Card machine costs explained
How much does a card machine actually cost? Depends who you ask. Your provider will quote you a transaction rate, but that's only part of the picture. Monthly rental, PCI fees, minimum spend charges, settlement timing. It all adds up. This page breaks down what you're really paying for so you can compare properly.
Last updated: April 2026
The main costs of running a card machine
Hardware cost
One-off or monthlyEither a monthly rental (£10 to £30/month is typical) or a one-off purchase price (£50 to £200 depending on the terminal). Some providers include the machine in an all-in monthly fee.
Transaction fees
Per transactionA percentage of each card payment, sometimes plus a fixed per-transaction fee. Ranges from 0.5% to 2.6% in the UK in 2026 depending on the card type and pricing model.
Monthly service fee
MonthlySome providers charge a flat monthly fee on top of transaction fees. This can range from £5 to £30/month. Others bundle it into the transaction rate.
PCI compliance fee
Monthly (avoidable)If you complete your annual PCI DSS self-assessment, most providers don't charge extra. If you don't, many will charge a "non-compliance fee" of £20 to £50/month until you do.
Minimum monthly charge
Monthly (conditional)Some contracts include a minimum monthly processing fee. If your transaction fees don't reach this threshold, you pay the difference. Can catch quieter businesses off guard.
Authorisation / secure fee
Per transactionA small fixed fee per transaction (typically 1p to 5p) charged by most providers. Dojo calls this a "secure fee" because it funds real-time fraud detection across 49M+ cardholders. Suspicious cards are automatically prompted for PIN instead of contactless, reducing chargebacks for your business.
Early termination fee
One-off (conditional)If you leave before your contract ends, you may have to pay the remaining monthly charges or a flat exit fee. Always check this before signing.
Flat rate vs interchange++ pricing
These are the two main pricing models for card transaction fees. Neither is universally better. The right one depends on your volume and card mix.
| Flat Rate | Interchange++ | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Same % on every transaction | Interchange + scheme fee + markup |
| Predictability | Very easy to forecast | Varies month to month |
| Transparency | Simple but opaque | You see every component |
| Typically cheaper for | Low volume, debit-heavy | Higher volume businesses |
Rent vs buy: which is right for you?
Rent
- ✓ Lower upfront cost
- ✓ Replacement included if it breaks
- ✓ Good if you want flexibility
- × Ongoing monthly cost
- × Total cost higher over 2-3 years
Buy outright
- ✓ No ongoing hardware cost
- ✓ Cheaper long-term if you keep it
- ✓ You own it
- × Higher upfront cost
- × You pay for replacement
Hardware Care: protecting your terminal
What happens if your card machine breaks, gets dropped, or is stolen? A replacement terminal typically costs £176 + VAT. Dojo offers two Hardware Care tiers so you never face an unexpected bill.
Hardware Care Light
- ✓ Covers normal wear and tear
- ✓ Non-priority replacement (2–5 working days)
- ✓ 24/7 UK-based tech support
Hardware Care
- ✓ Covers accidental damage and theft
- ✓ Next business day replacement (orders before 4 pm)
- ✓ 24/7 UK-based tech support
Frequently asked questions
How much does a card machine cost per month?▼
It varies. Some providers charge nothing for the machine itself but take a higher percentage on each transaction. Others charge a monthly rental of £10 to £30 and offer lower transaction fees. Buy-outright options (typically £50 to £200) eliminate monthly hardware costs. In the UK card machine market in 2026, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
What is the average transaction fee for a card machine?▼
Transaction fees in the UK in 2026 typically range from 0.5% to 2.6% per transaction. The exact rate depends on the pricing model (flat rate or interchange++), the card type (debit, credit, premium, international), and whether the customer is physically present.
What is interchange++ pricing?▼
Interchange++ splits your fees into three parts: the interchange fee (set by Visa/Mastercard), the card scheme fee, and the processor's markup. It's more transparent than flat-rate pricing and often works out cheaper at higher volumes. But it's harder to predict your costs month to month.
Are there hidden fees I should watch out for?▼
The most common hidden fees are: PCI non-compliance charges (£20 to £50/month if you don't complete your PCI assessment), minimum monthly service fees (a charge if your processing volume falls below a threshold), and termination fees if you leave your contract early. Always ask about these upfront.
Should I rent or buy a card machine?▼
Renting gives you lower upfront costs and usually includes support and replacement. Buying outright can be cheaper over time but you are responsible for replacement if it breaks. For most small businesses, the best choice depends on how long you plan to stay with the provider and your cash flow situation.
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Think you might be overpaying?
Most businesses we talk to are. Send us your current statement and we'll tell you straight whether you can do better.