If you are on the hunt for the best PDQ terminal to take your business to the next level, congrats! This is an amazing time.
As your business expands, you become familiar with the advantages and challenges of investing in new technology and tools.
Just keep in mind that making the right decision is about recognizing your specific needs and finding solutions that best address them.
What is a Card Machine, Anyway?
A credit card machine, as the name implies, is a device that enables you to accept card payments.
Commonly dubbed PDQ (Process Data Quickly), or card reader, card machines can be as uncomplicated as a slotted device intended for shoppers to insert a chip + PIN card in before inputting their PINs.
Then again, it can be as fully equipped as the Square Reader, which provides readability for chip + PIN, mobile and contactless payments such as Apple Pay.
If you’re ready to take the plunge and provide more value to your clients, here are some of the best pdq machines for small businesses in the UK:
1. iZettle
iZettle is by far the most versatile PDQ machine in the UK market. Its PIN pad machine is tamper- proof, modish and is available in black & white.
Interesting enough, iZettle has the highest customer ratings on App Store, Google Play, and Trustpilot UK.
IZettle accepts chip and PIN, and contactless, which costs the same fixed percentage including premium and foreign cards.
If you want to bill your customers remotely, you can accept payments through emailed invoices and payment links for just 2.5 percent per transaction.
Payments are credited to your bank account in one or two working days, less the transaction fee. Refunds are also free and easy to process– and you get the transaction fees back for all refunded payments.
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2. Square
Irrespective of location, small businesses can now accept card payments thanks to Square. This has greatly contributed to its recognition and even associated PayPal vs. Square comparisons.
Nowadays, Square lets you convert any mobile devices into effective credit card terminals that enable you to process payments online or in-person.
Square’s useful dashboard allows you to manage inventory, view analytical reports and even send invoices.
3. SumUp Air
Admittedly, SumUp Air is the most inexpensive app-based payment terminal in the UK. It’s a free app with the basic functionality a small business needs to accept card payments at the lowest card fees.
There is no shipping or set up cost. You just pay the one-off cost for the payment terminal, then only the fixed percentage for card payments.
SumUp accepts chip and signature, chip and PIN, and contact-less cards. The payment terminal is sturdy and stylish, with a reflective, flat surface over its display and keypad.
It takes two to three days for payments to reflect in your bank account, less the transaction fees. SumUp charges you the transaction fees for processed refunds, if they have been paid out already.
4. Worldpay
Specially designed for small businesses, the Worldpay reader can be bought outright for just £39.99.
The keypad is covered with a 12-month warranty, and operators can choose to issue receipts through SMS or email at the press of a button.
The Worldpay reader also comes with a virtual terminal for taking card payments over the phone.
Worldpay’s main benefit is their free around the clock phone support. However, other service providers can still provide speedy responses despite a delay in availability.
5. PayPal Here
PayPal Here is a mobile payment terminal that integrates seamlessly with your PayPal account. Consequently, it allows merchants access to funds from card payments seconds after authorization.
The PayPal Here falls behind the SumUp Air and iZettle Reader because of its slightly higher price. But apart from that, there is not much to pick between the three.
6. iCT220 Ingenico
The iCT220 from Ingenico is an excellent example of an all-inclusive counter top card terminal. It’s almost indestructible by payment terminal standards.
With finger-friendly keys and crystal-clear backlit display the ICT220 allows you to easily key in payment details even in low-light conditions.
As a tasty bonus it comes with a fast in-built receipt printer.
7. Vega3000
The Vega3000 countertop cardmachine is one of the most widely used.
Boasting USB connectivity, Bluetooth, GPRS and Wi-Fi (the full house!) it provides a lucrative, reliable and quick solution for small businesses.
It’s comes with the newest high-tech software to safeguard transactions at lightning-fast speeds. Even better, there is a touchscreen model available!
8. Ingenico iWL series
The iWL PDQ machine from Ingenico is a portable, feature-heavy portable, lightweight, payment terminal.
Users can choose to connect using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3G or GPRS technology. Additionally, iWL series PDQ machines are shock and water resistant, making them a perfect choice if your business operates in an outdoor space.
Conclusion
Before you decide which of the eight PDQ machines solutions is the best decision for your small business, ensure you weigh up all the factors and consider which service vendor will be the best fit for not just you, but for your customers as well.
