Card machines for small businesses

Choosing the right card machine for your business is more important than ever. Customers now expect to pay quickly and securely using credit and debit cards. A reliable card payment machine helps speed up transactions, reduce wait times, and even help boost sales.

Here we cover everything you need to know about card machines: what they are, how they work, and the different types available. You’ll learn the benefits of using a portable, countertop, or mobile card machine. We’ll also look at features like contactless payments, chip and PIN, and built-in printers to help you compare what we offer.

We will help you find the best solution for your small business by covering the benefits of portable card machines, countertop devices, and card reader apps for your phone. It’s essential to understand the costs of accepting card payments, including one-off charges and transaction fees. At myPOS, we offer competitive pricing across all our payment solutions. Whether you run a restaurant, a salon, or any other type of business, we have the right card machine to support your success.

What is a card machine?

A card machine (also called a card terminal, or PDQ machine) allows businesses to accept electronic payments from credit and debit cards. It securely reads the card’s information, communicates with payment processors, and confirms the transaction within seconds, so funds are transferred straight to your account.

Modern card machines support chip and PIN, contactless payments, and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. This makes them essential for meeting customer expectations and ensuring your business never misses a sale.

The hardware is designed to be sturdy, and the software is highly compliant, safe, and secure for both customers and business owners. myPOS is a regulated financial institution that uses the highest security levels to ensure your money is safe. The software reads the signal from a customer’s card or digital wallet to process the payment.

myPOS Go 2

29 € 9^,90 €

excl. VAT

Buy

Standalone portable card reader
Full-day battery life
Send receipts via email and SMS

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myPOS Go Combo

179 € 99 €

excl. VAT

Buy

2-in-1 card reader with a charging and printing dock
Extend usage time by combining 2 batteries
Use in-store or on the go

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myPOS Ultra

249 € 149 €

excl. VAT

Buy

Android payment terminal with high-speed printer
Long-lasting battery - 1,500+ transactions on one charge
Sleek design with a wide multi-touch screen

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myPOS Carbon

229 € 129 €

excl. VAT

Buy

Android powered payment terminal with thermal printer
Shock- and dust-proof and water resistant
Wi-Fi and AppMarket connectivity

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Great



60 Days

Money-back guarantee



1 year

minimum warranty



2-3 days

Delivery time

Benefits of card machines: Why use a card machine?

Card machines offer major benefits by making payments faster, more secure, and more convenient for both you and your customers. With cash use declining – especially among the younger generations who prefer cards and mobile wallets – accepting card payments ensures you don’t miss out on sales. In today’s competitive market, a card machine isn’t just a payment tool; it’s a vital part of running a modern, efficient, and customer-friendly business.

Increased sales and revenue



Attract more customers by offering card, contactless, and mobile wallet payments.
Boost average transaction values, as customers often spend more with cards.
Speed up checkout with fast transactions that reduce waiting times.

Enhanced security



Reduce the risk of theft or loss by handling less cash.
Protect sensitive information with encrypted, secure payment processing.

Improved efficiency and record-keeping

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Save time with instant payments and faster checkouts.
Simplify accounting and reconciliation with detailed transaction records.
Integrate with POS systems to automate data and reduce manual errors.

Better customer experience

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Provide convenience and flexibility with chip and PIN, contactless, and digital wallets.
Offer safer, more hygienic payment options with contactless.
Build trust and credibility with a professional, modern image.

Competitive advantage



Accept payments anywhere-in-store, on the go, or at events.
Stay ahead by meeting evolving customer expectations and payment habits.

Types of card machines

Portable card machine

A portable card machine, such as the myPOS Go 2, is ideal for businesses that need to take payments away from a fixed checkout point. These devices connect via 3G/4G, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, allowing staff to bring the card reader directly to the customer. They are common in restaurants, salons, or on shop floors. They accept contactless, chip and PIN, and mobile wallet payments.

