital wallets, it’s a practical solution for mobile or service-based businesses.
The device comes with next-day settlement, a large touchscreen, and the ability to print receipts. It also links to the Worldpay Dashboard, giving you visibility over transactions, settlements, and invoices in real time.
There are two pricing plans depending on how you want to manage costs:
- Simplicity Tariff: 1.50% fixed rate on Visa/Mastercard, from £19.95/month (currently £1/month offer)
- Custom Tariff: Tailored pricing for businesses with £75K+ annual card turnover, from £15/month
Key features:
- Mobile and Wi-Fi enabled: Accept payments across multiple locations
- Compatible with all major payment types: Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more
- Touchscreen interface: Easy to use with printed receipt option
- Real-time account access: Via the Worldpay Dashboard
- Flexible pricing plans: Choose fixed or custom rates based on your turnover
Conclusion
Choosing the right card reader depends on how and where you do business, but there are a few standout options for growing businesses. If we had to pick just one, the Square Reader’s low upfront cost, ease of use, and flat 1.75% fee make it a great all-rounder that’s perfect for businesses just starting out with taking payments.
However, it all comes down to your needs and preferences. For example, if you’re looking for a full-featured, standalone terminal with ultra-low fees and instant settlement, the myPOS Go 2 offers good value at just £14.90 + VAT.
For those who prefer a monthly plan with added support, Tyl by NatWest and Worldpay’s DX8000 offer reliable service, transparent pricing, and next-day settlement — better suited to businesses with steady turnover.
Ultimately, whether you need flexibility, speed, or cost efficiency, there’s a reader here to match your setup.
See also: Mobile payment systems for events and festivals – A mobile payment system is a point-of-sale device that accepts payment via cards and mobile phones – here are some of the best options on the market
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