Startup Insight

Best Card Reader for Small Business: Top 5 Options Compared

Nov 4, 2026 | By Devin Jacobs

Choosing the best card reader for a small business depends on your budget, sales and how you accept payments. A good card reader makes it easy to take payments from customers using debit cards, credit cards and contactless payments.

For many small businesses in the UK, Square Reader is one of the best overall options. It is affordable, easy to use and does not charge a monthly fee for its basic service.

There are also other good options. SumUp is useful for businesses that work in different locations, Tide offers competitive transaction fees on some plans, and Barclaycard provides simple payment devices. PayPal Zettle is another option for businesses that already use PayPal.

Here are five card readers worth considering in 2026:

Square Reader: Best overall for small businesses.
SumUp Solo Lite: Best for mobile businesses and market traders.
Tide Card Reader: Best for businesses looking for lower transaction fees.
Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere: Best for simple card payments.
PayPal Zettle: Best for businesses that already use PayPal.

1. Square Reader – Best Overall Card Reader for Small Businesses

Square Reader is a popular choice for small businesses that want an affordable and simple way to accept card payments. It works well for shops, cafés, salons, market stalls and independent sellers.

The device connects to a smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth. Business owners can then use the Square Point of Sale app to accept payments and check their sales.

Square also offers free POS software. It helps businesses track sales, send digital receipts and manage stock.

Key features:

Accepts contactless, chip and PIN payments.
Connects to smartphones and tablets through Bluetooth.
Includes free POS software.
Helps track sales and payments.
No monthly subscription for its basic payment service.

Square charges 1.75% for in-person card payments in the UK. Online payment fees are different, so check the latest charges before choosing a plan.

Who should choose Square?

Square is a good choice for new businesses, small shops and independent sellers. It is especially useful for businesses that want to avoid monthly rental costs and manage payments and sales through one system.

2. SumUp Solo Lite – Best for Mobile Businesses

SumUp offers simple card payment solutions for small businesses. Its Solo Lite card reader is designed for businesses that need a lightweight device they can carry around.

The Solo Lite connects to a smartphone through Bluetooth. It allows business owners to accept contactless and chip and PIN payments.

It is suitable for market traders, food stalls, delivery businesses, beauty professionals and freelancers.

SumUp also offers other devices, including the Solo and Terminal. These devices can accept payments without connecting to a smartphone.

Key features:

Accepts contactless and chip and PIN payments.
Small and easy to carry.
Connects to smartphones through Bluetooth.
Standalone payment devices are also available.
Allows users to check payments and sales through the SumUp app.

SumUp lists the Solo Lite at around £25 in the UK. Its standard pay-as-you-go transaction fee is 1.69%. Businesses can also choose its paid Payments Plus plan for a lower transaction rate, depending on the plan terms.

Who should choose SumUp?

SumUp is a good option for businesses that do not work from one fixed location. It is useful for market sellers, mobile service providers and small businesses that want to accept payments without signing a long-term contract.

3. Tide Card Reader – Best for Competitive Transaction Fees

Tide is well known for its business banking services. It also offers card payment solutions for small businesses.

Its card readers help businesses accept payments from customers and keep track of transactions. Some devices come with built-in screens and receipt printers, making them useful for shops, cafés and service businesses.

One of the main reasons to consider Tide is its payment pricing. Depending on the plan, businesses may get lower transaction fees.

Key features:

Accepts contactless and chip and PIN payments.
Helps businesses track payments.
Some models include receipt printers.
Works with Tide business services.
Offers different pricing plans.

Some Tide plans advertise transaction fees starting from 0.79% plus 3p. This rate may require a paid plan, while businesses using pay-as-you-go options may pay more. Check the latest prices and plan conditions before signing up.

Who should choose Tide?

Tide may be a good option for businesses that already use its business banking services. It can also suit businesses that accept regular card payments and want to save money through lower transaction fees.

However, compare the monthly subscription cost with the money you could save before choosing a paid plan.

4. Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere – Best for Simple Payment Processing

Barclaycard is an established payment provider that offers card payment services to businesses.

Its Smartpay Anywhere card reader is designed for businesses that need a portable payment device. It has a built-in PIN pad, so customers can enter their PIN directly into the machine.

This makes it useful for small shops, temporary selling locations and businesses that visit customers to provide services.

Key features:

Accepts contactless and chip and PIN payments.
Has a built-in PIN pad.
Portable and easy to use.
Includes software to manage payments.
Offers security and fraud monitoring features.

Published UK comparisons list the device at around £29 plus VAT, with a transaction fee of approximately 1.6% for eligible smaller businesses. Prices and eligibility may change, so check the latest offer with Barclaycard.

Who should choose Barclaycard?

Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere is worth considering for small businesses that want a simple card reader from an established payment provider. It is also useful for businesses that prefer a device with its own PIN pad instead of relying on a smartphone.

5. PayPal Zettle – Best for Existing PayPal Users

PayPal Zettle is another option for small businesses that want to accept card payments in person.

The Zettle card reader connects to a smartphone or tablet. It works with PayPal's business services and allows businesses to accept payments and check transactions through the app.

It can be useful for independent shops, small cafés, pop-up stores and businesses that already accept online payments through PayPal.

