In today’s fast-paced world, accepting card payments is a must for small businesses in the UK. More customers prefer cashless payments, so having a reliable card machine helps you stay competitive, grow your business, and keep customers happy.
This simple guide compares the top card payment machine providers in the UK and explains why Paymentsave is a smart choice for growing businesses.
The Rise of Card Payments in the UK
The UK market offers many card payment machines—from traditional countertop terminals to portable and mobile card readers.
When choosing the best option, small businesses should consider:
- Transaction fees
- Setup and hardware costs
- Contract terms
- Features like payout speed and POS integration
Best Card Payment Machine Providers in the UK
We’ve compared three popular providers:
- Paymentsave
Paymentsave offers advanced card machines perfect for small to medium businesses.
Key Benefits:
- Range of Machines: Countertop, portable, and mobile options.
- Next-Day Payouts: Get your money fast next business day.
- 24/7 Support: Help is available any time you need it.
- POS Integration: Easily connect with your till systems and business software.
- Tailored Pricing: Paymentsave can offer customised rates, helping you save up to 40%.
Things to Note:
- Pricing is quote-based; you need to request a quote.
- Contracts usually last 12-60 months, though flexible 30-day options are available.
- SumUp
SumUp is great for sole traders and very small businesses.
Key Benefits:
- Fixed Fee: About 1.69% per transaction—no monthly costs.
- No Contract: Start and stop anytime.
- Cheap Hardware: Devices cost around £29.
- Easy to Use: Connects to your phone or tablet via Bluetooth.
Considerations:
- Higher fees can add up for businesses with many transactions.
- Features are basic—limited reporting and POS integration.
- Zettle by PayPal
Zettle suits small shops, cafes, and businesses that already use PayPal.
Key Benefits:
- Fixed Fee: Around 1.75% per transaction—pay as you go.
- PayPal Integration: Great for online PayPal users.
- Simple Setup: Easy-to-use devices and apps.
- Affordable Reader: About £29 + VAT.
Considerations:
- Slightly higher fees than SumUp.
- Basic tools—not ideal for businesses needing advanced features.
Why Paymentsave is a Top Choice
For businesses aiming to grow, Paymentsave offers more than just basic payment options:
- Scales with You: Paymentsave’s solutions can grow as your business grows, with better rates for higher volumes.
- Faster Cash Flow: Next-day payouts help manage your money faster.
- Dedicated Support: 24/7 help and account managers for some plans.
- More Features: Get advanced tools, reports, and security features.
- Better Value Long-Term: While there are contracts, you can save more overall compared to pay-as-you-go providers if you have high sales.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right card payment machine for your small business in the UK depends on your needs:
- SumUp: Best for very small or mobile businesses.
- Zettle: Great if you already use PayPal.
- Paymentsave: Ideal for small businesses that plan to grow and want better rates, next-day payouts, and 24/7 support.
Take time to compare your options, think about your transaction volumes, and choose a provider that supports your business today and in the future.
