Best Card Machine: Small Business

10 Best Card Machines for Small Business

Getting the Best Small Business Card Machine

Want to make it easier for a customer to simply tap their card or mobile, pay with an American Express card or VISA? Need to be able to switch your payment device between a Wi-Fi and mobile data connection on the fly? Think there are too many Card Machines to choose from? Don't worry; we’ve compiled our list of the best Card Machines for small businesses.

Our Top 10 Card Machines for Small Businesses

We've got further information about each of these Card Machines below, so keep scrolling if you want to find out more, but here's our top 10:

  1. Tide Card Reader Plus

    Best for Businesses Switching Bank Accounts

  2. Barclaycard Smartpay Touch

    Best for B2B Traders

  3. TakePaymentsPlus

    Best for Restaurants

  4. SumUp Solo

    Best for Businesses on a Budget

  5. Square Terminal

    Best for Clothing Stores

  6. Zettle Payment Terminal

    Best for Retail Stores with an Online Presence

  7. Worldpay Mobile Card Machine

    Best for Businesses with a High Turnover

  8. Shopify POS Go

    Best for Businesses with a Shopify eCommerce Store

  9. Tyl Clover Flex

    Best for Businesses Offering Loyalty Schemes

  10. myPOS Pro

    Best for Pop-Up Shops

Compare Card Machines

Our Top 10 Card Machine Payment Providers

In the table below, we've listed the types of Card Machines available from each provider we've covered in our best Card Machines list. We've also included helpful information about the purchase methods and whether the devices accept non-standard payment methods such as American Express (AMEX) and mobile alternatives like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Where available, we've also included the provider's TrustPilot score.

Provider

Device Types Available

Device Purchase Methods

Mobile Data Option

Accepts Mobile Payments

Accepts AMEX

TrustPilot Rating*

Tide

  • Portable Machine

  • Card Reader

  • Purchase

Yes

Yes

No

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Barclaycard

  • Counter Top

  • Portable Machine

  • Card Reader

  • Purchase

  • Contract

Yes

Yes

Yes

N/A

TakePayments

  • Counter Top

  • Portable Machine

  • POS System

  • Quote available on request

Yes

Yes

Yes

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

SumUp

  • Portable Machine

  • Card Reader

  • POS System

  • Purchase

Yes

Yes

Yes

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Square

  • Counter Top

  • Portable Machine

  • Card Reader

  • POS System

  • Purchase

No

Yes

Yes

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Zettle by PayPal

  • Counter Top

  • Portable Machine

  • Card Reader

  • POS System

  • Purchase

  • Quote available on request

Yes

Yes

Yes

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Worldpay

  • Counter Top

  • Portable Machine

  • Contract

Yes

Yes

Yes

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Shopify

  • Counter Top

  • Portable Machine

  • Card Reader

  • POS System

  • Purchase

No

Yes

Yes

N/A

Tyl by Natwest

  • Counter Top

  • Portable Machine

  • Contract

Yes

Yes

Yes

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

MyPos

  • Counter Top

  • Portable Machine

  • Card Reader

  • Purchase

Yes

Yes

Yes

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Compare Card Machines

1. Tide Card Reader Plus - Best for Businesses Switching Bank Accounts

The Tide Card Reader Plus is an exceptional card reader with a modern, stylish design and a 5.5" touch display that runs off an Android operating system. This sleek device includes 4G and Wi-Fi connectivity options, meaning you can switch between a broadband or mobile internet connection without worrying about being unable to process payments. The 1-day battery life helps to support this, ensuring that you won't get caught out with a dying battery when processing a payment.

Tide Card Reader Plus Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Stylish and modern black design

  • Large touch screen

  • Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity options

  • Battery lasts for one day

  • Low transaction fees

  • Accepts mobile payments

  • Paper and email receipts

Cons

  • Requires a Tide Bank Account

  • No option to accept American Express payments

The Tide Card Reader Plus has a lot to offer small businesses looking for a versatile mobile and card payment solution, which is why we've placed it so high on our list.

2. Barclaycard Smartpay Touch - Best for B2B Traders

The all-in-one Smartpay Touch from Barclaycard is a point-of-sale payment solution that includes everything your business could need to accept card and mobile payments. Featuring a touch screen and 4G and Wi-Fi connectivity options, the Smartpay Touch uses an Android operating system, making it quick and easy to use. This enables your business to display a range of point-of-sale options to your customers or just keep it as a simple payment device.

Barclaycard Smartpay Touch Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Clean, white design

  • Large touch screen

  • Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity options

  • Accepts mobile and AMEX payments

  • Paper and email receipts

  • Barcode scanner

Cons

  • No information about battery life

Consumers widely recognise the Barclays and Barclaycard brands, so if you're looking for a payment solution that will instil confidence in your customers, the Barclaycard Smartpay Touch might be the right choice for your business.

3. TakePaymentsPlus - Best for Restaurants

The TakePaymentsPlus features an interactive touchscreen and a simple set-up, but this device stands out because it can turn on cash payments on the fly, making it easier to reconcile cash payments. You can even set up your TakePaymentsPlus to take part cash and part-card payments, making this the ideal device for businesses in environments where cash is still widely used.

