Accept Payments On The Go - Anytime
For small business owners, it's essential to have a mobile credit card reader so you can accept payments anywhere, anytime. But with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which is right for your business. To help you make the best decision, I've compiled a list of UK mobile credit card readers.
What Is A Mobile Credit Card Reader?
A mobile credit card reader is a device that allows businesses to accept credit and debit card payments using a smartphone or tablet.
There are many different types of mobile credit card readers available on the market, but they all work in the same way.
You will need to download a corresponding app onto your smartphone or tablet to use a mobile credit card reader. Once you install the App, you can connect your mobile device to the credit card reader via Bluetooth or NFC (near-field communication).
Once the two devices are connected, you begin processing payments. To do this, you will need to enter the purchase amount into the App and then swipe or insert the customer's credit or debit card into the reader.
The funds then get transferred from the customer's account to your business, minus a small processing fee.
The Benefits Of Using A Mobile Credit Card Reader
Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it allows you to accept credit and debit card payments without a traditional point-of-sale (POS) system.
Another significant benefit is that mobile credit card readers are usually very affordable, with some costing as little as £20.
Another advantage of using a mobile credit card reader is that it's highly portable, so you can take it wherever you go—ideal for businesses that move around frequently or have pop-up shops.
Finally, mobile credit card readers are elementary to set up and use, so you can start taking payments almost immediately without going through a long and complicated setup process.
What Are The Different Types Of Mobile Credit Card Readers?
There are two main mobile credit card reader types: wired and wireless.
Wired readers connect to your mobile device via a physical cable, such as a USB cable. On the other hand, wireless readers use Bluetooth or NFC to connect to your device.
Wired readers are generally more reliable than wireless readers because there is no risk of losing the connection between the reader and your device. However, wired readers can be less convenient because you need to keep the reader physically attached to your device.
On the other hand, wireless readers are much more convenient to use, but there is a risk of losing the connection between the reader and your device.
The Best Mobile Credit Card Readers For Small Businesses In The UK
1. Zettle Reader
Pros:
Easiest To Use
Wide range of accepted cards
No contract, no monthly fees
Easy sign up
Send one time payment text links
Cons:
Support not available at weekends
Zettle card reader overview
The Zettle card reader allows you to accept credit and debit card payments on the go. It's perfect for small businesses, as it's easy to use and doesn't require a lot of setup. Connect the Zettle card reader to your smartphone or tablet, and you're ready to start taking payments.
There are no monthly fees or contracts, so you only pay when using it. Plus, there's no need for a separate merchant account - Zettle uses your existing bank account. There is a fixed percentage of 1.75% per transaction.
2. Sumup Air
Pros:
Choice of two credit card machines
Wide range of accepted cards
No contract, no monthly fees
Easy sign up
Send one time payment text links
Cons:
Integrations are sparse
Sumup card reader overview
SumUp sells two credit card machines and a compatible printer: the SumUp Air card reader that connects to a phone app, a small and independent SumUp Solo and a standalone SumUp 3G Printer to print receipts.
SumUp has the lowest fixed card rate, and there is no setup fee or shipping charge. You pay for your choice of card machine, then a fixed 1.69% fee for chip and contactless payments.
Which Mobile Credit Card Reader To Choose?
Both of these credit card readers will do the job admirably and of all the machines on the market these two have the best features for "no contract" credit card machines.
The Sumup machine is the best choice if you need a printer.
Zettle is the best machine for using as a point of sale terminal.
So, which mobile credit card reader should you choose? If you are looking for the newest option on the market, then the Zettle card reader is a good choice.
If you are looking for an affordable, easy-to-use option, then the Sumup card reader is equally good. Whichever option you choose, you can take credit card payments anywhere that you have an internet connection.
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