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A business card machine is a simple little device that offers your business huge cash potential. Quite simply, it lets your customers pay by debit card, credit card or contactless payment. Without it – you can only accept cash – which is a barrier these days.
You might see one on a shop counter, carried to your table in a restaurant or fastened to a phone at a market stall. They help businesses take payments without relying on cash or bank transfers. That makes paying quicker and easier for everyone involved.
Card machines are also called card readers, payment terminals or PDQ machines. Different names, same basic job.
Card machines connect to a payment network so they can process your customer’s payment.
Some work through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Others use mobile data – meaning you can take payments while you’re out and about.
When a customer taps or inserts their card, the machine checks the payment details. It then asks the individual’s bank to approve the transaction.
If everything looks good - the payment is authorised. The money moves through the payment provider before landing in your business account in 1-3 working days. Not instant, sadly, but still pretty quick.
Countertop card machines sit in one fixed place, usually beside a till. They’re a good fit for shops, salons and other businesses with a set checkout point. Reliable, sturdy and not going anywhere.
Portable card machines can move around your premises. They usually connect through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - making them especially useful for restaurants, pubs and cafés. Staff can take payments at the table or a bar, saving customers from awkwardly hovering around one till.
Mobile card machines let you take payments when you’re out and about. They tend to use mobile data, so they can work at markets, pop-ups or customer homes.
Smartphone card readers connect to an app on your phone or tablet. They’re usually small clip-on devices that are easy to use. They may suit sole traders and side hustlers that want a low-cost way to take card payments directly through a mobile phone.
Countertop card machines sit in one fixed place, usually beside a till. They’re a good fit for shops, salons and other businesses with a set checkout point. Reliable, sturdy and not going anywhere.
Portable card machines can move around your premises. They usually connect through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - making them especially useful for restaurants, pubs and cafés. Staff can take payments at the table or a bar, saving customers from awkwardly hovering around one till.
Mobile card machines let you take payments when you’re out and about. They tend to use mobile data, so they can work at markets, pop-ups or customer homes.
Smartphone card readers connect to an app on your phone or tablet. They’re usually small clip-on devices that are easy to use. They may suit sole traders and side hustlers that want a low-cost way to take card payments directly through a mobile phone.
The best card machine for you boils down to three things:
How your business takes payments
How many sales you process
What you want to spend
If you have one main checkout, a countertop machine is likely to be the simplest option. For table service or payments around a venue, a portable machine may make life easier.
If you sell away from your premises, look at mobile card machines or smartphone readers. These can suit small businesses that need more flexibility.
Costs can vary a lot. Simple card readers may cost around £20 to £80 upfront, while more advanced terminals can cost £100 to £300 or more. Some providers charge no monthly fee, while others may charge around £10 to £30 a month.
You’ll also need to check transaction fees. These are often around 1% - 2% per card payment, but they can vary by provider and card type.
Bottom line? Don’t just pick the cheapest machine. Compare the upfront cost, monthly fees, transaction fees, contract length and potential cancellation charges. Tiny fees can become big fees when your card machine gets busy.
Usually, yes. Most providers need somewhere to send your payments, and a business bank account keeps things tidy (and in check with anti-money laundering regulations).
It varies by provider. Payments often arrive within one to three working days, but some providers offer faster direct payments. One to check with the provider if you need the money quickly.
Yes. Many card machines and smartphone readers are built specifically for small businesses, sole traders and occasional sellers.
Yes, most modern card machines accept contactless payments. Many also accept mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Some do. Mobile card machines can use mobile data, while others need Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to process payments.
Page last reviewed: 11/05/2026
Reviewed by: Alex Ryde
