| Business Payments |
Countertop and portable terminals typically rent from £20.00 per month, with some providers offering free hardware on pay-as-you-go. Ethernet suits fixed tills, while Wi-Fi and 4G offer flexibility. Rental contracts often cap at 18 months, after which you may own the device or continue at a reduced rate.
KEY FACTS
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LAST REVIEWED 2026-09-06
What is a countertop terminal?
A countertop terminal is a fixed payment device designed to sit on a checkout counter, connected via Ethernet or phone line. It typically has a built-in printer and is powered by mains electricity, making it ideal for retail shops, restaurants, and other businesses where customers pay at a till.
Countertop terminals are usually rented from providers like Barclaycard or Worldpay, with monthly fees starting around £20.00. Some providers offer free hardware on pay-as-you-go plans, but these often come with higher transaction fees. For example, SumUp charges no monthly fee but takes 1.69% per transaction, while Zettle charges 1.75%.
When choosing a countertop terminal, consider the volume of transactions. If you process over £2,000 per month, a fixed monthly fee might be more cost-effective than a percentage fee. The table below shows how fees compare at different turnover levels.
What are portable terminals?
Portable terminals are wireless devices that allow staff to take payments anywhere within a venue, such as restaurant tables or shop floors. They connect via Wi-Fi or 4G, and often have a battery life of several hours. They are distinct from mobile card readers that pair with a smartphone.
Portable terminals are typically rented at a similar price to countertop models, with monthly fees around £20.00. Some providers offer them on pay-as-you-go with no upfront cost, but transaction fees apply. For instance, Tide charges a fixed monthly fee of £2.99 plus a per-transaction cost, while Worldpay charges £20.00 per terminal monthly.
When comparing portable terminals, check the battery life, range, and whether the device includes a SIM card for 4G connectivity. Some models require a separate SIM plan, which can add to the monthly cost.
| Provider | Hardware cost | Monthly fee | Settlement | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SumUp | not published | £0 | next day | source |
| Zettle | from £29 excl. VAT | £0 | within minutes to PayPal Business account | source |
| Square | not published | £0 | not published | source |
| Tide | from £11 + VAT | £2.99 + VAT | next business day | source |
| Barclaycard | £29 + VAT one-off | £0 for 12 months, then £18 + VAT | next day | source |
| Worldpay | not published | £20.00 per terminal | 24 hours | source |
What are smart Android terminals?
Smart Android terminals are advanced payment devices that run on the Android operating system, allowing you to install apps for payments, inventory, and customer management. They combine the functionality of a countertop terminal with the flexibility of a tablet, often featuring a touchscreen.
These terminals are typically more expensive than traditional models, with hardware costs ranging from £29 to several hundred pounds. Monthly fees may be lower or zero on pay-as-you-go plans, but transaction fees apply. For example, Zettle offers a smart terminal for £29, with no monthly fee but a 1.75% transaction rate.
Smart terminals are ideal for businesses that want to integrate payments with EPOS systems or use loyalty apps. They can replace separate card machines and tills, reducing hardware clutter. However, they may require a stable Wi-Fi connection and regular software updates.
How does connectivity affect terminal choice?
Connectivity determines how your terminal sends payment data. Ethernet provides a stable, wired connection, ideal for fixed countertop terminals. Wi-Fi offers flexibility within a venue, while 4G allows payments anywhere with mobile coverage. Some portable terminals use 4G to work outdoors or at events.
For fixed-till businesses, Ethernet is often preferred for reliability. However, if you have multiple tills or need to move terminals, Wi-Fi or 4G may be better. Portable terminals typically use Wi-Fi or 4G, and some models switch between both.
When choosing connectivity, consider your venue's layout and internet reliability. If your Wi-Fi is weak, a 4G terminal might be more dependable, but it may incur extra costs for a SIM plan. Some providers include a SIM in the rental fee, while others charge separately.
Should you rent or buy a terminal?
Renting a terminal involves a monthly fee, often around £20.00, which may include maintenance and support. Buying a terminal upfront can be cheaper in the long run, but you are responsible for repairs and replacements. Pay-as-you-go plans often provide free hardware but charge higher transaction fees.
For example, Barclaycard offers a terminal for £29 one-off, with no monthly fee for 12 months, then £18 per month. Worldpay charges £20.00 per month with no upfront cost. SumUp and Zettle offer free hardware on pay-as-you-go, but their transaction fees are 1.69% and 1.75% respectively.
To decide, estimate your monthly card turnover. If you process £2,000 per month, a percentage fee of 1.75% costs £35, while a fixed fee of £20.00 might be cheaper. However, fixed-fee providers may also charge a per-transaction rate, so compare total costs.
How do terminals integrate with EPOS systems?
EPOS integration allows your card terminal to communicate with your till system, automatically updating sales records and stock levels. This reduces manual errors and speeds up checkout. Many modern terminals, especially smart Android ones, support integration with popular EPOS software.
For example, a smart terminal can run an EPOS app directly, eliminating the need for a separate till. Traditional countertop terminals may require a physical connection to an EPOS system via a serial port or network. Some providers offer SDKs for custom integration.
