Fees that suit small sales
When a sale is £2, a fixed fee on every payment can cost more than the percentage. We look at both when we quote, so small sales stay worth taking by card.
Card machines for newsagents
Early-morning papers, a handful of sweets, a birthday card. Most newsagent sales are small, so the right card machine is one that doesn't eat into them.
What newsagents need
Built for lots of small sales
A newsagent rings up a high number of low-value sales, often in a rush before work or school. That makes the cost of each payment the number to watch.
Fast in the morning rush
Contactless, Apple Pay and Google Pay mean a customer taps and goes. A terminal linked to your till shows the total automatically.
Delivery rounds and accounts
If customers settle a paper round or an account each month, send a secure payment link by text, email or WhatsApp or take payment over the phone, instead of chasing cash.
What card payments look like in a newsagent
Many customers pay by card even for small amounts. The question is what it costs you to take them.
Take a £2 newspaper. As an illustration only, not a quote from any provider: a 5p fixed fee (an example figure, not PayZu's price) on that sale adds 2.5% by itself, before the percentage is applied. On a £10 basket of sweets, a drink and a card, the same 5p adds 0.5%. Because your average sale is small, the fixed fee per payment is the figure that decides whether a quote is good, so ask for it in writing and don't just compare the headline rate.
Look for other charges that bite when sales are small: a minimum monthly service charge, a monthly fee for the terminal, a PCI fee, a statement fee. PayZu charges zero PCI fees and shows any terminal or processing charges clearly before you sign. Our card machine fees guide explains each line.
One thing that doesn't help is trying to pass the cost on. In most cases UK law does not allow a surcharge when a consumer pays by card (or by most other payment methods). A lower fixed fee is the better fix. This is general information, not legal advice.
A newsagent's counter is usually crowded with magazines, sweets and a till, so size matters. A compact countertop terminal that can link to a compatible till takes little space and avoids typing totals twice. If you also run a delivery round or sell at events, a portable terminal with 4G covers that without needing Wi-Fi. Most businesses are up and running within 24 hours of receiving their terminal.
Which terminal?
The right card machine for a newsagent
PAX A35: for a crowded counter
A compact countertop terminal with a physical PIN keypad that can link to a compatible till, so the total appears automatically. Small enough for a busy counter.
See the A35
PAX A920 Pro: for rounds and events
Portable, with 4G and Wi-Fi and a built-in printer. Useful for deliveries, a pop-up or a second serving point. See our guide to mobile card machines.
See the A920 Pro
What you get
More than a low rate
- Debit card rates from 0.29%* (T&Cs apply)
- £0 upfront, zero hidden fees, zero PCI fees
- Fee quotes that show the cost per payment as well as the percentage
- Pay by link and phone payments for account and delivery customers
- Your own account manager and 24/7 UK support
*0.29% applies to UK consumer debit cards for businesses with monthly card takings above £100,000. Credit, business and international card rates, and rates for lower takings, are quoted individually. Subject to eligibility and status.
Already have a card machine? Send us a recent statement and we'll show you what you could save, up to 50% on some fees. If you're already on a great deal, we'll tell you straight. Already in a contract? Let us look into it and find you a saving. In most cases, subject to approval, we can help with your exit or termination fee. See our guide to switching card machine provider.
Why do small sales cost more to take by card?
In percentage terms, because a fixed fee on every payment is a larger share of a small sale. That is why your average sale matters when you compare quotes.
Can I add a surcharge for card payments?
In most cases UK law does not allow a surcharge when a consumer pays by card (or by most other payment methods). A lower fixed fee per payment is the better way to protect your margin. This is general information, not legal advice.
Can customers with a delivery account pay by card?
Yes. You can send a secure payment link by text, email or WhatsApp, take payment over the phone or use a virtual terminal on a computer, so account customers can settle without cash.
Will the terminal fit on a busy counter?
The PAX A35 is a compact countertop terminal designed to sit beside a till. If counter space is tight, tell us and we'll talk through the options.
What should I look for on my current statement?
The fixed fee per payment, the percentage for debit and credit, any minimum monthly service charge, the monthly cost of each terminal and any PCI or statement fee. Send us a recent statement and we'll go through it with you.
Get your quote
Lower card fees for your business
Tell us about your business and we'll come back with a personalised quote. You can also email a recent statement to info@payzu.co.uk.
- £0 upfront
- Zero hidden & PCI fees
- Your own account manager
- 24/7 UK support