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Best Card Machine for UK Restaurants: Dojo Pocket

For UK restaurants with table service, the Dojo Pocket is the top choice in 2026.

Form factor: Mobile phone-sized terminal
Rates: Priced by turnover. At typical restaurant volumes (above £100,000 a year) the quote is custom, and we have seen quotes as low as 0.29% for high-turnover businesses
Terminal: £0 upfront with no monthly rental through MerchantSwitch (bought upfront from £179 going direct)
Setup: £0; approval commonly within 24 to 48 hours, terminal delivered next day once approved

Rates checked: 27 August 2026

Why Dojo Pocket is Best for Table Service

Mobile Phone Size - Take Orders & Payments Tableside

Unlike bulky portable terminals, the Dojo Pocket fits in your server's pocket. They can take the entire order, process payment, and print receipts without leaving the table.

Unique feature: Integrated order-taking system means servers don't need separate ordering pads. Everything happens on one device.

Fast Setup Once Approved

Approval commonly lands within 24 to 48 hours, and the terminal arrives with next-day delivery once approved. A full switch from another contracted provider typically runs 1 to 4 weeks end to end.

30-Day Free Trial + Exit Fee Coverage

Not sure about switching? Try it risk-free for 30 days. If you're in a contract with another provider, Dojo pays up to £3,000 towards your exit fees when you switch through MerchantSwitch (eligibility confirmed at quote).

This removes the biggest barrier to switching - you have nothing to lose.

What Does It Actually Cost?

Typical Restaurant (£30k-50k monthly card sales)

Transaction fees:Custom quote at this volume (Dojo prices per business above £100k/year)
Terminal (Dojo Pocket):£0 upfront, no monthly rental through MerchantSwitch
Setup fee:£0
Your old provider's exit fees:Up to £3,000 covered on bespoke rates when you switch
Total monthly cost (£40k turnover):~£400 at a conservative 1% benchmark

* £40,000 a month is £480,000 a year, well above the £100,000 ceiling for Dojo's Fix plan, so this volume gets a custom quote. At a conservative 1% benchmark the fees are £40,000 × 1% = £400 a month, and we have seen high-turnover quotes as low as 0.29%. Get a personalised quote in 24 hours.

vs. Other Restaurant Card Machines

FeatureDojo PocketWorldpayZettle
Form FactorPhone-sizedBulky portableCard reader only
Order TakingBuilt-in ✓Separate systemNo
QR Code OrderingYes ✓NoNo
InstallationNext day7-14 days3-5 days
Free Trial30 daysNoNo
Exit Fee CoverageUp to £3,000 (bespoke rates)NoN/A

Who is Dojo Pocket Perfect For?

Ideal For:

  • Restaurants with table service
  • Taking roughly £2,400+/month on cards (the Fix crossover), and ideally £4,000+
  • Trading at least 2 months
  • Want tableside ordering + payment
  • Need QR code table ordering

Not Suitable For:

  • Processing under £1,000/month
  • High-risk sectors (construction, car rental)
  • Primarily cash businesses
  • Quick-service/counter-only (use countertop instead)

Real Cost Example: Independent Restaurant

Scenario: Italian Restaurant, Manchester (42 covers, table service)

Monthly Breakdown:

Card sales:£38,000
Illustrative rate (a conservative benchmark for a custom quote):1%
Transaction fees (£38,000 × 1%):£380
Terminal (Dojo Pocket, via MerchantSwitch):£0
Total:£380/month

vs. a 1.75% flat-rate reader:

Flat-rate cost (£38,000 × 1.75%):£665/month
Custom-quote benchmark at 1%:£380/month
Monthly difference:£285
About £3,420 a year. Illustrative: £38,000/month gets a custom Dojo quote at a rate only your own quote confirms (we have seen quotes as low as 0.29% at high turnover), so confirm yours.

Common Questions

How quickly can I get it installed?

Answer: Approval commonly lands within 24 to 48 hours, and the terminal arrives with next-day delivery once approved. A full switch from a contracted provider typically runs 1 to 4 weeks end to end.

What if I'm in a contract with another provider?

Answer: Dojo pays up to £3,000 towards your exit fees when you switch through MerchantSwitch (eligibility confirmed at quote). We'll write the cancellation email for you to forward to your current provider.

Can servers really take full orders on it?

Answer: Yes - the Dojo Pocket has integrated ordering software. Servers take the order, send it to kitchen, and process payment all on one device. No separate ordering pads or POS needed.

What about the 30-day trial?

Answer: Use it for 30 days completely free. If you don't like it, return it with no charges, no questions asked. We want you to be certain before committing.

Want Dojo Pocket priced for your restaurant?

Free Dojo terminal (no rental) through MerchantSwitch. We respond in under 5 minutes.

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Get Dojo Pocket for Your Restaurant

30-day free trial • Next-day installation • Exit fees covered up to £3,000 on bespoke rates

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