Take your first card payment without a contract or hidden fees
As a sole trader, you need low, predictable costs and nothing you have to sign a lengthy contract for. We've compared the readers, apps and accounts that suit solo operators best.
Popular choices among UK sole traders
Chosen for pay-as-you-go pricing, no monthly minimums, and setup you can do from your phone.
SumUp
Card ReaderA widely used pocket-sized reader with one flat rate per transaction — popular with market traders, tradespeople and events.
Get SumUp dealsZettle by PayPal
Card ReaderBacked by PayPal, with easy linking to a PayPal business account for fast access to your funds.
Get Zettle dealsLopay
Card ReaderTake payments straight from your phone's screen with no extra hardware needed — handy for a first-ever sale.
Get Lopay dealsRevolut Pro
Business BankingA business account built for freelancers and solo operators, with multi-currency support and easy invoicing.
Get Revolut Pro dealsAnna Money
Business BankingA mobile-first business account with built-in invoicing and expense tracking, popular with new sole traders.
Get Anna Money dealsTide
Business BankingQuick-to-open business banking with expense cards and invoicing tools built for the self-employed.
Get Tide dealsWe may earn a commission when you sign up through a link on this page, at no extra cost to you. This doesn't affect our comparisons — see our Affiliate Disclosure and Editorial Policy.
No hidden costs
Pay-as-you-go pricing means you're never charged for a month you didn't take a card payment.
Set up from your phone
Most sole-trader solutions can be ordered, activated and taking payments the same day.
No credit checks
Most card readers and mobile accounts for sole traders don't require a business credit history to get started.
Ready to take your first payment?
Compare card readers built for solo operators in minutes.