What’s the best, or cheapest, card payment device for small businesses in Ireland? You can choose between low-cost card readers with a reasonable (or no) contract or pricier models with variable fees.

Zettle is not available in Ireland, but SumUp, Square and Elavon are. The simple Revolut Reader could work for merchants already familiar with its online account, while myPOS also sells standalone credit card machines without lock-in and with plenty of payment features.

Clover Mini and Clover Flex are popular touchscreen terminals offered by AIBMS on a contract, while newcomer Yavin’s card machine is cheaper and commitment-free. Worldpay, also with a contract, is the closest alternative to Clover with its tailored, high-end terminals.

Certain independent sales organisations, such as Paymentsense, rent out mobile terminals with contractual commitment. Those contracts have many different fees and terms better suited for high turnovers and a steady stream of transactions.

Compare the best card payment machines for a small business in Ireland:

Card machine Pricing Editor’s view
SumUpSumUp
See offer
  • Purchase: €39 – €139*
  • Monthly fee: none; no lock-in
  • Card rate: 1.69%
“I love how simple and affordable SumUp is – yet it includes lots of extras like a business account”
SquareSquare
See offer
  • Purchase: €19 – €169*
  • Monthly fee: none; no lock-in
  • Card rate: 1.75% + VAT
“Square is the most versatile payment platform for small businesses in Ireland, improving its products all the time”
RevolutRevolut Reader
See offer
  • Purchase: €49*
  • Monthly fee: from €0; no lock-in
  • Card rate: 0.8% – 2.6% + 2¢
“Revolut Reader is a great match for Irish merchants who are happy to use the business account too”
WorldpayWorldpay
See offer
  • Rent: custom quote
  • Monthly fee: custom; with contract
  • Card rate: variable
“A new player in Ireland, Worldpay is already making a mark with its high-end card machines and custom contracts”
myPOSmyPOS
See offer
  • Purchase: €39 – €249*
  • Monthly fee: none; no lock-in
  • Card rate: 1.69% – 2.89% + 5¢
“myPOS’s card machines and account work across borders, but fees and sign-up are a bit complicated”
YavinYavin
See offer
  • Purchase: from €89.50
  • Monthly fee: €29; no lock-in
  • Card rate: custom rates + 2¢
“Yavin holds great promise with its simple terminal package, but the Ireland service needs more attention”
CloverClover by AIB
See offer
  • Buy or rent: custom quote
  • Monthly fee: custom; with contract
  • Card rate: variable
“AIBMS has some good Clover terminals that many are attracted to, but it’s a bureaucratic service”
ElavonElavon
See offer
  • Purchase: €19*
  • Monthly fee: none; no lock-in
  • Card rate: 1.75% – 2.5%
“Elavon is the other leading alternative to AIB, but its card reader is very outdated”
ShopifyShopify
See offer
  • Purchase: €59 – €229*
  • Monthly fee: from €5; no lock-in
  • Card rate: 1.5% – 5% + VAT
“I love the sophisticated Shopify POS app and new terminals, but it’s only worth the cost for online sellers”

*Excluding VAT.

For a fair assessment, MobileTransaction has a set of rating criteria for our comparisons and reviews in Ireland.

The highest weighting is given the card reader’s ability to accept cards smoothly and without issues. Does it do what it says on the box? Does it work well for the intended business sectors? Higher ratings are also given to solutions that accept many payment methods and is worth the cost and contract.

Our overall rating criteria are:

  • Product: Quality, battery life and features of the terminal.
  • Pricing: Are fees fair and affordable? Are payouts fast enough?
  • Sign-up and transparency: Easy to sign up? Are fees and terms hidden?
  • Value-added services: Any useful extras like reports and online payments?
  • Service and reviews: Availability of customer support. User reviews good?
  • Contract: Do you commit to a contract? Is it smooth to cancel?

SumUp – most trusted as an easy way to start taking payments

In Ireland, SumUp is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get started with payments. There’s no contractual commitment, no monthly fee and no long sign-up. You just create a SumUp account online, order the card payment device and wait 3-5 working days to receive it.

