Card machines for small businesses

Straightforward card payments for your small business - competitive rates, honest advice, and a terminal that just works.

Common challenges

  • Overwhelmed by the number of card machine providers
  • Worried about being overcharged on transaction fees
  • Don't want complicated technology
  • Need reliability — can't afford downtime
  • Unsure if the cheapest option is actually the best value

Published:

Recommended solutions

Shift4

Pax A800

Portable/countertop Android terminal with 5.7-inch touchscreen and Payment & POS functionality. Built-in Wi-Fi & 4G connectivity, along with thermal printing. Includes merchant branding on-screen, an intuitive over-the-phone payment flow, on-board POS features, and is configurable for full POS integration.

  • 5.7-inch HD touchscreen
  • Built-in printer
  • Wi-Fi & 4G
  • Contactless, Chip & Pin, over-the-phone
  • Fast contactless transacting
  • Integrates with its provider's own POS only
  • Android POS and payments
Contract
negotiable

Why small businesses choose uno

Running a small business means wearing every hat. You don’t have time to research card machine providers, compare fee structures, and decode contract terms — that’s what we do.

Impartial advice

We’re not tied to one provider. We compare terminals and rates across multiple providers and recommend whichever genuinely suits your business best.

Competitive rates

Transaction fees add up quickly. We negotiate competitive rates and explain exactly what you’ll pay - no hidden charges, no surprises on your statement.

Simple and reliable

You need a card machine that works every time a customer taps their card. We supply proven, reliable terminals and set them up for you on-site.

What you get from uno

  • A card machine recommended for your specific business
  • Rates compared across multiple providers
  • On-site installation and walkthrough
  • UK-based support whenever you need it

Common questions from small business owners

I'm just starting to take card payments - what do I actually need?

A card machine, a bank account for settlements, and about five minutes to learn how to use it. We handle the supply, setup, and configuration. You don't need special infrastructure, a dedicated phone line, or technical knowledge. We'll walk you through everything on-site.

My business is small - can I justify the cost of a card machine?

With some providers, the card machine itself is free — no upfront cost, no monthly rental. Your only cost is the processing rate on each sale. If you take even a few card payments a week, the terminal costs you very little. The cost of NOT having a card machine - the customers who walk away — is almost certainly higher.

I'm a sole trader - can I get a card machine in my own name?

Yes. You don't need a limited company to get a card machine. Sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies are all eligible. The setup process is straightforward - we'll handle the application and guide you through the merchant account setup.

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 businesses cashflow is a daily struggle. We can offer various options, with settlement times ranging next morning, 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 & Pin. There are a small number of exceptional businesses 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 then be subject to the bank's standard 3-5 day 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 at all, 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 understand how your business works, and only then recommend the solution that genuinely fits - not the one with the biggest commission.

Get Started 07395 451520