With long battery life and reliable connectivity, portable card machines smooth transactions, reduce queues, and create a more convenient experience for customers and staff. They are a preferred choice for many business owners.

Countertop card machine

A countertop card machine is a fixed payment terminal kept at your till or checkout area. It’s a popular choice for retail stores, cafés, and other businesses that process payments in one location. These machines connect via Ethernet or Wi-Fi for fast, reliable transactions. They process chip and PIN, contactless payments, and mobile wallets.

With a stable connection and secure setup, countertop machines are perfect for handling high volumes of card transactions and keeping your checkout process smooth and efficient.

Mobile card machines

A mobile card machine is designed for businesses that need to accept card payments without being tied to a fixed location. The myPOS devices have a built-in SIM card and use mobile data (usually 3G or 4G) to process transactions, meaning you can accept credit and debit card payments on the go. They support contactless payments, chip and PIN, and mobile wallets.

Smart Android payment terminals

A smart Android payment terminal combines the functions of a card machine with the flexibility of a smart device. For example, the myPOS Ultra runs on Android and connects via a built-in 4G SIM or Wi-Fi. You can accept chip and PIN, contactless payments, magstripe, QR codes, and mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

You can also download apps from the myPOS AppMarket to help with inventory management, reporting, and customer loyalty-all from the same device. Our smart Android payment terminals feature a high-speed thermal printer, a clear touchscreen display, and a long-lasting battery for uninterrupted service.

SoftPOS Solutions

SoftPOS (Software Point of Sale), also known as “Tap to Pay,” turns a smartphone or tablet into a payment terminal with no extra hardware. Using the device’s built-in NFC, merchants can accept contactless payments from cards, mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, and even wearables like smartwatches.

This lowers costs and adds flexibility, letting you take payments anywhere – in-store, on the go, or at events. SoftPOS is PCI-certified for secure transactions and is ideal for small businesses, mobile professionals, and growing enterprises. myPOS Glass is a leading SoftPOS solution with no upfront costs.

Standalone unattended self-service POS devices

A standalone unattended self-service POS device is a card machine built into kiosks like vending machines or ticketing systems. Customers pay independently without staff interaction. These devices support chip and PIN, contactless, and mobile wallets. They are designed for heavy public use, with weather-resistant casings and durable touchscreens for both indoor and outdoor environments. myPOS offers secure, weatherproof unattended POS devices, giving businesses a flexible way to accept payments in self-service settings.

Still not sure which device suits your needs?

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How do card machines work?

All card machines work in a similar way despite differences in hardware and appearance. The general process for accepting payments via credit/debit cards and digital wallets is as follows:

Tap or insert

The customer taps, inserts, swipes their card or hovers their phone over the machine.
Card machine reads

The card machine reads the details and sends them securely to the merchant's payment provider.
Provider verifies

The provider contacts the customer's bank to verify funds, then approves or declines the transaction.
Funds arrive

The provider relays the decision back. For approved payments, funds with myPOS are transferred instantly.

Although this process seems complicated, communication between all parties takes just seconds. This speed is possible because most card readers connect to the internet via mobile data (through a built-in SIM card) or Wi-Fi.

Key features to look for in card machines

When choosing a card payment machine, it’s important to think beyond just accepting payments. Certain features can significantly impact how smoothly your small business operates and how satisfied your customers feel. Businesses that accept a wide range of card payments serve customers better and faster. As customers, we now expect to pay by tapping our cards or phones.

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Reliable connectivity is a priority, ensuring transactions are processed without delay. Wi-Fi provides stability for fixed locations, 4G keeps mobile businesses connected outdoors, and Bluetooth links devices for added convenience.

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Battery life is another key factor. myPOS card machines are designed to power through a full day of trading without recharging, keeping your business efficient and uninterrupted – even during peak hours.

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Portability is equally valuable, allowing you to bring the card machine directly to the customer. In hospitality, portable card machines make payments seamless, reduce queue times, and leave a better impression on customers.