SumUp Air SumUp Solo SumUp Solo & Printer
SumUp Air card reader SumUp Solo SumUp Solo with Printer
Card machine Card reader linked with mobile app Standalone, touchscreen (WiFi, 4G) Standalone, with receipt printer (WiFi, 4G)
Price (purchase) €39 + VAT €79 + VAT €139 + VAT
Website
Transaction fee 1.69%
Contract No lock-in, no monthly fee
Payouts Next day in SumUp Business Account, 2-3 working days in bank account
SumUp
Air
SumUp
Solo
SumUp Solo
& Printer
SumUp Air card reader SumUp Solo SumUp Solo with Printer
Card machine Card reader linked with mobile app Standalone, touchscreen (WiFi, 4G) Standalone, with receipt printer (WiFi, 4G)
Price (purchase) €39 + VAT €79 + VAT €139 + VAT
Website
Transaction fee 1.69%
Contract No lock-in, no monthly fee
Payouts Next day in SumUp Business Account, 2-3 working days in bank account

There are three card readers: SumUp Air that works with an app (downloaded on iPhone, iPad or an Android device), SumUp Solo with a touchscreen and countertop base or SumUp Solo with a receipt printer attached. The last two are pricier, but come with a SIM card built in so they work independently without a phone or tablet.

“I always recommend SumUp as one of the easiest, cheapest card machine options with a business account thrown in for fast transfers. You can also do ecommerce, invoicing etc. from SumUp App – a very accessible way to manage business.”

– Emily Sorensen, Senior Editor, MobileTransaction

SumUp merchants also get free access to payment links for remote payments, QR codes, email invoices and electronic gift cards. If you want a super-simple online store to share on social media, the free Online Store lets you create one in minutes.

Photo: MobileTransaction

SumUp card reader collection

SumUp Air, Solo and Solo & Printer terminals.

The only thing you’re paying is a transaction fee: 1.69% for all card payments. The free SumUp Card and Business Account provide an IBAN and next-day settlement (weekends inclusive), if you can’t wait 2-3 working days to receive transactions in a bank account.

For the monthly fee, you can subscribe to a more advanced point of sale (POS) system.

Pros

  • Cheap and easy card readers

  • No monthly fee or lock-in

  • Online payment tools

  • Free business account

Cons

  • POS system too simple for some

  • Customer support can be slow

  • No accounting integrations

Square – best range of payment tools included with the terminals

American company Square only recently launched in Ireland. It is a pay-as-you-go payment platform without contract lock-in or monthly fees for its card machines.

For €19 + VAT, you can purchase Square Reader that works with a free, feature-rich Point of Sale app on your iPhone, iPad or Android device. It doesn’t have a physical keypad, instead prompting payers to enter their PIN in the app on your mobile device.

Square Reader Square Terminal
Square Reader Square Terminal front
Card machine Card reader linked with mobile app Standalone, touchscreen, with receipt printer (WiFi)
Price (purchase) €19 + VAT €169 + VAT
Offer
Transaction fee 1.75% + VAT
Contract No lock-in, no monthly fee
Payouts 1-2 working days in bank account
Square
Reader
Square
Terminal
Square Reader Square Terminal front
Card machine Card reader linked with mobile app Standalone, touchscreen, with receipt printer (WiFi)
Price (purchase) €19 + VAT €169 + VAT
Offer
Transaction fee 1.75% + VAT
Contract No lock-in, no monthly fee
Payouts 1-2 working days in bank account

The more expensive Square Terminal works on its own with a direct connection to WiFi and prints receipts. It can’t connect with 3G/4G, so is better suited for fixed premises with a stable internet connection. The touchscreen terminal has many free POS features that are regularly updated.

“Square’s software is constantly updated and improved, and their credit card terminals are good quality despite the low price. I also love the huge selection of online tools that help you deal with payments in any situation.”

– Emily Sorensen, Senior Editor, MobileTransaction

One of the clear advantages is Square’s wide selection of remote payment tools for all users. This includes payment links, email invoices, QR code payments, ecommerce, recurring payments, eGift cards and keyed payments. None of these have monthly fees, unless you upgrade to a monthly online store plan.

Photo: MobileTransaction

Square Terminal next to Reader

Square Terminal next to Square Reader.

You can also upgrade from the free Point of Sale app to the paid Square for Restaurants, Retail or Appointments POS systems with more specialised features.

Transaction fees are fixed at 1.75% + VAT for chip and contactless cards, or higher for remote and online payments. Payouts take one working day to reach your bank account.

