Card machines for startups

Get card payments sorted from day one - flexible terms, low upfront costs, and honest advice from people who've helped hundreds of new businesses launch.

Common challenges

Unsure which card machine to choose with so many options
Tight budget - need low upfront costs
Don't want to commit to a long contract before knowing what works
Need something simple to set up without technical knowledge
Worried about hidden fees eating into thin margins

Why startups choose uno

Starting a business means a hundred decisions all at once. Card payments shouldn’t be one of the stressful ones.

We help new businesses pick the right card machine from day one - no jargon, no pressure, and no locking you into a contract before you’ve even opened the doors.

Start simple, scale later

Most startups don’t need a full POS system on day one. A simple, reliable card machine gets you taking payments immediately. When your business grows, we’ll help you upgrade.

Low upfront costs

Cash flow matters when you’re starting out. We’ll find you a terminal with minimal upfront costs and competitive transaction rates, so you keep more of what you earn.

No long-term lock-in

Some providers want you tied in for three years before you’ve had your first customer. We offer flexible terms so you can adapt as your business finds its feet.

What you get from uno

A card machine matched to your startup’s needs and budget
Rates compared across multiple providers
On-site setup and walkthrough
Ongoing support as your business grows

Common questions from startups owners

I don't have any trading history - can I still get a card machine?

Yes. New businesses are eligible for card machines from all the providers we work with. You don't need months of trading history or bank statements. Some providers approve new businesses within a day. We'll match you with the right provider for your situation.

What's the absolute cheapest way to start taking card payments?

The SumUp Solo at £79 outright - no monthly fees, no contract. You pay 1.69% per transaction and nothing else. If you do zero card sales in a month, you pay zero. It's the lowest-risk way to start. If your business grows and card volume increases, we can move you to a lower-rate terminal that saves more over time.

I'm testing a business idea with a pop-up before committing to a shop - what's the cheapest way to take cards?

The SumUp Solo at £79 with no monthly fees is designed for exactly this. You pay 1.69% per transaction and nothing else. If your pop-up succeeds and you move to a permanent location with higher volume, we can upgrade to a lower-rate terminal at that point.

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 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