TakePaymentsPlus Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Turn on cash payments on the fly

  • Take part cash/card payments

  • Enable gratuities

  • Large touch screen

  • Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity options

  • Accepts mobile and AMEX payments

  • Paper, email and SMS receipts

Cons

  • No information about battery life

  • No information about the device cost

The TakePaymentsPlus has many features to offer businesses of all sizes. However, the cash payment features will make this an appealing machine for companies operating in areas where cash is still prevalent but still requires a Card Machine.

4. SumUp Solo - Best for Businesses on a Budget

For businesses looking for an economical Card Machine, the SumUp Solo may be the best option. It's a standalone all-in-one device, meaning you don't need to pair it with a mobile phone to take payments. The SumUp Solo includes free, unlimited data and a Wi-Fi connectivity option, with no monthly fees or extra costs.

SumUp Solo Pros and Cons

Pros

  • No monthly fees or extra costs

  • Free unlimited mobile data

  • Standalone device

  • Pocket-sized

  • Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity options

  • Accepts mobile and AMEX payments

Cons

  • 8 hours battery life

  • The receipt printer is an optional extra

The SumUp Solo is a marvellous payment solution for the price. However, it does have some limitations. The limited battery life, smaller screen and lack of features might be off-putting for businesses looking for a more full-featured payment solution. This pocket-sized credit card machine for small businesses could be the perfect option for those on a budget.

5. Square Terminal - Best for Clothing Stores

Square has been offering payment solutions to businesses for many years, so it's no surprise that the Square Terminal is a popular choice. The device has a unique design and can create pre-set discounts, which, with its ability to accept a wide range of payment options and an all-day battery life, makes it an excellent choice for fashionable clothing stores.

Square Terminal Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Unique design

  • Create pre-set discounts

  • 30-day free trial available*

  • No monthly fees or long-term commitment

  • Wi-Fi connectivity

  • Built-in receipt printer

  • Accepts mobile and AMEX payments

Cons

  • No mobile data connectivity

The Square Terminal is a powerful card payment solution well-suited to restaurants and cafes but would also be right at home in retail and other sectors. The only thing letting it down, compared to other devices on this list, is the need for mobile connectivity. If this is fine for you, it's still worth considering as an option.

6. Zettle Payment Terminal - Best for Retail Stores with an Online Presence

The Zettle Payment Terminal combines a fast device with PayPal's full-featured, seamless payment processing know-how. Because it integrates so well with inventory management, it's an ideal device for retailers, especially those with an online presence who need to ensure that they have up-to-date inventory volumes available at a moment's notice.

Zettle Payment Terminal Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Inventory management features

  • Can link to an eCommerce website

  • Barcode scanner

  • Mobile data is included with the purchase of the device

  • Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity

  • Email receipts

  • Accepts mobile and AMEX payments

Cons

  • The Printer & Dock is an optional extra

  • Low battery life with intensive use

With the Zettle Payment Terminal, you can process payments via the user-friendly Zettle by PayPal app, which includes various innovative features. You can also link your payments to an eCommerce website, making this an ideal payment solution for any business that needs to take in-person payments for inventory they also sell online.

7. Worldpay Mobile Card Machine - Best for Businesses with a High Turnover

With its low transaction fees and zero upfront cost (but monthly contract fee), the Worldpay Mobile Card Machine is best for businesses with a high turnover. The Worldpay Mobile Card Machine is available with an 18-month contract rental plan. Although rates aren’t competitive on their basic plan, they offer low transaction fees to businesses with a high monthly turnover.

Worldpay Mobile Card Machine Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Low transaction fees

  • Option of custom rates (terms and conditions apply)

  • Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity

  • Paper and email receipts

  • Accepts mobile and AMEX payments

Cons

  • Monthly contract fee

  • No information about battery life

The Worldpay Mobile Card Machine is better suited to businesses on the larger side of the small business scale because you can negotiate a custom plan and reduce your Card Machine rates if your business has a high enough turnover. Worldpay also offers an app that allows your business to accept payments over the phone, send remote payment links and even send email invoices.

8. Shopify POS Go - Best for Businesses with a Shopify eCommerce Store

If your business already hosts an eCommerce website with Shopify, the Shopify POS Go might be the best option for you, as it provides seamless integration between your website and physical store. It includes various features, making it a versatile Card Machine. However, it does lack mobile data and a receipt printer. If you want a receipt printer, Shopify offers a POS Terminal that trades portability for functionality.

Shopify POS Go Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Shopify eCommerce integration

  • Barcode scanner

  • Long battery life

  • Wi-Fi connectivity

  • Email receipts

  • Accepts mobile and AMEX payments

Cons

  • No mobile data connectivity

  • No receipt printer

With the ability to integrate into your existing Shopify eCommerce store, this is an excellent Card Machine for small businesses if you have a Shopify store. If you don't have a Shopify store or don't plan to set one up, this might not be the best option for your business.

