Step 1: Define your trading style
Fixed till or mobile? In-person only, or online too? Average transaction value, monthly volume and typical card mix. This shapes the shortlist.
Unsure what these charges mean on your own statement? Submit it for a free independent review.
Start free reviewStep 2: Shortlist by category
Under £2k/month, look at pay-as-you-go (SumUp, Zettle, Square). £2k-20k/month, monthly-plan providers (Teya, Dojo). Above £20k/month, direct acquirers (Worldpay, Barclaycard, Elavon).
Step 3: Get two quotes
One from an incumbent-style provider and one from a modern provider. Ask for total monthly cost on your last three months of statements, not just headline rate.
Step 4: Check the contract
Length, notice period, terminal hire (separate?), price-increase clauses, and any early termination fee. Anything over 24 months is worth a second look.
Step 5: Sign and switch cleanly
Follow the switching-providers guide to overlap safely, give correct notice on the old contract, and monitor settlement for two weeks after.
Key takeaways
- ●Shortlist by trading style, then by volume band.
- ●Compare on total monthly cost across recent statements.
- ●Contracts over 24 months deserve extra scrutiny.