How to Choose a Card Machine for a Small Business in the UK
Quick answer: a small card reader that pairs with your phone suits market stalls and mobile traders. A standalone terminal with a receipt printer suits cafés and salons, and a full POS register suits shops that need stock and staff tools.
Taking card and contactless payments is now expected almost everywhere. The right card machine depends on where you sell, how many sales you take each day and whether customers want a printed receipt.
Three types of card machine
| Type | Best for | Needs a phone? |
|---|---|---|
| Card reader | Market stalls, mobile trades, low volume | Often, or works standalone on some models |
| Terminal with printer | Cafés, salons, takeaways | No |
| POS register | Shops and restaurants with staff | No |
What to check before you buy
- Transaction fees: most providers charge a percentage per sale. Check the provider's current fee page, as rates change.
- Monthly fees and contracts: many readers have no monthly contract, which suits new and seasonal businesses.
- Payouts: check how and when money reaches your bank account.
- Connection: Wi-Fi, a SIM card or both. A SIM model helps at markets and events.
- Receipts: printed, emailed or texted.
Card machines to compare
- SumUp Solo Lite Card Reader with Charging Station, White, Contactless and Chip & PIN (from £36.99): low-cost contactless reader for small traders.
- SumUp Solo Card Payment Terminal and Receipt Printer Kit, White, Portable Touchscreen (from £125.99): portable terminal with a receipt printer.
- Square Terminal Card Reader Payment Machine & Receipt Printer – All-In-One (from £183.99): all-in-one terminal with a built-in printer.
- Square Handheld Card Reader & Portable Payment Machine with Protective Case (from £209.99): handheld device for table service and pop-ups.
- Square Payment Register Gen 2 (from £787.99): full register for busy counters.
FAQs
Do I need a business bank account?
Most providers let sole traders use a personal account to start, but a business account keeps your records simpler. Check the provider's sign-up rules.
Can customers pay with a phone or watch?
Yes. Contactless card machines accept phone and watch wallet payments as well as cards.
Browse the full range of card machines.
Prices shown were correct when this guide was updated on 11 November 2026 and may change. Check the product page for the latest price.
