Learning • 4 min read

Best Card Machine for Trades

Mobile card readers that work on-site, in vans and at client premises for UK trade businesses.

What trades need

SIM or 4G connectivity, no reliance on customer wi-fi, easy invoicing integration, and pay-as-you-go pricing that suits variable monthly volume.

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Top options

SumUp Air

Cheapest entry point, pairs with phone, pay-as-you-go.

Zettle Reader 2

Reliable, integrates with PayPal ecosystem.

Square Terminal

Standalone device with SIM option, prints receipts.

Revolut Reader

Bundles with Revolut Business banking.

Pay-later options

For higher-value trades work, offer Klarna or a card-on-file solution rather than making the customer pay at the door.

Key takeaways

  • ●Mobile connectivity and pay-as-you-go pricing suit most trades.
  • ●SumUp, Zettle and Square dominate the sub-£10k/month segment.
  • ●For high-ticket work, consider pay-later options too.

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Related providers

Statement review

SumUp

A pay-as-you-go card payments provider widely used by sole traders, market stalls and small businesses across the UK.

Statement review

Zettle

PayPal-owned pay-as-you-go card reader and POS system, popular with small UK retailers and hospitality businesses.

Statement review

Square

A US-headquartered provider offering pay-as-you-go card acceptance, integrated POS and online tools, popular with UK SMEs.

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