Best Card Machine for UK Restaurants: Dojo Pocket
For UK restaurants with table service, the Dojo Pocket is the top choice in 2026.
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.
No Closure Fee in the First Month + Exit Fee Coverage
Not sure about switching? No early account closure fee if you tell Dojo you want to end the agreement within the first month (Dojo general terms v2.0). 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)
* £40,000 a month is £480,000 a year, well above the £100,000 ceiling for Dojo's published 1.2% rate, 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
| Feature | Dojo Pocket | Worldpay | Zettle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Phone-sized | Bulky portable | Card reader only |
| Order Taking | Built-in ✓ | Separate system | No |
| QR Code Ordering | Yes ✓ | No | No |
| Installation | Next day | 7-14 days | 3-5 days |
| Free Trial | No (no closure fee if you end within the first month) | No | No |
| Exit Fee Coverage | Up to £3,000 towards your exit fees when you switch through MerchantSwitch | No | N/A |
Who is Dojo Pocket Perfect For?
Ideal For:
- Restaurants with table service
- Any card volume with the terminal free through MerchantSwitch; renting the Pocket yourself at £20/month, roughly £4,080+/month on cards (where 1.2% plus rental beats SumUp's 1.69%)
- 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:
vs. a 1.75% flat-rate reader:
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 first month?
Answer: There is no free trial. No early account closure fee if you tell Dojo you want to end the agreement within the first month (Dojo general terms v2.0). After that Dojo needs at least one month’s written notice, and any minimum term is set in your application documents. Ending the agreement before your minimum term ends can mean an early account closure fee (amount set by your agreed plan, not published), plus any fee for equipment not returned.
Want Dojo Pocket priced for your restaurant?
Free Dojo terminal (no rental) through MerchantSwitch. We respond in under 5 minutes.
Get Dojo Pocket for Your Restaurant
Next-day installation • Up to £3,000 towards your exit fees when you switch through MerchantSwitch
Get Free Quote in 24 HoursOr call: 0333 041 3933 (9am-10pm Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm weekends)