At Card Payment Compare UK, we review the leading card payment providers available to UK businesses. This guide compares costs, fees, features and ease of use to help you choose the right solution for your business.
In this guide we compare the best card payment machines UK providers currently offer, including Square, SumUp, Zettle and Dojo.
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Our comparisons and recommendations are based on independent research and editorial judgement.
Our Top Picks
Best for Most Small Businesses
Square
Our recommended option for most UK small businesses thanks to its ease of use and flexible features.
Best for Sole Traders
SumUp
A strong choice for sole traders looking for a simple and affordable card payment solution.
Best for Retail Shops
Zettle
Well suited to retail businesses that need additional point-of-sale features.
Best for Mobile Businesses
Square
Portable and easy to use for businesses taking payments on the go.
Quick Comparison
Compare the main options at a glance before reading the detailed breakdown below.
📱 Viewing on mobile? Swipe left and right to see the full table.
| Provider | Best For | Contract | Transaction Fee | Hardware Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Square | New businesses | No | Competitive | Low |
| SumUp | Simplicity | No | Competitive | Low |
| Zettle | Retail shops | No | Competitive | Medium |
| Dojo | Established businesses | Often customised | Varies | Varies |
Detailed Provider Reviews
Square
Best Overall for Small Businesses
Pros
- Easy setup
- No long-term contract
- Good mobile app
- Transparent pricing
- Suitable for most small businesses
Cons
- Not always the cheapest for higher volumes
Best For
New businesses, sole traders and businesses wanting a straightforward setup.
SumUp
Best for Simplicity
Pros
- Simple pricing
- Low upfront cost
- Easy to use
Cons
- Fewer advanced features
Best For
Small traders, mobile businesses and occasional card payments.
Zettle
Best for Retail
Pros
- Strong retail tools
- Good inventory integration
- Backed by PayPal
Cons
- Hardware costs can be higher
Best For
Shops, cafés and businesses that need point-of-sale features.
Dojo
Best for Growing Businesses
Pros
- Faster settlements
- Strong customer support
- Suitable for higher transaction volumes
Cons
- Less transparent pricing than fixed-fee providers
Best For
Businesses processing significant monthly card sales.
How to Choose a Card Payment Machine
When comparing providers, focus on:
Transaction Fees
Small differences can add up over hundreds of transactions. Understanding transaction charges is essential, so we’ve put together a guide explaining card machine fees in the UK. If you are focused primarily on keeping costs down should also read our guide to the cheapest card readers in the UK.
Hardware Costs
Some providers charge more upfront but offer additional features. An overview of card machine costs is provided below (also, read our guide to the cheapest card readers in the UK).
Contracts
Many modern providers operate without long-term contracts.
Settlement Speed
Consider how quickly funds reach your bank account.
Software Features
Look for reporting, invoicing, inventory management and integrations.
Which Card Machine Is Best for Your Business?
| Business Type | Recommended Option |
|---|---|
| Sole Traders | Square or SumUp |
| Market Traders | SumUp |
| Retail Shops | Zettle |
| Growing Businesses | Dojo |
Want to Learn More About Costs?
Read our guide to Card Machine Fees Explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest card machine in the UK?
The cheapest option depends on both hardware cost and transaction fees. Businesses processing higher volumes should compare total monthly costs rather than hardware price alone.
Do I need a contract?
Many modern providers offer contract-free options.
Can I take payments with my phone?
Some providers offer solutions that allow card acceptance through compatible smartphones.
Are card machines tax deductible?
Many business expenses relating to payment processing may be deductible, but businesses should obtain professional accounting advice.
Final Verdict
For most UK small businesses, Square offers the best balance of simplicity, cost and features.
However, the right choice depends on your transaction volume, business type and budget. Compare the available options carefully and choose the provider that best fits your requirements.
Related Guides
Square vs SumUp UK?
See how two of the UK’s most popular card payment providers compare on fees, features and hardware.
Read Guide →Cheapest Card Readers UK
Looking to keep costs down? Compare affordable card readers and low-cost payment solutions.
Read Guide →Card Machine Fees Explained
Before choosing a provider, understand the fees and costs involved in accepting card payments.
Read Guide →