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.
Updated: July 2026
Complete Cost Breakdown
- 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)
- Authorisation fee: 0p to 3p per transaction
- Example: £40,000 monthly sales at typical rates = £300-400/month
- 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
- Setup and 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
- 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
- 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.
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CapExpand Ltd · Company No. 14433858 · ICO ZB789649 · Annesley, Nottingham
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.