3 Key Points to Evaluate Card Machine Charges in the UK

Card machine costs in the UK vary greatly, depending on the provider. If you are looking for a cheap way to implement a credit card payment system in your shop, then you will have to compare costs carefully. Here are key points to help you make a thorough evaluation.

1. Upfront price

How much does a card machine cost in the UK? The initial cost of purchase depends on the type of machine you are getting and the features or functionalities it has.

For example, a portable credit card unit is a bit pricier than the countertop credit card machine because it allows you to bring the credit card terminal to the customers. Plus, it also prints directly from the portable unit, allowing for faster transactions.

For businesses that want to save money, choosing the cheapest unit may seem the best thing to do. However, keep in mind that the cheapest is not always the best, especially if doesn't have the features that your business need to efficiently process and track credit card payments.

2. Payment processing fees

Providers require businesses to pay for payment processing fees for their credit card transactions. Rather than paying these charges blindly, you should make an effort to understand them. It’s important to evaluate them carefully to make sure that you are choosing the most cost-effective card machines. How much the providers of card machine charge in the UK will depend on their respective policies. Some providers charge per transaction while others have a fixed rate.

3. Other fees

On top of the processing fees are other fees that merchants have to pay. These include schedule fees, incidental fees, application and setup fees, and monthly gateway access fees. These things may look cheap on the quotation, but they can all pile up. Be sure to evaluate them to figure out if you can really afford them.