Key features:

Accepts contactless and chip and PIN payments.
Connects to smartphones and tablets through Bluetooth.
Helps businesses track sales through the app.
Works with PayPal business services.
Offers a standard pay-as-you-go option without a long-term contract.

The published UK comparison rate for Zettle is 1.75% per in-person transaction. The price of the card reader depends on the current offer.

Who should choose PayPal Zettle?

PayPal Zettle is a good option for businesses that already use PayPal for online payments and want to accept payments in person as well.

Before buying it, compare its device price and transaction fees with Square and SumUp.

Card Reader Comparison for Small Businesses

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Here is a quick comparison of five popular card readers available to small businesses in the UK.

Card reader	Approximate device price	In-person transaction fee	Best for
Square Reader	£19	1.75%	Overall small business use
SumUp Solo Lite	£25	1.69%	Mobile businesses
Tide Card Reader	Varies by model	From 0.79% + 3p on eligible paid plans	Lower transaction fees
Barclaycard Smartpay Anywhere	£29 + VAT	Around 1.6% for eligible businesses	Simple payments
PayPal Zettle	Check current offer	1.75%	Existing PayPal users

Note: These are approximate UK prices and fees based on published information. Costs may change depending on the provider, payment type and subscription plan. Always check the latest prices before buying a card reader.

How to Choose the Best Card Reader for Your Small Business

Buying a card reader is not just about finding the cheapest device. You should also think about how many payments you receive, where you work and how much you will pay in fees.

Here are some important things to check before making a decision.

1. Check the Transaction Fees

Transaction fees are one of the main costs of using a card reader. Most providers take a small percentage from every card payment. Some also charge a fixed fee.

For example, if a provider charges 1.75%, you will pay £1.75 in fees on a £100 card payment.

If your business receives many card payments every day, these charges can add up. Even a small difference in fees can affect your overall costs.

2. Compare Monthly Charges

Some card readers do not have a monthly fee. Others offer lower transaction fees if you pay for a monthly subscription.

If your business receives only a few card payments, a pay-as-you-go plan may be cheaper.

However, if you receive a high number of payments every month, a paid plan with lower transaction fees may save you money.

3. Check Battery Life and Connectivity

If you run a mobile business, choose a card reader with good battery life and a reliable connection.

Some card readers connect to smartphones through Bluetooth. Others work on their own using Wi-Fi or mobile internet.

A standalone card reader can be more convenient if you accept payments at different locations and do not want to depend on your phone.

4. Check Which Payment Methods It Accepts

Make sure the card reader accepts the payment methods your customers normally use.

Most modern devices accept contactless payments and chip and PIN cards. Many also support Visa and Mastercard.

Some card readers accept American Express and digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Check the available payment methods before buying a device.

5. Look at Extra Business Features

A good card reader should do more than accept payments. Extra features can make running your business easier.

Look for tools such as:

Sales reports.
Digital receipts.
Refund management.
Stock and inventory tracking.
Payment history.
Business reporting.

These features can help shop owners and café managers manage daily sales without using separate systems.

Which Card Reader Is Best for Different Small Businesses?

The best card reader also depends on the type of business you run.

Retail shops: Square Reader is a useful choice because its software helps manage sales and stock.
Cafés and restaurants: A standalone card reader can be useful because staff do not need to connect it to a smartphone.
Market traders: SumUp Solo Lite is a good option because it is small, portable and connects to a phone.
Freelancers and mobile professionals: Square and SumUp offer simple ways to accept payments while working at customer locations.
Businesses with regular card sales: Tide may be worth considering if your business can benefit from lower transaction fees on a paid plan.
Online and offline sellers: PayPal Zettle may suit businesses that already use PayPal for online payments.

FAQs

What is the best card reader for a small business?

Square Reader is a good all-round option for many small businesses. It has an affordable starting price, free POS software and no monthly fee for its basic payment service.

SumUp is another good option for mobile businesses, while Tide may suit businesses looking for lower transaction fees through eligible plans.

Can a small business get a card reader without a monthly fee?

Yes. Providers such as Square, SumUp and PayPal Zettle offer payment options without a standard monthly subscription.

However, businesses still have to pay transaction fees when customers make card payments.

How much does a card reader cost in the UK?

Basic card readers usually cost around £19 to £100, depending on the provider and model.

More advanced devices with built-in screens, receipt printers and mobile internet connections may cost more. Some providers also offer rental and subscription plans.

Do card readers accept contactless payments?

Yes. Most modern card readers accept contactless payments from supported debit and credit cards.

Many also accept digital wallet payments through Apple Pay and Google Pay. Check the device details to make sure it supports the payment methods you need.

Is a card reader worth buying for a small business?

Yes. A card reader allows small businesses to accept payments from customers who prefer using cards instead of cash.

It can make checkout easier and is useful for shops, cafés, salons, market traders and mobile service providers.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best card reader for a small business depends on your budget and how you accept payments.

Square Reader is a good starting point if you want affordable hardware and easy-to-use software. SumUp is useful for mobile businesses, while Tide may offer better value for businesses that receive more card payments and qualify for lower fees.

Before making a decision, compare the device price, transaction fees, monthly charges and contract terms.

The right card reader should make it easier to accept payments, save time and keep business costs under control.