Card machine vs card reader: which do you need?
Small card readers and full card machines both take card payments, but they suit different businesses. Here's how they differ and how to choose.
The short answer
A card reader is a small device that connects to your phone or tablet by Bluetooth and uses its app and internet connection. A card machine (or card terminal) is a standalone device with its own screen, connection and often a built-in receipt printer. Card readers suit very low or occasional card takings. Card machines usually suit businesses taking card payments every day.
How they compare
- Connection: a card reader relies on your phone's signal or Wi-Fi. A card machine like the PAX A920 Pro has its own 4G SIM with Wi-Fi backup.
- Receipts: most card readers send receipts by text or email only. Many card machines print a paper receipt on the spot.
- Pricing model: card readers are usually bought outright with a flat rate per transaction. Card machines are usually rented monthly, with rates that can be personalised to your business.
- Your phone: with a card reader, your phone is tied up taking payments. A card machine leaves your phone free.
- Till integration: card machines can often link to an EPOS, so the amount appears automatically. Card readers usually can't.
When a card reader makes sense
If you take only a handful of card payments a month, for example at an occasional market stall, a card reader's flat rate and no monthly fee can work out cheaper.
When a card machine makes sense
Once card payments are a regular part of your takings, a flat rate on every sale can cost more than a personalised rate, even after a monthly terminal fee. A card machine is also more reliable at a busy counter and doesn't depend on your phone.
How to decide
- Work out your monthly card takings and number of card payments.
- Apply the card reader's flat rate to your takings.
- For a card machine quote, add the percentage, the per-transaction fee and the monthly rental.
- Compare the two totals, and think about connection, receipts and your till.
Not sure? Send us a recent statement or your monthly figures and we'll tell you straight which works out better for you.
What PayZu offers
- Debit card rates from 0.29%* (T&Cs apply)
- £0 upfront, zero hidden fees, zero PCI fees
- Next-day settlement as standard
*0.29% applies to UK consumer debit cards for businesses with monthly card takings above £40,000. Credit, business and international card rates, and rates for lower takings, are quoted individually. Subject to eligibility and status.
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Send your statement — let us beat it
Tell us about your business and we'll come back with a personalised rate. You can also email your statement to info@payzu.co.uk.
- Debit card rates from 0.29% (T&Cs apply)
- £0 upfront
- Zero hidden & PCI fees
- Next-day settlement