Learning • 5 min read

PDQ Machines Explained

What PDQ actually means, the main types of card machine used in the UK, and how to choose the right one.

What does PDQ mean?

PDQ originally stood for 'Process Data Quickly', but is now used interchangeably with 'card machine' or 'card terminal' in the UK. All modern card machines are PDQ machines.

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The main types

Countertop

Fixed to the till point via ethernet or wi-fi. Best for retail with a fixed counter.

Portable (Bluetooth)

Pairs to a base station. Best for restaurants, cafes and hotel restaurants.

Mobile (3G/4G/wi-fi)

Fully independent, GPRS or SIM connected. Best for trades, delivery and mobile businesses.

mPOS

Card reader that pairs with a phone or tablet. Best for sole traders and market stalls.

Buy or rent

Traditional acquirers usually rent machines on a monthly contract. Newer providers often sell hardware outright with no rental. Rental is often the largest hidden cost on a UK merchant statement.

Key takeaways

●PDQ = card machine. All modern terminals qualify.
●Pick countertop, portable, mobile or mPOS based on how you trade.
●Rental fees can outweigh the transaction rate - always check both.

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