Guide to sending large payments with Barclays Business, including transfer limits
Read our essential guide to sending large payments with Barclays Business, including maximum transfer limits, fees, security and transfer times.
10 Best Card Payment Machines for UK Small Businesses in 2026
In a world where cash is fast becoming a rarity, is your card payment setup keeping pace with how customers actually want to pay here in the UK?
With debit cards now accounting for the majority of transactions and contactless and mobile wallets firmly embedded in everyday spending habits, offering flexible card payment options is no longer a nice-to-have, but a commercial necessity.
This guide rounds up the best card payment machines for UK small businesses in 2026, breaking down pricing, features, functionality and reputation.
And if you’re accepting international card payments, we’ve explained how Wise Business removes the FX guesswork by letting you receive and hold money in 40+ currencies, with no hidden fees and exchanges at the mid-market rate (close to the one you see on Google)*.
*Disclaimer: The UK Wise Business pricing structure is changing with effect from 26/11/2025 date. Receiving money, direct debits and getting paid features are not available with the Essential Plan which you can open for free. Pay a one-time set up fee of £50 to unlock Advanced features including account details to receive payments in 22+ currencies or 8+ currencies for non-swift payments. You’ll also get access to our invoice generating tool, payment links, QuickPay QR codes and the ability to set up direct debits all within one account. Please check our website for the latest pricing information.
Summary
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| Provider and machine | Cost | Fees | Settlement Time | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square Terminal | £149 + VAT3 Or £13 + VAT monthly for 12 months (interest-free) | 1.75% (In-person) 1.4% + 25p (Online UK) 2.5% + 25p (Online non-UK) 2.5% (Manual) 4 | 1 business day Instant transfers available for a fee 5 | None |
| Tide Card Reader Plus | £199 + VAT7 | Sell In-Person Plans: Buy: 0.79%+3p Rent: 0.69%+3p Pay As You Go Plan: 1.39%+5p8 | 1-3 business days Next-Day Settlement: \ \ £2.99 + VAT/mo9 | None |
| MyPos Go 2 | £29 + VAT11 | 1.10% + 7p12 | Instant13 | None |
| Zettle Reader 2 | £49 + VAT15 | Standard Cards/PayPal QR Codes: 1.75% Payment Links & Invoices: 2.5%16 | 1-2 business days17 | None |
| Tyl by Nat West – PAX A20 Pro | £19.99 + VAT monthly19 | UK & EU: \ 1.39% + 5p Other Cards: 1.99% + 5p20 | 1 business day21 | 12 months22 |
| Worldpay DX8000 | £15 monthly | Custom pricing | 1 business day25 | 18 months26 |
| Revolut Reader | £49 + VAT28 | In-Person: 0.8% + 2p Online: 1% + 2p 29 | 1 business day30 | None |
| SumUp Air | £25 + VAT32 | 1.69% (pay-as-you-go) 0.99% (subscription)33 | 1-2 business days34 | None |
| TakePayments A920 | Monthly rental from £2536 | Quote-based | Next business day37 | 12 months38 |
| Shopify WisePad 3 | £59 + VAT40 | 1.7% + 0p excl. VAT.41 | 1-3 business days42 | Needs POS subscription43 |
💡 Tip: For businesses selling internationally, exchange rates and conversion fees can quietly chip away at your margins - especially if your card provider forces automatic conversions.
That’s where Wise Business fits neatly alongside your card machine, letting you receive and hold foreign currency without converting it until you choose with the Advanced Plan.
You can receive international payments to get paid in 40+ currencies, keep funds where they make sense, and convert currencies at the mid-market exchange rate, without switching your existing gateway.
***Disclaimer**: The UK Wise Business pricing structure is changing with effect from 26/11/2025 date. Receiving money, direct debits and getting paid features are **not** available with the Essential Plan which you can open for free. Pay a one-time set up fee of £50 to unlock Advanced features including account details to receive payments in 22+ currencies or 8+ currencies for non-swift payments. You’ll also get access to our invoice generating tool, payment links, QuickPay QR codes and the ability to set up direct debits all within one account. Please check our website for the latest [pricing information](https://payout-surge.live/gb/pricing/business%29.%3C/small%3E
1. Square Terminal
| ✅ Strengths | ❌ Limitations |
|---|---|
|
|
Price: £149 + VAT. Optional interest-free financing available from £13/month + VAT over 12 months. No contract, monthly fees, account fees, or minimum service fees.
Fees:
- In-person: 1.75% (Domestic)
- Online: 1.4% + 25p (UK cards); 2.5% + 25p (non-UK cards)
- Manual payments & invoices: 2.5%
Summary: For all kinds of businesses (all-in-one POS solution). Trustpilot: 4.2 stars, 3k+ reviews
2. Tide Card Reader Plus
| ✅ Strengths | ❌ Limitations |
|---|---|
|
|
Price: £199 + VAT. No contract.
