Top 5 Card Machines for UK Restaurants
Ranked by value, features, and suitability for hospitality businesses
Rates checked: 27 August 2026
Dojo Pocket
Mobile phone-sized terminal with integrated ordering system
Pros:
- Custom rates at typical restaurant volumes (Dojo prices per business above £100,000 a year in card turnover; we have seen quotes as low as 0.29% for high-turnover businesses)
- Contract: at least one month’s written notice, and any minimum term is set in your application documents (terminal £0 upfront with no monthly rental through MerchantSwitch)
- Table ordering + payments in one device
- QR code table ordering
- Next-day installation
- No early account closure fee if you tell Dojo you want to end the agreement within the first month (Dojo general terms v2.0)
- Exit fees covered up to £3,000 when you switch through MerchantSwitch (eligibility confirmed at quote)
Cons:
- Minimum monthly payment set by your agreed plan; the amount is not published
- Not for high-risk sectors
At £5,000/month on cards: £5,000 × 1.2% = £60.00 with the terminal free through MerchantSwitch (£80.00 renting the Dojo Pocket at £20/month) against £84.50 to £87.50 on a 1.69 to 1.75% flat-rate reader
Worldpay
Enterprise-grade solution for high-volume restaurants
Best for: Large restaurant groups, £200k+ monthly volume, multi-location operations
Typical cost: Bespoke rates + £15-50/month | More expensive but comprehensive features
Barclaycard Payments
Banking heritage with reliable service
Best for: Established restaurants, those banking with Barclays, £100k+ monthly
Typical cost: Bespoke rates + £20-60/month | Bank-backed security
Zettle by PayPal
Simple setup for smaller cafes
Best for: Small cafes, under £20k monthly, simple needs
Typical cost: 1.75% flat + £0/month | Good for low volume but not scalable
Other Providers
Elavon, Lloyds, Trust Payments, etc.
Varies widely. Some good options depending on specific needs. See full comparison table
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