With so many card machine providers offering different fees and features, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. Our guide simplifies the process by reviewing seven of the cheapest options in the UK, comparing real costs, pros and cons, and customer reviews so you can confidently choose the best reader for your business and avoid unnecessary fees.
In 2025, cashless payments dominate the UK, with more than 90% of transactions now made by card or mobile wallet. For small businesses — whether you run a café, boutique, market stall, or mobile service — having a reliable card machine is no longer optional, it’s essential. The right reader makes payments quick, secure, and convenient for customers while helping you avoid hidden costs that eat into profits.
To create this guide, we compared over a dozen popular card readers available in the UK and selected the seven best budget-friendly options. Each machine was evaluated for affordability, ease of use, features, customer feedback, and suitability for different types of businesses. Below, you’ll find updated 2025 prices, transaction fees, and key details to help you choose the most cost-effective card payment machine for your needs.
How We Chose the Best Machines
We selected the top 7 cheapest card machines based on:
Affordability – Low device cost and transaction fees
Usability – Easy setup and mobile-friendly features
Customer Reviews – Rated highly on Trustpilot and Google Reviews
Business Suitability – Works for different types of businesses
Now, let’s explore the best budget-friendly options for UK small businesses.
1. SumUp Air – Best for Beginners
Image source: harveynorman.co.uk
Cost: £29 (excluding VAT)
Transaction Fee: 1.69% per transaction
Best For: Startups, small shops, freelancers
Features:
- No monthly fees – Only pay per transaction
- Supports chip & PIN, contactless, and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
- Bluetooth connection – Works with a smartphone or tablet
- Fast setup & user-friendly app
Pros & Cons:
- Affordable price & flat transaction fee
- No long-term contract
- Works with iOS & Android
- No receipt printer (app-based receipts only)
- Not ideal for high-volume businesses
Best Choice for: Small businesses wanting a low-cost, simple card machine.
2. Zettle Reader 2 by PayPal – Best for PayPal Integration
Image source: expertmarket.co.uk
Cost: £29 (excluding VAT)
Transaction Fee: 1.75% per transaction
Best For: Businesses using PayPal for payments
Features:
- No monthly fees
- Connects with PayPal Business account
- Accepts all major debit & credit cards + mobile wallets
- Long battery life (up to 8 hours)
Pros & Cons:
- Seamless PayPal integration
- Flat transaction fee
- Fast payment settlement
- Higher fees than SumUp (1.75%)
- Requires a smartphone or tablet
Best Choice for: Business owners who already use PayPal for online payments.
3. Square Reader – Best for Low Device Cost
Image source: startups.co.uk
Cost: £16 (excluding VAT)
Transaction Fee: 1.75% per transaction
Best For: Small businesses that want an ultra-low-cost machine
Features:
- No monthly fees
- Works with Square POS app for sales tracking
- Accepts contactless, chip & PIN, and mobile payments
- Compatible with iOS & Android
Pros & Cons:
- Cheapest device price (£16)
- No contract or rental fees
- Instant setup
- No built-in display (must use app to process payments)
- Higher fee for manually entered payments (2.5%)
Best Choice for: New businesses looking for the cheapest upfront cost.
4. Revolut Reader – Best for Low Fees
Image source: mobiletransaction.org
Cost: £49
Transaction Fee: 0.8% + 2p per UK transaction
Best For: Businesses processing high transaction volumes
Features:
- Lowest transaction fee in the UK (0.8%)
- Instant settlement into Revolut Business Account
- Contactless, chip & PIN, and mobile payments
- Small, lightweight design
Pros & Cons:
- Cheaper per-transaction cost for UK cards
- Fast deposits into Revolut account
- No fixed contract
- Higher fees for international cards (2.6%)
- Requires a Revolut Business account
Best Choice for: High-volume businesses looking to save on fees.
