The cheapest card machine for hairdressers and barbers
Mid-sized payments and steady takings; a no-contract plan keeps you flexible if you rent a chair.
An example hairdresser or barber
Example numbers, to show how the providers compare: £6,000 a month on cards, an average sale of £30, and 70% UK debit, 25% UK credit, 5% premium. Yours will differ, so rerun it with your own.
Cheapest: SumUp Payments Plus at £80.48 a month (1.341% of takings). Dearest: Square Free at £106.58 (1.776%). That's £26.10 a month apart, £313.20 over 12 months.
| Provider | Per month | Where the money goes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SumUp Payments Plus |
£80.48 1.341% of takings |
card fees £59.40 (0.99%), monthly fee £19.00, machine £2.08/mo Solo Lite: £25.00 upfront + VAT Contract: none, cancel any time |
SumUp prices |
| Dojo Essential |
£84.42 1.407% of takings |
card fees £72.00 (1.2%), machine £12.42/mo Dojo Go Max: £149.00 upfront |
Dojo prices |
| Flatpay Payment terminal |
£89.40 1.49% of takings |
card fees £89.40 (1.49%) Payment terminal: £0.00 upfront |
Flatpay prices |
| SumUp Pay as you go |
£103.48 1.725% of takings |
card fees £101.40 (1.69%), machine £2.08/mo Solo Lite: £25.00 upfront + VAT Contract: none |
SumUp prices |
| Square Free |
£106.58 1.776% of takings |
card fees £105.00 (1.75%), machine £1.58/mo Square Reader: £19.00 upfront + VAT Contract: none |
Square prices |
- Card machine cost spread over 12 months (horizon_months not given).
Not ranked
- Teya Start: Doesn't publish a rate for premium cards, which are in this card mix.
What to check before you sign
- The effective rate: everything you'd pay in a month divided by your card takings. It's the fair way to compare.
- Monthly and minimum fees: a low rate with a monthly fee can cost more if your takings dip.
- The machine: buying outright is usually cheaper over time than renting.
- Contract and exit fees: rolling monthly plans let you switch if prices change.