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For businesses whose customers prefer printed receipts, a built-in printer saves time and avoids the need for extra equipment.

Card machines costs & fees explained

When choosing a device, it’s important to look beyond the upfront card machine price. Many providers advertise low entry costs but then add layers of fees, such as transaction charges, monthly contracts, rental costs, or hidden extras that quickly eat into your profits. POS devices usually cost between £30 and £300, while card machine fees often range from 1.5% to 3.5% per sale. On top of that, providers may apply setup fees, monthly maintenance, chargeback fees, or even penalties for ending a contract early.

With myPOS, pricing is different. We keep it simple and transparent: no monthly contracts, no hidden charges, and low, straightforward transaction fees. Every payment – whether contactless, chip and PIN, or mobile – is settled instantly into your free myPOS business account, so you don’t wait days to access your money. Each device also comes with a built-in SIM card and unlimited mobile data at no extra cost, giving you freedom to take payments anywhere.

Get paid instantly. Keep growing

Let’s keep it simple. No added charges or small print surprises. Only pay fees after your transactions. Choose the plan that works for you.

Under 10.000 €

in monthly card turnover

Pay-As-You-Grow, for smaller businesses or new starters.

0 €

Fixed monthly costs

From

1.69%

Per transaction

A 100 € payment means 98^,31 € in your myPOS account.

Over 10.000 €

in monthly card turnover

For businesses already growing, managing larger transactions, or entering new markets.

Custom offer

Get a bespoke quote tailored to your exact business needs.

Get a custom quote

Please note that our per-transaction fee consists of a percentage of the transaction amount, which varies across payment methods, along with a small fixed fee. Check our pricing here.

How to choose the right card machine for your business?

Choosing the right card machine goes beyond just accepting payments – it should also support your business needs, improve efficiency, and enhance the customer experience. When comparing options, consider the types of payments you want to accept, the overall costs and fees, and how easily the device integrates with your existing systems. Security and compliance are essential, as are transaction speed and reliability, since these directly impact customer satisfaction.

It’s also worth thinking about portability: whether you need a countertop device for a fixed location or a portable machine with built-in data for payments on the go. Reliable customer support is another key factor, as downtime can cost both time and revenue. Providers like myPOS simplify the process with transparent pricing, instant settlement, a free business account, and flexible solutions such as portable card machines, SoftPOS solutions, and smart payment terminals.

Let’s dive deeper into different industries and the most suitable devices for them.

Bars and Restaurants

Speed and convenience define service in food and drink establishments. Portable card machines enable staff to take payments at the table or counter, eliminating cash handling while supporting seamless service delivery. The myPOS Go 2 suits food trucks, cafés, and small restaurants perfectly. This lightweight reader includes a free data SIM for 3G and 4G connectivity, processing over a thousand transactions on a single charge with no monthly fees.

For establishments requiring printed receipts, the myPOS Combo pairs the myPOS Go 2 with a printing dock. This gives you tableside payment processing with immediate receipt printing. The comfortable handgrip design makes it easy to move between tables during busy service periods.

Larger restaurants benefit from the myPOS Ultra, which combines a premium touchscreen with an integrated thermal printer. It handles high volumes efficiently, printing over 1,500 receipts per charge and lasting up to 15 days on standby. The Android system supports apps from the myPOS AppMarket for managing orders, inventory, and customer service from a single device.

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Retail and Stores

Transaction speed directly impacts customer experience at checkout. Smaller shops and boutiques find the myPOS Go 2 ideal. It’s compact, affordable, and equipped with a built-in SIM providing free unlimited mobile data. This ensures reliable payment processing without depending solely on Wi-Fi.

For stores needing printed receipts for returns, exchanges, or record-keeping, the myPOS Combo adds thermal printing capability to the Go 2's portability. The docking station extends battery life during long trading hours while maintaining a compact footprint at the counter.

