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
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 places a great emphasis on security, with 24/7 fraud prevention, payment dispute management, and data protection at no extra cost. You can also get the Square Handheld, a portable reader with a barcode scanner designed to take and manage sales on the move, and the Square Terminal, a more complete POS solution that comes with a built-in receipt printer. That means there’s a solution to meet all your needs as you grow.
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
- 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. Flatpay
Device Cost: None
Transaction Fee: Flat rate of 1.49%
With a standard 1.49% rate on all transactions and no upfront or ongoing fees, Flatpay is an excellent option for growing businesses that want to keep costs predictable as they scale. Payouts are settled daily, which is great for cash flow, and you benefit from 24/7 phone and email support and real-time sales insights via the customer portal.
Alongside its standard PAX A920 pro terminal, Flatpay also offers more comprehensive POS setups. And once your annual sales exceed £200,000, you can access custom rates, allowing you to secure a more favourable rate when you’re selling at volume.
With Flatpay’s hands-on approach, you know you’re getting the best solution for your needs: one of its experts will visit your premises to walk you through its payment system and then deliver a tailored offer. They’ll also handle the on-site installation and setup.
Key features:
- Predictable pricing: Costs are flat and predictable at just 1.49% per transaction, and no upfront or subscription fees
- 24/7 support: via phone and email
- Custom rates available: If your annual sales exceed £200,000
3. Revolut
Device Cost: £169 + VAT
Transaction Fee: 0.8% + £0.02 for domestic consumer cards (Visa/Mastercard), 0.5% + £0.02 for Revolut Pay
For a one-off cost of £169, the Revolut Terminal delivers everything growing businesses need to take payments and more. It’s an excellent option if you trade overseas: you can accept payments in 25+ currencies and, as payments are settled in the original currency, you avoid exchange fees. The terminal comes with Revolut Business, a business bank account and merchant services platform that you can use to manage everything from team expenses and accounting to global finances.
On top of that, you pay competitive transaction rates, starting from just 0.5% + £0.02 (with Revolut Pay), and funds are settled in your Revolut Business Account (which you must have to be eligible for the terminal) within 24 hours.
Key features:
- Multi-currency support: Accept payments in 25+ currencies with no conversion fee
- Revolut Pay: Accept payments directly from customers’ accounts for just 0.5% + £0.02 per transaction
- Next-day settlement: Receive your funds within 24 hours
- POS integration: Pair your Revolut Terminal with the POS app for advanced analytics, location management, and more
4. 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
5. Tide Card Reader
Device Cost: £159 + VAT or upgrade to the Tide Card Reader Plus for £199 + VAT
Transaction Fee: From 0.89% + 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. Alternatively, you can use Tap to Pay via your smartphone and avoid device costs altogether.
Tide gives you flexibility over how to pay for your reader, including buying the device through monthly instalments (£99 upfront and £17.99 per month) or Pay As You Go (£159 upfront, with no monthly fees). Transaction fees start from 0.89% +3p for Tap to Pay, and you can access next-day settlement for £2.99 per month.
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
6. TakePayments
Device Cost: Custom pricing depending on card machine model and turnover
Transaction Fee: Estimated at 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
7. 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
8. myPOS Go 2
Device Cost: £29 + VAT
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 £29, 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. If your business takes under £10,000 per month, transaction fees start from 1.1% + 7p per transaction. If you take £10,000+, you can request bespoke rates that suit your business.
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:
- £29 + 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
9. 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
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 and looking for predictable pricing.
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 £29 + 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
