Card machines
The historical roots of electronic card machines
The story behind electronic payment terminals starts with Diners Club. What happened since, in chronological order?
9+ Best Card Machines for Small Businesses in the UK
After much research and testing, we've created this comparison of the UK's top card machines to help you consider options.
How much does a card machine cost? Fees explained
How much does a card machine cost in the UK? Here's our in-depth summary of prices and charges for buying and renting a terminal.
You’re on our UK site. We have others, too
Point of sale for hospitality
7 best café POS systems for coffee shops in the UK
What's the best cafe till system in the UK? We rate top EPOS software for coffee shops, looking at features, service and overall value.
What VAT rates should you charge for takeaway food and drinks?
Cafes, restaurants and other food businesses apply different VAT rates. We explain and list the VAT required for different food and drink items.
Revolut POS review: exceeds expectations for a free café POS system
Revolut's POS app for iPad is basic, with surprising potential. We tested the EPOS and give our opinion of the product and service.
Compare card readers
9+ Best Card Machines for Small Businesses in the UK
After much research and testing, we've created this comparison of the UK's top card machines to help you consider options.
Best card readers with app for iPhone and Android phones
Compare all credit card readers that work with an iPhone, iPad or Android app in the UK. Which is best - and worth the cost - for a small business?
Square vs Zettle vs SumUp: compare the UK’s best card readers
Our Zettle, Square and SumUp comparison tables show key differences in fees, features and card reader capabilities.
POS for retail
6 best retail POS systems for shops in the UK
What's the best EPOS system for small shops in the UK? Although many options prevail, only few tills are great for small retailers.
SumUp Point of Sale (formerly Goodtill) review: affordable, not always smooth
The old Goodtill is now SumUp Point of Sale, but does it work well? We tested the POS app, backend and support to discover pros and cons.
Epos Now review: tailored POS with hardware for those who can commit
Is Epos Now a good POS system that's worth the contract and fixed monthly cost? We tested the till software and discovered how it really works.
QR codes are replacing barcodes: practical implications for shop owners
Linear barcodes are facing discontinuation, and QR codes will take over. Is this compulsory for UK retail shops? Why and how will it happen?
Virtual terminal reviews
Square Virtual Terminal review: phone payments the simplest way possible
Square's virtual terminal is cheap, easy to use and requires no commitment. How does it work? Any feature limitations?
Takepayments Virtual Terminal review: decent phone payments, with limitations
Phone payments through Takepayments is not for everyone. We tested it and review fees, features and service - here's what to consider.
Worldpay Virtual Terminal review: does the job, but fees need clarifying
Worldpay's virtual terminal works well, but what are the costs and what can you expect from the service?
Get paid remotely
Virtual terminals in the UK: 5 best for small businesses
What's the best virtual terminal for small businesses in the UK? Some providers are more costly than others.
What is softPOS (or Tap to Pay) and how does it work?
How does softPOS work? What is the definition of it? We explain the term, technology and issues around 'Tap to Pay'.
How to start accepting Direct Debit payments
Getting accepted on the Direct Debit scheme as a small business is not too complicated with these steps. Here's how to set up and manage it.
Which mobile wallets can a vendor accept on a contactless card machine?
Which contactless digital wallets can be tapped on a card terminal in the UK - and which should merchants accept? Find out how they differ.
Business accounts
Tide business account review: online bank account with useful extras
Is Tide business account any good for small businesses? Is it a safe banking platform? We discuss Tide account fees, app, service and limitations.
Zempler Bank business account review: easy to qualify, imperfect service
Is Zempler Bank (formerly Cashplus) business account any good? The credit options are useful, but reviews paint a different picture.
Airwallex review: an excellent global account, if they accept you
Airwallex business account is not for everyone, but low fees and a good service could make it the best. We tested it and review the service.