5 Cheapest Card Payment Machines For Small Businesses

By Olivia Johnson - Trusted UK Business Expert

Last Updated 8th of December 2024

4 minute read

If you’re running a small business, keeping costs low while maintaining quality is key. Choosing an affordable card payment machine can make a big difference in how smoothly your business operates. We’re here to help you find the best and cheapest options without sacrificing essential features.

The cheapest card payment machines for small businesses include SumUp, Zettle by PayPal, Square, iZettle, and Worldpay Zinc. These options offer low upfront costs, competitive transaction fees, and reliable services, making them ideal for small businesses looking to save.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the 5 cheapest card payment machines on the market. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right machine for your business. So, whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking for an upgrade, read on for some helpful advice. 

Looking for affordable card payment machines? Discover the 5 cheapest options for small businesses! Click the link below to compare.

Why You Should Have a Card Payment Machine 

There are many reasons why you should consider investing in a card payment machine. First and foremost, customers, today expect to be able to pay by card. In fact, studies show that customers are more likely to spend more money when they can use a credit or debit card. Therefore, having a card payment machine will not only make it easier for your customers to pay, but it could also boost your sales. In addition, card payment machine for small business can help you to streamline your accounting and reduce your administrative costs. 

Choosing the Right Machine for Your Business 

When choosing a card payment machine, there are several factors you need to consider. 

• Type of Machine First, think about what type of machine best suits your business. There are two main types of machines: countertop and portable. Depending on your needs, one type may be more suitable than the other. 
• Cost Of course, cost is another important factor to consider. When comparing prices, it’s important to look at the total cost of ownership (TCO). This includes the upfront cost of the machine, as well as any ongoing costs such as transaction fees. Some providers also charge monthly or annual fees, so be sure to factor this into your calculations. 
• Features Another thing to consider is the features offered by each machine. Some machines are very basic, while others come with a range of advanced features. Think about which features are most important to your business and look for a machine that offers them. 

The 5 Cheapest Card Payment Machines 

Now that we’ve covered some of the basics, let’s take a look at five of the cheapest card payment machines on the market. 

SumUp

SumUp is known for offering one of the most affordable card readers on the market, making it a top choice for small businesses. SumUp’s card reader has no monthly fees, and the transaction fee is just 1.69% per sale. This pay-as-you-go pricing model is ideal for businesses that want to avoid fixed monthly costs. SumUp supports a wide range of payment methods, including chip and PIN, contactless payments, and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Key Features of SumUp:

• No monthly fees, only pay-per-transaction.
• Low transaction fee of 1.69%.
• Accepts chip and PIN, contactless, and mobile payments.
• Easy setup and user-friendly mobile app.

For small businesses that need a simple, affordable, and reliable card machine, SumUp is an excellent choice. It’s particularly suitable for businesses that process a moderate number of transactions each month and want to keep costs low.

Zettle by PayPal

Zettle by PayPal offers another cost-effective solution for small businesses. The Zettle card reader is easy to use and integrates seamlessly with PayPal, making it a convenient option for businesses already using PayPal for online transactions. Like SumUp, Zettle charges no monthly fees, and the transaction fee is 1.75% per payment. Zettle supports chip and PIN, contactless, and mobile wallet payments.

Key Features of Zettle by PayPal:

• No monthly fees.
• 1.75% transaction fee per sale.
• Seamless integration with PayPal for online businesses.
• Accepts chip and PIN, contactless, and mobile payments.

Zettle by PayPal is perfect for small businesses that want to link their card reader to their existing PayPal account, making it a convenient and affordable option for both in-store and online transactions.

Square

Square has become a popular choice for small businesses due to its ease of use and robust features. Square’s card reader is free, and it charges a transaction fee of 1.75% per sale. One of the main benefits of Square is its powerful mobile app, which offers detailed analytics, sales reports, and inventory management. This makes it an attractive option for businesses that want to gain insights into their sales performance.

Key Features of Square:

• No upfront cost for the card reader.
• 1.75% transaction fee per sale.
• Powerful mobile app with sales reports and analytics.
• Accepts chip and PIN, contactless, and mobile payments.

Square is a great option for businesses looking for more than just a payment machine. Its advanced analytics and reporting tools help small business owners track sales and manage inventory, making it a comprehensive solution for businesses that want to stay on top of their operations.

iZettle

iZettle, which has been rebranded as Zettle by PayPal, remains one of the cheapest options for small businesses looking for a reliable card payment machine. It charges a 1.75% fee per transaction, with no monthly fees. The card reader is compact and portable, making it ideal for businesses that operate in multiple locations or want the flexibility to take payments on the go.

Key Features of iZettle:

• 1.75% transaction fee, no monthly fees.
• Portable and easy to set up.
• Supports a range of payment methods, including chip and PIN and contactless payments.

iZettle is an affordable and flexible option for businesses that need a portable card reader to accept payments in various locations, such as market stalls or mobile services.

Worldpay Zinc

Worldpay Zinc is another affordable option for small businesses, especially those looking for a pay-as-you-go service. Worldpay Zinc charges a 2.75% transaction fee, but there are no fixed monthly costs. The service is reliable and offers good customer support, making it a suitable option for businesses that prefer not to be tied down to monthly contracts.

Key Features of Worldpay Zinc:

• Pay-as-you-go with no monthly fees.
• 2.75% transaction fee per payment.
• Good customer support and reliable service.

Worldpay Zinc is ideal for businesses that want flexibility and prefer a pay-as-you-go model. While its transaction fee is slightly higher than other options on this list, the absence of fixed monthly fees makes it a solid choice for small businesses with lower transaction volumes.

Final Thoughts 

There are a number of great card payment machines on the market that are perfect for small businesses. If you’re looking for a cost-effective and easy-to-use machine, then any of the options on this list would be a great choice. Do you have experience with any of these machines?