Card machines for independent retailers

Competitive rates, reliable counter payments, and honest advice from someone who isn't tied to a single provider.

Common challenges

Overpaying on transaction fees compared to what's available
Locked into a contract you didn't fully understand
Current provider is unresponsive when you need support
Want to accept contactless and mobile payments
Not sure if you're on the best deal for your volume

Why independent retailers choose uno

Independent shops deserve the same quality of payment advice that chains get - without the corporate overhead or provider lock-in. We’ll assess your operation, understand your volume and transaction mix, and find the deal that genuinely works for your business.

Counter payments

Most independent retailers need a reliable countertop terminal. The Shift4 PAX A800 is free for your first machine with a 1.25% or less transaction rate - straightforward and cost-effective.

Higher volume?

If your monthly card turnover is higher, the Dojo PAX A920 at 1.0% or less with a £15 monthly fee can work out cheaper overall. We’ll do the maths for your specific numbers.

Just getting started?

The SumUp Solo at £79 outright with no monthly fees is a low-risk way to start accepting cards. Higher transaction rate at 1.69%, but zero fixed costs.

What you get from uno

An assessment to understand your shop and its payment needs
Real cost comparison across three providers
The right terminal for your current volume - with room to switch as you grow
On-site setup and ongoing UK-based support

Common questions from independent owners

We sell items from £1 to £500 - what's the best card machine to handle such a wide range of prices?

In essence every option is a compromise - those offering a single, all-encompassing 'blended rate' (often with no rental or other monthly fees) can be the cheapest for lower value transactions, but can work out more expensive for higher value items. For higher-value items deals offering lower transaction rates often prove cheaper. So it's a balancing act - which is why uno comparing each provider offer with this in mind is so valuable.

I'm a one-person shop - do I really need a card machine?

If any of your customers ever ask 'do you take card?' then yes. Every customer who walks out because you're cash-only is a sale you don't see in your takings - you only see the customers who stayed and paid cash. Independent retailers who add a card machine typically see an increase in average basket value too, because customers spend more freely on card.

General questions about uno

Which card machine is right for my business?

It really does depend on how your business operates - there's no one 'best solution' for all, as a Fine Dining restaurant in Covent Garden has completely different operational requirements to a Market Trader in Glasgow's bustling Barras, or a Cardiff Arms Park pub. We make the effort to truly understand how your business actually operates - before recommending the best solution from a range of providers, not just one.

How much does a card machine cost?

It varies by provider and model. With some providers, your first card machine comes with no upfront cost, no monthly rental, and no per-transaction fees - so your only cost is the processing rate on each sale you make. Additional terminals - or those from other providers - may well carry rental or per-transaction fees. The exact cost depends on your terminal type, provider, and monthly card turnover. Because uno works across multiple providers, we compare the real-world, overall costs and then find the most competitive deal for your specific situation.

How long will it take for me to receive my takings?

We know for many UK independent buinesses cashflow is a daily struggle. We can offer various options, with settlement times ranging from just a few hours, to the full three days it takes providers to actually receive your customers money. Whatever your working requirements are, we'll find the ideal solution to match those needs.

Do all uno card machines accept contactless payments?

Yes. Every payment terminal we recommend accepts contactless payments, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and standard contactless cards. Contactless is now the default way most customers pay in the UK.

Will I be able to take 'over-the-phone' payments?

For most merchant-types this will be offered as a default payment option, available on-screen along with contactless and Chip'n'Pin. There are a small number of exceptional businesess operational-types where this is not the case - but for most, 'over-the-phone' payments will be offered as standard.

How can we process refunds?

Any terminal uno suggests would allow you to easily identify the original transaction. If still within the same day as the sale, then the transaction could then be 'voided'(aka 'reversed'). Voids/Reverses are typically instantaneous. However, if that trading day's 'banking window' had closed (typically at Midnight) then it would technically be classed as a 'refund' - which would be subject to the bank's standard 3-5 processing timeframe to complete.

Will we need to do complicated PCI compliance like we do with our current provider?

The great news for you is none of the providers uno works with have complicated anything! For those that require PCI of any sort atall, it really is a simple, painless process that just takes a few minutes per year!

Am I locked into a contract?

Not with every provider. Several of the solutions we offer have no long-term contract - you can switch or cancel without penalty. We'll always be upfront about contract terms before suggesting you commit to anything.

How long does it take to get set up?

Most businesses are up and running within a few days. We handle the supply, installation, and configuration so you can focus on serving your customers. We walk you through everything on-site - so you're confident from day one.

Why go through uno instead of going direct to a provider?

Going direct means you only see a single provider's products, at a single provider's prices. Because uno works across multiple providers, we can genuinely compare options and recommend the solution that suits your business - not just the only one we happen to sell! You also get a dedicated point of contact for ongoing support.

Ready to find the right card machine?

We make the effort to your business, understand how you take payments, and recommend the solution that genuinely fits - not the one with the biggest commission.

Call 07395 451520 Get in touch