Pros

  • Smallest card reader on the market

  • No monthly fee or lock-in

  • Great free POS app

  • Expandable with advanced apps

Cons

  • Only weekday customer support

  • No physical PIN pad on card reader

Revolut Reader – basic card reader for your business account app

A recent entry in Ireland, Revolut Reader is a chip and contactless card reader that works with the Revolut Business app on your phone. It has a simple touchscreen and the Revolut logo edged onto both sides so customers will trust the device for payments.

To get it, you’ll need to register for a Revolut Business account, then a Merchant Account allowing you to accept cards online (e.g. via QR code and payment link) and in person (via card reader).

  Revolut Reader
  Revolut Reader
Card machine Card reader linked with mobile app
Price (purchase) €49 + VAT
Offer
Transaction fees EEA consumer cards: 0.8% + €0.02
All other cards: 2.6% + €0.02
Contract Revolut Business plan (from €0/mo), no lock-in
Payouts Next day (incl. weekends) in online Business Account
  Revolut Reader
  Revolut Reader
Card machine Card reader linked with mobile app
Price (purchase) €49 + VAT
Offer
Transaction fees EEA consumer cards: 0.8% + €0.02
All other cards: 2.6% + €0.02
Contract Revolut Business plan (from €0/mo), no lock-in
Payouts Next day (incl. weekends) in online Business Account

So far, you can’t connect the reader with a dedicated point of sale (POS) app in Ireland, so you’ll have to navigate to the Merchant section in the Business app and request a payment via the card reader. It’s quick enough to do if you’re used to it, but not intuitive the first time around.

The app has a very basic product library to itemise the digital receipts and an overview of transactions. It doesn’t register cash transactions and can’t connect with other hardware like a receipt printer.

Photo: MobileTransaction

Revolut Reader is small and lightweight with a basic touchscreen.

The main advantage is perhaps the low transaction fee for domestic cards: 0.8% + €0.02 for consumer Visa and Mastercard cards issued in the EEA. This, unfortunately, does not include Northern Ireland, which is charged the higher rate of 2.6% + €0.02 along with all other cards (non-consumer and non-EEA cards).

“Revolut’s domestic rate is unbeatable in Ireland, but based on my mixed experience of the card reader and slightly awkward payment flow, I’d only recommend Revolut Reader to those who regularly use the business account.”

– Emily Sorensen, Senior Editor, MobileTransaction

All payouts reach the Merchant Account within 24 hours, even on weekends. Then you can immediately transfer funds to the Business Account that’s linked to the Business Mastercard included with the account, and spend it on expenses. Revolut is famed for its multi-currency accounts, benefitting cross-border merchants.

Pros

  • Low rate for Republic of Ireland consumer cards

  • Next-day payouts

  • Many business account features

Cons

  • High fee for Northern Irish cards

  • No dedicated POS app

  • 2% cash withdrawal fee

Worldpay – high-end card machines in a tailored package

The global card processors, Worldpay, offers a range of the latest high-quality card machines to all sizes of business.

Because the company doesn’t yet have an Irish website, you’ll need to complete a contact form that will get you in touch with a sales rep who can give you an offer based on needs and your type of business.

Worldpay – portable/
mobile terminal
Worldpay – stationary
terminal
Ingenico Axium DX8000 Ingenico Desk 5000
Card machine Ingenico Axium DX8000 (WiFi, 4G) Ingenico Desk/5000 (LAN/Ethernet)
Price (rental) Custom price
Transaction fees Tailored quote
Contract 18 months
Monthly min. charge depends on plan
Early termination fee applies
Payouts 1-3 working days to bank account
Offer
Worldpay –
portable/mobile
terminal
Worldpay –
stationary
terminal
Ingenico Axium DX8000 Ingenico Desk 5000
Card machine Ingenico Axium DX8000 (WiFi, 4G) Ingenico Desk/5000 (LAN/Ethernet)
Price (rental) Custom price
Transaction fees Tailored quote
Contract 18 months
Monthly min. charge depends on plan
Early termination fee applies
Payouts 1-3 working days to bank account
Offer

Currently popular card machines on offer include Ingenico Desk 5000 for countertops and the portable and mobile Axium DX8000 terminal.

“Of all the traditional card terminal providers, we’ve had the best impression of Worldpay. Their contracts are competitive, and the card machines we’ve tested are designed for accessibility and hard wear.”