9. Tyl Clover Flex - Best for Businesses Offering Loyalty Schemes

The Tyl Clover Flex is Natwest's multi-tasking Card Machine. It includes a charging base that provides a lightning-fast charge and up to 8 hours of battery life to a unique-looking handheld device. The Tyl Clover Flex gives you access to the Clover App Market, where you can access apps to help you grow your business.

Tyl Clover Flex Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Unique design

  • Clover App Market access

  • Wi-Fi connectivity

  • Print receipts

  • Accepts mobile and AMEX payments

Cons

  • Minimum 12-month contract

  • Additional fees for mobile data usage

Although the 12-month contract might be restrictive for some businesses, if you're happy to stay with the same provider for a year, the Tyl Clover Flex has a lot to offer small businesses and is worth your consideration.

10. myPOS Pro - Best for Pop-Up Shops

The myPOS Pro is a powerful and stylish full-featured Card Machine that includes a free, pre-installed 4G SIM card with no monthly fees, alongside Wi-Fi connectivity. As a standalone device, it's ideal for pop-up shops or market stalls, where there's not always a guarantee of a Wi-Fi connection, as well as those attending trade shows and events, where it's handy to be able to accept a payment knowing that you have either a Wi-Fi or mobile connection at your disposal.

myPOS Pro Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Free pre-installed 4G SIM card

  • All-day battery life

  • Supports QR payments

  • Free merchant account and VISA business card

  • Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity

  • Print receipts

  • Accepts mobile and AMEX payments

Cons

  • No barcode scanner

The myPOS Pro includes valuable features for a range of small business types. This might be your ideal payment solution if you're looking for a Card Machine that comes bundled with a merchant account and VISA business card.

Helping You Get the Best Card Payment Machine for Small Business

Card Machines are essential for any business that takes payments in person, especially with the UK's shift to a cashless society as more customers choose to pay by card and mobile payments.

We understand the importance of comparison in finding the right product at the best price. That's why when you compare at BusinessComparison, you'll get the following benefits:

Why Choose BusinessComparison?

1
We help you find the best Card Machine deal

With just a few simple details, we can provide your business with a Card Machine offer or a bespoke quote depending on your requirements.

2
We could get you the cheapest card payment machine faster

In as little as 60 seconds, we can get you started securing our best Card Machine deals.

3
It’s straightforward and simple

We take the hard work out of comparing Card Machines offers so you can get back to what matters: running your business.

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Card Machine FAQs

There are a variety of Card Machine device types available. Although each Card Machine provider may give each device a slightly different name, they typically operate similarly. The types of Card Machines to be aware of include the following:

  • Countertop and Portable Card Machines

    Most people picture these when they think of Card Machines. Countertop Card Machines allow you to take payments by card and mobile devices in person and come in two varieties: wired and portable. You must use wired machines at a specific location, but portable Card Machines have more range and the potential to be used as an entirely mobile payment solution. Some providers issue a cradle, allowing you to use your Card Machine as a countertop or portable Card Machine.

  • Card Readers

    Card readers are similar to Card Machines but much smaller and more portable. Typically including fewer features than a countertop or portable Card Machine, card readers are perfect for businesses looking for a simple portable payment solution.

  • Mobile Payment Systems

    Mobile payment systems allow you to process payments using a mobile device like a smartphone or tablet. They're an effective solution for businesses that already rely on such hardware. However, some consumers can be sceptical about using them.

  • POS Systems

    These are more substantial than in-person payment solutions, providing an integrated payment system at a point of sale (POS). Because their intended use is at the POS, they need the portability afforded by other Card Machine types.

  • Online Payment Gateways

    All the options we cover here are in-person payment solutions which allow your business to take payments when you're with your customer. However, an online payment gateway will enable you to accept payments through a website or app.

When trying to find the best Card Machine for your business, you must ensure that the device and provider offer everything you need to take payments. Some of the points your business should consider when comparing Card Machines are as follows:

  • The portability of the device

  • The features of the device

  • Which payment types the provider allows you to take

  • What features are in the package (auto-invoicing and account management etc.)

  • How much it costs to process payments

  • Whether there's a minimum subscription term

Whether you need an online Payment Gateway solution alongside a Card Machine depends on how your business operates. If you have or are considering making your products or services available online, you may want to unify your payment solutions to make it easier to manage transactions.

Equally, if your business requires accurate inventory management, unifying your online and in-person payments solution and integrating these systems into your payment solution could save you a lot of time and effort.

No, not all countertop Card Machines are portable. Some devices require a wired connection to operate. However, some portable Card Machines allow you to use the device as a wired countertop Card Machine through a cradle. How your business needs to take payments depends on how you service your customers, so consider what you need from a Card Machine before making a purchase.

While it's not essential to have a credit card machine, it's important to keep in mind that card and mobile payments are becoming the preferred way to pay for many people, with a large portion of the population no longer carrying cash with them. While there's no requirement for your businesses to accept card and mobile payments, you could miss out on potential sales by not doing so.

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