In today’s fast-paced, digital world, having the right payment solution is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity.
If you’re running a small business in the UK, offering flexible payment options is key to staying competitive.
Did you know that debit card payments now account for over 50% of all transactions in the UK?
This trend is only set to accelerate. UK Finance predicts that by 2033, card payments will exceed 30 billion transactions, with nearly half of them being contactless.
This makes one thing clear: accepting card payments isn’t optional it’s critical for your business’s success.
Whether you’re a brick-and-mortar store or a mobile service provider, the right card payment machine can boost your sales, streamline transactions, and enhance customer satisfaction.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the 5 best card machines for small UK businesses in 2025.
We’ll explore each machine’s features, benefits, and pricing so you can make the right choice for your business. Let’s get started!
1. Paymentsave Card Machines
Best for: Transparent pricing and fast transaction processing.
Paymentsave card machines are renowned for their flexibility and transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Whether you operate a mobile or fixed-location business, Paymentsave offers multiple devices that ensure fast transaction processing and easy integration.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees.
- Supports chip and pin, contactless, and mobile payments.
- Quick setup and smooth integration into existing systems.
- Fast processing for seamless customer transactions.
Pricing:
- Device Cost: From £15 + VAT
- Transaction Fee: From 2.75% per transaction (CNP fee).
Why Choose Paymentsave?
- Digital receipts via email or SMS.
- Instant access to funds with no additional fees.
- Accepts all major payment types, including Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Amex.
2. Square Reader
Best for: Low-cost, portable solution with no monthly fees.
Square Reader is perfect for small businesses looking for an affordable and easy-to-use card payment machine.
With no monthly fees, it operates on a pay-as-you-go model, allowing you to accept all major cards, including contactless payments and mobile wallets.
Key Features & Benefits:
- No monthly fees or long-term contracts.
- Accepts debit and credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
- Seamlessly integrates with Square’s free app for sales insights.
- Fast and reliable payment processing.
Pricing:
- Device Cost: From £19 + VAT
- Transaction Fee: 1.75% per in-person transaction.
Why Choose Square?
- Simple setup and user-friendly interface.
- Real-time sales insights and business management tools.
- No hidden costs—only pay per transaction.
3. SumUp Air
Best for: A compact, budget-friendly card reader for mobile businesses.
SumUp Air is a sleek, portable card machine that connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone or tablet.
It’s an ideal choice for businesses that need an easy, mobile payment solution, offering competitive transaction fees and no monthly charges.
Key Features & Benefits:
- No monthly fees—only pay per transaction.
- Bluetooth connectivity for use with smartphones or tablets.
- Accepts all major cards and mobile wallets.
- Free app for easy transaction management and invoicing.
Pricing:
- Device Cost: £29 + VAT
- Transaction Fee: 1.69% per transaction.
Why Choose SumUp?
- Ideal for mobile and on-the-go businesses.
- Simple, no-fuss setup with a free app.
- Competitive fees make it affordable for small businesses.
4. Zettle Reader 2
Best for: A user-friendly card reader with detailed business insights.
Zettle Reader 2 is a versatile and easy-to-use card machine.
It features a sleek, portable design with no monthly fees and low transaction costs, and integrates seamlessly with the Zettle app for business management.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Compact, lightweight design for portability.
- Integrates with the Zettle app for sales insights and reporting.
- Accepts all major cards, contactless payments, and mobile wallets.
- No monthly fees—only pay per transaction.
Pricing:
- Device Cost: £29 + VAT
- Transaction Fee: 1.75% per transaction.
Why Choose Zettle?
- Real-time sales and performance insights.
- Fast, easy setup with the Zettle app.
- No hidden fees—only pay for what you use.
5. MyPOS Go
Best for: A portable, all-in-one solution with fast access to funds.
MyPOS Go is an all-in-one portable card machine perfect for small businesses and pop-up shops.
It allows payments via 3G, 4G, or Wi-Fi and offers next-day settlement for quick access to your funds.
Key Features & Benefits:
- Portable, lightweight design for easy mobility.
- Accepts payments via 3G, 4G, or Wi-Fi.
- No monthly fees or hidden charges.
- Next-day settlement for fast access to funds.
Pricing:
- Device Cost: £49.90 + VAT
- Transaction Fee: From 1.75% per transaction.
Why Choose MyPOS?
- Built-in receipt printer for convenience.
- Instant access to funds with next-day settlement.
- No monthly fees or long-term contracts.
Conclusion
Choosing the right card payment machine is vital for small businesses aiming to thrive in today’s digital-first world.
Whether you’re prioritizing transparent pricing, mobility, or detailed business insights, the 5 options we’ve covered Paymentsave, Square, SumUp, Zettle, and MyPOS offer excellent solutions for businesses of all sizes.
When selecting your card machine, consider factors like pricing, ease of use, and system integration.
With the right payment solution in place, you can streamline transactions, boost customer satisfaction, and position your business for long-term success.