– Emily Sorensen, Senior Editor, MobileTransaction

The lightweight, push-button Desk 5000 model has to be plugged into your Ethernet broadband, but then you can rely on a fast transaction process. The Axium DX8000 connects to the local mobile network with its built-in SIM card for on-the-go payments, or WiFi if on fixed premises and carrying it around for e.g. table service.

Photo: MobileTransaction

Worldpay card machines and card decal

Worldpay offers several card machines, including the pictured Desk/5000 and Axium DX8000.

We can especially recommend the Axium DX8000 for its large, colourful touchscreen display with optional apps to suit your shop functions. It has a built-in camera for barcode and QR code scanning, receipt printer and accessibility settings to make up for its lack of tactile keypad.

Worldpay is known for its reliable payment processing and tailored packages, so you can expect them to meet any retail needs including POS integration. Funds reach your bank account directly, typically within a few working days.

Pros

  • Tailored packages and pricing

  • Market-leading card machines

  • Reputable brand

Cons

  • Pricing only shared via quote

  • Monthly fee(s) required

  • No Irish website yet

myPOS – interesting terminals with a European e-account

The payment company myPOS sells a few mobile card terminals with a built-in SIM card designed to work across Europe. This makes myPOS a great choice for cross-border merchants, for example if selling both in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

myPOS Go 2 myPOS Pro
myPOS Go 2 myPOS Pro
Card machine Standalone card reader (3G, 4G) Standalone, touchscreen (WiFi, 4G)
Price (purchase) €39 + VAT €249 + VAT
Website
Transaction fees Domestic, EEA, UK cards: 1.69% + €0.05
Amex: 2.49% + €0.05
Other cards: 2.89% + €0.05
Contract No standard monthly fee (other misc. fees apply), no lock-in
Payouts Instantly in myPOS e-account, manual bank account transfers cost extra
myPOS
Go 2
myPOS
Pro
myPOS Go 2 myPOS Pro
Card machine Standalone card reader (3G, 4G) Standalone, touchscreen (WiFi, 4G)
Price (purchase) €39 + VAT €249 + VAT
Website
Transaction fees Domestic, EEA, UK cards:
1.69% + €0.05
Amex:
2.49% + €0.05
Other cards: 2.89% + €0.05
Contract No standard monthly fee (other misc. fees apply), no lock-in
Payouts Instantly in myPOS e-account, manual bank account transfers cost extra

The card machines range in price from €39 + VAT for myPOS Go 2 (basic, standalone card reader) to €249 + VAT for myPOS Pro with a receipt printer. The touchscreen terminal Pro has apps for serving customers face-to-face and also remotely.

“Our tests of the myPOS card machines have revealed many detailed features that some competitors lack. But onboarding is tedious, and the inactivity fees extortionate after 10 months of no use.”

– Emily Sorensen, Senior Editor, MobileTransaction

myPOS seemingly has no monthly fees, but after 10 months of no use, inactivity fees amount to €45 until the next time you accept a card. Still, you can just cancel the account as there is no lock-in. We would’ve liked to see more transparency around that.

The sign-up process takes a few days to complete since various proof is required. Most card transactions (Visa, V Pay, Mastercard and Maestro cards from the EEA and UK) cost 1.69% + €0.05. American Express costs €2.49 + €0.05 whereas all other cards incur 2.89% + €0.05 per transaction.

Photo: MobileTransaction

myPOS Go 2 and Pro next to each other

myPOS Go 2 and Pro credit card machines.

Transactions through myPOS don’t go to your bank account. Every merchant gets an online e-money account where payouts go. You can then choose to transfer it to your Irish bank account for a fee, transfer it internationally or spend it with the complimentary myPOS Visa card.

myPOS also has a virtual terminal for telephone payments, payment links, invoicing and other online tools. There are, however, several different fees related to payment transfers, chargebacks, shipping etc. so it’s not necessarily the cheapest option.

Pros

  • No monthly fee or lock-in

  • With e-account and business card

  • Great, versatile terminals

Cons

  • Fees for bank account payouts

  • Various other fees

  • Laborious sign-up

Yavin – worthy alternative, with service based in France

The French fintech company Yavin now offers two WiFi/4G mobile card machines in Ireland. One is a small Yavin Reader (Nexgo N6 model) that looks and feels similar to a smartphone, but accepts chip cards, contactless and online payments.

