In today’s increasingly cashless economy, having the right card payment technology is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. For business leaders, choosing the best card reader can mean the difference between seamless transactions and frustrating bottlenecks.
With a range of options available, from mobile to countertop devices, it’s crucial to select a solution that aligns with your business needs, optimises cash flow, and enhances customer experience.
Here, we break down the top card reader providers to help you make an informed decision.
Tide Card Reader
Device Cost: £79 + VAT (one-off payment)
Transaction Fee: 1.50%
Key Features:
- Lifetime free 4G connectivity (worth £5/month)
- Accepts Contactless, Chip & PIN, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay
- No monthly contracts
The Tide Card Reader is designed for businesses that value flexibility and convenience. Whether you’re operating in-store or on-the-go, this sleek, compact device ensures seamless payments anytime, anywhere.
Tide’s card reader is particularly appealing for small businesses and pop-up ventures, thanks to its portability and lack of ongoing fees. Plus, Tide is currently offering a £200 cash reward and no fees on payments under £10 for the first 90 days for new customers.
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TakePayments
Device Cost: From £7.50 + VAT (rental) or £25 + VAT/month (18-month contract)
Transaction Fee: 0.3%-2.5% (based on turnover)
Key Features:
- Speedy 4G and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Real-time inventory tracking and detailed transaction reporting
- Customisable dashboard for remote business management
- Accepts all major payment types, including Amex and Diners Club
TakePayments, a UK-based provider with over 30 years of experience, offers a range of card readers and POS systems tailored to businesses of all sizes.
TakePayments stands out for its flexibility, offering shorter contract lengths and no setup or exit fees. Its proprietary EPOS system, tPOS, provides advanced features like product management, split payments, and enhanced reporting, making it ideal for businesses looking to scale.
Square Reader
Device Cost: £19 + VAT
Transaction Fee: 1.75%
Key Features:
- All-day battery life and lightweight design (just 56g)
- Accepts Chip & PIN, contactless, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
- Funds deposited the next business day
- Free app for sales monitoring and management
Square has become synonymous with simplicity and affordability, making it a favourite among small businesses and startups.
Square’s low upfront cost and intuitive design make it an excellent choice for businesses with limited budgets. Its app also offers specialised dashboards for restaurants, retail, and appointment-based businesses, such as salons or spas. For businesses processing over £200,000 annually, Square offers reduced transaction fees, adding even more value.
Airwallex
Device Cost: N/A (Software-based solution)
Transaction Fees: UK cards 1.30% + £0.20, EEA Cards 2.40% + £0.20, international cards 3.15% + £0.20, local payment methods: £0.20 + payment method fee
Key Features:
- Accept payments in 180+ countries with local payment methods
- Like-for-like settlement to eliminate FX conversion fees
- AI-powered fraud prevention and smart 3DS optimisation
- Multi-currency accounts and global payout network
- Integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, Xero, and more
Airwallex is a modern payments platform designed to help businesses of all sizes—from eCommerce stores to online marketplaces—expand globally, reduce costs, and protect revenue. With its robust suite of tools, Airwallex enables businesses to accept payments in multiple currencies, optimise acceptance rates, and streamline cross-border transactions.
Airwallex is ideal for businesses looking to grow internationally while minimising costs and maximising efficiency. Its no-code to fully customisable integration options—including payment links, plugins, and APIs—make it easy to start accepting payments globally.
SumUp Air
Device Cost: £34 (one-off payment)
Transaction Fee: 0.99% (subscription) or 1.69% (pay-as-you-go)
Key Features:
- 500 transactions per charge (12-hour battery life)
- Accepts contactless, Chip & PIN, and mobile payments
- Payments settled in one day
- Email and SMS receipts
SumUp Air is a popular choice for small businesses thanks to its practicality and competitive pricing.
SumUp Air is perfect for businesses that need a reliable, portable card reader without the hassle of long-term contracts. Its pay-as-you-go option is particularly appealing for startups, while the subscription model offers even lower fees for high-volume businesses.
Tyl by NatWest (Clover Flex)
Device Cost: £16.99/month + VAT
Transaction Fee: 1.39%-1.99% + 5p
Key Features:
- Integrated inventory and customer management
- Access to 150+ business management apps
- Payments settled within one business day
For growing businesses that need more than just a card reader, Tyl by NatWest’s Clover Flex offers a comprehensive POS system.
Clover Flex is ideal for businesses scaling quickly, as it combines payment processing with advanced business management tools. Its app integrations allow you to handle promotions, employee scheduling, and inventory tracking, making it a versatile choice for retailers, restaurants, and service providers.
Choosing the Right Card Reader for Your Business
When selecting a card reader, consider the following factors:
- Portability: Mobile readers like Tide and Square are ideal for businesses on the move, while countertop systems suit fixed locations.
- Fees: Compare transaction fees and device costs to find a solution that fits your budget.
- Features: Look for additional functionalities like inventory management, customisable dashboards, and app integrations.
- Scalability: Choose a provider that can grow with your business, such as Tyl by NatWest or TakePayments.
Conclusion
Investing in the right card reader technology is a strategic move that can streamline operations, improve cash flow, and enhance customer satisfaction. Whether you prioritise affordability (Square), mobility (Tide), customisation (TakePayments), or scalability (Tyl by NatWest), there’s a solution tailored to your business needs.
Don’t let outdated technology hold your business back. Embrace the future of payments with a card reader that works as hard as you do.
See also: The future of payments technology – Consumers demand speed, convenience and security when it comes to payments, which puts technology in the driving seat
