Best Credit Card

Readers

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Compare providers in 60 seconds

Compare providers in 60 seconds

Accept all major payment methods

Accept all major payment methods

Accept a range of contactless & card payments

myPOS

Go

Card reader cost

£29 + VAT

Per transaction fee

1.10%

Card not present transaction

2.25%

Settlement

2 to 3 business days

MyPOS is one of the latest entrants to the card reader machine market, with many new features available to businesses. There are a variety of machines available, ranging from the basic GO card reader to the premium N5 machine.

The MyPOS Go is the reader which is most suitable for small to medium sized businesses and costs just £29 + VAT to purchase. Similarly, transaction fees are also competitive with transaction fees of just 1.75% per payment.

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SumUp

Air

Card reader cost

£19 + VAT

Per transaction fee

1.69%

Card not present transaction

1.69%

Settlement

1 to 3 business days

The SumUp card reader machine is designed for sole traders, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. This card reader machine benefits from low transaction fees of 1.69% and there are no monthly rental costs, simply purchase the reader for £19 + VAT.

This is one of the most popular card readers available in the UK, thanks to its transparent pricing structure, simple design and mobile connectivity.

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iZettle

Go

Card reader cost

£29 + VAT

Per transaction fee

1.75%

Card not present transaction

2.5%

Settlement

1 to 2 business days

The award-winning iZettle credit card reader offers a comprehensive range of powerful features, which are available via the point-of-sale app.

The machine benefits from low transaction fees of just 1.75%, with competitive offers available for purchasing or renting the machine. The first reader costs just £29, with additional readers costing £59.

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Square

Reader

Card reader cost

£19 + VAT

Per transaction fee

1.75%

Card not present transaction

2.5%

Settlement

1 to 2 business days

The Square credit card reader is a digital payment solution for businesses which need to process mobile payments, with a small, pocket-sized design. There are no monthly fees and the basic app is free.

The actual transaction fees are competitive, with a flat fee of 1.75% for chip and PIN payments, or 2.5% for online, keyed-in or invoice payments. In addition, there are no contracts and the setup is completely free, which is great for businesses looking for flexibility.

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Compare the best card readers and save today

If you are looking to offer your customers the convenience of card payments, you will need a credit card reader. These are available in the form of modern, wireless readers or larger fixed terminals, such as PDQ machines. There are many options available and providers often offer flexible contracts with machines either purchased or leased.

If you are a small business or a new start-up, a wireless credit card reader is likely to be the most suitable option. These readers are ideal for businesses with lower transaction numbers, as there are no contracts, the application process is straightforward, and they are quick and easy to install. The following are the most popular credit card readers currently available.

3 simple steps when choosing a card reader...

1
Where will you use your card reader?

Card readers are an ideal solution for new start up businesses to those who are out and about, requiring the ability to take payments on the go.

We'll help you compare a range of card readers to find the right solution for your business.

Find the right solution for your business and begin to accept online payments.

2
What type of commitment do you want to agree to?

We compare card readers from a range of providers, which includes pay as you go machines to contracts ranging from 1-5 years.

Depending on what works best for you, we can compare a range of providers to suit.

3
Customer support service level agreements

It's always worth taking into consideration the service level agreement offered by providers.

You may not need the ability to call and speak with an advisor - online support may be sufficient.

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Why compare card reader deals?

It's free!

It's free!

Our service is absolutely free to use. We'll understand your requirements and compare the best deals for you.

Customer service

Customer service

Our knowledgeable UK based customer service and technical support team are on hand to help.

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We only work with suppliers and partners who we trust to give you the best service.

We compare card readers with the top providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Credit card readers work by reading the data stored within a customer's debit or credit card. This information is then securely transferred to the customers issuing bank for authorisation. If the transaction if approved, the funds are held in a pending state within a merchant account before being transferred and settled into the businesses bank account.

Card readers are safe, and the payment processing industry is heavily regulated to ensure the highest levels of security are maintained. All information sent between the card reader machine, merchant accounts and various banks is fully encrypted, and sensitive data is never stored. The Payment Card Industry Data Safety Standard regularly audits the various processes within the industry, which ensures card readers meet the latest standards.

Yes, the majority of card readers need WiFi to transmit the transaction. However, traditional card machines which connect via a telephone line can process transactions, although it may be a slower process. Alternatively, there are machines available which are designed to capture card details and transmit it to the merchant acquirer for processing when a WiFi signal becomes available.

If you are searching for the best card reader for small businesses, there is plenty of choice. There are more providers than ever before and many offer flexible, low-cost transactions which are perfect for small businesses. The following card reader machines are offered with no contracts on a pay-as-you-go basis; iZettle, SumUp, Square, PayPal Here and Worldpay.

To use your phone as a card reader you will need an internet connection and a payment processing app. The first step is to purchase a card reader, you will then need to install the relevant iOS or Android app. When you are ready to take payment simply connect the card reader to your phone and use the app to process the transaction.

If you are wondering which is better, SumUp or iZettle, the truth is they both offer an excellent solution within the mobile card payment industry. The best choice for your business will be the card reader machine which most closely matches the specific requirements of your business. For example, you may need to consider factors such as cost, app features and customer support.

In general, SumUp offers some of the lowest transaction fees available set at 1.69%, no monthly fees and the app offers a range of useful features. In comparison, the iZettle card reader offers increased payment and reporting tools through its app, however the latest card reader will cost slightly more, and the processing fees are slightly more at 1.75%.

The flat iZettle charge per transaction is just 1.75%, which makes it a great option for businesses looking for set charges.

The cheapest credit card readers are those which do not charge any set up fees, with competitively priced machines. Generally, most credit card readers are inexpensive to buy with prices starting at just £29 + VAT for the SumUp Air card reader. However, it is the ongoing processing costs which are likely to have a greater impact on your bank balance. On average, you can expect to pay between 1.5% and 1.75% per transaction, although fees will vary depending on the volume and value of your transactions each month.

As you can see from the various card reader machines mentioned above, there are many options available to UK businesses. The ideal machine for your business will depend on many factors and our team can help you quickly compare the options available. We understand the various features, costs and types of card reader machines available, so are in an ideal position to match you to the ideal service. To find out more about our card reader comparison service, please contact the team today.

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