UK Card Machine Providers Compared 2026: 10 Providers With Published Rates

LAST REVIEWED 2026-09-06

How was the table of card machine providers built?

The table below lists 10 providers with published rates as of 2026-09-06. Each provider's pricing page was checked for the headline in-person rate, monthly fee, contract length, settlement time, hardware cost and FCA authorisation type. Only figures published on that date are included; anything not shown is marked 'not published'. The aim is to give a like-for-like snapshot, not a recommendation.

To build the table, each provider's website was visited on the same day. The published rate was taken from the main pricing page, not from promotional material. Monthly fees were recorded as stated, including VAT where shown. Contract length was noted only if explicitly mentioned. Settlement times were taken from FAQ or help pages. Hardware costs were included if a specific price was given. FCA status was checked against the Financial Services Register. This method ensures the data is current and verifiable.

Readers should note that rates can change without notice. The table is a starting point for comparison. Always check the provider's own pricing page before making a decision. The table below is followed by a breakdown of each provider type.

Which card machine providers have no monthly fee?

SumUp, Zettle and Square all publish a monthly fee of £0. These are pay-as-you-go providers, meaning you pay only a transaction rate. SumUp charges 1.69%, while Zettle and Square charge 1.75%. No contract is required for these three. This makes them popular with low-volume sellers.

Barclaycard also offers £0 monthly fee for the first 12 months, but then reverts to £18 plus VAT. This is a promotional offer, not a permanent zero fee. The table above shows this clearly. For a business that expects to trade for more than a year, the ongoing fee should be factored in.

When comparing no-monthly-fee options, look at the transaction rate. A higher rate may offset the lack of a monthly fee for high-volume businesses. The difference is small but grows with volume. Always calculate your own monthly costs based on your average transaction value and volume.

What are the typical contract lengths for card machine providers?

Contract lengths vary widely. SumUp, Zettle and Square have no contract. takepayments requires a 12-month contract. Barclaycard requires an 18-month contract. Worldpay does not publish a contract length. The table above shows these differences. A longer contract may lock you in, but sometimes offers lower rates.

For a new business, a no-contract provider offers flexibility. You can switch if your needs change. For an established business, a longer contract might be acceptable if the rate is competitive. However, early termination fees can be high. Always read the terms before signing.

When comparing contracts, consider the notice period and any exit fees. Some providers auto-renew, so you must cancel in writing. The table above does not include these details, so check the provider's terms and conditions. A contract is a legal commitment, so take time to understand it.

How do settlement times differ among card machine providers?

Settlement times are published by six providers. SumUp pays out next day. Zettle pays within minutes to a PayPal Business account. Tide pays next business day. takepayments pays next working day. Barclaycard pays next day. Worldpay pays within 24 hours. The table above shows these times. Faster settlement can improve cash flow.

Zettle's within-minutes settlement is the fastest, but it requires a PayPal Business account. This may not suit all businesses. SumUp and Barclaycard offer next-day settlement, which is standard. Tide and takepayments pay next business day, meaning weekends and bank holidays can delay payment. Worldpay's 24 hours is similar.

When choosing a provider, consider your cash flow needs. If you need funds quickly, a faster settlement time is valuable. However, some providers may charge for faster payouts. The table above does not include any fees for faster settlement, so check the provider's terms. Settlement times are not guaranteed and can be affected by bank processing times.

What hardware costs are published by card machine providers?

Hardware costs vary. Zettle sells readers from £29 excluding VAT. Tide sells from £11 plus VAT. Barclaycard charges £29 plus VAT one-off. SumUp and Square do not publish hardware costs. The table above shows these figures. Some providers offer free hardware with a contract, but this is not always the case.

For a mobile reader, Zettle's £29 is competitive. Tide's £11 is lower, but the monthly fee is £2.99 plus VAT. Barclaycard's £29 is a one-off, but the monthly fee after 12 months is £18 plus VAT. SumUp and Square may offer hardware at a cost, but it is not published on their pricing pages.

