Thanks to the many types of payment methods accepted at a competitive price, the myPOS Go card machine is a viable competitor to the similarly independently-working Solo model of SumUp. Before we compare the options, let’s look at myPOS Go in more detail.
myPOS Go inseparable from e-account
myPOS Go is ordered directly from the myPOS website. Along with the card reader and charger, you get a business myPOS credit card delivered, which you can use everywhere accepting Visa. This is how myPOS stands out compared with competitors like Square and Zettle.
The payment card is linked to an online “e-account” where all transactions through the card reader are settled instantly. Some micro-entrepreneurs who do not yet have a business bank account may find this attractive – particularly because it is free to set up and there are no monthly fees.
The e-account, however, has some disadvantages. For example, although you receive an IBAN for international transfers, you have to pay a fee to transfer money to your UK bank account.
Full myPOS review: Portable card machines with business e-account
myPOS Go costs: cheap for a card reader with SIM
The purchase price of myPOS Go is attractive, but you also have to add the cost or delivery. At £39 + VAT for the card reader, it is much cheaper than SumUp Solo (£79 + VAT) and SumUp 3G (£129 + VAT incl. printer) that also come with a SIM card and business account.
On top of the card reader price, myPOS adds a delivery charge of £6 which doesn’t have VAT applied.
The unlimited SIM data plan, valid across Europe, is included.
The unlimited SIM data plan, valid across Europe, is included in the service offering, which has no subscription. Instead, you pay a commission of 1.1% + 7p on UK and EEA-issued Mastercard and Visa transactions, 2.45% + 7p for American Express and 2.85% + 7p for all other card transactions.
Among the negative points noted in our review of myPOS: payout fees from the myPOS account to a British bank account are £1.50 per transfer. You also pay fees if you withdraw cash from the myPOS business card, or make another kind of transfer with the e-account.
Photo: Emmanuel Charpentier (EC), Mobile Transaction

The box comes with the card reader and a myPOS Visa card.
Tech specs and features
The card reader accepts most debit and credit cards including chip, magnetic stripe and contactless via card or mobile wallet.
It automatically connects to the local 3G network, but has to be activated upon receipt through an activation code on the myPOS website, otherwise it will not work.
myPOS Go specifications | |
---|---|
Dimensions | 136 x 66 x 20.4 mm |
Weight | 170 g |
Connectivity | GPRS, 3G |
Data | Unlimited with the myPOS SIM card (pre-installed) |
Screen | Colour screen, 240 x 320 resolution |
Accessories included | Micro USB cable and AC adaptor |
Battery | Rechargeable Li-ion, 1500 mAh |
Payment technology | EMV (chip), NFC (contactless), magnetic stripe |
Receipts | Via email or text (no paper receipts) |
myPOS Go specifications | |
---|---|
Dimensions | 136 x 66 x 20.4 mm |
Weight | 170 g |
Connectivity | GPRS, 3G |
Data | Unlimited with the myPOS SIM card (pre-installed) |
Screen | Colour screen, 240 x 320 resolution |
Accessories included | Micro USB cable and AC adaptor |
Battery | Li-ion, 1500 mAh |
Payment technology | EMV (chip), NFC (contactless), magnetic stripe |
Receipts | Via email or text (no paper receipts) |
Using it is very simple: once the terminal is switched on, simply press any numeric key to activate transaction mode. Then enter the amount followed by insertion of the chip card or a contactless tap.
The receipt is sent to the customer via text or email – it is not possible to print it. Since the card reader does not have a touchscreen, you will need to enter an email address through the numbered keypad, as in the days of texting with the first mobile phones.
Photo: EC, Mobile Transaction

Transaction menu (part 1).
Photo: EC, Mobile Transaction

Transaction menu (part 2).
If your customer does not have a card or digital wallet on them, you can use the deferred payment option, which sends a payment link by email or text message. There are also preauthorisation and gift card functions, both of which are rare to see in a low-cost card reader.
And looks? myPOS Go looks like a standard product and does not have the neat design of other myPOS terminals. With its generic-looking buttons, you can even mistake it for an old calculator.
Photo: EC, Mobile Transaction

