Welcome to our comprehensive guide on finding the best card reader for your small business in the UK. As a small business owner, having a reliable and efficient card reader is essential for smooth payment processing and customer satisfaction. In this article, we will explore the top card reader options that cater specifically to the needs of small businesses.
With the increasing shift towards cashless transactions, it’s crucial to invest in a card reader that not only meets your business requirements but also offers competitive rates and user-friendly features. Whether you run a retail store, a food truck, or a pop-up stand, we have researched and evaluated various card reader options to help you make an informed decision.
In the sections below, we will highlight the best card readers for small businesses, taking into account factors such as price, transaction fees, scalability, ease of use, and integration with other software systems. By the end of this guide, you will have a clear understanding of the top picks that can streamline your payment process and contribute to the growth of your small business.
Best Card Reader for Small Business
Takepayments: Best Overall Card Reader
The takepayments A920 is our top pick for the best overall card reader for small businesses. This portable card machine offers a range of features that make it an excellent choice for small businesses in the UK.
“The takepayments A920 is a game-changer for our business. It has everything we need in a card reader and more.” – Sarah Thompson, small business owner
With the takepayments A920, small businesses can enjoy features such as tip allocation, sales and inventory tracking, and bespoke price plans. These features allow businesses to streamline their operations and improve customer satisfaction.
The A920 has gained a reputation for outstanding customer service and ease of use. Small business owners appreciate the responsive support channels and user-friendly interface, which simplify the payment process.
This card machine is particularly suitable for medium to larger stores or restaurants that require a reliable and scalable card reader. Additionally, service-based industries that rely on gratuity features, such as salons or cafes, can benefit from the A920’s capabilities.
Key Features of the takepayments A920:
- Portable and lightweight design
- Tip allocation functionality
- Sales and inventory tracking
- Bespoke price plans
With its comprehensive set of features and positive customer feedback, the takepayments A920 stands out as the best overall card reader for small businesses.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent customer service | No contactless-only option |
| User-friendly interface | Not suitable for very small businesses |
| Range of useful features |
Overall, the takepayments A920 is a reliable and feature-rich card reader that offers small businesses in the UK the convenience and flexibility they need to thrive. Its portable design, robust functionality, and excellent customer service make it the top choice for small business owners.
Worldpay: Best for Larger Stores and Restaurants
When it comes to larger retail stores and busy restaurants, the Worldpay Reader stands as the best card reader option. Designed to cater to the needs of larger businesses, this card reader offers a payment structure that aligns perfectly with their operations.
One of the standout features of the Worldpay Reader is its excellent user support, ensuring that businesses have the assistance they need throughout their payment processing journey. Additionally, this card reader provides robust fraud protection, giving businesses peace of mind when it comes to securing their transactions.
What sets the Worldpay Reader apart from other options is its ability to handle a high volume of transactions effectively. These larger businesses require advanced features to streamline their operations, and this card reader delivers exactly that.
With its powerful payment processing capabilities, the Worldpay Reader is ideal for retail stores and restaurants that need a reliable solution to manage their transactions efficiently.
Advantages of the Worldpay Reader for larger businesses:
- Payment structure tailored to larger operations
- Excellent user support
- Robust fraud protection
- Ability to handle a high volume of transactions
“The Worldpay Reader is the perfect card reader for larger retail stores and busy restaurants. Its robust features and excellent support make it the top choice for businesses that handle a high volume of transactions.”\n\n- Sarah Thompson, Retail Expert
Zettle by PayPal: Best Mobile Card Reader
The Zettle by PayPal card reader is our recommended choice for mobile businesses. It is highly portable and easy to use, making it ideal for market stalls, food trucks, and other on-the-go businesses. With its intuitive payment features and highly-rated app, Zettle by PayPal simplifies the payment process for small businesses.
One of the standout features of Zettle by PayPal is its mobility. This portable card reader allows you to accept card payments wherever your business takes you. Its compact design and wireless connectivity make it convenient to use in various settings, whether you’re at a trade show, a farmer’s market, or even providing on-site services.
Zettle by PayPal also provides a seamless and user-friendly payment experience. The card reader connects to your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to easily manage transactions and track sales. It offers a range of payment options, including contactless payments, chip and PIN, and even invoicing, giving your customers flexibility in how they pay.
Furthermore, Zettle by PayPal offers reliable security measures to protect both your business and your customers’ sensitive information. It complies with industry-leading security standards and uses encryption to ensure safe and secure transactions.
Integration with other business tools is another advantage of Zettle by PayPal. It seamlessly integrates with popular POS systems, accounting software, and inventory management tools, making it easier to track sales, manage inventory, and streamline your business operations.
Finally, Zettle by PayPal provides excellent customer support. Their dedicated support team is available to assist you with any queries or issues you may have. Their online resources, including FAQs and tutorials, make it easy to find answers and troubleshoot any problems.
