What is the cheapest card reader for a small business in the UK?

For low or irregular sales volumes, pay-as-you-go readers with no monthly fee (such as SumUp, Zettle or Lopay) are usually cheapest overall. For high, steady volumes, a fixed monthly fee with a lower per-transaction rate can work out cheaper — compare based on your actual monthly card takings.

Do I need a business bank account to get a card reader?

Most modern card reader providers (such as SumUp and Zettle) can pay out to a personal or business bank account and don't require a dedicated merchant account. Traditional bank-provided readers may require a business current account.

Is a card reader the same as a POS system?

No. A card reader only takes payment. A POS (point of sale) system also manages stock, staff, receipts and reporting, and often includes a card reader as part of the package.

Home / Card Readers

Updated for 2026

Compare the best card readers for UK businesses

Portable and countertop card machines for taking chip, contactless and mobile wallet payments face to face — compared on contract terms, payout speed and who they suit best.

Provider	Best for	Contract	Payout speed	Get started
SuSumUp	Sole traders & market stalls	No contract	1-3 business days	Get deal
ZeZettle by PayPal	PayPal users & sole traders	No contract	1-3 business days	Get deal
SqSquare	Small businesses wanting POS too	No contract	1-2 business days	Get deal
DoDojo	Established small businesses	May require contract	Next day	Get deal
mymyPOS	Multi-currency & travelling traders	No contract	Instant to 1 day	Get deal
TaTakepayments	UK small businesses wanting a rep-led setup	Contract required	Next day	Get deal
TyTyl by NatWest	Existing NatWest business banking customers	Contract required	Next day	Get deal
PaPaymentsense	Small businesses wanting bundled hardware	Contract required	Next day	Get deal
BaBarclaycard Payments	Existing Barclays business banking customers	Contract required	Next day	Get deal
LoLopay	Taking a payment straight from your phone screen	No contract	1-3 business days	Get deal

Pricing, contract terms and payout speeds change frequently and vary by sector and turnover — always confirm current rates directly with the provider before signing up. We may earn a commission when you sign up through a link on this page, at no extra cost to you. See our Affiliate Disclosure and Editorial Policy.

Choosing a card reader

How to pick the right card reader for your business

Low or irregular sales volume?

Pay-as-you-go readers with no monthly fee and no contract — like SumUp, Zettle or Lopay — usually work out cheapest, since you only pay when you take a payment.

Steady, higher sales volume?

A fixed monthly fee with a lower per-transaction rate, like Dojo or Takepayments, can undercut pay-as-you-go pricing once your monthly card takings pass a certain threshold.

Need next-day payouts?

Cashflow-sensitive businesses should check settlement speed — most established providers now offer next-business-day payouts as standard.

Already bank with a specific bank?

Barclaycard Payments and Tyl by NatWest can bundle card acceptance into your existing business banking relationship.

Not sure which reader fits your business?

See recommendations tailored to sole traders, small businesses or enterprise.

Find your fit