Are there any free card readers for growing businesses? - Growth Business

There aren’t any truly free card readers for growing businesses. Whichever way you slice it, you’re going to pay more in transaction fees, device rental, or other ongoing charges for the privilege of taking payments.

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But when you think about the complexity of the global payments system, the tech required to keep you and your customers safe from cybercriminals, and the speed and seamlessness of processing, it’s a small price to pay to do business.

That said, with the right setup, it’s possible to limit your card payment costs — particularly if you understand how pricing structures affect your costs as your turnover increases.

Below, we look at device and transaction fee pricing models, how to get the best deal for your business, and some of the best value card readers out there.

How do card reader costs work?

Monthly fees are common, but they’re not universal. Many providers sell card readers outright and then charge transaction fees on a pay-as-you-go basis, with no ongoing subscription. Others charge a monthly fee, either to rent the machine, or on top of the purchase cost of the device in exchange for benefits like lower rates and enhanced support.

The trade-off is straightforward: higher fixed costs in exchange for reduced per-transaction fees and extra services.

For example, a monthly subscription that looks expensive at first glance can work out cheaper than a no-monthly-fee option once you’re processing a higher volume of transactions. The key is thinking in terms of long-term cost, not just upfront spend.
Below, we look at the main pricing models available — from flat rates to bespoke pricing — and how pay-as-you-go compares with subscription-based plans.

Best value card readers for growing businesses

For growing businesses, value isn’t just about the lowest headline rate or cheapest device – it’s about flexibility, and particularly the ability to access better pricing as volumes increase.

If your turnover is rising or predictable, tailored pricing and lower per-transaction fees can deliver meaningful savings over time. If revenue is still uneven or seasonal, flat rates and pay-as-you-go pricing may offer better cost control.

Square

Pricing model	Advantages	Drawbacks
Pay-as-you-go	No ongoing monthly fee, so costs flex during quieter trading periods No long-term contracts or exit fees Flat-rate transaction fees make costs simple to forecast	Transaction fees are typically higher than on subscription plans Costs can rise quickly as payment volumes increase
Subscription pricing	Access to lower or tailored transaction rates, which can significantly reduce costs at higher volumes Added benefits such as faster terminal replacement, priority support or enhanced features	Monthly fees apply regardless of sales performance Transaction fees can be variable and harder to compare Contracts often run for 12–18 months, with exit fees for early cancellation Additional charges may apply for setup, maintenance or optional add-ons

With no subscription fee and flat transaction rates starting from 1.75% for in-person payments, Square is a great option for businesses that desire predictable pricing to manage steady, stable growth. Once you start processing £200,000 annually, you can access custom rates to fuel the next stage of growth.

You can accept payments using Tap to Pay on iPhone or Android with no device cost, or use the Square Reader — a compact terminal priced at £19. Funds usually settle the next working day, with instant payouts available for a small fee. Security features, fraud prevention and dispute handling are built in.

Worldpay

Worldpay offers rental card readers on an 18-month agreement, with next-day replacement included as standard.

There are two main pricing options. If you process more than £75,000 in card payments annually, you can access Custom pricing, which offers variable transaction fees and free next-day settlement – all for a monthly terminal hire fee of £15.

For businesses that prefer predictability, the Simplicity tariff bundles costs into a single, rate of 1.50% and costs £22.50 per month. There are no minimum monthly service charges, authorisation fees or premium transaction rates, which makes forecasting easier as volumes grow.

Worldpay also offers fully tailored pricing for larger or more complex operations, allowing you to shape rates and fees around your expected turnover and operational requirements.

Tide

Tide offers one of the most flexible card payment setups on the market, making it easy to find a solution that suits your sales volume.

For growing businesses processing more than £2,200 in domestic card payments, the Sell In-Person plan is your best option. You can also choose between pay-as-you-go pricing, renting a device, or buying one outright – and turn your smartphone into a card reader using Tap to Pay.

Funds typically clear in one to three working days, with next-day payouts available for £2.99 + VAT per month. Tide also runs frequent promotions, including temporary fee-free periods and cashback incentives to offset device costs.

takepayments

Rather than publishing fixed prices, takepayments builds bespoke packages based on your expected turnover, preferred hardware and support requirements.

After an initial enquiry, you’ll speak with a payments specialist who structures your pricing to help you unlock the best rates and avoid paying for unnecessary features. Contracts typically run for 12 months, and next-day settlement is standard.

The provider also stands out for customer service, holding a 5-star Trustpilot rating from more than 63,000 reviews, with many customers highlighting its hands-on support and account management.

Dojo Go

Dojo is a great option for scaling businesses. You can accept payments using Tap to Pay, or opt for Dojo’s terminal, which integrates with EPOS systems and includes comprehensive reporting and reconciliation tools. Settlement is next day by default, including weekends and bank holidays.

Pricing is structured around turnover tiers. Businesses processing under £100,000 annually pay £39.99 per month, which covers transaction fees up to £3,999; anything above that is charged at 1%. There’s also a tailored pricing plan, and for those exceeding £1m in annual turnover, a fully bespoke package.

SumUp

SumUp combines a straightforward fee model with optional subscription pricing for higher volumes.

You can accept payments using Tap to Pay on iPhone and Android with no upfront cost, or purchase a SumUp reader. In-person payments are charged at a flat rate of 1.69% with no monthly fee. For businesses processing more than £3,000 per month, the Payments Plus subscription reduces transaction fees to 0.99% and includes 24/7 priority support and free card reader replacements.

The SumUp app provides access to business insights and basic reporting tools at no extra cost, and settlements are processed as early as 7am the next day — including weekends and public holidays.

Tyl by NatWest

Tyl by NatWest is NatWest’s in-person payments arm, offering a mix of rented card machines and Tap to Pay with clear pricing. Settlement is the next-working-day, and you get access to an online portal for reporting and account management, and UK-based support.

You can choose from several PAX card machines available for rent — including portable and countertop options — with prices starting from £13.99 + VAT per month, depending on the model. Contracts typically run for 12 months, and once approved, devices are usually delivered within 48 hours.

Transaction fees depend on annual card turnover. If you process up to £50,000 per year, Tyl offers two clear rates: 1.39% + 5p per transaction for UK and European personal debit or credit cards, and 1.99% + 5p for all other cards, such as business or international cards. If you take over £50,000 annually, pricing is customised based on card mix, volume and payment channels. American Express is priced separately and varies by industry, but can be included as part of your quote.

Barclaycard

Barclaycard offers two main card reader options, including mobile, on-the-go devices and a more full-functioned portable terminal. Both options come with customised pricing, next-working-day settlement and 24/7 support.

Rather than publishing fixed transaction rates, Barclaycard tailors pricing to your business profile, turnover and card mix.

Smartpay Anywhere is Barclaycard’s most flexible card reader, aimed at mobile and multi-location businesses. There’s a one-off fee of £29, no contract and no cancellation fee.

Barclaycard’s portable card reader is designed for businesses that need a more traditional terminal with wider functionality. The monthly rental is £18 + VAT and you’re tied into an 18-month contract.