With card payments now overtaking cash for the first time it is important that businesses have the right equipment. This will help them keep customers happy and improve their overall service.
The key factors are the cost, speed and transaction fees. We have compared the best card machines to help you make the right choice for your business.
Countertop card machines sit next to a till and are ideal for businesses that have one fixed point of sale, such as small retailers. They are usually the cheapest to rent and offer no-frills solutions that allow chip and pin, contactless and Apple Pay payments.
Takepayments offers a range of countertop terminals that are perfect for cafes and restaurants. Their 'A920 Touchscreen' model is an excellent option for hospitality businesses, as it comes with a feature to evenly distribute gratuities between staff.
For a countertop machine with low transaction fees, you could try SumUp's 3G model. Their lowest-priced plan lasts a year and cuts the transaction charges to just 1.5%. They are also one of the only providers to provide a free machine for SMEs and sole traders. Their 'Simple' plan even offers a more competitive 18-month contract with lower monthly turnover figures. This puts them at the top of our list for best value countertop terminals.
Whether you run a cafe, shop or market stall, having the right card machine is essential for streamlining your payments and boosting sales. These compact machines, sometimes called card readers, allow you to accept chip and PIN and contactless payments - often for a fraction of the cost of a countertop terminal.
The best portable card machines are ideal for small businesses on the go and are easy to set up, secure, and provide a great user experience. They typically connect to a base station via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and can be used anywhere with a mobile or cellular connection.
The Sumup Air, for example, is easy to use, no-contract, affordable, and doesn't require a meeting with your bank or lengthy phone calls to onboard - you can simply apply online and receive your reader within a few days. It also has a low transaction fee of 1.10 per cent + 7p. It's compatible with all major UK card providers and can be used for chip & PIN, contactless and Apple Pay.
Card payments are a key element of the point-of-sale (POS) system that makes it possible for small businesses to complete sales with customers. Whether you opt for a countertop terminal, portable device or mobile reader, implementing one of the best card machines will help streamline your payment process, boost sales and boost customer satisfaction. Just remember to prioritise security, train staff and update regularly.
If you're looking for a contract-free, affordable and easy to use card machine, look no further than the SumUp Air card reader. It offers a simple, flat transaction fee of just 1.69% making it ideal for start-ups and small business owners looking to keep fees low. You can even link it to a free POS app which provides real-time reporting and accountancy-ready sales data.
A popular choice with small businesses, the iZettle card reader is a battery-powered device that links to your phone or tablet. It accepts chip and PIN, contactless and Apple Pay payments and connects via Bluetooth (up to 100m from base) or Wifi. Virtual receipts can be sent to customers and the app provides inventory management, enables eCommerce payments and acts as a virtual terminal.
iZettle is great for a small business, charity, community group or sole trader as it doesn't require any contracts or long setup meetings. It also comes with a cool feature that distributes tips evenly between staff members. It is a good option for pop up shops, markets, festivals and street food vans as it is portable. It charges a flat rate transaction fee and is free to use when paired with iZettle's point of sale software. iZettle bundles are available for Black Cab drivers that include a reader, receipt printer and a power converter to keep the device charged while driving.
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