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 second-generation Square Reader is a standout for growing businesses. Priced at just £19 + VAT, this portable, wireless reader is 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.
Trusted by over 4 million sellers worldwide, Square’s latest reader puts security front and centre with 24/7 fraud prevention, payment dispute management, and robust data protection at no extra cost. It’s perfect for small and mobile businesses looking for payment solution that they can get set up with quickly.
Key features:
- Quick setup: Connect wirelessly and start accepting payments within minutes.
- Fast payouts: Funds 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: Keep selling for up to 24 hours without internet access.
- Custom pricing available: Businesses processing £200K+ annually can request tailored rates.
2. Tide Card Reader
Device Cost: £59 or upgrade to the Tide Card Reader Plus for £79 + VAT
Transaction Fee: From 0.79% + 3p with Tide Card reader & Tap to pay
If you run your business on the go, the Tide Card Reader is a smart, portable way to take payments wherever you are — whether that’s at a market stall, client visit or pop-up event. It’s lightweight, reliable, and connects via WiFi or free lifetime 4G, so you can take chip & PIN, contactless and digital wallet payments without missing a beat. Customers get email receipts instantly, and payments land in your Tide business account within three working days.
You can choose to buy the device outright for £59 + VAT (as well as a monthly fee of £12.99), rent the device for £24.99 per month, or to pay as you go. If buying or renting, transaction fees start from 0.79 per cent + 3p. If you choose pay-as-you-go, you still pay the £59 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.
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Key features:
- Compact and easy to carry: Built for mobile businesses
- Free lifetime 4G and WiFi connectivity: Stay connected wherever you’re selling
- Accepts contactless, chip & PIN, and digital wallets: Flexible payment options for your customers
- 4 inch touchscreen with one-day battery life: Simple to use and lasts a full trading day
- Payments clear in up to 3 working days: Funds go straight into your Tide business account
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 with small businesses in mind — from shopkeepers and salon owners to mobile trades and hospitality. Whether you’re after a countertop machine, a portable option, or a mobile device that travels with you, there’s a solution tailored to how you work.
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 with a long battery life — perfect for those on the go.
Key features:
- Next day settlement: Get paid fast, with funds in your account the next working day
- Portable and mobile options: Accept payments anywhere via WiFi or 4G
- Range of models available: Including touchscreen and paperless receipt options
- Takes all major payment types: Contactless, chip & PIN, Apple Pay, Google Pay
- Tailored pricing: Custom quotes based on your business and turnover
- 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 compact, no-fuss card reader that connects to your smartphone or POS system to let you take payments quickly and reliably — wherever you’re working. It accepts a wide range of payment types, including Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Diners Club, UnionPay, and more, so you’re always ready to sell.
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 exceptional value for businesses wanting a sleek, mobile solution without long-term commitments or hidden fees.
SumUp gives you flexible pricing too — pay as you go at 1.69% per transaction, or subscribe to Payments Plus for £19/month to reduce fees to just 0.99%.
Key features:
- £25 one-off cost: No contracts, no hidden charges
- Connects via your phone’s WiFi or data: Works seamlessly with the free SumUp app
- Accepts all major cards and wallets: Including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Amex, UnionPay, and more
- All-day battery: Designed to last through your busiest days
- Quick setup: Be ready to take payments in just a few minutes
5. PayPal Reader
Device Cost: £69 + VAT
Transaction Fee: 1.75%
The PayPal Reader is a sleek, modern card reader designed to help small businesses take payments easily — whether you’re working at the till or on the move. Priced from £69 + VAT, it 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 startup time of just 2 seconds and quick transaction speeds (5 seconds for contactless, 10 for chip & PIN), it’s built to keep up with busy 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: Free shipping and 30-day returns included
- Fast setup and quick transactions: Power on in 2 seconds, take contactless in 5
- Pairs with PayPal POS app: Track products, manage inventory, and send receipts
- Connects via Bluetooth or cable: Compatible with Android and iOS
- All major cards accepted: Contactless, chip & PIN, and mobile wallets
- Battery life up to 8 hours: Or charge continuously with the optional dock (£29)
6. myPOS Go 2
Device Cost: £14.90 + VAT (until 15 August 2025, then £29)
Transaction Fee: 1.1% + 7p per transaction (Amex: 2.45% + 7p)
The myPOS Go 2 is a fully standalone, portable card reader that’s ideal for small businesses and sole traders who want the freedom to accept payments anywhere — with no monthly fees or need for a smartphone connection. For just £14.90 + VAT (reduced from £29 until 15 August 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.
It 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: No subscriptions or hidden charges
- Works independently: No phone or app required
- Built-in free 4G SIM and WiFi: Accept payments on the move, anywhere
- Accepts all major payment methods: Contactless, Chip & PIN, and magstripe
- Instant settlement: Funds available in your myPOS account in seconds
- Send receipts by SMS or email: No printer needed
7. Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere
Device Cost: £29 + VAT
Transaction Fee: Custom
The Smartpay Anywhere card reader from Barclaycard offers a no-fuss way to start taking payments — whether you’re a mobile business, sole trader, or managing a small team. At just £29 + VAT, it’s 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. You’ll have access to real-time sales tracking, easy receipt sending via email, and your takings could reach your account as soon as the next working day.
Smartpay Anywhere also includes a free FreshBooks plan to help lighten your admin load, plus 24/7 support and an online portal to manage your business, staff and settings.
Key features:
- £29 + VAT one-off cost: No monthly contract or long-term tie-ins
- Customised pricing: Transaction fees tailored to your business
- Accepts all major payments: Contactless, chip & PIN and mobile wallets
- Fast settlement: Funds can arrive as early as the next working day
- Multi-user capability: Add extra card readers and staff logins
- Real-time sales insights: Via app and online dashboard
8. Tyl by NatWest (Clover Flex)
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 ever-changing needs.
Prefer not to use a reader? Tyl’s Tap to Pay feature lets you take contactless payments 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 — indoors or out. 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 £22.50/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. The Square Reader remains a top pick for its low upfront cost, ease of use, and flat 1.75% fee — ideal for businesses just getting started or trading on the go. If you’re looking for a full-featured, standalone terminal with ultra-low fees and instant settlement, the myPOS Go 2 offers exceptional 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.
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