Mobile card readers made for small businesses

A mobile card reader is a small, portable device that allows you to accept debit and credit card payments wherever you do business. Unlike traditional fixed PDQ machines, which keep customers tied to a checkout counter, a mobile card reader connects via Wi-Fi or mobile data so you can take payments almost anywhere.

Modern mobile card readers can be paired with a smartphone or tablet using a free app, or work as standalone devices with built-in SIM cards and unlimited data. Customers can pay by inserting their card, tapping for contactless or using Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Mobile card readers are ideal for businesses that want to stay flexible. Whether you run a café, market stall, food truck, salon or home service business, they make it quick and easy to accept payments, send digital receipts and keep your sales data organised in one place.

Mobile card readers are simple to use. Just click the power button on the side of your SumUp card reader, follow the short instructions, and your reader is ready. If you’re using the SumUp Air, you’ll need to complete the extra simple step of pairing it with the SumUp app.

The best mobile card reader depends on how and where you run your business.

• SumUp Air: Perfect for businesses that want an affordable reader paired with their smartphone.

• SumUp Solo: Ideal if you prefer a standalone device with built-in mobile data and Wi-Fi.

• SumUp Terminal: A premium solution with built-in receipt printer and POS features for businesses with higher volumes or more complex needs.

All of them let you accept debit and credit cards, as well as contactless payments, so your choice comes down to portability and features.

Choosing the cheapest card payment machine is always an attractive option for a small business owner or a sole trader, but cheap should not mean less performance or lacking functionality. The SumUp Air offers industry-leading features such as total portability and contactless payments for as little as £14 £25.

Newer options such as SumUp’s card machines accept Debit and Credit card payments out of the box. There are no extra fees, with each payment subjected to a universal transaction fee regardless of card type or brand.

Yes. With SumUp you have multiple ways to take payments using just your phone. The easiest option is Tap to Pay, which turns your smartphone into a card reader, no extra hardware needed. Once activated in the free SumUp app, you can accept contactless credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay simply by holding the customer’s card or device near your phone.

If you prefer, you can also pair your phone with a portable card reader like SumUp Air for Chip and PIN transactions. Both options let you take payments wherever you are, making them perfect for mobile businesses, freelancers or anyone who needs a simple, low-cost way to get paid on the go.

All SumUp card machines have no monthly fees, no rental charges and no hidden costs. You only pay a one-time cost for the device and a small fixed fee for each transaction. This pay-as-you-go model is ideal for small businesses that want to avoid expensive long-term contracts.

Mobile card machines connect via Wi-Fi or built-in mobile data to process payments. The customer inserts or taps their card, the chip data is securely read, and the payment is authorised by the bank in seconds. You can provide a receipt by email, SMS or print (if your device has a printer). This quick, secure process means you can take payments anywhere you can get online.

Mobile card readers are just as secure as fixed PDQ machines. They use encrypted chip technology and PIN verification for every transaction. The seller never sees or stores the customer’s PIN, and all payment data is encrypted end to end. Contactless payments are also protected by limits and periodic PIN verification, keeping both you and your customers safe.

The most affordable way to start taking card payments is Tap to Pay with SumUp. It does not require any additional hardware. You just need your smartphone and the free SumUp app, and you can accept contactless debit and credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay in seconds.

If you prefer a physical device, the SumUp Air is one of the cheapest mobile card readers available. It connects to your phone via Bluetooth and uses your phone’s internet connection to process payments. Despite its low price, it accepts all major cards, supports Chip and PIN and contactless payments, and can send digital receipts by email or SMS.

Both options give you a simple, low-cost way to get paid without monthly fees or long-term contracts.