When it comes to the best mobile card reader for small businesses, Zettle by PayPal stands out for its portability, ease of use, intuitive payment features, and reliable customer support.
With Zettle by PayPal, small businesses can accept card payments anywhere, anytime, providing convenience to both merchants and customers.
Tyl by Natwest: Best for Fast Payment Processing
If fast payment processing is a priority for your small business, we recommend the Tyl by Natwest card reader, specifically the Clover Flex. With its quick and seamless transactions, it has earned the title of the best card reader for fast payment processing. It is designed to cater to businesses that consistently handle a high number of transactions each month, allowing you to serve your customers efficiently.
The Clover Flex is equipped with an all-in-one POS system, providing convenience and efficiency. It streamlines your payment process and ensures smooth transactions, enabling your small business to operate seamlessly. Whether you run a retail store, a restaurant, or a service-based business, the Clover Flex offers a reliable and user-friendly solution for your payment processing needs.
Partnering with Tyl, Natwest offers a comprehensive range of payment solutions tailored to small businesses in the UK. They understand the importance of fast and secure transactions, and their card reader solutions enable you to provide a seamless experience to your customers.
Key Features of the Tyl by Natwest Clover Flex:
- Quick and seamless transactions
- All-in-one POS system
- User-friendly interface
- Reliable and secure
- Integrated payment solutions
Square: Best for Pop-ups, Kiosks, and Stands
The Square Reader is our top pick for pop-ups, kiosks, and stands. It is compact and pairs effortlessly with your phone, allowing you to accept card payments wherever you have a signal. Square offers a range of software integrations and features that make it an excellent choice for small businesses operating in temporary or mobile locations.
With the Square Reader, you can transform your smartphone or tablet into a portable card reader. Simply connect the Square Reader to your device, download the Square Point of Sale app, and you’re ready to accept card payments on the go.
Thanks to its portable design, the Square Reader is ideal for pop-up shops, market stalls, kiosks, food trucks, and other temporary or mobile businesses. Its compact size allows for easy setup and transportation, making it a convenient solution for on-the-go entrepreneurs.
In addition to its portability, the Square Reader offers a range of software integrations that can enhance your business operations. You can integrate Square with popular inventory management systems, accounting software, customer relationship management (CRM) tools, and more. This seamless integration enables you to streamline your business processes and gain valuable insights into your sales and customer data.
The Square Reader also provides features that cater specifically to pop-ups, kiosks, and stands. For example, you can create a custom point of sale screen optimized for quick and easy transactions. You can also set up employee access permissions and create individual accounts for different users. These features enable efficient operations and ensure smooth customer interactions.
Key Features of the Square Reader:
- Compact and portable design
- Easy setup and pairing with smartphones and tablets
- Software integrations with popular business tools
- Customizable point of sale screen
- Employee access control
With its user-friendly interface and tailored features, the Square Reader is the best choice for businesses seeking a portable card reader solution for pop-ups, kiosks, and stands. Its compact design, software integrations, and customizable features make it a versatile payment option for small businesses operating in temporary or mobile locations.
SumUp Air: Cheap Transaction Fees for Small Stores
For small stores looking for affordable transaction fees, the SumUp Air is our recommended choice. It offers competitive rates and is suitable for businesses with lower sales volumes. The SumUp Air is compact and easy to use, making it a practical option for small businesses with limited space or resources.
“The SumUp Air provides small businesses with a cost-effective card reader solution, allowing them to accept card payments without breaking the bank. With its competitive transaction fees, it helps businesses save on processing costs while delivering a reliable and secure payment experience.”
The SumUp Air is designed to meet the needs of small stores, offering an affordable card reader solution without compromising on quality. Its compact size ensures it won’t take up much space on your store counter or mobile setup, making it ideal for businesses with limited room. With easy setup and user-friendly features, you can start accepting card payments quickly and smoothly.
Key features of the SumUp Air include:
- Compact and lightweight design
- Support for contactless, chip, and magnetic stripe cards
- Integration with iOS and Android devices
- SumUp App for managing sales and inventory
- Real-time transaction tracking
With SumUp Air, small stores can enjoy the convenience and affordability of a reliable card reader solution. Whether you operate a boutique, a salon, or a small cafe, the SumUp Air can help you streamline your payment process and offer a better experience to your customers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best card reader for your small business is crucial for efficient and secure payment processing. We have reviewed and highlighted the top card reader options available in the UK, considering factors such as price, transaction fees, scalability, and user support.
When selecting a card reader, it’s essential to consider your specific business needs. Choose a card reader that offers the features and functionality that align with your requirements, such as portable card readers for on-the-go businesses or card readers with fast payment processing for businesses with a high volume of transactions.
Additionally, negotiate fees with the card reader provider to maximize your cost savings. It’s also important to ensure that the selected card reader integrates seamlessly with your existing software and systems, streamlining your payment processes.
By investing in the right card reader, you can enhance your small business’s payment solutions, providing convenience to your customers and driving growth in your business.
