Best Card Machine for Small Business UK – Compare Fees & Deals
Simple setup, no hidden fees, and transparent pricing. Compare the cheapest card machines for UK small businesses and find the best deal today.
Top UK Card Machine Providers for Small Businesses (2026)
- Shift4 – Free PAX A800 terminal, no monthly rental, from 0.99% per transaction. Best for low-volume businesses.
- Dojo – Next-day payouts, sleek hardware, competitive rates from 1.2%. Great for retail and hospitality.
- SumUp – Simple pay-as-you-go at 1.69%. No contract, ideal for sole traders and market stalls.
- Square – Free card reader, 1.75% flat rate, free POS software included. Perfect for startups.
- Zettle by PayPal – 1.75% flat rate, PayPal integration, no monthly fees. Good for online + in-person sellers.
- Worldpay – Custom rates for businesses processing £10k+/month. Negotiated pricing available.
- EVO Payments – Competitive tailored rates, suitable for established small businesses wanting lower fees.
What to Look for in a Small Business Card Machine
- Transaction fees: Pay-as-you-go rates range from 0.99%–1.75%. Higher volume = negotiate a fixed rate.
- Monthly rental: Avoid unnecessary fees — providers like Shift4 and SumUp charge £0/month.
- Contract length: Look for rolling monthly or no-contract options if you're just starting out.
- Payout speed: Most providers offer next-day bank transfers. Check before you commit.
- Connectivity: 4G SIM-enabled terminals work without Wi-Fi — essential for mobile businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest card machine for a small business?
Shift4 offers the cheapest overall deal — a free PAX A800 terminal with no monthly rental and transaction fees from 0.99%. For pay-as-you-go simplicity, SumUp at 1.69% is also very competitive.
Do I need a contract for a small business card machine?
No. Providers like SumUp, Square, and Shift4 operate with no contracts at all. If you're happy to commit to 12–24 months, providers like Worldpay and EVO can offer significantly lower transaction rates.
How quickly will I receive my money?
Most modern providers (Shift4, Dojo, SumUp) offer next-day payouts at no extra cost. Some traditional bank-owned providers take 2–3 business days.
Is CardPayCompare free to use?
Yes — completely free. CardPayCompare.co.uk is an independent comparison service. Submitting your details is free and no-obligation. No payment information is ever required.