When comparing hardware, consider the total cost of ownership. A cheap reader may have a higher transaction rate. A more expensive reader may come with a lower rate. The table above does not include all hardware options, such as countertop terminals. Check the provider's website for the full range. Always factor in the cost of accessories like stands and chargers.

Which providers are FCA authorised as payment institutions?

All 10 providers in the table are authorised by the FCA, but the type of authorisation varies. SumUp, Zettle, Square, Tide, takepayments, Barclaycard, Worldpay, Dojo, Teya and Elavon are all on the Financial Services Register. The table above does not list the specific authorisation type, but it is available on the FCA website.

Being FCA authorised means the provider must follow certain rules, such as safeguarding customer funds. This is important for your protection. Some providers are authorised as payment institutions, while others are agents of authorised firms. The difference is in the level of oversight.

To check a provider's FCA status, search the Financial Services Register using the firm's name. The register will show the firm's reference number and what activities it is authorised for. This is a useful due diligence step. The table above was compiled from the register on 2026-09-06. Always verify the status yourself before signing a contract.

What does the headline rate not tell you about card machine costs?

The headline rate is only part of the cost. For example, SumUp's 1.69% seems low, but there may be additional fees for chargebacks or refunds. Zettle and Square charge 1.75%, but they may have hidden costs. The table above shows only the published rate, not the full fee schedule.

Other costs can include a monthly fee, as with Tide's £2.99 plus VAT, or a per-terminal fee like Worldpay's £20.00. There may also be setup fees, PCI compliance fees, or early termination fees. The table above does not include these. Always read the full terms and conditions.

To get a true comparison, calculate your total monthly cost based on your expected transaction volume. Add any monthly fee to get the total. The table above is a starting point, but you must dig deeper to avoid surprises.

How do pay-as-you-go providers compare to contract acquirers?

Pay-as-you-go providers like SumUp, Zettle and Square have no monthly fee and no contract. They charge a flat rate per transaction. Contract acquirers like Barclaycard and takepayments may offer lower rates but require a contract and often a monthly fee. The table above shows this trade-off.

For a low-volume business, pay-as-you-go is often cheaper. For a high-volume business, a contract might offer a lower rate, but the monthly fee could offset that. For example, Barclaycard's £0 for 12 months is attractive, but after that £18 plus VAT adds up. takepayments does not publish its rates, so you must request a quote.

When comparing, consider your average transaction value and volume. The table above helps you see the published figures, but you must do the maths.

What should a UK business check before choosing a card machine provider?

Before choosing, check the published rate, monthly fee, contract length, settlement time and hardware cost. The table above gives you these for 10 providers. Also check the FCA authorisation type and read the full terms. Look for hidden fees like chargebacks or early termination.

Consider your business's specific needs. If you are a mobile trader, a portable reader like Zettle's from £29 may suit. If you have a shop, a countertop terminal might be better. The table above does not cover all hardware types, so visit the provider's website. Check if the provider integrates with your accounting software.

Finally, read customer reviews and check the provider's financial stability. The table above is a snapshot, but the market changes. Always verify the current rates on the provider's pricing page. The table above was correct on 2026-09-06, but rates can change. Make an informed decision based on your own calculations.

Where can I find the latest card machine fees and rates?

The most reliable source is each provider's own pricing page. The table above was compiled from these pages on 2026-09-06. For example, SumUp Card Reader Fees UK: Rates, Hardware and Payout Times provides a detailed breakdown. Similarly, Zettle Card Reader Fees UK: Rates, Hardware and Payout Times and Square Card Reader Fees UK: Rates, Hardware and Payout Times offer in-depth analysis.

These guides explain the fees in context, including any hidden costs. They also show how to calculate your total cost. The table above is a summary, but the guides give more detail. Always cross-check the information with the provider's official website.

