How to choose a card machine for a small café

The right card machine depends on how your café works. A takeaway counter has different needs from a café with table service, and the cheapest option on paper isn’t always the cheapest in practice.

Pick the right type

Countertop machines stay by the till and usually connect through your internet connection. Portable machines connect over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth so staff can take payment at the table. Pocket-sized readers are small and affordable, which suits market stalls and pop-ups, but they often rely on a phone or tablet to work.

Look beyond the transaction rate

The rate per payment matters, but so do the other costs. Check for monthly terminal rental, minimum monthly charges, PCI compliance fees and how long the contract runs. A low rate with a long contract and high fixed fees can work out more expensive than it first looks.

Make sure it fits your setup

If you already use a POS system, check the card machine works with it so the amount is sent straight to the terminal. That avoids keying errors and speeds up service. It’s also worth asking how quickly payments reach your bank account, as this affects your cash flow.

Not sure where to start? Tell us how your café runs and we’ll shortlist the options that fit.