Top Providers Offering a Free Card Payment Machine for Small Business

By Olivia Johnson - Trusted UK Business Expert

Last Updated 1st of June 2026

5 minute read

Many small businesses want to take card payments, but buying a card machine can feel costly at the start. The good news is that some providers offer a free card payment machine for small business owners. This guide explains who offers them and how they work so you can choose the right provider with confidence.

Several payment providers offer a free card payment machine for small business through promotions or contracts. Popular options include Square, SumUp, Zettle by PayPal, Takepayments, and Tide. Most give the device free but charge a small transaction fee when you accept card payments.

Getting a free card reader can help your business start taking payments quickly without a large upfront cost. Below we explain the top providers offering a free card payment machine for small business, how they work, and what to look for before choosing one.

Want to find the best Free Card Payment Machine for your small business? Click the link below to compare top providers and choose the right solution today.

Top Providers Offering a Free Card Payment Machine for Small Business

A free card payment machine for small business is usually offered as part of a payment processing service. The provider supplies the device at no cost or as a limited promotion, but charges a transaction fee for each payment.

For many small businesses, this model is ideal because it removes the high cost of buying equipment. Instead of spending hundreds of pounds on a card terminal, you simply pay a small fee when customers pay by card.

Today, more than 85% of UK shoppers prefer to pay by card or contactless, which means having a card payment machine is essential for most businesses.

Below are some of the top providers offering a free card payment machine for small business.

Square

Square is one of the most popular payment providers for small businesses.

Square often runs promotions where new users receive a free card reader. The device connects to your phone or tablet and allows you to accept payments anywhere.

Key features

• Free card reader promotions
• No long contracts
• Easy mobile app
• Accepts contactless, chip and PIN, Apple Pay, and Google Pay

Fees

Square is especially good for small shops, cafés, and market traders.

SumUp

SumUp is another leading provider offering a free card payment machine for small business through special deals or bundles.

The device is small, portable, and easy to use.

Key features

• Simple card reader
• Works with smartphone app
• No monthly contract
• Fast sign-up process

Fees

SumUp is widely used by small retailers, salons, tradespeople, and mobile businesses.

Zettle by PayPal

Zettle is owned by PayPal and is another trusted option.

It offers a modern card reader that connects to your phone or tablet. Some promotions offer the reader free or heavily discounted for new businesses.

Key features

• PayPal integration
• Accepts all major cards
• Inventory tools
• Detailed sales reports

Fees

Zettle is often chosen by retail stores and small online sellers.

Takepayments

Takepayments is a UK provider that often offers free card machines for businesses signing a contract.

Unlike mobile readers, these are usually full countertop or portable card terminals.

Key features

• Free terminal with contract
• Customer support
• Payment reporting tools
• Works with EPOS systems

Fees

Fees vary depending on:

• Business size
• Transaction volume
• Contract terms

This option works well for restaurants, bars, and high-street shops.

Tide Card Payments

Tide is known for business banking, but it also offers card payment solutions.

Through partnerships, Tide sometimes offers free card readers to business account holders.

Key features

• Linked to Tide business account
• Simple setup
• App-based management
• Good for startups

This option is helpful for new businesses opening their first account.

How Free Card Payment Machines Work

A free card payment machine for small business works through a payment provider that processes transactions between the customer, card network, and bank.

When a customer taps or inserts their card:

• The card machine sends payment details to the provider.
• The provider contacts the customer’s bank.
• The bank approves or declines the payment.
• The money is sent to your business account.

Although the machine itself may be free, the provider charges a transaction fee.

This fee covers:

• Payment processing
• Fraud protection
• Card network costs
• Customer support
• Payment software

Typical transaction fees

To understand pricing better, see a full guide on card machine costs per month.

For most small businesses, this pay-as-you-go model is affordable because you only pay when you make sales.

What to Check Before Choosing a Free Card Machine

Not all free card payment machines are the same. Before choosing one, it is important to check a few key things.

• Transaction fees: Even if the machine is free, fees can vary between providers.
• Contract terms: Some providers require long contracts to receive a free machine.
• Payment speed: Most providers send payments to your bank within 1–3 working days.
• Compatibility: Check whether the device works with:
  • Smartphones
  • Tablets
  • EPOS systems
  • Accounting software

Benefits of a Free Card Payment Machine for Small Business

Getting a free card payment machine for small business offers many advantages.

Lower startup costs

You avoid paying £100–£500 for a card terminal. Choose one of the cheapest card payment machines available from our list by reading our guide.

Accept more payment types

Most devices accept:

• Contactless payments
• Chip and PIN
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay

Increase sales

Many customers prefer card payments over cash.

Faster checkout

Card payments are usually quicker than cash handling.

A small bakery owner once explained:

“When we started accepting cards, our sales increased straight away because customers stopped worrying about cash.”

Which Businesses Benefit Most

Free card payment machines are ideal for many small businesses, , especially those looking for card machines for small UK business use including:

• Market stalls
• Cafés
• Hair salons
• Tradespeople
• Small retailers
• Food trucks
• Pop-up shops

Because most devices are portable and wireless, they work well for businesses on the move.

Tips for Choosing the Best Provider

When selecting from the top providers offering a free card payment machine for small business, consider these tips.

• Compare fees: Small differences in transaction fees can add up over time.
• Check payout times: Faster payouts help cash flow.
• Look for simple pricing: Avoid hidden charges.
• Choose trusted providers: Well-known companies usually offer better reliability and support.

The Future of Card Payments for Small Businesses

Card payments are growing quickly across the UK.

Contactless payments now account for most in-store transactions, and mobile wallets are becoming more common.

Because of this trend, having a card payment machine is no longer optional for many businesses.

Free card machine offers make it easier than ever for new businesses to start accepting card payments without large upfront costs.

If you are ready to start accepting card payments, choosing a free card payment machine for small business can be a smart first step.

Click the link below to compare the best card machine providers and find the right option for your business today.

FAQ

Can I really get a free card payment machine for small business?

Yes. Many providers offer a free card reader through promotions or contracts. However, you will usually pay a transaction fee for each card payment.

What is the best free card machine for small businesses?

Popular options include Square, SumUp, Zettle by PayPal, and Takepayments because they offer simple pricing and easy setup.

Do free card machines require a contract?

Some do, while others offer pay-as-you-go pricing with no long-term commitment.

How much are card transaction fees?

Most small business providers charge around 1.6% to 1.75% per transaction.

Can I accept contactless payments with a free card machine?

Yes. Most modern card machines accept contactless cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

Click the button below to explore the best deals on a Free Card Payment Machine and get started now.