Fees: Pay as you go: 1.39% + 5p
- Subscription (£12.99/mo): 0.79% + 3p
- Next day settlements are available for an additional monthly fee.
Summary: Lowest card transaction fee, fast checkouts, for businesses on the go. Trustpilot: 4.3 stars; 29k+ reviews
3. MyPos Go 2
| ✅ Strengths | ❌ Limitations |
|---|---|
|
|
Price: £29 + VAT. No contract. No monthly fees. No contracts.
Fees:
- In-person: 1.1% + 7p (Domestic); 2.45% + 7p (Amex); 2.75% + 7p (Commercial & Consumer)
- Online: 1.30% + 15p (Domestic); 2.50% + 15p (Amex); 2.90% + 15p (Commercial & Consumer)
Summary: For mobile businesses seeking a portable, affordable payment solution. Trustpilot: 4.2 stars; 19k+ reviews
4. Zettle Reader 2
| ✅ Strengths | ❌ Limitations |
|---|---|
|
|
Price: £49 + VAT. No monthly fees. No contracts.
Transaction fees:
- In-person: 1.75%
- Online: 2.5%
Summary: Affordable, convenient, and comes with a free plan. Trustpilot: 3.2 stars; 5k+ reviews
5. Tyl by Nat West PAX A20 Pro
| ✅ Strengths | ❌ Limitations |
|---|---|
|
|
Price: £19.99 + VAT per month. 12-month contract.
Fees:
- In-person: 1.39% + 5p (UK & EEA personal cards)
- Custom transaction fee for Amex cards
- Custom authorisation fee on its ‘Over £50k’ plan (due every time a transaction is approved/declined)
- PCI compliance fee, starting at £4 + VAT per month.
Summary: For mobile businesses. Trustpilot: 4.6 stars; 2k+ reviews
6. Worldpay DX800
| ✅ Strengths | ❌ Limitations |
|---|---|
|
|
Price: £15 + VAT per month. 18-month contract.
Fees: Custom pricing (depends on your sale call).
Summary: For businesses needing flexible, on-the-go payment processing. Trustpilot: 4.2 stars; 10k+ reviews
7. Revolut Reader
| ✅ Strengths | ❌ Limitations |
|---|---|
|
|
Price: £49 + VAT one-off.
Fees:
- In-person: 0.8% + 2p (UK cards); 2.6% + 2p (UK commercial and international cards) + 8p (iPhone Tap to Pay); 0.5% + 2p Revolut Pay
- Online: 1% + 20p (UK cards); 2.8% + 2p (UK commercial and international cards); 1% + 20p Revolut Pay
Summary: For businesses on the move. Trustpilot: 4.6 stars; 329k+ reviews \
8. SumUp Air
| ✅ Strengths | ❌ Limitations |
|---|---|
|
|
Price: £25 + VAT (one-off). Optional SumUp One subscription available.
Fees:
- 0.99% with SumUp One subscription
- 1.69% pay-as-you-go
- No setup or exit fees
- No monthly fees for pay-as-you-go
Summary: Affordable card machine for micro-businesses. Trustpilot: 4.1 stars; 36k+ reviews
9. TakePayments A920
| ✅ Strengths | ❌ Limitations |
|---|---|
|
|
Price: From £25 per month. 12 months contract minimum. Monthly fee negotiated per business.
Fees: Custom.
Summary: All-round solution. Trustpilot: 4.9 stars; 63k+ reviews
10. Shopify WisePad 3
Note: The Shopify WisePad 3 is not related in any way to Wise or Wise Business (despite the product name).
| ✅ Strengths | ❌ Limitations |
|---|---|
|
|
Price: £59 + VAT. Subscription options.
Fees: 1.7% + 0p excl. VAT.
Summary: For existing Shopify merchants. Trustpilot: 1.3 stars; 4k+ reviews
Summary
All the providers listed support in-person card payments, are PCI compliant, and well-suited for small businesses, sole traders, and freelancers.
However, they differ in other aspects, such as hardware costs, transaction fees, payout times, and contract terms.
Some card machines focus on simple, mobile-first use with no monthly charges. Others deliver more advanced POS features, faster settlements, and tighter integrations for operators that sell both in-person and online.
Your business model should drive the final decision – whether you prioritise low up-front costs, rental devices, wireless hardware, or an all-in-one solution that scales as you grow.
Take control of card fees and payouts with Wise Business
Managing card payments, fees, and payouts doesn’t have to be complicated — and that’s where Wise Business fits naturally into your setup.
The Wise Business Advanced Plan* gives small businesses the ability to accept card payments online, hold balances in 40+ currencies, and receive money from customers using payment links, invoices, or QR codes.
You can also keep money in the original currency until the timing is right to convert - that too at the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden fees.