Larger retail operations often prefer the myPOS Ultra. Its touchscreen interface streamlines transactions during peak periods, while the integrated printer handles receipt volumes efficiently. The device supports inventory management and sales tracking apps, and its sleek design complements modern retail environments.

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Professional Services

Service providers working across multiple locations need reliable mobile payment solutions. The myPOS Go 2 serves freelancers, consultants, and mobile professionals who require all-day battery performance. Its compact design fits easily into a bag or briefcase, while the built-in SIM maintains connectivity without Wi-Fi dependency.

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Beauty and Wellness

Salons, spas, and wellness businesses value portability between treatment rooms and mobile client visits. The myPOS Go 2 provides full-day battery life for back-to-back appointments, allowing seamless checkout wherever services are delivered.

Larger establishments wanting advanced capabilities should consider the myPOS Ultra. Its premium touchscreen supports apps for inventory management and appointment scheduling alongside payment processing. The integrated printer handles receipt volumes efficiently, while the sleek design adds a professional touch to reception areas.

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Festivals and Events

Outdoor trading environments demand devices built for the conditions. The myPOS Go 2 handles basic festival and market stall requirements with its all-day battery and compact portability, keeping transaction queues moving efficiently.

For events with challenging weather or high-traffic outdoor settings, the myPOS Carbon is purpose-built for the task. Its water-resistant, dust-proof, and shock-proof construction withstands festival environments while maintaining full functionality. The integrated high-speed thermal printer eliminates the need for separate equipment, and the quad-core processor handles peak transaction volumes smoothly.

Larger vendors benefit from the myPOS Ultra's touchscreen interface for navigating complex menus and managing inventory in real-time. Its app compatibility supports ticket scanning and other event-specific requirements from a single device.

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All myPOS devices accept contactless, chip and PIN, and all major credit and debit cards, giving your customers flexibility at checkout.

Get started with myPOS in 3 easy steps

Purchase an Android payment terminal

Order your POS terminal from our Online Shop, and get it delivered in up to 3 business days
Sign up for a myPOS account

Fill in the online application form in less than 5 minutes and our team will help you get up and running
Start accepting payments

Once your merchant account is verified, you can start accepting in-store and online payments with instant settlement

What’s in the box?

Everything you need to start accepting payments right away.