5. Tyl by NatWest – Best for NatWest Customers
Image source: ulsterbank.co.uk
Cost: Starts from £9.99/month
Transaction Fee: 1.39% + 5p per transaction
Best For: NatWest business banking customers
Features:
- Next-day settlement for NatWest customers
- No setup fees
- Works with contactless, chip & PIN, and mobile wallets
- Detailed transaction insights
Pros & Cons:
- Lower fees (1.39%) than most competitors
- Business-friendly support
- Faster settlement for NatWest accounts
- Monthly cost (£9.99+)
- Not ideal for micro-businesses
Best Choice for: Small businesses that bank with NatWest.
6. takepaymentsplus – Best for Short Contracts
Image source: mobiletransaction.org
Cost: Custom pricing
Transaction Fee: Based on business turnover
Best For: Businesses needing flexible pricing
Features:
- Short 12-month contract (vs. 24–36 months from others)
- Next-day settlement
- Accepts all card types
- Dedicated customer support
Pros & Cons:
- Short contract (12 months vs. 36 months)
- Personalized pricing
- Fast payments
- Pricing not fixed – varies per business
- Higher costs for low-volume businesses
Best Choice for: Medium-sized businesses needing contract flexibility.
7. SumUp Solo – Best for Portable Use
Image source: robertdyas.co.uk
Cost: £79 (excluding VAT)
Transaction Fee: 1.69% per transaction
Best For: Mobile businesses needing a standalone card reader
Features:
- No smartphone required (built-in SIM & data)
- Touchscreen interface
- Compact & lightweight
- No monthly fees
Pros & Cons:
- No need for a separate phone
- All-in-one solution
- No hidden fees
- More expensive upfront (£79)
- Small screen may be difficult for some users
Best Choice for: Market stalls, food trucks, and mobile businesses.
Hidden Fees to Watch Out For
When choosing a payment machine, be mindful of hidden or additional fees. These can add up quickly if overlooked:
- Chargeback fees – A penalty applied when a customer disputes a payment.
- Refund processing fees – Some providers deduct a fee when you issue refunds.
- International transaction fees – Extra charges for cross-border payments or currency conversion.
Tip: Fees vary by provider, so always review the official pricing details on the provider’s website before committing.e latest pricing.
Which Card Machine is Best?
| Card Machine | Best For | Cost | Transaction Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| SumUp Air | Beginners | £29 | 1.69% |
| Zettle | PayPal users | £29 | 1.75% |
| Square | Cheapest device | £16 | 1.75% |
| Revolut | Low fees | £49 | 0.8% + 2p |
| Tyl | NatWest customers | £9.99/mo | 1.39% + 5p |
Best Overall: SumUp Air for its affordability
Lowest Fees: Revolut Reader
Best for PayPal users: Zettle
Read Also: Impact of Small Businesses in London’s Economy: A Dynamic Force
Conclusion
Choosing the right card payment machine depends on factors such as business type, transaction volume, and budget. SumUp Air is the most cost-effective option for startups, Revolut Reader offers the lowest transaction fees for high-volume businesses, Zettle is the best choice for those using PayPal, and Tyl by NatWest is ideal for NatWest account holders.
Before selecting a provider, it is essential to review potential hidden fees and ensure the device fits seamlessly into your daily business operations. The right card payment machine can enhance customer convenience and streamline transactions, so take time to assess your needs carefully.
For more detailed insights and guidance, you can also visit The London Report.
FAQs
1. What is the cheapest card payment machine in the UK?
SumUp Air and Square Reader are the most affordable options, both offering low upfront costs and simple transaction fees.
2. Which card reader has the lowest transaction fee?
Revolut Reader offers the lowest transaction fee at 0.8% + 2p per UK transaction, making it ideal for businesses processing high volumes.
3. Are there any hidden fees with these card machines?
Some machines charge additional fees for chargebacks, refunds, or international transactions. Always check the provider’s terms before purchasing.
4. Do I need a business bank account to use these machines?
Most providers allow you to link a personal or business bank account, but some, like Tyl by NatWest, work best with business accounts.
5. Which machine is best for PayPal users?
Zettle Reader 2 by PayPal is the best option for seamless integration with PayPal Business accounts.