The slightly pricier and bigger Yavin Terminal (Nexgo N86) also has a large touchscreen and the same payment features, plus a built-in receipt printer.

They both have a long battery life, SIM card and connect with compatible POS systems. Their offline mode allows you to accept cards without a connection, completed later when online again.

If there are any issues using the product, Yavin has a helpline to support. We know that their team is generally dynamic and focused on serving small businesses well.

Yavin Reader Yavin Terminal
Yavin Reader front-facing Yavin card machine
Card machine Standalone, touchscreen (WiFi, 4G) Standalone, touchscreen, with receipt printer (WiFi, 4G)
Price (purchase) €179 incl. VAT (50% off with promo code) €199 incl. VAT (50% off with promo code)
Offer
Transaction fees Custom rates + €0.02 Custom rates + €0.02
Monthly fee €29 incl. VAT/mo €29 incl. VAT/mo
Contract Cancellable any time, no lock-in
Yavin
Reader
Yavin
Terminal
Yavin Reader front-facing Yavin card machine
Card machine Standalone, touchscreen (WiFi, 4G) Standalone, touchscreen, with receipt printer (WiFi, 4G)
Price (purchase) €179 incl. VAT (50% off with promo code) €199 incl. VAT (50% off with promo code)
Offer
Transaction fees Custom rates + €0.02 Custom rates + €0.02
Monthly fee €29 incl. VAT/mo €29 incl. VAT/mo
Contract Cancellable any time, no lock-in

The terminals are purchased upfront for €179 (Reader) or €199 (Terminal), but you get 50% off if stating Yavin’s promo code during sign-up. Apart from that, there’s a €29 (VAT not applicable) monthly fee, but the commitment-free contract can be paused, resumed or cancelled any time.

“Yavin started out as a promising service, but we have yet to see a similar level of service in Ireland as they have in France. Fees are also not transparent, but packages are potentially good for your business.”

– Emily Sorensen, Senior Editor, MobileTransaction

Transactions incur custom rates that vary between the types of cards accepted. Small businesses can expect low rates for domestic Visa and Mastercard transactions, but the monthly fee means you should make a few thousand euros every month at least to make it worthwhile.

Local cards typically incur a fee of around 0.7% while other European cards tend to cost 0.85%, plus a €0.02 fixed gateway fee that’s added to all transactions.

Yavin Reader and Yavin Terminal

Yavin’s card machines are high-quality Nexgo touchscreen models.

The card machines are sent from France, and shipping takes about a week. They come connected with your IBAN and ready to accept payments upon arrival. Funds take just one working day as standard to clear in your bank account.

Pros

  • Modern smart POS terminals

  • Cancellable any time

  • Low, variable rates

  • Offline mode

  • Next-day payouts

Cons

  • Rates not confirmed before sign-up

  • Monthly fee applies

  • Shipping can be slow (10 days)

Clover by AIBMS – popular for aesthetics, but contracts are inflexible

Clover is known for their white, standalone payment terminals with large touchscreens.

Clover Flex is the smallest one. It prints receipts and has enough POS features to work as a portable checkout with card payments built in. Clover Mini is more like a tablet terminal, best stationed on a counter (although it can be carried around).

Clover Flex Clover Mini
Clover Flex Clover Mini
Card machine Standalone, touchscreen, with receipt printer (WiFi, 4G) Standalone, touchscreen, with receipt printer (WiFi, 4G)
Price (buy or lease)* €630 upfront or €44/mo
+ €0-€200 setup fee
€495 upfront or €32.50/mo
+ €0-€200 setup fee
Website
Transaction fees Custom, e.g. 0.18%-1.49% + 2¢ with AIBMS
Monthly fees Various for software, merchant account, PCI compliance, etc.
Contract 3-4 years’ lock-in

*Your quoted costs may differ from ours, as they are subject to change.

Clover
Flex
Clover
Mini
Clover Flex Clover Mini
Card machine Standalone, touchscreen, with receipt printer (WiFi, 4G) Standalone, touchscreen, with receipt printer (WiFi, 4G)
Price (buy or lease)* €630 upfront or €44/mo
+ €0-€200 setup fee
€495 upfront or €32.50/mo
+ €0-€200 setup fee
Website
Transaction fees Custom, e.g. 0.18%-1.49% + 2¢ with AIBMS
Monthly fees Various for software, merchant account, PCI compliance, etc.
Contract 3-4 years’ lock-in

*Your quoted costs may differ from ours, as they are subject to change.

