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Prism Utilities Ltd
Card Machines · UK

Compare Card Machine Deals for UK Small Businesses

Card fees quietly eat into every sale. We compare card machine deals for UK small businesses — transaction rates, rental costs and the small print — so you keep more of what you earn. Free, no obligation.

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Card machine costs, explained

A card machine deal has three moving parts, and providers love to advertise only the flattering one. First, the device: buy it outright or rent it monthly. Second, the transaction fee — a percentage of every sale, which varies by your volume and the cards your customers use. Third, the extras: PCI compliance fees, minimum monthly charges, early termination fees.

That is why comparing on headline rate alone misleads. A 0.4% rate with a £25 monthly minimum can cost a quiet café more than a 1.5% pay-as-you-go reader. We model your actual takings against competing deals so the comparison reflects your till, not a brochure.

Transaction fees

The percentage taken per sale. Typically 0.3%–1.75% — volume is your leverage.

Device & rental

Buy outright for a one-off cost, or rent monthly. We check which pays back faster.

PCI compliance

Mandatory security standard. Some providers bundle it; others charge separately.

Contract terms

12–48 month terms are common. We flag termination fees before you sign anything.

Countertop, portable or mobile reader?

The right hardware depends on how you trade. A fixed countertop terminal suits shops and salons where customers come to the till. Portable readers that roam over Bluetooth or WiFi fit restaurants and bars doing tableside payments. Mobile readers paired with a phone app suit market stalls, tradespeople and anyone selling on the move.

Tell us how you take payments and we will shortlist the devices and deals that fit — then negotiate the rates. If you already have a terminal, send us your merchant statement: we will show you exactly where you are overpaying.

Tell us how you trade

Counter, tableside or on the move — plus your monthly card takings if you know them.

We compare the deals

Devices, transaction rates and contract terms benchmarked against what you pay now.

Keep more per sale

Pick the deal you like. We handle the paperwork and the switchover.

Card machine FAQs

How much does a card machine cost a UK small business?
Costs break into three parts: the device itself (bought outright or rented monthly), a transaction fee per sale (often 0.3% to 1.75% depending on volume and card type), and extras like PCI compliance fees. The cheapest headline rate is rarely the cheapest overall deal.
What is the difference between countertop, portable and mobile card readers?
Countertop terminals stay by the till on broadband or phone line. Portable readers roam short distances over Bluetooth or WiFi, ideal for restaurants. Mobile readers pair with a phone app over 4G/5G, suiting market traders and field sales.
Can I get a card machine with no monthly contract?
Yes. Pay-as-you-go readers charge a flat percentage per transaction with no monthly fee or minimum term, which suits seasonal or low-volume businesses. Higher-volume businesses usually save with a negotiated monthly plan.
How long does card machine settlement take?
Most UK providers settle funds within 1 to 2 working days. Some offer same-day or next-day settlement for an extra fee. Settlement speed is worth checking before you sign, as it affects cash flow.
Do I need PCI DSS compliance with a card machine?
Yes. Any business taking card payments must meet PCI DSS standards. Most providers include compliance support in their package, but some charge a separate annual PCI fee — always ask what is included.

Keep more of every sale

One free comparison of card machine deals — no obligation, no jargon. See what you should really be paying.

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