| Business Payments |
The lowest published UK mobile reader hardware price on publish day is £29, with pay-as-you-go rates attached. These readers depend on a phone app and Bluetooth connection, and battery life limits usage. Providers include Zettle and Barclaycard at this price point.
Mobile card readers for small businesses in 2026 start from £29 for hardware, with pay-as-you-go transaction rates, but they rely on a phone app and Bluetooth, and battery life is limited.
KEY FACTS
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LAST REVIEWED 2026-09-06
How do mobile card readers work for a small business?
Mobile card readers are pocket-sized devices that connect to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. They work with a companion app that turns the phone into a payment terminal. The reader captures the card details and communicates with the app, which processes the transaction over the internet or mobile data.
For a small business, this means accepting card payments anywhere, from market stalls to home visits. The reader itself does not have a screen or keypad; all input happens on the phone. The phone must have the app installed and be charged, and the reader must be paired via Bluetooth. If the phone loses signal, the transaction may fail unless the app supports offline mode, which is rare.
Battery life is a key constraint. Most readers have a rechargeable battery that lasts for a day of moderate use, but heavy use can drain it faster. Bluetooth range is typically up to 10 metres, but obstacles can reduce that. The reader must stay within range of the phone during the transaction.
Security is handled by encryption between the reader and the app, and the reader is PCI-DSS compliant. However, the phone itself must be kept secure with updates and strong passwords. The table below shows published hardware costs and monthly fees for popular providers.
What are the hardware prices for mobile card readers in the UK?
Published hardware prices vary by provider. The lowest published price is £29 for Zettle and Barclaycard readers, excluding VAT for Zettle and including VAT for Barclaycard. Tide offers a reader from £11 plus VAT, but that is a promotional price. SumUp and Square do not publish hardware prices, so they are listed as not published.
Monthly fees also differ. SumUp, Zettle, and Square charge no monthly fee, while Tide charges £2.99 plus VAT, and Barclaycard charges £0 for the first 12 months, then £18 plus VAT. Worldpay charges £20.00 per terminal per month. These fees affect the total cost of ownership.
For a small business, the initial outlay is low, but the transaction rates matter more over time. The table below summarises the published figures. Note that some providers do not publish hardware costs, so you must contact them for a quote.
When comparing, consider the total cost over a year, including hardware, monthly fees, and transaction rates. A reader with no monthly fee but a higher transaction rate may cost more for high-volume businesses.
| 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 the pay-as-you-go transaction rates for mobile readers?
Pay-as-you-go rates are the percentage fees charged per transaction. SumUp charges 1.69%, while Zettle and Square charge 1.75%. Tide and Worldpay do not publish their percentage rates, so they are not listed. These rates apply to most card transactions, but some cards like American Express may incur higher fees.
For a monthly turnover of £2,000, SumUp would charge £33.8, Zettle and Square would charge £35 each. At £10,000, SumUp charges £169, Zettle and Square charge £175. At £40,000, SumUp charges £676, Zettle and Square charge £700. These figures are shown in the table below.
The difference between 1.69% and 1.75% is small, but for high turnover it adds up. However, other factors like settlement times and hardware costs may influence the choice.
Businesses should estimate their average transaction value and monthly volume to compare total costs. Fixed-fee providers like Tide and Worldpay may be cheaper for very high volumes, but their rates are not published, so a direct comparison is not possible.
How do mobile readers handle receipts and tips?
Mobile readers typically send digital receipts via email or SMS, and some apps allow printing via a separate Bluetooth printer. Paper receipts are not printed by the reader itself. Tips can be added on the phone app before the transaction is completed, either as a percentage or a fixed amount.
For small businesses like coffee shops or hair salons, tipping is common. The app allows the customer to select a tip amount on the phone screen, which is then included in the total. The reader does not have a screen, so the customer sees the tip options on the merchant's phone.
Receipts are important for customer records and for business accounting. Digital receipts are automatically stored in the app, and some providers offer integration with accounting software. This reduces paperwork and helps with tax returns.
If a customer requests a paper receipt, the business may need a separate thermal printer, which adds cost. Some providers offer integrated receipt options, but these are not standard with basic mobile readers.
What are the battery and Bluetooth limits of mobile readers?
