Every provider here can get you taking contactless, chip and PIN, Apple Pay and Google Pay. The real differences are in how you're charged, how long you're tied in and how quickly the money reaches your bank. Providers change their prices and terms regularly, so always check their current published terms before deciding.
At a glance
| Typical pricing model | Often suits | |
|---|---|---|
| SumUp | Buy a reader, pay a flat percentage per transaction | Very low or occasional turnover, market traders starting out |
| Dojo | Monthly terminal fee plus transaction pricing; plans vary | Hospitality and retail wanting an all-in-one package |
| Takepayments | Terminal rental with transaction rates; plans and terms vary | Businesses wanting a traditional rental arrangement |
| MCR Payments | Free terminal (subject to approval), indicative 0.7% ICC++ plus 5p, 30-day rolling | Established SMEs wanting transparent pricing without a long contract |
Flat rate or interchange-plus?
Flat rates are simple, but you pay the same margin on a cheap UK debit card as on an expensive business credit card. Interchange-plus-plus pricing passes the actual scheme costs through and adds a clear margin, which tends to work out cheaper as turnover grows. Our guide how much does a card machine cost in the UK? explains this with a worked example.
Contracts and exit fees
Before switching, check your current agreement for a minimum term, notice period, terminal rental that continues after the contract ends, and early termination charges. MCR Payments offers a 30-day rolling service, so you're not locked in.
Settlement speed
Cash flow matters, especially for hospitality and trades. MCR Payments offers next-working-day settlement as standard. Other providers offer a range of settlement options depending on plan.
So which should you choose?
If you take only a handful of card payments a month, a flat-rate reader may be all you need. If card payments are a big part of your business, it's worth comparing transparent ICC++ pricing against what you pay now. The quickest way is to upload your statement for a free review — we'll tell you honestly if you're already on a good deal.
SumUp, Dojo and Takepayments are trademarks of their respective owners. This comparison is a general guide based on their publicly described pricing models and is not affiliated with or endorsed by them. MCR Payments pricing is indicative and subject to application, underwriting, card mix, turnover and approval.