Cheapest Card Machine in the UK

Taking card payments has become essential for most businesses in the UK. Many customers now expect to pay by debit card, credit card, or contactless, and businesses that only accept cash can easily miss out on sales. Because of this, more small businesses are looking for simple and affordable ways to start accepting card payments.

The cost of card machines has also changed a lot over the past few years. In the past, businesses often had to sign long contracts or pay monthly fees just to have a card terminal. Today there are far more flexible options available, with many providers offering low-cost machines and simple pay-as-you-go pricing.

When searching for the cheapest card machine in the UK, it is important to look at more than just the price of the device itself. Some machines have a low upfront cost but slightly higher transaction fees, while others may offer a free device but charge a percentage for each payment processed. Depending on how often you take card payments and the average value of those payments, this can make a difference to the overall cost.

For many small businesses, the best option is usually a card machine with no monthly fees and straightforward transaction pricing. This keeps things simple and means you only pay when you take a payment.

In this guide, we look at some of the cheapest card machines currently available in the UK and compare their pricing so you can find a solution that suits your business.

What Makes a Card Machine Cheap?

When comparing card machines, it’s important to understand the different types of costs involved. The cheapest option for one business might not always be the cheapest for another depending on how often payments are taken.

The main costs to consider include the upfront price of the device, transaction fees, and any additional charges.

Upfront Cost

Some providers require businesses to purchase the card machine before they can start accepting payments. These devices usually cost anywhere from around £19 to £100 depending on the features and model.

Lower-cost card readers tend to connect to a smartphone using Bluetooth, while more advanced machines may include their own screen, printer, or SIM card connection.

Transaction Fees

Most modern payment providers charge a percentage of each transaction processed through the card machine. This fee typically ranges from around 1 percent to 1.75 percent depending on the provider.

For businesses processing regular card payments, the transaction fee can become the biggest ongoing cost, so it is worth comparing rates carefully.

Additional Charges

Some providers charge small additional fees such as authorisation fees or withdrawal charges. These are usually only a few pence per transaction but can add up over time depending on how many payments are taken.

Because of this, it’s important to look at the overall pricing structure rather than focusing on just one cost.

Cheapest Card Machines Available in the UK

Below are three affordable card machine options commonly used by small businesses.

Shift 4 Skytab (Our Free Card Machine) - No Upfront Cost

Some providers now offer a card machine with no upfront cost and no monthly fee, allowing businesses to start accepting card payments without purchasing the device.

With this type of option, the machine itself is provided free of charge and the cost is covered through the transaction fee. In this case, payments are processed at around 1.25% per transaction.

For many small businesses, this can be a convenient option because there is no initial investment required to start taking card payments. Instead of paying for the device upfront, businesses simply pay a small percentage each time a payment is taken.

This type of card machine can be particularly useful for:

• New businesses just starting out

• Market traders and mobile businesses

• Businesses testing whether card payments will increase sales

Because there are no monthly fees, the costs remain simple and predictable. Businesses only pay when they process a payment.

For smaller businesses or those that want to avoid upfront costs, this type of pricing structure can make it one of the cheapest ways to start accepting card payments. This is an ideal machine for a lot of small, startup business. Check out the machine here

SumUp Card Machine

SumUp is one of the most widely used card payment providers for small businesses across the UK. The company offers portable card readers designed to work alongside a smartphone or tablet.

The SumUp Air card reader is available from around £19.99, making it one of the cheaper devices available to purchase outright.

Once set up, payments are processed with a transaction fee of around 1.69 percent. There are no monthly subscription fees, which makes the pricing straightforward for many small businesses.

The device connects to a smartphone using Bluetooth and works through the SumUp mobile app, allowing businesses to accept contactless, chip and PIN, and mobile wallet payments.

Many businesses choose SumUp because of its simple setup and easy-to-understand pricing. It is commonly used by:

• Small retail shops

• Cafés and restaurants

• Market traders

• Mobile service providers

For businesses that prefer to purchase their own device rather than use a free machine, SumUp can be an affordable and reliable option.

myPOS Go Card Machine

The myPOS Go card machine is another low-cost option available to UK businesses. The device itself is typically available from around £19, placing it in a similar price range to other entry-level card readers.

Transaction fees start from around 1 percent per payment, which is lower than many other small business payment providers. However, myPOS also charges a small authorisation fee of around 7p per transaction.