The amount of POS features on the terminals depends on the software plan, which comes with a monthly fee. The simplest subscription only works with WiFi, so a truly mobile terminal reliant on 3G requires a higher monthly cost. Additional features are downloaded from the Clover App Market, but these have separate costs.

“AIB’s Clover terminals may look good, but they come with complicated terms and long contracts. I also don’t like the fact you have to add separate apps that cost extra if using it as a full-fledged POS system.”

– Emily Sorensen, Senior Editor, MobileTransaction

The main provider of Clover terminals in Ireland is AIB Merchant Services. Here, you can expect to commit to 3- or 4-year contracts with a merchant account, payment processing, terminal lease and software subscription included.

Photo: Clover

Clover Flex and Clover Mini.

Suffice to say, the Clover solution is better suited for merchants with a stable turnover, as you will be locked into a contract with at least €70+ paid monthly just for the lease, merchant account and basic software. On top of that, you pay transaction fees and miscellaneous costs for setup, chargebacks and PCI compliance.

Businesses with a larger turnover can, however, benefit from lower transaction fees negotiated with AIBMS. Moreover, the software customisations are attractive for those who like to pick and choose till features.

Pros

  • Highly customisable with add-on apps

  • Includes unique merchant account

  • Tailored fees

Cons

  • Expensive upfront and/or monthly

  • Pricing not transparent

  • Long contract lock-in

Elavon MobileMerchant – trusted merchant service provider, but neglected reader

Elavon offers a pay-as-you-go card reader called Elavon MobileMerchant. It works with a free mobile app, which is rarely updated so we can’t wholeheartedly recommend it.

Elavon MobileMerchant
Elavon Mobile Merchant
Card machine Card reader linked with mobile app
Price (purchase) €19 + VAT
Offer
Transaction fees Visa, Mastercard: 1.75%
American Express: 1.9%
Diners, JCB, UnionPay: 2.5%
Contract No lock-in, no monthly fee
Payouts Next working day in bank account
Elavon MobileMerchant
Elavon Mobile Merchant
Card machine Card reader linked with mobile app
Price (purchase) €19 + VAT
Offer
Transaction fees Visa, Mastercard: 1.75%
American Express: 1.9%
Diners, JCB, UnionPay: 2.5%
Contract No lock-in, no monthly fee
Payouts Next working day in bank account

The first MobileMerchant card reader costs €19 (one-off price). The “standard fee” for card payments is 1.75%, which covers Visa and Mastercard transactions. Other card brands have different rates: 1.9% for Amex and 2.5% for JCB, Diners Club and UnionPay.

Photo: Elavon

Elavon MobileMerchant card reader

The Elavon MobileMerchant reader is very basic – and so is the connected mobile app.

The mobile app is extremely basic, but does the job of accepting cards. Payment amounts have to be entered manually as opposed to adding items from a product library (which SumUp, Square and Revolut allow). It cannot connect to a Bluetooth printer for paper receipts, but sends digital receipts.

“MobileMerchant is a very basic card reader that looks like a calculator. I’d be more interested in Elavon’s higher-end card machines on a contract, but those are not cheap.”

– Emily Sorensen, Senior Editor, MobileTransaction

Then again, the complimentary virtual terminal is attractive for over-the-phone payments. Additionally, Elavon MobileMerchant doesn’t have lock-in or monthly fees.

Pros

  • No monthly fee

  • No commitment

  • Virtual terminal included

Cons

  • App outdated and quite simple

  • High transaction rates

  • No receipt printer integration

Shopify card reader – great for multichannel selling, not for in-person only

Shopify’s card reader (WisePad 3 Card Reader) works with a POS app on iPad, iPhone or an Android device. This is ideal if you’re selling online, because the solution requires a Shopify subscription.

The card reader costs €59 + VAT, making it the most expensive app-based card reader on this list. If you prefer a standalone card machine, Shopify also sells the mobile touchscreen terminal POS Go (looks like a smartphone) for €199 + VAT or POS Terminal (for countertops) with a customer-facing display for €229 + VAT.

