With a growing preference for cashless transactions, businesses in the UK are increasingly adopting next-generation card payment terminals. 

Debit card payments made up more than half of all transactions in the UK in 2023, a figure projected to surpass 30 billion by 2033. Yet, despite the demand, research shows that nearly 40% of the UK’s microbusinesses still don’t accept card payments, even though digital payments are preferred by 47% of shoppers.

For businesses of all sizes, chip and PIN machines offer a reliable solution for card payment processing. This guide provides an overview of the costs of various card readers in the UK and explores the range of POS terminals Rapyd offers to meet diverse business needs.

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General Guide: Purchasing vs Renting

For businesses looking to buy card machines outright:

  • Basic card readers that connect to mobile devices: £19 – £59
  • Standalone card machines with built-in connectivity: £39 – £250
  • Traditional countertop or touchscreen POS terminals: £200 – £800

Many businesses opt to rent card machines instead. General monthly costs as follows:

  • Monthly rental fees: £10 – £30 (excluding VAT)
  • Countertop terminals: £15 – £20
  • Portable card machines: £20 – £25
  • Mobile card machines: £20 – £30
  • Smart POS terminals: £25 – £99

Business should also consider additional costs such as transaction fees and set-up.

Need Tailored Solutions? Check Out Rapyd’s Card Machines

Rapyd offers several types of card payment terminals tailored for different retail and business needs. These machines support chip and PIN, contactless, and magnetic stripe payments, ensuring compatibility with major payment methods.

PAX A920 Pro 

A mobile device with a 5.5″ touchscreen, 4G/WiFi/Bluetooth connectivity, and an integrated printer

PAX A77

Portable Android-based terminal, 5.5″ touchscreen, optional barcode scanning capabilities

PAX A50

A compact and lightweight device with 4.5″ touchscreen display and 4G connectivity

PAX A80 

A versatile device suitable for countertop or mobile use with a 4″ touchscreen

Ingenico Move 3500

A portable terminal with a 3.2″ display

Ingenico Move 5000 

An advanced portable terminal supporting multiple payment methods

Each device is designed for different business needs, from small shops to larger retailers, with versatile connectivity and features. Explore all devices here

Additional Considerations

When assessing credit card terminals, it’s essential to consider several factors:

  • Transaction volume: Higher transaction volumes can lead to discounts on transaction fees.
  • Features required: From basic card reader functionality to advanced POS features, different machines offer different capabilities.
  • ePOS integration: If you’re looking to support specific ePOS integrations, your selection of machines and providers may be impacted.

Aligned Solutions

With the diverse options from Rapyd to support card reader payments in the UK, businesses of all sizes can find solutions that align with their transaction needs and budgets. Whether you’re a small business looking for a low-cost card reader or a large retailer in need of an advanced POS terminal, evaluating both the upfront and ongoing costs will help you make the best choice.

To get a customised quote and clear pricing for a chip and PIN machine in the UK, contact Rapyd to discuss your business’s unique requirements, transaction volume, and industry considerations. Rapyd’s competitive pricing, advanced technology, and tailored solutions enable businesses to make the shift to cashless, customer-focused payment systems.

Ring Up More Sales with Rapyd

With Rapyd you can purchase your machines and avoid monthly rental fees. Rapyd also provides competitive rates and a dedicated point of contact for customer support to make sure your needs are always met. 

See how Rapyd’s selection of versatile and powerful point-of-sale terminals can improve operational efficiency and customer experience.

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