Because of this pricing structure, the overall cost can depend on the average value of your payments. For larger transactions, the lower percentage fee may work out cheaper overall.

Unlike some mobile card readers, the myPOS Go is a standalone device with a built-in SIM card connection. This means it does not require a smartphone to process payments, which can be useful for businesses operating in different locations.

Businesses that often choose this type of device include:

• Mobile traders

• Food vans and market stalls

• Event vendors

• Businesses without reliable Wi-Fi

The combination of a low device price and competitive transaction fees makes it another affordable option for businesses looking to accept card payments.

Best Option for Small Businesses

For many small businesses, the most important factors when choosing a card machine are affordability, ease of use, and transparent pricing.

A free card machine with a simple transaction fee can be appealing for businesses that want to start accepting payments without spending money upfront. It removes the initial barrier and allows businesses to begin taking card payments immediately.

On the other hand, some businesses prefer to purchase their own card reader outright. Devices such as the SumUp Air or myPOS Go can be inexpensive to buy and may suit businesses that want a simple portable payment solution.

The best option will usually depend on how many payments you process, the average value of those payments, and whether you prefer a free machine or one you own outright.

Things to Consider Before Choosing a Card Machine

Before selecting a card machine provider, there are a few practical factors worth considering.

Transaction Volume

Businesses that process a high number of transactions may benefit from lower percentage fees, while those taking occasional payments may prefer simple pay-as-you-go pricing.

Connectivity

Some card machines require a smartphone connection, while others include their own SIM card or Wi-Fi connectivity.

Portability

Portable card readers are useful for businesses that take payments on the move, while countertop machines may be better suited for shops and cafés.

Ease of Setup

Many modern card machines are designed to be quick to set up, allowing businesses to start accepting payments within minutes.

How We Can Help

Choosing the right card machine can make a real difference to how easily your business can accept payments and manage costs.

At Cheap Card Machines, we help businesses find affordable card payment solutions with straightforward pricing and no unnecessary fees. Whether you are starting a new business or simply looking to reduce payment processing costs, there are several low-cost options available.

By comparing different machines and pricing structures, you can find a card machine that fits your business and allows you to accept card payments with confidence.

Conclusion

Finding the cheapest card machine in the UK doesn’t always mean choosing the device with the lowest price. The overall cost depends on a combination of factors including the upfront cost of the machine, the transaction fees charged on each payment, and any additional charges that may apply.

For many small businesses, the most affordable option is usually a card machine with simple pay-as-you-go pricing and no monthly fees. This keeps costs predictable and allows businesses to start accepting card payments without committing to long contracts or expensive equipment.

Some providers offer free card machines with a small transaction fee, which can be ideal for new businesses or those wanting to avoid upfront costs. Others offer low-cost devices that can be purchased outright, giving businesses full control over their payment setup.

The right choice will depend on your business type, how often you take card payments, and the average value of those transactions. Taking the time to compare options can help ensure you choose a card machine that offers both value and reliability.

If you’re looking for an affordable way to start accepting card payments, exploring different card machine options can help you find a solution that fits your business and keeps payment costs as low as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions


What is the cheapest card machine in the UK?

The cheapest card machine depends on how you compare costs. Some providers offer a free card machine with no upfront cost and no monthly fees, while others sell low-cost devices starting from around £19. The total cost usually depends on the transaction fee charged on each payment.

Are there card machines with no monthly fee?

Yes, many modern card machine providers operate on a pay-as-you-go basis. This means there are no monthly subscription fees and you only pay a small percentage each time you process a payment.

Do you need a business bank account for a card machine?

Many card machine providers allow payments to be settled directly into a standard bank account, although some businesses choose to use a business account for accounting and financial management purposes.

Do card machines need Wi-Fi to work?

Some card machines connect to a smartphone using Bluetooth and require an internet connection from the phone. Others have built-in SIM cards or Wi-Fi connectivity so they can process payments without needing a phone.

How quickly do card machine payments reach your bank account?

Most payment providers transfer funds to your bank account within one to three working days. The exact timing can vary depending on the provider and your bank.

Can small businesses use card machines?

Yes. Many card machines are designed specifically for small businesses, sole traders, and start-ups. Modern devices are portable, easy to set up, and allow businesses to accept contactless, chip and PIN, and mobile payments.