Shopify
WisePad 3 Reader
Card machine Card reader linked with mobile app
Price (purchase) €59 + VAT
Offer
Transaction fees 1.5%-5% + VAT
Monthly fees Starter subscription: €5/mo (incl. POS Lite)
Retail subscription: €79/mo (incl. POS Pro)
Contract Monthly or annual plans
Shopify
WisePad 3 Reader
Card machine Card reader linked with mobile app
Price (purchase) €59 + VAT
Offer
Transaction fees 1.5%-5% + VAT
Monthly fees Starter subscription: €5/mo (incl. POS Lite)
Retail subscription: €79/mo (incl. POS Pro)
Contract Monthly or annual plans

To use any of them, you have to sign up for any Shopify subscription. All the online store plans include access to POS Lite, the limited version of the Shopify POS app. For more inventory, staff management and order features, you can add on POS Pro for €79/month per point of sale location.

If you’re not already selling through an online store and don’t intend to, the cheapest subscription is Starter for €5/month. This includes a very limited online store, online payments and POS Lite for one location. For POS Pro access, the Shopify Retail subscription for €79/month will suffice (it also includes basic online selling tools).

“I never recommend Shopify to people who don’t sell online – the subscriptions and rates are too expensive in that case. But retail shops with an online presence who pay for a full-fledged Shopify ecommerce plan can really benefit.”

– Emily Sorensen, Senior Editor, MobileTransaction

Whatever the plan, face-to-face and online sales are synced to keep inventory levels correct across sales channels.

Photo: MobileTransaction

Shopify WisePad 3 card reader

The pocket-sized Shopify WisePad 3 Reader can be used in different languages.

The cheaper your ecommerce subscription, the higher the transaction fee. 5% + VAT is the highest for card reader payments (Starter) and 1.5% + VAT is the lowest (Advanced Shopify).

There is no long-term commitment, but the monthly fee would likely be a deal-breaker if all you want is to get paid through a card reader.

Pros

  • Small, handy card reader

  • Excellent online selling tools

  • POS app good for retail

Cons

  • Must have monthly or annual subscription

  • High price for card reader

  • High card rate on cheapest plan

Which to choose?

Out of the credit card machines in Ireland, SumUp and Square have the best deal all-round: the software is updated regularly, card readers are cheap, there’s no lock-in or monthly fees, and plenty of remote payment tools are included free. Square’s higher commission could be a deal-breaker, though.

Since many already use a Revolut Business account, the Revolut card reader might appeal more with its low domestic rate and next-day payouts.

Yavin, Worldpay and Clover are better for stable businesses wanting multi-functional terminals with expandable POS features and negotiable fees.

Elavon’s accompanying app is worryingly outdated, but you might prefer Elavon if you’re considering their other services in the future.

Whereas myPOS has a good range of card terminals to buy, it is better suited for cross-border merchants preferring an online account over a high street bank based in Ireland.

Shopify’s reader works well, but only online merchants can justify its high price and required subscription.

Summary of best card machines:

Card machine Best for
SumUp
Visit website
  • All-round value
  • Good but cheap card readers
  • Free business account
Square
Visit website
  • Smallest card reader
  • Range of online payment tools
  • POS hardware and software
Revolut
Visit website
  • Low domestic rate
  • Many optional business account features
  • Cross-border payments
Worldpay
Visit website
  • Tailored packages
  • Latest quality card machines
myPOS
Visit website
  • Cross-border payments
  • Versatile mobile card terminals
  • Online account features
Yavin
Visit website
  • Competitive rates for small businesses
  • High-quality touchscreen terminals
Clover
Visit website
  • Negotiable card rates from AIB
  • Range of POS features on terminals
Elavon
Visit website
  • Trusted traditional merchant service provider
  • Virtual terminal included
Shopify
Visit website
  • Integration with ecommerce
  • Higher POS plan great for retail

We would say the least adaptable options that don’t connect with external POS systems are Elevon MobileMerchant and Revolut Reader. They are better for simple transactions where you just enter an amount or as a backup for impromptu payments on the go. All other options can be expanded with more complex features as your business grows, either in store or online.

Alternatively, you could set up Tap to Pay on a smartphone, which doesn’t require a card reader to accept contactless payments.

In the end, the choice comes down to how you plan to use the device long-term (if not short-term), payout and banking preference, POS requirements and what fees are best. You don’t want to tie yourself into a long-term contract if sales aren’t guaranteed for that time, but that’s no issue with the commitment-free options.