Card machines for charities: what are your options?
Getting a card machine for charity payments isn't easy in the UK. We did the research and compare all the options for a charitable cause.
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 machines for taxi drivers and private hire cabs
We've carefully selected the best card terminals for UK- and London-based cab drivers, private hire taxis and fleet owners.
SumUp Solo review: nifty, little touchscreen card terminal for simple payments
SumUp Solo is a small, nifty touchscreen device for card payments. We tested its limits, with and without the printer.
Best card machines for self-employed hairdressers, stylists and barbers
We cover the best card machines in the UK for self-employed hairdressers and barbers working with clients on-the-go or in-salon.
Lloyds Bank Cardnet review: decent card machines, average fees, slow start-up
Lloyds Bank Cardnet provides decent card machines from e.g. Castles and PAX. With average fees and a slow start-up, it doesn't suit everyone.
Tyl by NatWest review: simple-use card machines from a high street bank
Is NatWest Tyl a reliable service? What's so special about the PAX card machines from Tyl? We give our verdict on the package.
Tide Card Reader review: holds promise, but fees and features could improve
The new Tide Card Readers are very affordable, without lock-in and simple to use. But what are the limitations you should know about?
SumUp or myPOS? Convenient card machines, different systems
Which is best: myPOS or SumUp? The card machines are varied, while fees suit different merchants. Compare the costs, accounts and features.
Dojo vs SumUp: attractive but very different card machine packages
Does Dojo or SumUp have the best card machine? How do fees, terminals, payments, POS and service compare?
Dojo card machine review: popular touchscreen terminals
Dojo's card terminals are good quality, and next-day payouts a draw, but the contract suits some businesses more than others. How so?
Barclaycard card machine review: viable merchant service, but not for everyone
Which businesses should consider a Barclaycard card terminal? The costs are worth it for some, but only if the service, payouts and contract suit.
Takepayments review: tailored, all-inclusive card machines
Takepayments offers competitive card machine contracts for small businesses. What about the product and quality of service?
myPOS review: pay-as-you-go card machines with online business account
myPOS card machines give access to payments instantly through an e-money account, but what about costs?
The historical roots of electronic card machines
The story behind electronic payment terminals starts with Diners Club. What happened since, in chronological order?
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.
EVO Payments review: card machines on tiered, all-inclusive plans
Are EVO card machines worth the fixed monthly cost and contract? What do reviews say? We investigated the service, pros and cons.
Retail Merchant Services review: good card machines, no competitive edge
Retail Merchant Services card machines may be good, but are costs too high for what you get? What makes RMS worthwhile?
Square Terminal review: card machine and POS in one affordable device
Square Terminal is both a card machine and POS system with a touchscreen, but how does it work and is it sufficient?
Clover Flex review: multi-functional card machine with touchscreen
The Clover Flex card machine is a mobile smart POS terminal with customised features (at a cost). We analyse specs and terms to be wary of.
Paymentsense review: monthly rolling contracts, push-button card machines
Is Paymentsense good for small businesses? How much do their contracts cost? We review fees, features and customer service.
Card machines for international use – what are the alternatives?
Are you looking for a card terminal that accepts payments abroad? Here are the options for getting paid on business trips overseas.
Worldpay card machine review: geared towards steady businesses
Many companies use Worldpay, but are the card machines worth the cost and fees? Let's look at what a contract involves.
Teya review: a card machine package that supports local businesses
Teya's card machine is a promising contender on the payment market. We tested the product and service and found its pros and cons.
Handepay card machine review: average contract with a few benefits
Are Handepay card machines worth the commitment? What does the Price Challenge entail? Here's our verdict on Handepay.
Stripe Terminal review: adaptable card machines for online businesses
Stripe Terminal is a choice of card readers for Stripe users. Intended for online-first businesses, who actually benefits most from it?
How do refunds work on a card machine?
Wonder how to do a refund on a credit card machine? We explain steps, time limitations and refund rules for different types of terminals.
Elavon review: okay card machines, but so-so service better for large companies
Elavon has okay card machines, but fees are not that clear. We cover payment features and who should consider Elavon.
Contactless payment limits: everything you need to know
What are the limits on contactless transactions in the UK and beyond? When are cardholders required to enter a PIN? Here's how it works.
What does the new maximum of 18 months mean for card machine contracts?
Payment Systems Regulator UK introduced new rules for payment companies, restricting POS terminal contracts. What does it mean for merchants?
Verifone card machine review: good terminals that fit around your business
Do Verifone terminals live up to the company's global aspirations in the UK? We review the card machines, fees, service and where to get one.
