Compare card machines

Card machine comparison

Looking for a card machine for your business? To help you choose the right one, we’ve put together a comparison table so you can see the difference between them. We have three different ones to choose from:

The main difference between them is how they connect, which changes how they can be used in your business. Check out more below:

Compare the features here:

Let's have a look at them in more detail.

Countertop card machine

As you might have guessed from the name, the countertop machine sits quite nicely on top of your countertop.

If you want to take payments next to your till or from a reception point, they’re a great solution as they don’t take up much space on the desk.

You’ll need a plug socket nearby as it uses a power cable to switch on.

To take card payments, the machine needs to be connected using either an Ethernet cable or it can be connected to your shop’s phone line. This allows the machine to communicate with the cardholder’s bank to process payments.

Portable card machine

Unlike the first machine we spoke about, the portable card machine doesn’t need to be connected with a wire to power up.

Instead, it comes in two parts – the card reader and a base unit.

The base unit is the part which plugs in and can sit on your counter. But the card reader itself connects to the base using Bluetooth to process your card payments.

Because it uses Bluetooth, it can only be used within the base unit’s range which can depend on who you choose to take payments with (at takepayments, it works up to 50m away from the base).

This means that you can take the machine directly to customers around your shop, perfect if you manage a hospitability business like a café or restaurant.

Mobile card machine

The mobile card payment machine is completely wireless.

Using 3G, it connects to the strongest mobile network available in the area like EE, Vodafone, O2 and Virgin to process card payments.

Like it’s portable counterpart, it also comes with a base unit so that you can charge the device. It also has a micro USB slot, so if you want to charge the device from your car, you can!

You’ll be able to take the device anywhere your work takes you, meaning that you’ll always be able to offer your customers card payments so long as you have a connection.

They’re the ideal solution for any business that doesn’t have a premise, or if you attend events and exhibitions.

How can we help?

Now that you know the different machines available and have an idea on which one to choose, we can help.

We have a team of dedicated card payment specialists who work with you to choose the best machine for you.

All of our machines accept major credit cards and debit cards and can process Chip and PIN, contactless, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Plus, they are all compliant with the latest PCI DSS security so that you can be sure you’re protecting both you and your customers when taking payments.

PCI compliance is the security standard in place for any business looking to take card payments, so if you need help getting compliant, our PCI team can help you get started.

Vanessa Littler

Digital Marketing Executive