Tell us all about your business
Tell us all about your business
Business card machines
Compare business card machines
How much do you expect to take in card payments in the next 12 months?
What is a business card machine?
A business card machine (also called a card reader or point-of-sale (POS) terminal) allows businesses to accept payments from debit or credit cards, including contactless and mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
A business card machine is used to:
Accept card payments (chip & PIN, contactless, swipe)
Process digital wallet transactions (e.g. Apple Pay, Google Pay)
Print or send receipts to customers
Often integrate with tills or POS software
They can be used by all types of businesses, including cafes and shops to taxis, market stalls, and salons.
What are the advantages of accepting card payments?
Accepting card payments has many benefits, including:
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Increased sales opportunities
Customers often spend more when using cards, and offering card payments removes a potential barrier to purchase.
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Better cash flow
Funds are typically deposited into your bank account within a few business days, providing quicker access to money compared to waiting for cheques to clear.
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Less admin
Less time spent counting cash, handling change, and making bank deposits. Easier accounting with transactions being automatically recorded.
How to find the right card machine for your business
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Our partner, Tuza, will show you a range of card machines that are most suited to your needs
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Compare fees and features, and choose the right card machine for your business
What is Tuza?
Founded in September 2023, Tuza is an online platform that has helped over 20,000 small and medium businesses find and compare rate for card machines.
The platform is the UK's first payments comparison site tailored specifically to businesses using card terminals, and typically helps 89% customers save between £900 and £6,000 on fees when comparing providers such as Worldpay, Barclaycard, SumUp, and more.
What types of card machines are available for businesses?
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Mobile readers
Such as SumUp or Square: Small, app-connected, perfect for pop-ups or sole traders
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Portable terminals
E.g. PAX A50: Wireless, battery-powered; great for cafes and restaurants
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Countertop terminals
Including Ingenico Desk/5000: Plugged in, ideal for shops with fixed checkouts
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Smart terminals
E.g. PAX A920 or DX8000: Touchscreen, modern UX, often Android-based with built-in apps
What payment methods can I accept?
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Card-based
Including chip and pin and contactless payments on debit and credit cards
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Bank payments
From one bank to another, including recurring payments like bills or subscriptions
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Digital payments
Tap-to-pay transactions using Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
What should I look for when searching for a payment provider?
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Fees
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Variety of cards accepted
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Speed and performance
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Security
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Integration
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Customer support
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Contract terms
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Connectivity
Trusted Service Awards Winners
MoneySuperMarket has won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, an independent seal of excellence, which recognises businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch providers without changing my machine?
Yes — if your terminal is unlocked (like with Tuza), you can switch payment processors without buying new hardware. Most big providers lock devices to their systems.
How quickly do I receive payouts from card sales?
The standard payout time from card sales is 2 to 3 business days. Some providers, such as Barclaycard, Worldpay, or Natwest offer next-day payouts.
How do I find the cheapest card processing provider?
Use a comparison platform like Tuza to get tailored, pre-negotiated quotes from leading UK providers.
Do I need a business bank account to accept card payments?
Yes, most providers require a business bank account. You can compare our best business bank account deals here.
Do I need internet for my card machine?
Yes, most modern terminals need Wi-Fi or 4G. Some offer offline mode, which stores the transaction for when you later sync.
Can I use my phone as a card reader?
Yes, you can use your smartphone as a card reader by downloading a Tap to Pay or softPOS app like Square, SumUp, or Zettle by PayPal.
Do I need a phone line or mobile signal for card payments?
You do not need a traditional phone line; instead, a card payment device needs an internet connection via Wi-Fi, mobile data (cellular signal), or an Ethernet cable to process payments by communicating with processing networks.
Some modern card machines use a SIM card for mobile connectivity, while others connect to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth.
For contactless mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay, your phone doesn't need a signal to pay in-store, as the card details are stored locally on the device.
What information does Tuza need about my business?
To provide tailored quotes, Tuza asks for some basic business details such as your business name, industry, and estimated card turnover for the next 12 months. Your contact information is also needed so you can save your progress and return later if needed. Once you’ve chosen a card machine, onboarding can be completed entirely online. At that stage, Tuza may request additional details to meet standard financial checks, such as business ownership information and proof of identity.
Learn more about business finance
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Reviewed on 8 Dec 2025