The best card machines for small businesses offer low transaction fees and flexible contracts. They also let you use a mobile app and email or text receipts to your customers.

Payment provider SumUp is a good option for new business owners with low transaction fees and no monthly fees. Its portable reader is perfect for street vendors, hairdressers and taxi drivers.

1. SumUp

SumUp offers an end-to-end payment solution with no monthly fees or contracts, and its card readers are among the most affordable on the market. Instead, it charges a fixed per-transaction fee and a one-time cost for each physical device. Customers receive receipt links via email or SMS, which can be shared directly or through messaging apps.

Its newest product is the SumUp Solo, which functions as an all-in-one POS terminal that comes with a charging cradle and barcode scanning capability. It is less than a hundred pounds and designed to be an alternative to a premium point-of-sale software solution such as Goodtill, which can include inventory tracking, customer contact management, and more.

The SumUp app and devices are simple to set up, and the service has a money-back guarantee and no hidden fees. Payouts are transferred to a business bank account within three to five working days, which is slower than Square or Zettle, but still quicker than the industry average.

2. Zettle

For sole traders and SMEs that need a card reader that won’t break the bank, Zettle is a top pick. They offer a range of mobile devices that are easy to set up and run on WiFi, 3G or GRPS connectivity. Their ‘Store Kit’ comes with a POS system that can help manage products and invoices.

Unlike the majority of competitors, Zettle doesn’t charge monthly fees. They also provide a transparent pricing structure for card payments that is easily understood. The only drawback is that their POS doesn’t have the same level of functionality as other rivals.

Their simple device and mobile app makes them a great choice for street vendors and on-the-go hairdressers. They also offer a number of useful add-ons that can be used to enhance their product offering. For example, they have a branded card reader that can be used with Apple and Google Pay. This adds a touch of brand recognition for customers.

3. Worldpay

The Worldpay card machine is a countertop model which is ideal for small shops, market stalls and other point-of-sale (POS) environments. It offers a reliable connection with a wired link to a telephone line or broadband network and is able to handle chip, swipe and contactless payments.

The company also has mobile card reader solutions which work in conjunction with a POS app to offer an enhanced payment processing experience. This is a great option for restaurants and other table-service businesses, and it can be used with digital wallets too. It is important to note that Worldpay pricing varies significantly based on the specific needs of each business, with quotes available on request.

4. Takepayments

Takepayments offers a comprehensive range of payment solutions, including card machines for small businesses. Their pricing packages are tailored to each business, so you can expect a fair price for your needs. You can even get a free card machine with a 12-month contract, though you’ll pay transaction fees on each payment.

The company’s flagship product, takepaymentsplus, is a POS system that combines a 4G SIM-enabled card reader with bespoke software for SMEs to really take control of their sales. Featuring real time inventory tracking and sales reporting, it has a stellar 4.8 Trustpilot rating from a huge number of users.

The service also promises a quick and easy setup, with no binding contracts or monthly fees. This makes it a good choice for busy SMEs that don’t want the hassle of dealing with a merchant account provider. The company will also help you with PCI compliance.