The cheapest card machine for pubs and bars
High volume means small rate differences add up to hundreds of pounds a year; ask about custom rates too.
An example pub or bar
Example numbers, to show how the providers compare: £20,000 a month on cards, an average sale of £15, and 70% UK debit, 20% UK credit, 7% premium, 3% non-UK. Yours will differ, so rerun it with your own.
Cheapest: SumUp Payments Plus at £219.08 a month (1.095% of takings). Dearest: Square Free at £360.58 (1.803%). That's £141.50 a month apart, £1698.00 over 12 months.
| Provider | Per month | Where the money goes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SumUp Payments Plus |
£219.08 1.095% of takings |
card fees £198.00 (0.99%), monthly fee £19.00, machine £2.08/mo Solo Lite: £25.00 upfront + VAT Contract: none, cancel any time |
SumUp prices |
| SumUp Pay as you go |
£340.08 1.7% of takings |
card fees £338.00 (1.69%), machine £2.08/mo Solo Lite: £25.00 upfront + VAT Contract: none |
SumUp prices |
| Square Free |
£360.58 1.803% of takings |
card fees £359.00 (1.795%), 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
- Flatpay Payment terminal: Published rate only applies below £200,000 a year in card takings. Above that the provider quotes a custom rate.
- Dojo Essential: Published rate only applies below £100,000 a year in card takings. Above that the provider quotes a custom rate.
- Teya Start: Published rate only applies below £90,000 a year in card takings. Above that the provider quotes a custom rate.
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.