Card payments for small businesses
Card payments for small businesses
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Card payments for small businesses
What payment options are there for small businesses?
If you want to take card payments, there are three main ways to do it:
In person, using a card machine or terminal. This could be a countertop terminal, a portable version using Bluetooth (useful for companies like restaurants that offer payment at tables) or a mobile app-based card reader
Online using a payment gateway on your website
Over the phone with a virtual terminal in an online portal
How much does it cost for a payment machine?
You can either buy a machine or rent it as part of your contract from your merchant account provider.
The cheapest card machines are app-based, connecting to your smartphone or tablet, and can cost as little as £19.
Hiring a terminal can be a good option for more expensive card machines. You’ll sign into a contract (that could last 12 months or more) and usually pay a monthly fee for the length of the contract.
When choosing how you want to process card payments, always consider any fees that you’ll be charged on top of the payment machine cost. This will help you get the full picture of how much you’ll be paying each month and can help you compare options easily.
What fees will I need to pay to accept cards?
Depending on the merchant account and card reader you opt for, fees can include:
Set-up fees to install your merchant account facilities
Fee per transaction on every credit card or debit card purchase you take
Authorisation fees on every transaction
Terminal rental or purchase fees
Monthly or annual fees if your transactions fall below a certain level
Chargeback fees – an administration charge if a customer requests a chargeback
Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance charge. This pays for assistance in helping you be PCI compliant, keeping customer data secure and preventing fraudulent transactions
How do I know which card terminals are right for my business?
The best card machine for your business depends on how and where you trade. Portable card machines are ideal for businesses that operate on the move, while countertop terminals and EPOS systems are often better suited to shops, salons, restaurants, and other fixed locations.
You should also consider connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, mobile data, or a combination of both. Choosing the right connection helps ensure reliable payments and reduces the risk of missed sales due to poor signal or downtime.
Card payments for small businesses
What payment options are there for small businesses?
If you want to take card payments, there are three main ways to do it:
In person, using a card machine or terminal. This could be a countertop terminal, a portable version using Bluetooth (useful for companies like restaurants that offer payment at tables) or a mobile app-based card reader
Online using a payment gateway on your website
Over the phone with a virtual terminal in an online portal
What fees will I need to pay to accept cards?
Depending on the merchant account and card reader you opt for, fees can include:
Set-up fees to install your merchant account facilities
Fee per transaction on every credit card or debit card purchase you take
Authorisation fees on every transaction
Terminal rental or purchase fees
Monthly or annual fees if your transactions fall below a certain level
Chargeback fees – an administration charge if a customer requests a chargeback
Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance charge. This pays for assistance in helping you be PCI compliant, keeping customer data secure and preventing fraudulent transactions
How much does it cost for a payment machine?
You can either buy a machine or rent it as part of your contract from your merchant account provider.
The cheapest card machines are app-based, connecting to your smartphone or tablet, and can cost as little as £19.
Hiring a terminal can be a good option for more expensive card machines. You’ll sign into a contract (that could last 12 months or more) and usually pay a monthly fee for the length of the contract.
When choosing how you want to process card payments, always consider any fees that you’ll be charged on top of the payment machine cost. This will help you get the full picture of how much you’ll be paying each month and can help you compare options easily.
How do I know which card terminals are right for my business?
The best card machine for your business depends on how and where you trade. Portable card machines are ideal for businesses that operate on the move, while countertop terminals and EPOS systems are often better suited to shops, salons, restaurants, and other fixed locations. You should also consider connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, mobile data, or a combination of both. Choosing the right connection helps ensure reliable payments and reduces the risk of missed sales due to poor signal or downtime.
Terminal
Effortlessly manage payments and orders with this compact, all-in-one device. With a built-in receipt printer, intuitive touchscreen and powerful POS features, it has everything you need to run your business smoothly. No rental fees, contracts or monthly minimums.
Auto-catalogue your products, take orders tableside, get paid, print receipts and keep an eye on stock - all from one powerful handheld POS with tough Corning® Gorilla® Glass screen
Dual WiFi and free 4G connectivity that automatically switches to the strongest network available
Comes with all-day battery and a built-in receipt printer
POS
Run your business smoothly with a fast, reliable POS system featuring a customer display, built-in payments, order management, stock tracking, loyalty programmes, and much more
Simply connect to WiFi, and it's ready to use right out of the box
Comes with free POS software and integrated contactless payments on the customer display
What services can you compare?
You can compare a wide range of retail merchant services, including:
Simple card readers for straightforward payments
Portable card machines for mobile businesses
Countertop terminals for fixed locations
Full retail POS systems and EPOS systems with reporting and stock management.
This flexibility means you can find a setup that fits your business – whether you’re a market trader, café owner or retailer.
Terminal
Effortlessly manage payments and orders with this compact, all-in-one device. With a built-in receipt printer, intuitive touchscreen and powerful POS features, it has everything you need to run your business smoothly. No rental fees, contracts or monthly minimums.
Auto-catalogue your products, take orders tableside, get paid, print receipts and keep an eye on stock - all from one powerful handheld POS with tough Corning® Gorilla® Glass screen
Dual WiFi and free 4G connectivity that automatically switches to the strongest network available
Comes with all-day battery and a built-in receipt printer
POS
Run your business smoothly with a fast, reliable POS system featuring a customer display, built-in payments, order management, stock tracking, loyalty programmes, and much more
Simply connect to WiFi, and it's ready to use right out of the box
Comes with free POS software and integrated contactless payments on the customer display
What services can you compare?
You can compare a wide range of retail merchant services, including:
Simple card readers for straightforward payments
Portable card machines for mobile businesses
Countertop terminals for fixed locations
Full retail POS systems and EPOS systems with reporting and stock management.
This flexibility means you can find a setup that fits your business – whether you’re a market trader, café owner or retailer.
Let’s get your business buzzing with better deals.
Get quick, tailored quotes from trusted providers and switch with confidence.
Let’s get your business buzzing with better deals.
Get quick, tailored quotes from trusted providers and switch with confidence.
Let’s get your business buzzing with better deals.
Get quick, tailored quotes from trusted providers and switch with confidence.