Provider comparison
The main card machine and payment terminal providers in the UK, grouped by how they charge. Published rates are shown with the date we checked them. Everything else is quoted, so get a written quote and summary box before you sign.
Photo: Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
Filter by pricing model. Cards are listed alphabetically within each group, not ranked. Links go to each provider’s own website. Rates are for in-person UK card payments as published in October 2026: always check the current fee schedule.
Pay as you go
Zettle by PayPal is being renamed PayPal Point of Sale. Flat-rate card reader and POS app with no contract or recurring fees, popular with small shops and market traders.
App-based
Revolut Business customers can take in-person payments with Tap to Pay on iPhone in the Revolut Business app or with Revolut’s own card reader. Fees depend on your Revolut plan.
Pay as you go
All-in-one payments and free POS software, with paid plans for restaurants, retail and appointments. No setup or monthly fee on the Free plan.
Pay as you go
Low-cost readers and terminals with no monthly fee on pay as you go, plus an optional Payments Plus subscription with a lower headline rate. Also sells POS systems (including the former Goodtill).
Quoted rates
Card machines, pay-at-table and booking tools aimed at hospitality and retail, from the company formerly known for the Paymentsense brand. Rates vary by card type and are quoted per business.
Acquirer
One of the UK’s largest card acquirers, owned by U.S. Bancorp. Works with many EPOS and terminal partners, typically for established and multi-site businesses.
Quoted / 12 months
Stockport-based card machine provider and part of Global Payments. Packages are built per business; you also hold an agreement with a nominated acquiring bank.
Quoted rates
Card machines with built-in 4G and Wi-Fi, a business account with cashback and cash advances. Teya says it has no standard price list and tailors rates to each business.
Acquirer
One of the UK’s biggest card acquirers, now owned by Global Payments (deal completed 12 January 2026). Offers card machines for small businesses and enterprise payment processing.
Bank-backed
Barclays’ card acceptance business. Its range includes Smartpay Anywhere (a mobile reader with no contract) and contract terminals such as Smartpay Touch and Flex.
Bank-backed
Lloyds Banking Group’s card acquirer. Offers a pay-as-you-go mobile reader (mPOS) as well as countertop and portable terminals on bespoke pricing.
Bank-backed
NatWest Group’s card payments service for UK businesses, with card machines, online payments and Tap to Pay on iPhone. Also offered through Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank.
UK card machine providers fall into two camps:
As a rough guide, once your monthly card takings reach a few thousand pounds, it’s worth getting quotes. Our fees guide shows how to compare a flat rate with a quote, and this worked example shows when a subscription plan pays off.
| Provider | In-person UK cards | Monthly fee | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SumUp | 1.69% | None (Payments Plus £19/month optional) | sumup.com pricing |
| Square | 1.75% | None on the Free plan | squareup.com pricing |
| PayPal Point of Sale (Zettle) | 1.75% | None | zettle.com pricing |
| Lloyds Cardnet mPOS | 1.75% | None | lloydsbank.com |
Checked 16 October 2026. Rates can change and may differ for international, business or American Express cards, keyed or online payments.
Large acquirers must give small businesses a standard summary box of prices. Ask for it, and compare like with like: see how to read a card machine quote.
Several well-known brands share an owner, which can matter when you switch:
Last updated: 16 October 2026
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