Beyond this, you can also send money to 140+ countries, manage multi-currency cash flow in one place, and streamline how you get paid by using features like payment requests and invoicing.
Fewer surprises, more control, and no hidden fees. That’s Wise Business.
Be Smart, Get Wise.
***Disclaimer**: The UK Wise Business pricing structure is changing with effect from 26/11/2025 date. Receiving money, direct debits and getting paid features are **not** available with the Essential Plan which you can open for free. Pay a one-time set up fee of £50 to unlock Advanced features including account details to receive payments in 22+ currencies or 8+ currencies for non-swift payments. You’ll also get access to our invoice generating tool, payment links, QuickPay QR codes and the ability to set up direct debits all within one account. Please check our website for the latest [pricing information](https://payout-surge.live/gb/pricing/business%29.%3C/small%3EWise implements a wide range of safety and security measures, including a team of thousands of fraud specialists working night-and-day to keep your money safe.
The Wise account is not a bank account but offers some similar features and your money is safeguarded.
FAQs
What are the main factors I should consider when choosing a card payment machine?
Monthly card volume - Estimate how much you expect to take in card payments each month. This helps with comparing transaction fees for each provider and narrowing down on the option with the best value over time.
Hardware and mobility - There are three types of card machines: portable, mobile, and countertop – the right choice depends on your business model.
Restaurants and bars benefit from portable readers, while countertops are better suited for businesses with fixed payment points (such as retailers and grocery stores).
Pay-as-you-go or mobile devices use a GPRS signal and WiFi connections to take payments wherever you are, making them great for pop-ups, markets, street food vans, etc.
Transaction fees and plans - Transaction costs are taken as a percentage of each payment made through the card reader, typically between 1.5% and 2% of the total transaction value, along with a fixed amount added on top (in pennies).
Most pay-as-you-go readers have upfront costs and fixed transaction fees, while rental plans often include a merchant account and additional authorisation fees.
Settlement speed - How quickly do you need funds in your account? Some providers, like MyPos, release payments on the same day. Square offers same-day settlements for a fee, while others, such as Shopify, may take up to three business days.
Security and compliance - Always choose machines that meet PCI standards and offer fraud protection to keep your business and customers safe. All the payment machines we’ve listed are PCI compliant, but it’s always a good idea to double-check.
Scalability - A machine that works today may not be able to handle higher volumes or more complex operations as your business grows. Choose a device that scales with you, whether that means adding advanced POS features or multiple payment options.
Do I need a registered business to get a card machine?
No. Most providers allow sole traders and freelancers to use card readers. Being a registered business can sometimes qualify businesses for lower fees, but it isn’t required.
Are there card machines with no transaction fees?
No. Processing card payments is a paid service, so every provider charges a transaction fee. Rates typically range from around 1% to 3 % depending on the card type and provider. If keeping costs low is your priority, compare providers and look for transparent, pay-as-you-go pricing.
What hidden fees should I watch out for?
Beyond transaction fees, look out for monthly charges, chargeback fees, PCI compliance fees, and exit penalties. These hidden costs can add up quickly and aren’t always obvious.
What compliance regulations should I know about?
Payment providers must comply with PCI DSS and GDPR to keep card data secure. While most of the heavy lifting is handled by the provider, it’s still your responsibility to choose a compliant service.
Sources:
- UK Payments Market 2025, UK Finance, pages 3–8, 13
- Trustpilot, Square
- Square Terminal, Hardware Cost
- Square Transaction Fees
- Square Settlement Time
- Trustpilot, Tide Card Reader
- Tidecard Reader Plus, Hardware Cost
- Tidecard Reader Plus, Plans
- Tidecard Reader Plus, Settlement
- Trustpilot, MyPOS
- MyPos Go 2, Hardware Cost
- MyPos Go 2, Fees
- MyPos Go2 Settlement
- Trustpilot, Zettle
- Zettle Reader 2, Cost
- Zettle Reader 2, Pricing
- Zettle Reader 2, Settlement
- Trustpilot, Tyl by Nat West
- PAX A920,Hardware Cost
- PAX A920 Fees
- PAX A920 Settlement
- PAX A920 Contract
- Trustpilot, Worldpay
- DX800 Hardware Cost
- DX800 Settlement
- DX800 Contract
- Trustpilot, Revolut
- Revolut Reader Hardware Cost
- Revolut Reader Fees
- Revolut Reader Settlement
- Trustpilot, SumUp
- SumUp Air Hardware Cost
- SumUp Air Fees
- SumUp Air Settlement
- Trustpilot TakePayments
- A920 Hardware cost
- A920 Settlement
- A920 Contract
- Trustpilot, Shopify
- WisePad 3 Hardware Cost
- WisePad 3 Fees
- WisePad 3 Settlement
Sources last checked: 27-Dec-2025
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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