Compare card machines
Whether it is digital wallets or physical cards, taking payments in the way customers want to pay is essential for small businesses today.
But with costs, contract length, and connectivity to consider, where do you start? We will help you navigate our card machines – and answer the most frequently asked questions. Read on or use the quick links to jump to a topic.
How card machines could benefit your business
From increased customer satisfaction and simplification of reporting to faster settlement and shorter queues, a card machine can add value in terms of both time and revenue. Here are just some of the rewards – or read ten ways a card machine can benefit your business.
Better customer experience
Forget taking banknotes and counting out change. Faster payment by contactless equals a speedier checkout and a shorter queuing time for your customers.
Tap and go to grow revenue
On average contactless users made 220 payments in 2022, totalling £3,327 per person.* A card machine can help you meet customer expectations, helping to boost sales.
Improve your cashflow
Skip the bank queue to deposit cash. By taking payments with a card reader, the money could be in your bank account as soon as the next day.†
Take payments on-the-move
With flexible connectivity via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or mobile network, a portable card machine allows you to accept payments wherever your customers are.
|
Our card machines |
Barclaycard Flex
Barclaycard Flex
|
Smartpay Touch
Smartpay Touch
|
Smartpay Anywhere
Smartpay Anywhere
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
What is it? |
Our reliable all-rounder with flexible connectivity |
Our all-in-one point-of-sale to boost sales and simplify admin |
Our pocket-sized card reader to track sales and tackle admin |
|
Cost |
£15 + VAT monthly fee |
£29 + VAT monthly fee |
£29 + VAT one-off fee |
|
Transaction cost |
1.6% or based on card turnover |
1.6% or based on card turnover |
1.6% or based on card turnover |
|
Contract length |
18 months |
12 months |
No contract. Pay as you go |
|
Cancellation cost |
£0 |
£0 |
£0 |
|
Next day settlement |
Yes, for transactions made before 9pm† |
Yes, for transactions made before 7pm† |
Yes, for transactions made before 7pm† |
|
Connectivity |
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and mobile data networks |
Smart SIM which always connects to the strongest network |
Wi-Fi, and mobile data networks |
In 2023, Barclaycard processed over 9 billion card payments for more than 161,900 merchants.
In 2023, the Barclays’ payment authorisation service uptime was 100%, excluding planned maintenance.
Speak to our friendly team of experts who are available to help with questions about your product and account.
What is a card machine?
A card machine is a device that allows customers to pay using digital wallets or physical debit or credit cards. Often as part of a point-of-sale (POS) system, card machines securely communicate a customer’s card details for payment processing.
How do card machines work?
A card payment happens in three parts: checks (also known as authorisation), sale, and settlement.
Checks
A customer uses their credit or debit card to pay for something using a card machine. The acquirer (e.g. Barclaycard) then sends that payment request securely to the card scheme (e.g. VISA). The card scheme then checks with the customer’s bank to see if they have enough funds to pay.
Sale
If the payment is accepted, the money is taken from the customer’s bank account and held by Barclaycard.
Settlement
At the end of each weekday, the acquirer sends the money from the merchant’s sales to their bank account. The money can arrive the next day if payments are taken before a certain time. If you would like to know more, check out our beginner’s guide to taking payments.
How much does a card machine cost?
For businesses that do not want to commit to monthly card machine rental and merchant service fees, the cost of buying a Wi-Fi-enabled card reader outright can vary from £20 to £60. You buy the card machine, download an app, and you pay a fee for every card transaction taken.
Another option is to have a contract with the payment provider and rent a card machine. Transaction fees are higher when buying a card machine outright, whereas you may be able to negotiate lower transaction fees based on card turnover if renting under contract.
How do I get a card machine?
If your business takes under £100,000 a year in card payments, you can apply online for Barclaycard Flex, Smartpay Touch, and Smartpay Anywhere.
Bespoke pricing plans are available for businesses who take over £100,000 in card transactions. Simply call 0800 158 5149, Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm, or fill in the form to request a call back.
Will I get a card payment machine that accepts contactless?
Our card machines accept contactless payments, with a £100 transaction limit for physical debit or credit cards. When contactless payments are from a digital wallet, two-factor authentication such as face ID, is used and there is no contactless payment limit.
Are card payments secure?
To protect your business and customers from payment card data theft, it is important to comply with the PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard). You can find out more in our security help hub.
Looking for more in-depth information?
We know that choosing the right card machine is no simple task, especially if you are a new business – or are new to taking card payments. Head this way for a deeper dive into card machines, the costs, and the benefits.
*Source: Barclays News press release.
†To receive next-day settlement, transactions need to be taken before 7pm for Smartpay Touch and Smartpay Anywhere, and 9pm for Flex.