Best Card Machines for Charities

By Olivia Johnson - Trusted UK Business Expert

Last Updated 16th of April 2025

5 minute read

If you’re a charity, finding the right card machine can make a huge difference. It helps streamline donations, boost fundraising efforts, and ensure smooth transactions. We’re here to guide you to the best card machines for charities. 

The best card machines for charities should be affordable, reliable, and easy to use. They offer features like mobile payments, donation tracking, and low transaction fees. Popular options include SumUp, iZettle, and Square, each with its unique advantages. 

Choosing the right card machine for your charity can be a tough decision. There are many options available, and each one has different features to suit various needs. Read on to discover which card machine best supports your fundraising efforts.

Simplify fundraising with seamless card payments. Discover the top card machines for charities and find the perfect solution. Get started below.

Best Card Machines for Charities 

Charities face an ever-evolving landscape of fundraising, where convenience and security are essential. As donations increasingly go digital, selecting the best card machines for charities can significantly impact how easily and efficiently donations are collected. Here, we will take a closer look at the top card machines available for charities in 2025 and explore the key features you should consider before making your choice. 

With so many options on the market, it’s essential to consider factors like transaction fees, ease of use, support for contactless payments, and integration with other fundraising tools. Let’s break down some of the leading card machines that could work best for charities in the coming year. 

The Leading Card Machines for Charities 

• SumUp: SumUp is a popular choice for charities due to its simplicity and competitive pricing. With no monthly fees, SumUp charges only a fixed transaction fee, making it a cost-effective option for small and medium-sized charities. The card machine itself is compact, easy to carry, and supports contactless, chip and PIN payments. SumUp also offers an app for managing donations and tracking your fundraising efforts. It integrates seamlessly with various accounting tools, which is perfect for charities looking to keep their finances organised. The machine supports mobile payments and is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, allowing your charity to accept payments on the go. 
• iZettle: iZettle is another great option for charities looking for an affordable and versatile card machine. With a low-cost setup and competitive transaction fees, iZettle is perfect for charities who want to keep things simple but professional. The iZettle Reader is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for fundraising events or street collections. The machine also supports contactless payments and Apple Pay, giving donors a quick and easy way to contribute. Additionally, iZettle offers a detailed reporting feature that helps charities track donations, manage invoices, and monitor their fundraising goals. One of the standout features is its ability to offer recurring donations, making it an excellent choice for charities that rely on monthly pledges. 

• Square: Square is well-known for its user-friendly interface and robust features. It offers a range of card readers that are ideal for charities of all sizes. Square’s hardware supports contactless payments, chip and PIN cards, and mobile wallets like Google Pay and Apple Pay. With no monthly fees, Square only charges a flat-rate transaction fee, making it a cost-effective choice. Charities can benefit from Square’s powerful software, which includes donation tracking, customisable receipts, and the ability to manage multiple locations or fundraising campaigns. Furthermore, Square has an online store feature, allowing your charity to accept donations via a website, which is particularly beneficial for virtual fundraising. 
• PayPal Here: PayPal is a trusted name in the world of digital payments, and PayPal Here is its card machine solution. Designed for small charities and nonprofit organisations, PayPal Here allows you to take payments quickly and securely. The reader supports chip and PIN, contactless, and mobile wallet payments. One of the best features of PayPal Here is its integration with PayPal’s donation tools. You can easily set up donation buttons for your charity’s website or social media pages. Additionally, PayPal Here allows you to process donations on the go, which is ideal for events or street fundraising campaigns. PayPal’s reputation for security and its widespread use among donors also add a layer of trustworthiness. 
• GoodBox: GoodBox offers an innovative and charity-focused card machine solution. It is designed specifically for non-profit organisations, providing a range of features to support donations, including contactless payments, mobile giving, and QR code donations. The machine is sleek, user-friendly, and supports secure payment processing. A unique feature of GoodBox is its SmartBox, a portable card machine designed for events, festivals, and street collections. It’s ideal for charities that operate in busy environments and need quick, secure payments. The GoodBox platform also includes analytics tools to track donations and optimise fundraising campaigns, making it a great choice for charities focused on growth and data-driven decisions. 

Key Features to Consider When Choosing Card Machines for Charities 

• Transaction Fees: The most important factor when choosing a card machine for your charity is the transaction fee. This fee will be charged every time someone donates. Depending on your charity’s size and the volume of donations you receive, a lower transaction fee can make a big difference over time. Most card machines charge a fixed percentage of the transaction, so compare different options to find the most cost-effective solution. 
• Mobile Compatibility: For charities that need to process donations on the go, having a card machine that integrates with your smartphone or tablet is crucial. Most card machines today are mobile-compatible, allowing you to accept donations anywhere, whether at events or on the streets. 
• Ease of Use: Charity staff and volunteers may not be familiar with complex payment systems, so it’s essential to choose a card machine that is easy to use. Many of the top card machines, such as SumUp and Square, are known for their simplicity and user-friendly apps. Make sure that the machine has clear instructions and is intuitive enough for anyone to operate. 
• Contactless and Mobile Payments: Contactless payments are becoming increasingly popular among donors, so choosing a card machine that supports contactless payments can help boost donations. Look for a machine that also supports mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, as these are convenient options for tech-savvy donors who prefer using their smartphones. 
• Integration with Fundraising Tools: Many card machines now offer the ability to integrate with other fundraising tools, such as online donation platforms or social media fundraising pages. This integration allows you to track donations, manage campaigns, and collect donor information more efficiently. This is particularly useful for charities that rely on multiple fundraising channels. 
• Security: Security is a critical factor when choosing a card machine, especially for charities that handle sensitive donor information. Make sure the card machine complies with PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) regulations. This ensures that all transactions are encrypted and secure, reducing the risk of fraud. 

Choosing the Best Card Machines for Charities 

When choosing the best card machine for your charity, it’s important to evaluate your unique needs and fundraising goals. Consider factors such as cost, ease of use, mobile compatibility, and security features. SumUp, iZettle, Square, PayPal Here, and GoodBox all offer reliable solutions for charities, each with its own set of advantages. By choosing the right card machine, your charity can streamline donations, reduce costs, and focus more on making a positive impact. 

Click the link below to find more information and select the best card machine for your charity today.

FAQ 

What is the best card machine for charities?

The best card machine for charities depends on your specific needs. SumUp, iZettle, Square, and GoodBox are all excellent options, with features like low fees, mobile compatibility, and contactless payments.

How do I choose a card machine for my charity?

Consider transaction fees, ease of use, mobile compatibility, and security features. Make sure the machine supports contactless and mobile wallet payments, and integrates with your fundraising tools.

Are card machines for charities expensive?

Most card machines have no monthly fees, and only charge a fixed transaction fee per donation. This makes them affordable, even for smaller charities.

Can I use card machines at fundraising events?

Yes, most card machines are portable and mobile-friendly, allowing you to process payments at fundraising events, on the go, or in pop-up locations.