How Much Does a Card Machine Cost in the UK?
UK card machines cost 0.6% to 2.5% per transaction, plus £0 to £50 monthly rental.
Best value for restaurants:
Bespoke rates tailored to your volume — confirmed in your quote.
Updated: July 2026
Complete Cost Breakdown
1. Transaction Fees (Main Cost)
Debit cards: Competitive rates (typically 0.5-1.75% range)
Credit cards: Competitive rates (typically 0.3-0.5% higher than debit)
Authorization fee: 0p to 3p per transaction
Example: £40,000 monthly sales at typical rates = £300-400/month
2. Monthly Fees
No monthly fee providers: £0 (best for most restaurants)
Budget providers: £9-25/month
Premium providers: £30-60/month
Best value: £0 monthly fee + low transaction rates = lowest total cost
3. Setup & Hardware Costs
Setup fee: £0 to £200 (best providers: £0)
Terminal cost: £0 to £300 (many providers offer free with contract)
Installation: £0 to £100 (we provide free installation)
4. Hidden Costs to Watch For
PCI compliance fee: £5-15/month (should be included)
Minimum monthly charge: £20-50 (avoid these)
Early exit penalty: £100-500 (we cover up to £3,000, subject to eligibility)
Statement fee: £3-8/month (should be free)
How Much Can You Save?
Many businesses find meaningful savings once their full statement is reviewed — it depends on your current rates, fees, and volume.
Get a personalised quote to see your own numbers.
Calculate Your Exact Costs
Get a personalized quote based on your specific monthly sales and business type
Sources and references
CapExpand Ltd (Company No. 14433858) is an authorised Dojo partner, not a card machine manufacturer. We are not currently authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Card machine pricing and availability are subject to change. All information on this page is for general guidance only.