Contactless card payment.
Photo: EC, Mobile Transaction

Language menu.
Alternatives to myPOS Go
Not many merchant service providers in the UK offer a card reader like myPOS Go, because cheap card readers usually require an app connection, and the standalone card machines tend to cost over £100-£200 each. myPOS Go is both cheap and works independently – an anomaly of sorts.
The closest alternatives in terms of cost and utility are offered by Square, Zettle and SumUp. Square Reader is the cheapest, but requires an app and has no PIN pad (this is displayed in the app). Zettle Reader and SumUp Air are similarly cheap and require an app, but each have a physical PIN pad.
myPOS does offer another standalone, compact terminal called myPOS Slim. Instead of a physical keypad, it has a touchscreen and app features built in, as well as a built-in barcode scanner (but no printer). This is considerably more expensive at £189 + VAT.
Alternatively, the myPOS Glass app allows you to accept contactless cards via your Android smartphone, not iPhone. This way, you don’t have to purchase a card machine, but it does rely on customers having to use contactless tap and not chip and PIN.
myPOS Go or SumUp?
How do SumUp’s standalone card readers, 3G & Printer and Solo, compare with myPOS Go? Let’s start with the highlights of myPOS Go:
- myPOS Go is cheaper and works with low network connections.
- Multiple user accounts: each user can have a login code, which is practical in theory, but not really relevant since this card reader is intended for individual merchants.
- Accepts JCB (Japanese) cards. This is good for cabs in touristy areas, but if you need to print receipts, we recommend SumUp 3G and Printer.
- Works all over Europe, contrary to SumUp which by default only works in the country of registration (although you can arrange foreign acceptance by contacting SumUp). This is interesting for some cross-border sellers or taxis.
However, the price difference makes sense because SumUp Solo or 3G & Printer have several advantages:
- SumUp’s terminals have a touchscreen, which could work better for entering an email address for a customer receipt.
- SumUp complies with PCI PTS v4 security standards (myPOS Go only complies with v3).
- SumUp’s 1.69% transaction fee is the same for everyone and all cards.
- SumUp automatically settles transactions in your bank account, and for free (myPOS charges £1.50 per payout, and this is manual). It should also be noted that some customers report account holds with myPOS.
- SumUp does not require a video call during registration, unlike myPOS. It is generally very easy to sign up with SumUp, while myPOS requires multiple steps and paperwork.
Our verdict
myPOS Go is a great-value card machine that does what it says on the box for a low upfront cost. It doesn’t need any extra equipment or a contract, and even comes with extra features – like payment links and cross-border transfers – in an online business account.
The complimentary Visa Business card gives immediate access funds, but you’ll have to transfer them to a bank account for a fee if and when this is needed.
The card reader is pretty basic and not the sturdiest quality, but the fact it works with low connections and across borders makes it convenient for travelling merchants. It doesn’t work with WiFi, though, so you’re reliant on the mobile network that the SIM card connects to.
myPOS Go criteria | Rating | Conclusion |
---|---|---|
Product | 3.8 | Good |
Costs and fees | 4.3 | Good/Excellent |
Transparency and sign-up | 2.8 | Passable |
Value-added services | 4.4 | Good/Excellent |
Service and reviews | 3.5 | Passable/Good |
Contract | 3.9 | Good |
OVERALL SCORE | 3.8 | Good |
myPOS Go criteria | Rating | Conclusion |
---|---|---|
Product | 3.8 | Good |
Costs and fees | 4.3 | Good/Excellent |
Transparency and sign-up | 2.8 | Passable |
Value-added services | 4.4 | Good/Excellent |
Service and reviews | 3.5 | Passable/Good |
Contract | 3.9 | Good |
OVERALL SCORE | 3.8 | Good |
Above all, myPOS Go is for merchants on a very small budget, but absolutely want a small, independent card reader that works everywhere. This will usually be sole traders or entrepreneurs who have not got a business bank account or company card.
Those working in several European countries may also be interested in myPOS, though not necessarily this entry-level model.