 Paper roll

 Sticker

 Card acceptance sign

 User Guide

 Free debit card

 myPOS Ultra

 Charger and cable

Choose the best payment option for your needs

				Standalone portable card reader 29 € 9^,90 € excl. VAT Buy Now	2-in-1 card reader with a charging and printing dock 179 € 99 € excl. VAT Buy Now		Introducing our most powerful POS device yet 249 € 149 € excl. VAT Buy Now		229 € 129 € excl. VAT
0 € excl. VAT	0 € excl. VAT	29 € 9^,90 € excl. VAT	179 € 99 € excl. VAT	29 € 9^,90 € excl. VAT	179 € 99 € excl. VAT	249 € 149 € excl. VAT	249 € 149 € excl. VAT	229 € 129 € excl. VAT	229 € 129 € excl. VAT
Learn more	Learn more	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
Card payments directly on your phone using the myPOS app, no extra device needed	Card payments directly on your phone using the myPOS app, no extra device needed	Standalone compact card reader with built-in data, ideal for businesses on the go	Standalone lightweight card reader with charging and printing dock for portable use, great for businesses that require flexibility and mobility	Standalone compact card reader with built-in data, ideal for businesses on the go	Standalone lightweight card reader with charging and printing dock for portable use, great for businesses that require flexibility and mobility	Autonomous smart touchscreen terminal with built-in printer and fast checkout, best for merchants who need integrated payments and cash register on one device.	Autonomous smart touchscreen terminal with built-in printer and fast checkout, best for merchants who need integrated payments and cash register on one device.	Portable rugged all-in-one card terminal with touchscreen, printer, and impact-resistant body, suited for extreme workplaces.	Portable rugged all-in-one card terminal with touchscreen, printer, and impact-resistant body, suited for extreme workplaces.
Receipts
 Digital	 Digital	 Digital	 Digital Printed	 Digital	 Digital Printed	 Digital Printed	 Digital Printed	 Digital Printed	 Digital Printed
Connectivity
 Smartphone connectivity	 Smartphone connectivity	 Free DATA SIM card and Wi-Fi	 Free DATA SIM card and Wi-Fi	 Free DATA SIM card and Wi-Fi	 Free DATA SIM card and Wi-Fi	 Free DATA SIM card, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi	 Free DATA SIM card, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi	 Free DATA SIM card, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi	 Free DATA SIM card, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi
Battery
 Smartphone battery	 Smartphone battery	 Full-day battery life	 Up to 2 full days of battery life*	 Full-day battery life	 Up to 2 full days of battery life*	 up to 15 days battery life (standby)*	 up to 15 days battery life (standby)*	 up to 4 days of battery life (standby)*	 up to 4 days of battery life (standby)*
*The battery life is an estimate and can vary depending on how the device is being used.
Payment acceptance
 Contactless (including Apple Pay and Google Pay)	 Contactless (including Apple Pay and Google Pay)	 Contactless (including Apple Pay and Google Pay) Chip&PIN QR	 Contactless (including Apple Pay and Google Pay) Chip&PIN QR	 Contactless (including Apple Pay and Google Pay) Chip&PIN QR	 Contactless (including Apple Pay and Google Pay) Chip&PIN QR	 Contactless (including Apple Pay and Google Pay) Chip&PIN QR	 Contactless (including Apple Pay and Google Pay) Chip&PIN QR	 Contactless (including Apple Pay and Google Pay) Chip&PIN QR	 Contactless (including Apple Pay and Google Pay) Chip&PIN QR
Sales Tools
Payment Request - Refund Last transaction void Tipping Support	Payment Request - Refund Last transaction void Tipping Support	Payment Request Pre-authorization Refund Last transaction void Tipping Support	Payment Request Pre-authorization Refund Last transaction void Tipping Support	Payment Request Pre-authorization Refund Last transaction void Tipping Support	Payment Request Pre-authorization Refund Last transaction void Tipping Support	Payment Request Pre-authorization Refund Last transaction void Tipping Support	Payment Request Pre-authorization Refund Last transaction void Tipping Support	Payment Request Pre-authorization Refund Last transaction void Tipping Support	Payment Request Pre-authorization Refund Last transaction void Tipping Support
Extra features
No hardware, fast setup, app-only solution	No hardware, fast setup, app-only solution	No mobile phone connection required	No mobile phone connection required	No mobile phone connection required	No mobile phone connection required	AppMarket (built-in myPOS and partner apps - designed to simplify and optimize daily business tasks) No mobile phone connection required Access to cash register software integrated into the terminal	AppMarket (built-in myPOS and partner apps - designed to simplify and optimize daily business tasks) No mobile phone connection required Access to cash register software integrated into the terminal	AppMarket (built-in myPOS and partner apps - designed to simplify and optimize daily business tasks), no mobile phone connection required Rugged & shockproof No mobile phone connection required	AppMarket (built-in myPOS and partner apps - designed to simplify and optimize daily business tasks), no mobile phone connection required Rugged & shockproof No mobile phone connection required

Card machine warranty and support

myPOS offers a one-year free warranty with every device, giving small businesses peace of mind from day one. If you want extra protection, you can extend the warranty for an additional cost. This means your device will stay covered for longer, protecting you from unexpected repair or replacement costs.

Even the most reliable card machines may need help from time to time. That’s why our customer and technical support team is always available. Whether you need assistance setting up your device, troubleshooting a connection, or understanding features, support is ready to guide you.

The warranty is straightforward: if your credit card machine develops a fault covered under the policy, myPOS will repair or replace it. This ensures your business can continue to accept card payments without long delays.

