What’s The Cheapest Card Reader?
Last Updated 29th of November 2025
5 minute readIf you’re a small business owner, market trader or café operator looking to accept card payments, we can help you save money. Finding a cheap card reader that still delivers good service can be confusing — but we’ve done the hard work for you.
The cheapest card reader in the UK is the Square Reader, starting at £19 + VAT. Other budget-friendly options include Zettle by PayPal (£29 + VAT) and SumUp Air (£39 + VAT). These readers offer no monthly fees and low transaction costs, perfect for startups.
Want to know which card reader gives you the best deal for your money? We’ll break down the top low-cost card readers in the UK, compare fees, and help you choose the right one for your business needs. Let’s dive in.
Save money without compromising on quality. Tap the link now to find the cheapest card reader options for your business today.
What’s the Cheapest Card Reader?
Finding the cheapest card reader means more than just looking at the price tag. You also need to consider transaction fees, app features, payment types supported and ease of use. Some card readers may cost less upfront but charge higher fees per sale. Others may offer the opposite — a higher device cost with lower fees.
In the UK, card readers have become essential tools for small businesses. Many readers are now mobile-friendly, app-based and come with no contract or monthly costs. Popular choices like Square, Zettle, and SumUp lead the market in affordability. But which is truly the cheapest depends on how you use it.
Let’s explore the cheapest options and help you decide which one suits your needs best.
Square Reader – The Most Affordable Option
Price: £19 + VAT
Transaction Fee: 1.75% per transaction
Monthly Fee: £0
Accepted Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Square Reader tops the list as the cheapest card reader in the UK. Priced at just £19 + VAT, it’s ideal for sole traders, micro businesses and hobbyists just starting out. It’s compact, connects via Bluetooth, and works with a free app available on both Android and iOS.
The Square app lets you issue digital receipts, track sales, and manage inventory — all for free. Square doesn’t charge any monthly fees, and there’s no need for a separate merchant account. You only pay when you make a sale.
Why it’s great:
- Ultra-low upfront cost
- Easy to use
- Great free app tools
- No contract or hidden charges
Zettle by PayPal – A Strong Low-Cost Contender
Price: £29 + VAT (first reader often discounted)
Transaction Fee: 1.75%
Monthly Fee: £0
Accepted Cards: All major debit/credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Zettle, owned by PayPal, offers strong competition. It’s slightly more expensive than Square at £29 + VAT, but still affordable. The first reader is often offered at a discounted price, so keep an eye on special promotions.
The Zettle Reader 2 is known for reliability, modern design and long battery life. It pairs with a free Zettle app for invoicing, tracking, and analytics. Integration with PayPal is a bonus for businesses already using that platform.
Why it’s a good choice:
- Trusted brand
- Free business tools in app
- Integrates with PayPal
- Good for high-volume sellers
SumUp Air – Mid-Range but Simple and Reliable
Price: £39 + VAT
Transaction Fee: 1.69%
Monthly Fee: £0
Accepted Cards: Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay, Google Pay
SumUp Air is another excellent choice. While its upfront cost is higher at £39 + VAT, it has the lowest transaction fee of the big three at 1.69%. That means the more you sell, the more you save over time.
SumUp offers a user-friendly app with basic inventory and reporting tools. It also provides instant payouts for an additional fee, and the ability to send payment links. For small businesses making regular sales, this can be a good investment.
Ideal for:
- Businesses with regular transactions
- Those wanting lower per-sale fees
- Simple interface and setup
Cheapest Card Reader Price Comparison
| Card Reader | Upfront Cost | Transaction Fee | Monthly Fee | Best For |
| Square | £19 + VAT | 1.75% | £0 | New starters, low budget |
| Zettle | £29 + VAT | 1.75% | £0 | PayPal users, high-volume sales |
| SumUp Air | £39 + VAT | 1.69% | £0 | Regular use, lower fees |
Do Cheap Card Readers Still Offer Good Features?
Yes, they do. Despite the low price, Square, Zettle and SumUp all offer excellent functionality.
Common features include:
- Contactless and chip & PIN support
- Smartphone and tablet integration
- Customisable receipts
- Sales reporting
- Inventory tracking
- Online payment links
You don’t need to compromise on quality or service to save money. These budget card readers are designed for real businesses and trusted by thousands of UK retailers.
What to Look for When Buying a Cheap Card Reader
When choosing the best cheap card reader for your business, ask yourself:
- How often will I use it? If it’s just for occasional use, go with the lowest cost option like Square.
- Do I want fast payouts? Zettle and SumUp offer good payout speed. Square may take 1–2 business days.
- Do I need a full POS system later? Square and Zettle scale well with till systems and hardware bundles.
- Am I already using PayPal? Zettle offers seamless integration with PayPal.
What About Fees, Contracts and Refunds?
- No contracts: All three options come with no long-term contracts.
- Refunds: You can refund customers easily via the app — but the card reader fee is not refunded.
- Chargebacks: All providers support chargeback protection up to a certain limit.
Tip: Always read the terms before signing up, even with the cheapest card readers. Some offer extras like same-day deposits for a small fee.
Stories from Real Small Businesses
“I run a pop-up craft stall in Birmingham and use the Square Reader. It was only £19 and connects to my iPhone. I’ve never had any problems and love how quick it is to use.”
— Tina, handmade jewellery seller
“We chose Zettle because we already had a PayPal account. It works great for our mobile coffee van and gives us daily summaries of sales.”
— Mark, street food trader
Can I Use These Readers with a Phone?
Yes. All the cheapest card readers connect to your mobile phone via Bluetooth. You’ll need to download the provider’s free app, which is available on iOS and Android. Your phone acts as the screen for processing payments, viewing reports and sending receipts.
Some providers also offer optional hardware accessories, like receipt printers and tablet stands, if you want a more professional setup.
Are Cheap Card Readers Safe?
Absolutely. Square, Zettle and SumUp all meet strict PCI-DSS compliance standards and use end-to-end encryption. Your customer’s card data is never stored on your phone or the reader.
They also offer tools to help you track payments and flag suspicious activity, adding extra peace of mind.
Final Thoughts on What’s the Cheapest Card Reader
If price is your biggest concern, Square is the cheapest card reader to buy in the UK, at just £19 + VAT. For those who need extra features or already use PayPal, Zettle is a close second. If you’re making regular sales and want to pay less per transaction, SumUp is worth the higher upfront cost.
You can start small with any of these devices, and scale up as your business grows. With no monthly fees, you stay in control of your costs.
Ready to Get Started? Click the link below to compare the best card reader deals and choose the one that fits your business.
FAQ
What is the cheapest card reader in the UK?
The Square Reader is currently the cheapest at £19 + VAT with no monthly fees.
Are cheap card readers reliable?
Yes. Brands like Square, Zettle and SumUp offer secure, easy-to-use devices trusted by thousands of small businesses.
Do I need a merchant account?
No. These card readers include payment processing so you don’t need a separate merchant account.
How quickly do I get paid?
Square usually takes 1–2 working days. Zettle and SumUp offer similar timelines, with some offering instant payout for a small fee.
Can I use my card reader at events or markets?
Yes, as long as you have mobile internet or Wi-Fi. All these readers are portable and perfect for events.
Expert tip: Always check for promotions. Providers often run offers that lower the price of your first reader even more.
Need help choosing the right card reader? Click below to find the latest offers and reviews.