What is a card reader?
That’s an easy one. It’s just another name for a card machine. You might have also heard it referred to as a card payment terminal, a PDQ machine, or something else entirely, but they're all the same thing.
They allow you to take credit and debit cards from your customers, including Visa, Mastercard, Maestro and American Express.
We know that different businesses need to take cards in different ways, which is why we offer a range of different card readers and a tailormade pricing package to suit your individual needs.
Plus, all our card readers come equipped with contactless, Apple Pay and Android Pay – so you can take faster payments on sales up to £100.
Whether you're brand new to cards, or are looking for a new provider, we're here to help.
Why take card payments with a card reader?
Card payments are continuing to rise. In fact, according to UK Finance, there were 1.5 billion debit and credit card transactions in the UK in March 2021, 24.7 per cent more than in February and 3.3 per cent more than in March 2020.
So, if you're not already taking cards with a card reader, you could be missing out on potential sales.
Here are a few more benefits:
- It's more convenient for your customers
- It can speeds up your service, reducing queues
- It's safer and more secure than cash
- It can encourage people to spend more with you
Meet the card readers.
Countertop card reader
Take payments at your till or reception.
Works from one fixed point
Easy for you and your staff to use
Connects via phone line or broadband
Portable card reader
Take payments around the shop or at the table.
Small and lightweight to carry
Works using Bluetooth connection
Can by used within 50m of the base
Mobile card reader
Take payments from your customers when out on the road.
Light and easy to carry
Uses 3G connectivity to connect
Long lasting battery
How we can help.
12 month contract
We won’t tie you into long contracts - ours are just 12 months.
Dedicated local consultants
We've got consultants around the country, ready to help you get started.
No set up or exit fees
There are no charges to join or to leave if you're at the end of your contract.
Personalised pricing
We'll tailor make you a package built around your business.
See why Ciara takes card payments.
It's really important to take card payments in my business, as not many people carry cash, and it's especially useful if people want to buy extra products from me.
Ciara Hatton
Hair by Ciara
Frequently asked questions.
Are card readers the same as a card machine?
Yes. A credit and debit card reader is another name for a card machine. In fact, they go by a few different names - you might have heard them called a PDQ machine, chip & PIN card reader or card payment machine too.
It’s a device that is used for payment processing, meaning you can accept card payments from your customers using their credit and debit cards.
Which card reader is best for me?
We have a number of credit card readers to choose from. And which one is best for you will depend how your business operates.
Need to take payments at a counter or reception? The countertop reader is ideal. It can plug in next to your till and connects using your phone line or broadband. It’s a great option if you only want customers to pay from one area.
If you have a café, restaurant or bar, our portable card machine will be ideal. It comes with a base unit which can be left plugged in at the counter, whilst you take payments using the handset at the table. As long as you’re within 50 metres of the base unit, you can get paid.
Our mobile card reader lets you take payments whilst out on the road. Using 3G, it connects to the strongest mobile network in your area to take payment. They’re ideal if you’re a tradesperson, courier, taxi service or if you work at different events.
What payments can I take?
You’ll be able to take standard chip and PIN payments for all of the main credit cards and debit cards, like Visa, Mastercard, Maestro and American Express.
Got customers that want to make a contactless payment? No problem. With no extra cost to get set-up, all our card readers accept contactless cards as standard. They come with Apple Pay, Android Pay and Samsung Pay too.
How much do they cost?
At takepayments, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. That’s why we offer personalised pricing packages that are based on your business.
One of our local specialists will come and meet with you to help you get you the best deal. They’ll tailor the package based on your business type, your expected or current card turnover and what card reader you choose.
The pricing package will include the authorisation and transaction fee for each of your processed payments. It’ll also include your card reader rental fee.
What is a merchant account and why do I need one?
Any business that takes card payments needs a merchant account. It works separately to your business bank account and is a holding area where the funds are checked and approved, before being transferred to your bank account.
When you join takepayments, we’ll help get you a merchant account set-up free of charge with one of our partnered acquirers, such as Barclaycard.
*This service is available to takepayments Limited customers who are accepted for Barclaycard acquiring services and is subject to Barclaycard’s approval. Next day settlement refers to the next banking day. Your card machine’s banking window function must be performed before 8:30pm in order to receive settlement the next banking day. Transactions processed via Ecommerce pay pages, pay by link and virtual terminals may be subject to different settlement timescales.
