What types of card machine are available?

Countertop terminals are fixed to a desk or counter and connect via broadband — ideal for retail and restaurants with a fixed payment point. Portable terminals connect via WiFi and can be taken anywhere in the premises — ideal for table-service hospitality. Mobile card readers connect via 4G and work anywhere with a mobile signal — ideal for tradespeople, market traders, and delivery businesses.

What fees should I look out for?

Key fees to compare include: transaction rates (typically 0.3%–2.5% depending on card type and provider), monthly rental or software fees, minimum monthly service charges, PCI DSS compliance fees, and chargeback handling fees. Some providers advertise low headline rates but recover margin through ancillary charges — always ask for a total cost analysis based on your actual transaction profile.

How long does it take to get set up?

Most card machine providers can have you set up and processing payments within 3–7 working days. The main steps are: merchant account application and underwriting, terminal delivery and configuration, and testing. Your provider manages most of this — you primarily need to complete the application and provide business documentation.

What is PCI DSS compliance?

PCI DSS is the security standard any business accepting card payments must comply with. For most small businesses, compliance is achieved through an annual self-assessment questionnaire. Your payment provider will guide you through the process. Non-compliance can result in fines and increased transaction fees.

Can I accept contactless and mobile wallet payments?

Yes — all modern card machines support contactless payments (up to £100 per transaction) and mobile wallets including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. These payment methods are increasingly preferred by customers and significantly speed up transaction times.

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What?

What are card payment machines?

Card payment machines (also called PDQ terminals or credit card machines) are the hardware that allows businesses to accept debit and credit card payments — via chip and PIN, contactless, and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Modern card machines connect wirelessly or via broadband to payment processors and come in three main formats: countertop (fixed, ideal for retail and restaurants), portable (move around the premises), and mobile (for businesses on the move). Leading providers include Worldpay, Square, SumUp, iZettle by PayPal, and Paymentsense.

Why?

Why should businesses compare card payment machine providers?

Card processing fees have a direct impact on your bottom line — yet most businesses accept the first offer they receive and never review the market. Transaction rates, monthly fees, terminal rental costs, and contract terms all vary significantly between providers. A business processing £150,000 per year in card payments can typically save £500–£2,000 annually by switching to a more competitive provider or renegotiating existing rates.

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Tell us about your business — your monthly card turnover, average transaction value, the type of terminal you need, and your current provider. This gives specialists what they need to compare options and quantify potential savings.

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We connect you with card payment specialists who analyse your processing costs and provide transparent quotes from multiple providers. You see exactly how much you could save before committing.

Switch and start saving on every card transaction

Choose the right provider and they manage the setup — including new terminals and merchant account configuration. Many switches complete within 5–10 working days.

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