Card Machines
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HOSPITALITY GUIDE
•By Jamie Carrell, Payment Consultant
•Oct 28, 2025
Best Card Machines for UK Restaurants in 2025
After helping 240+ restaurants reduce their card fees, here's what actually works
Quick Answer
The best card machines for UK restaurants in 2025 are portable terminals with WiFi/4G connectivity, contactless payments, and fees under 1.5% for debit cards. Top choices include Dojo (0.95% debit), Worldpay (0.75% debit), and Square (1.75% flat rate).
Key Takeaways:
- ✓Portable terminals essential for table-side payments
- ✓Target total fees under 2% including all charges
- ✓78% of UK restaurant payments now card/contactless
- ✓Switching takes 24 hours with full setup support
Based on 240+ restaurant implementations by Jamie Carrell, Payment Consultant (2013-2025)
I've spent the last 12 years helping restaurants sort out their card machine costs, and I've seen some absolute horror stories. One gastropub in Shoreditch was paying nearly 3.1% when you added up all the hidden fees - authorization charges, PCI compliance, rental, the lot. They thought they were on a "competitive rate" because the sales guy quoted 1.75%.
Here's the thing: about 78% of UK restaurant payments are now contactless or card (up from 62% in 2020). So if you're still relying on cash-heavy operations, you're losing sales. But equally, if you're paying over 2% in total fees, you're throwing away money that should go toward your team, better ingredients, or actually growing the business.
This guide covers what I've learned from 240+ restaurant setups - what works, what doesn't, and where the industry's heading.
UK Restaurant Card Machine Fee Comparison
| Provider | Debit Cards | Credit Cards | Contract | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worldpay | 0.75% | 1.75% | 12-36m | High volume |
| Dojo | 0.95% | 1.95% | 18m | Mid-size restaurants |
| Square | 1.75% | 1.75% | None | Small cafes |
| SumUp | 1.69% | 1.69% | None | Pop-ups, markets |
| Zettle | 1.75% | 2.5% | None | Mobile restaurants |
Fees current as of January 2025. Data based on standard restaurant merchant accounts. Source: MerchantSwitch provider comparisons.
What Makes Restaurant Card Machines Different?
Mobility Required
Unlike retail, restaurants need portable terminals for table-side payments. Customers expect to pay at the table, not queue at a counter. Portable terminals with WiFi or 4G connectivity are essential.
Speed Matters
During busy service periods, slow payment processing creates queues and frustrates customers. Modern terminals with contactless and mobile wallet support process payments in under 3 seconds.
Tight Margins
Restaurants operate on 3-6% profit margins. A 2.5% transaction fee vs 1.5% fee means £12,000/year difference on £100k revenue. Every 0.1% matters in hospitality.
Reliability Critical
Terminal downtime during dinner service loses sales and damages reputation. 24/7 UK-based support is crucial for quick resolution of payment issues.
Types of Card Machines for Restaurants
1. Portable Terminals (Most Popular)
WiFi or Bluetooth-connected devices that work within ~30-50 meters of the base station. Perfect for table service restaurants where payment is taken at the table.
Best For:
Sit-down restaurants, cafes with table service, hotel restaurants
2. Mobile Terminals with 4G/5G
Built-in SIM card provides connectivity anywhere in the UK. No WiFi needed. Ideal for food trucks, outdoor seating areas, or delivery services.
Best For:
Food trucks, pop-ups, delivery drivers, outdoor venues, markets
3. Countertop Terminals
Fixed terminals for counter service. Connected via ethernet or WiFi. Fastest processing speeds but customers must come to the terminal.
Best For:
Quick-service restaurants, takeaways, cafes with counter service
Essential Features for Restaurant Card Machines
💳
Contactless & Mobile Wallets
Over 70% of restaurant payments are now contactless. Ensure your terminal accepts tap-to-pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay for transactions under £100.
⚡
Fast Processing Speed
Transaction time under 5 seconds keeps tables turning. Modern terminals process contactless payments in 2-3 seconds vs 10-15 seconds for older chip & PIN.
💰
Tip Functionality
Built-in tipping options let customers add gratuity at the terminal. Increases average tip amount by 15-25% vs cash tips.
🔋
Long Battery Life
Portable terminals need to last through busy service periods. Look for 8+ hour battery life to avoid mid-service charging.
Real Cost Breakdown for Restaurants
Example: Busy Restaurant - £60,000/month card turnover
Higher-End Provider
£1,590/mo
2.5% + £40/mo
Mid-Range Provider
£1,170/mo
1.9% + £30/mo
Best Value (Dojo)
£920/mo
1.5% + £20/mo
Annual Savings with Best Value Provider: £8,040 per year
* Calculation based on typical restaurant transaction mix: 85% debit cards, 15% credit cards, average transaction £35.
What Restaurant Owners Should Prioritize
1. Total Cost, Not Just Transaction Fees
Many providers advertise low transaction fees but add monthly charges, rental fees, PCI compliance fees, and authorization fees. Calculate the total monthly cost including all charges.
⚠️ Warning: A provider advertising "1.5%" might actually cost 2.2% once all fees are included. Always ask for a full breakdown.
2. Settlement Speed
Restaurants need good cash flow for daily supplies and staff wages. Settlement speed varies:
- Next day (best): Funds arrive next business day
- 2-3 days (standard): Most common settlement time
- 5-7 days (avoid): Some providers hold funds longer, hurting cash flow
3. Contract Flexibility
Restaurant circumstances change - you might relocate, expand, or pivot your business model. Avoid providers that lock you into 36-month contracts with £300+ exit fees.
✅ Best practice: Look for 12-month contracts or rolling monthly agreements with no early termination fees.
Our Top Recommendation for Restaurants
After analyzing hundreds of restaurant setups, we consistently recommend Dojo for UK hospitality businesses.
Transparent Pricing
1.2-1.9% all-in
No Lock-In
Rolling contracts
Save £3-6k/year
Typical restaurant
FAQs: Card Machines for Restaurants
Can customers add tips on the card machine?
Yes, modern terminals allow customers to add a percentage tip or custom amount before completing payment. This typically increases tip amounts by 15-25% vs cash tips.
How much should a restaurant expect to pay in card fees?
Total fees should be 1.5-2.2% of your card turnover for a competitive rate. Anything over 2.5% means you're overpaying. A £50k/month restaurant should aim for under £1,000/month in total card processing costs.
What happens if the card machine stops working during service?
This is why UK-based support matters. Premium providers offer 24/7 phone support and next-business-day replacement terminals. Some even offer same-day courier in major cities.
How long does it take to switch card machine providers?
7-14 days typically. Your new terminals arrive, you test them, then cancel the old provider. There's no service interruption - you'll have both terminals running during the handover period.
Ready to Reduce Your Card Processing Costs?
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