When choosing a terminal, check if it is compatible with your existing EPOS. If you are starting fresh, consider an all-in-one smart terminal that combines payments and EPOS. This can reduce hardware costs and simplify training.
| Monthly card turnover | SumUp at 1.69% | Zettle at 1.75% | Square at 1.75% | Tide | Worldpay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £2,000 | £33.8 | £35 | £35 | £2.99 + VAT fixed, rate not published | £20.00 fixed, rate not published |
| £10,000 | £169 | £175 | £175 | £2.99 + VAT fixed, rate not published | £20.00 fixed, rate not published |
| £40,000 | £676 | £700 | £700 | £2.99 + VAT fixed, rate not published | £20.00 fixed, rate not published |
What are common terminal models in 2026?
Portable options include the PAX S900 and the Verifone X990. These models vary in features, such as screen size, battery life, and connectivity options.
Providers often offer specific models. For instance, Zettle sells the Zettle Terminal, a smart device, while Barclaycard offers the Ingenico APOS A8. Worldpay provides various models depending on your needs.
When comparing models, consider the total cost of ownership, including transaction fees and any monthly rental. The table below shows published fees for popular providers, but always check the latest pricing on their websites.
How do transaction fees compare across providers?
Transaction fees vary by provider and plan. Pay-as-you-go providers like SumUp and Zettle charge a percentage fee per transaction, typically 1.69% and 1.75% respectively. Fixed-fee providers like Tide and Worldpay charge a monthly fee, but their per-transaction rates are not published.
The table below illustrates monthly costs at different turnover levels. For £2,000 turnover, SumUp charges £33.8, Zettle £35, and Square £35. For £10,000, these rise to £169, £175, and £175. At £40,000, they are £676, £700, and £700. Fixed-fee providers may be cheaper for high volumes, but you need to know their transaction rates.
When comparing, calculate your total monthly cost based on your average transaction value and volume. Also consider any hidden fees, such as chargebacks or PCI compliance.
What should you check in a terminal contract?
Before signing a contract, check the length of the term, early termination fees, and whether the hardware is included or rented. Some contracts last 18 months, after which you may own the device or continue at a reduced rate. Also, check if maintenance and support are included.
Look for any additional costs, such as SIM card fees, paper rolls, or PCI compliance charges. Some providers charge for paper receipts, while others include them. Also, verify the settlement time for funds, which can range from next day to several days.
Finally, compare the total cost over the contract period, including all fees and transaction charges. Use the tables above to estimate your monthly costs and choose the most cost-effective option for your business.
Glossary: card payment terms explained
Countertop terminal: A fixed payment device that sits on a checkout counter, typically connected via Ethernet and powered by mains electricity, with a built-in printer.
Smart Android terminal: A payment device running on the Android operating system, allowing installation of apps for payments, EPOS, and other business functions.
Pay-as-you-go: A pricing model where you pay no monthly fee but are charged a percentage per transaction, often with free hardware provided.
Monthly rental: A pricing model where you pay a fixed monthly fee for the terminal, which may include maintenance and support, often with a contract term.
EPOS integration: The connection between a card terminal and an electronic point of sale system, allowing automatic updates of sales and stock data.
Disclaimer. This guide is editorial information drawn from primary sources. It is not financial, legal or tax advice and does not recommend any provider. Figures are those published by the named sources on the review date and may change. Kael Tripton Ltd receives no commission, referral fee or lead payment from any provider named on this page. |
Frequently asked questions
What is a countertop terminal?
A countertop terminal is a fixed payment device designed for checkout counters. It connects via Ethernet or phone line, has a built-in printer, and is powered by mains electricity. It is ideal for retail shops, restaurants, and other businesses where customers pay at a till. Countertop terminals are often rented, with monthly fees starting around £20.00, but some providers offer free hardware on pay-as-you-go plans.
Do portable terminals need Wi-Fi?
Portable terminals can use Wi-Fi or 4G connectivity. Some models support both, allowing you to switch based on availability. If you have reliable Wi-Fi in your venue, you can use that to avoid SIM costs. However, if you need to take payments outdoors or in areas with poor Wi-Fi, a 4G-enabled terminal is better. Check if the provider includes a SIM card in the rental fee or charges extra.
Can I buy a terminal instead of renting?
Yes, many providers allow you to purchase a terminal outright. For example, Zettle sells terminals from £29, and Barclaycard offers a one-off cost of £29. Buying upfront can be cheaper in the long run if you keep the terminal for several years, but you are responsible for maintenance. Pay-as-you-go plans often provide free hardware, but you pay higher transaction fees.
Does rental include a SIM?
It depends on the provider. Some include a SIM card in the monthly rental fee, while others charge extra. For example, Worldpay's £20.00 monthly fee may include a SIM, but you should check the contract. If you need 4G connectivity, confirm whether the SIM is provided and if there are any data limits or additional costs.
What is EPOS integration?
EPOS integration connects your card terminal to your electronic point of sale system, allowing automatic updates of sales data, stock levels, and customer information. This reduces manual entry and errors. Smart Android terminals can run EPOS apps directly, while traditional terminals may need a physical connection. Check compatibility with your existing EPOS before choosing a terminal.
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