For small businesses, downtime means lost sales. myPOS combines warranty cover with quick and responsive support. You get access to a team that understands contactless payments, chip and PIN, and all the ways you process transactions.

All myPOS payment terminals include this same commitment to quality and care. It is one more reason why choosing myPOS as your card processing company gives you confidence in your payments.

FAQs

Your questions answered

What is the cheapest way to take card payments?



The cheapest way to take card payments is to choose a payment service provider that charges no monthly fees and keeps transaction costs low. Many providers add extra charges or require long-term contracts, which can be expensive and unpredictable for small businesses. With myPOS, things are clear and simple. There is no monthly fee for your account or device; you only pay per transaction.

You also benefit from free services that others often charge for, such as a business Mastercard, instant payouts, and the myPOS mobile app. This makes myPOS a very cost-effective card payment machine provider, ideal for small businesses that need a budget-friendly, reliable solution.

How do I get a card machine?

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Getting a card machine is simple. Visit the myPOS online shop, choose the device that suits your business, and place your order. Once it arrives, activation is simple. Log in to your myPOS account, go to the “Devices” section, and set up your device by confirming details and entering the code sent to your phone. In just a few moments, your terminal is ready to accept payments.

Many small businesses choose myPOS as their card processing company because it’s quick, affordable, and ready to use straight out of the box.

Which card machine is best for small businesses?

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The best card machine for a small business depends on how and where you trade. Many choose a portable option for flexibility. The myPOS Go 2 is lightweight, battery-powered, and works anywhere with its built-in SIM card and free unlimited mobile data.

For businesses that want a premium touchscreen and extra features like app installation or receipt printing, the myPOS Ultra is a strong choice. Both devices have no monthly fees, low transaction rates, and include instant settlement. This makes them ideal for small businesses looking for an affordable and reliable card processing company.

Are there binding contracts for myPOS card machines?

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Some card machine providers and banks lock businesses into long contracts with monthly fees. With myPOS, there are no binding contracts. You pay a one-off cost for your device and only pay transaction fees when you accept payments.

This flexible approach is ideal for small businesses, seasonal traders, or anyone who wants to avoid being tied into lengthy agreements.

Do I need Wi-Fi or internet to use a card machine?

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Most card machines need an internet connection to process payments. This can be through Wi-Fi, mobile data, or Bluetooth. With myPOS devices, you get a built-in SIM card with free unlimited mobile data. This means you can take card payments anywhere, even without Wi-Fi.

It’s a reliable option for traders on the move, pop-up shops, or outdoor events where a stable internet connection is not always available.

Are card machines secure?

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Yes. Modern card payment machines are built with strict security measures to protect both businesses and customers. They encrypt every transaction, ensuring sensitive card details are never exposed. myPOS devices meet the latest PCI DSS security standards and comply with European electronic money regulations.

We use secure chip and PIN technology and can process contactless card payments safely, including credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. With these protections in place, you can accept payments confidently, knowing that your transactions are processed in a secure and compliant way.

Can I take payments on the go or at events?

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Yes, you can take payments on the go or at events with the myPOS Go 2. This portable card machine is lightweight and easy to carry. Its long-lasting battery allows you to accept card payments all day without needing to recharge. You can process contactless payments and chip and PIN quickly and securely.

You can also use the myPOS Ultra, which allows you to install apps to manage inventory or track sales. Both devices let you accept card payments wherever your business takes you.

What cards can I accept with myPOS card machines?

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With myPOS, you can accept a wide range of cards, making it easier for your customers to pay.

All myPOS card machines accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, V Pay, Visa Electron, American Express, JCB, UnionPay, Bancontact, and iDEAL.

You can also accept contactless payments with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

If a customer doesn’t have a card or access to a digital wallet, you can use the myPOS Glass app to generate a secure QR code. This lets customers complete their payments online.

By supporting many card types and digital wallets, myPOS card machines give small businesses flexibility and help keep transactions smooth.