If you’re a UK small business looking to accept card payments, there are various solutions available. These range from portable card readers to fixed countertop/POS machines.
Your choice of machine for processing transactions depends on the size and scope of your business. Both factors influence both cost-wise for a card reader as well as any associated transaction fees.
Cost
Every UK small business should have a card payment machine to accept credit cards and debit payments. Whether that’s through a mobile reader or traditional countertop machine, having one in place is essential for businesses that want to remain competitive and take advantage of growing customer habits.
Before you make the investment in a card reader, it’s wise to learn more about its cost. There are various factors that can influence this cost such as which provider you select and how many transactions per month are processed via card.
Most providers will charge either an initial cost for purchasing or renting a card reader outright, along with between 1.69% and 2.5% per sale as transaction fees. You may also have to pay VAT which should be included in the price tag.
When searching for a card reader in the UK, there are plenty of options to choose from. If you plan on using it at your restaurant or pub, look for one with barcode scanning capabilities and an extended battery life.
Selecting an inefficient card machine can make your life much more challenging, so it’s essential to choose carefully. Not only should your reader be cost-effective, but other factors like ease of setup and usage should be taken into account as well.
If you need a mobile credit card machine that will deposit money into your account quickly, iZettle is an ideal option. They offer various card readers popular among small businesses, including the iZettle Go which boasts 30 per cent longer battery life than other mobile readers.
Worldpay is another option for mobile card readers, offering a selection of transaction fees and contract lengths tailored to fit your monthly turnover figures. They have various card readers available, while their Simplicity plan reduces transaction fees from 2.5% to 1.5%.
Convenience
Card payment Machines UK offer businesses numerous advantages, such as increased sales and improved customer experiences. Furthermore, they play an essential role in the process of generating revenue from physical establishments by ensuring transactions are processed smoothly and customer data remains safe.
In the UK, small business owners have access to several different credit card readers. These range from countertop, portable and mobile readers that support both chip-and-PIN and contactless payments.
Finding the ideal card reader for your needs requires careful consideration of what payments you wish to accept, how often customers make payments, and what type of business you operate. Once these details have been taken into account, selecting a card reader that meets all these criteria should be an easy decision.
For instance, if you own a pub, installing a portable credit card machine can help increase your profit by enabling customers to pay for drinks right at the table. It could even take payment from those ordering food, enabling you to serve more people at once and avoid having to leave the bar each time someone wants their meal paid for.
When selecting a card reader for your business, there are a few things to consider, such as its NFC capability and EMV compliance. These features will determine how much you pay for the equipment plus any associated processing fees.
When purchasing a card reader, you’ll need to decide on the type of hardware as well as any software necessary for running it. Furthermore, select an account from which you can receive credit card processing capabilities.
If you’re just starting out, it is wise to select a provider with an excellent reputation for customer service and support. Doing so will guarantee a seamless process as you establish your business and ensure that customers are contented with their experience.
Square is one of the leading providers of card payment machines in the UK, offering a selection of solutions tailored towards small businesses. Their mobile card readers are ideal for pop-up stores or tradespeople who need to take their payment devices on-the-go.
Ease of Setup
Card payment machines have become an indispensable requirement for many UK small businesses. Estimates suggest that more than half of all payments in 2020 were made using cards, and with the average Brit spending over PS250 on credit and debit cards each month, having the ability to accept these payments is key for any growing business.
When shopping for a card payment machine, there are plenty of options to suit your needs and budget. Options include mobile credit card readers, point-of-sale systems with integrated payment capabilities and online portals to handle transactions.
For small businesses, the ideal mobile card payment machines are lightweight and user-friendly, integrating seamlessly with your Point-of-Sale system. These can help save you time and money in the long run.
Selecting the ideal mobile credit card reader can be a challenge. You must consider what you will use it for, how often it will be used and the most suitable way to store customer data.
In case of a financial emergency, barcode scanning services are an excellent alternative to traditional card machines for small businesses with limited space, cash flow and employees.
The Zettle Card Reader 2 is the most popular and widely praised mobile card reader in the UK, boasting its sleek design, superior screen, and effortless integration with most POS systems. Plus, it has several impressive features like its largest credit card reader as well as a handy touchscreen display to manage inventory and customers easily.
Security
Card payment Machines are a popular choice for merchants and can be used to accept various cards. While they provide convenience and security to both the customer and merchant, there are some potential security issues to consider.
One of the main concerns when accepting cards online is skimming. This method involves fraudsters taking information from a terminal and using it for online purchases. It’s an increasingly common way for hackers to siphon money from businesses – and it can happen anywhere.
To avoid such incidents, it is essential that you have a comprehensive understanding of the security standards in place and that all employees are informed. This may involve regular training sessions and background checks for personnel.
Another essential step is labeling your hardware, such as credit card terminals, so you can quickly detect any discrepancies or signs of tampering. Additionally, keep a detailed record of serial numbers, models and locations for each piece of equipment.
These measures will protect your business and customers from various security risks. In particular, make sure that you use a secure payment service provider and PCI-compliant card terminal.
Furthermore, look for security features like dynamic data authentication (DDA). EMV smart cards possess this feature which enables them to send back a cryptographic code when asked for by a reader. This unique code can only be sent by the card itself and returned to you if the card is genuine.
This system relies on public-key cryptography and utilizes two keys – one used by the terminal to send a verification message back to the card, and another by which the card verifies itself. Combining these keys allows the terminal to determine whether a card is valid or invalid.
Card processors, banks and merchant accounts that process card payments must all adhere to global data security standards. To guarantee this compliance, they encrypt all sensitive data sent between card readers, merchants and banks.