Mobile readers rely on a rechargeable battery, typically lasting a full day of moderate use. Heavy use, such as continuous transactions, can drain the battery faster. Bluetooth range is typically up to 10 metres, but walls and interference can reduce that. The reader must stay within range of the phone during the transaction.
Battery life is not published by most providers, so it is difficult to compare. The phone's battery also depletes as it powers the app and Bluetooth.
For events or busy days, carrying a power bank for both the reader and phone is advisable. Some readers have a standby mode to save battery, but they need to be awake to accept payments.
Bluetooth connectivity can be affected by other devices, so keeping the phone and reader close is essential. If the connection drops, the transaction may fail, and the customer may be charged twice. Always check the connection before starting a transaction.
When should a small business upgrade from a mobile reader?
Upgrading from a mobile reader makes sense when the business grows beyond a few transactions per day. Mobile readers are designed for low to medium volumes, typically up to 100 transactions per day. If the business processes more, a countertop or smart terminal may be more efficient.
Signs that an upgrade is needed include frequent battery issues, slow transaction times, or the need for printed receipts. A portable or countertop terminal offers faster chip and PIN processing, a built-in printer, and a longer battery life. These devices also do not depend on a phone, reducing the risk of connectivity issues.
Cost is a factor. Countertop terminals often have higher upfront costs or monthly fees, but they may offer lower transaction rates for high volumes. For example, a business processing £40,000 per month might pay £700 in fees with a mobile reader at 1.75%, but a countertop terminal with a lower rate could save money.
Businesses should review their monthly turnover and transaction count. If the mobile reader is used for more than 50 transactions a day, consider a dedicated terminal. The table below shows the monthly fee costs at published rates for comparison.
| 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 |
Glossary: card payment terms explained
Pay-as-you-go rate: A percentage fee charged per transaction, with no monthly subscription. For example, 1.75% of the transaction amount.
Bluetooth: A wireless technology used to connect the mobile reader to a phone, typically within a range of 10 metres.
Settlement: The time it takes for funds from card transactions to reach the business's bank account, often next day.
PCI-DSS: Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, a set of security requirements for handling card data.
SoftPOS: Software-based point of sale that turns a phone into a card terminal using NFC, without a separate reader.
Countertop terminal: A fixed card machine for retail counters, with a screen, keypad, and often a printer, connected via broadband or Wi-Fi.
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
Do I need a phone for a mobile reader?
Yes, a mobile reader requires a smartphone or tablet with the provider's app installed. The reader connects via Bluetooth and has no screen or keypad. The phone processes the transaction and displays the amount. Without a phone, the reader cannot function. Some providers offer standalone terminals, but those are not mobile readers. For a small business, using a phone is convenient, but it means the phone battery and signal are critical. If the phone dies or loses signal, you cannot take payments.
How much is a card reader?
The lowest published hardware price for a mobile card reader in the UK is £29, for Zettle and Barclaycard readers. Tide offers a reader from £11 plus VAT, but that may be a promotional price. SumUp and Square do not publish hardware prices, so you must contact them. Some providers offer free readers with a monthly subscription, but that is not common for pay-as-you-go. Always check if the price includes VAT and if there are any delivery charges.
Can I take payments with no signal?
Most mobile readers require an internet connection on the phone to process transactions. If you have no mobile data or Wi-Fi, you cannot take payments. Some providers offer offline mode, which stores transactions and processes them later, but this is not standard. Offline mode may also have a delay in settlement and a higher risk of fraud. For events in remote areas, consider a device with built-in SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. Always check the provider's policy on offline payments.
Do mobile readers print receipts?
Mobile readers do not print receipts. They send digital receipts via email or SMS, which the customer can access on their phone. If you need paper receipts, you must buy a separate Bluetooth printer that connects to the app. Some providers offer integrated receipt options, but these are not standard. For businesses that require paper receipts for legal reasons, such as some service industries, a printer is an additional cost. Digital receipts are eco-friendly and easier to store.
Is a mobile reader secure?
Yes, mobile readers are secure if used correctly. They encrypt card data and are PCI-DSS compliant. The reader itself is tamper-resistant, and the app uses secure connections. However, the phone must be kept secure with updates and strong passwords. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for transactions. Also, ensure the reader is from a reputable provider and that you follow the setup instructions. Regularly check for software updates to maintain security.
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