Zettle Terminal review: sleek, mobile all-in-one card machine with receipt printer
Zettle Terminal is an elegant touchscreen card machine with POS software and a SIM card. We tested the features and judge if it's worth the cost.
myPOS Smart N5 review: multi-functional terminal with online account
The myPOS Smart N5 is a fancy Android terminal with checkout and business apps. It comes with a business account - so are there downsides?
SumUp 3G review – an uncomplicated card machine for anywhere
SumUp 3G is a no-frills card machine, a low-cost way to payments with a network connection. And limitations?
SumUp 3G and Printer review: lowest-cost terminal with receipt printer in UK
The SumUp 3G with Printer is a cheap, two-piece card terminal that prints receipts. How does it work and who should use it?
Will tap-to-phone and QR codes make card machines obsolete?
The rise of QR code payments and tap-on-phone has raised questions about the future need for card machines. As it turns out, it's not straightforward.
Card machine holder – what are the types and options?
What are the different types of holders for card machines? We list and describe stands, cases, mounts and more, along with photos and examples.
How to protect and extend the life of your card machine
What can merchants do to protect their card machine, and thereby extend its useful life? We've gathered the official advice to follow.
Are card machines really safe? Scams and security measures explained
What makes a payment terminal safe? Here are the security features, possible scams and preventative steps merchants can take against fraud.
What to do with old credit card machines
How do you dispose of old credit card machines? Can you sell, recycle or throw them away? What about data? We explain the best course of action.
New card machine provider? How to get the best deal as a switcher
Want a better card machine deal? We go through the considerations, contract options and tips for switching to an alternative payment provider.
What to do if you’re stuck in a card machine contract
Are you left with a card machine that's too expensive, unreliable, unsuitable or not needed any more? Here's how to deal with the lock-in contract.
Why you need a backup for your card machine – and not just cash
Only got a card terminal? Don't rely on it entirely. There are several reasons why a business should accept other payment methods apart from cash.
Connectivity types in card machines – what are the options?
What are the different connection types for card payment machines? Learn how mobile networks (like 3G), WiFi, Bluetooth and LAN compare.
Buying and renting a card machine: key differences
What are the differences between renting and buying a card machine? We consider pros and cons for the contract, fees, service and options.
Short-term card machine rental vs buying a card reader
Card terminal hire for short periods can cost more than buying a card reader upfront, so why still consider it?
Accessibility of card machines – the challenge for the visually impaired
What are the challenges for blind and partially sighted people when paying in shops? We spoke to the RNIB for their insights on accessible payments.
Should you set a minimum amount for card payments?
Some merchants still impose a £5 minimum on card payments, but is it a good idea - or even legal? Read this carefully if you're considering it.
Does the colour of card machines matter? White, charcoal grey and colourful
The card machine colour might not seem important, but we know from merchants, sales, Google and research that it may be. Here's how colours matter.
Which card machine models dominate the UK market in 2023?
Card machines are still a staple for face-to-face businesses, but which are the most promising models on the payments market?
PAX A920 terminal: unboxing, presentation and our opinion
Considering the PAX A920 card machine? We got our hands on one, unboxed it, took pictures - and discovered features you should know about.
What are the uses of a camera in a card payment machine?
Why do card machines have cameras? Present on Dojo, PAX and Ingenico smart POS terminals, what are they used for? How do they work?
How to clean your credit card machine: tips and steps to follow
Want to prevent spreading germs or just keep your payment device in tip-top condition? Our guide tells you how to sanitise a card terminal in every way.
SumUp vs Worldpay: simplified payments or tailored package at a price?
We compare pros and cons of two very different payment companies: SumUp and Worldpay. How costly are the card machine packages for a small business?
What does ‘smart terminal’ mean?
What does smart terminal mean in the context of card payments? We give examples of smart terminal POS.
What is an Android POS terminal?
What is an Android POS machine and how does it work? We explain the meaning, technology, types and characteristics of these terminals.
What is a PDQ machine? How did the term evolve over time?
What's the meaning of PDQ machine? Where did it come from and what is it today? We explain the definition, history and types of PDQ machines.
Spire card machine review: UK-based supplier of terminals for any sector
Spire Payments are a card machine supplier for businesses and resellers around the world. Should you go for their terminals?
PDQ machine goes mobile
PDQ machines are no longer optional for small and medium-sized businesses. What are the different types for businesses? What should be considered?
20 questions when choosing a card terminal for your business
Choosing a card machine can be difficult, but not if you consider these key questions. What should you ask yourself to choose the right card terminal?