Rates can change without notice. The table above was accurate on 2026-09-06, but you should verify before making a decision. The guides are updated regularly, but they are not a substitute for checking the provider's terms. Use the table above as a starting point, then do your own research.

Glossary: card payment terms explained

Headline rate: The published percentage fee charged per transaction, before any other fees. For example, SumUp's 1.69% is the headline rate.

Monthly fee: A fixed charge paid every month for the card machine service, regardless of transaction volume. Some providers charge £0.

Contract length: The minimum period you must keep the service. It can be 12 months, 18 months, or no contract at all.

Settlement time: How long it takes for funds from card transactions to reach your bank account. It can be next day or within minutes.

Hardware cost: The price of the physical card reader device. It may be a one-off payment or included in a monthly fee.

FCA authorisation: Permission from the Financial Conduct Authority to operate as a payment institution, ensuring compliance with financial regulations.

Checklist: what to check on a fee statement or contract

• Check the published headline rate on the provider's pricing page.
• Verify if there is a monthly fee and how much it is.
• Confirm the contract length and any early termination fees.
• Ask about settlement times and if faster payouts cost extra.
• Compare hardware costs, including any one-off or monthly charges.
• Look up the provider's FCA authorisation on the Financial Services Register.

Each item above maps to a line that must appear in the PSR summary box or the contract schedule, so a missing entry is itself a question for the provider.

Frequently asked questions

Which card machine has no monthly fee?

SumUp, Zettle and Square all publish a monthly fee of £0. These are pay-as-you-go providers, meaning you pay only a transaction rate. SumUp charges 1.69%, while Zettle and Square charge 1.75%. Barclaycard also offers £0 for the first 12 months, but then charges £18 plus VAT per month. For a business that wants no ongoing fixed costs, SumUp, Zettle or Square are the clear options. However, always check the transaction rate, as a higher rate can offset the lack of a monthly fee for high-volume businesses.

Which providers pay out next day?

SumUp, Barclaycard and takepayments all publish next-day settlement. Zettle pays within minutes to a PayPal Business account, which is faster but requires a PayPal account. Tide pays next business day, meaning weekends and bank holidays can delay payment. Worldpay pays within 24 hours. The table above shows these settlement times as published on 2026-09-06. If you need funds quickly, Zettle's within-minutes option is the fastest, but it may not suit all businesses. Always check the provider's terms for any settlement fees.

Are all card machine providers FCA regulated?

Yes, all 10 providers in the table are authorised by the FCA. This includes SumUp, Zettle, Square, Tide, takepayments, Barclaycard, Worldpay, Dojo, Teya and Elavon. However, the type of authorisation may differ. Some are authorised as payment institutions, while others are agents of authorised firms. You can check the specific authorisation on the Financial Services Register. FCA regulation ensures that providers follow rules on safeguarding customer funds and other protections. Always verify a provider's FCA status before signing a contract.

Is a bank card machine cheaper?

Bank-owned providers like Barclaycard and Worldpay often have customised pricing, so their published rates are not always available. Barclaycard offers £0 monthly fee for 12 months, then £18 plus VAT, with a 1.75% rate not published. Worldpay charges £20.00 per terminal monthly, with rates not published. In contrast, pay-as-you-go providers like SumUp publish a flat 1.69% with no monthly fee. For a small business, a bank provider may not be cheaper due to monthly fees. However, for high-volume businesses, negotiated rates might be lower. Compare your expected volume to decide.

How often do providers change published rates?

Providers can change their published rates at any time. The table above was compiled on 2026-09-06, but rates may have changed since. For example, SumUp's 1.69% and Zettle's 1.75% are current as of that date, but they could be updated. It is advisable to check the provider's pricing page regularly or before signing a contract. Some providers may also offer promotional rates for new customers, which revert to standard rates after a period. Always read the terms to understand how long a rate is guaranteed.