Learning • 6 min read

Card Payment Costs For UK SMEs

A realistic look at what UK small businesses typically pay to accept card payments - and where the cost most often hides.

What a typical UK SME pays

Effective rates for UK small businesses commonly sit between 0.8% and 2.2%, depending on average transaction value, card mix and provider. There is no single 'fair' rate - it depends on the profile of the business.

What matters is whether the rate you're paying is reasonable for a business like yours, given the current market.

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Where the cost hides

Old rates that never got reviewed

Many SMEs are on rates set five or more years ago, while the market has moved.

Long terminal contracts

A £35/month terminal on a 48-month deal is £1,680 of committed cost.

Premium and international card surcharges

Particularly relevant in hospitality and tourist-area retail.

Key takeaways

●Effective rate is the only honest benchmark.
●Review every 18–24 months at a minimum.

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