With more customers choosing to pay by credit or debit card than ever before, it’s important that businesses are able to accept these payments. Card machines, also known as POS terminals or payment terminals, can help streamline this process, providing greater flexibility for both employees and customers. They’re an essential tool for traditional brick-and-mortar retailers, as well as restaurants and hospitality businesses. Service providers, such as hairdressers or consultancy firms, can also benefit from offering card payment options, reducing paperwork for clients and potentially speeding up invoice settlements.

The best card machines offer a range of features to meet the needs of different business types. These include magstripe, EMV chip and NFC contactless payments, as well as integration with mobile payment apps like Apple Pay. Some models are able to view limited sales reports and allow you to void or refund transactions, while others can operate offline by storing and forwarding cards when a connection is lost. Additional extras can be found on some models, including customer-facing displays and barcode scanners that are useful in busy retail environments.

Most of the best card machines are able to provide a variety of payment methods but differ in terms of transaction fees and other functionality. For example, some offer a flat rate per transaction, such as the Zettle Reader 2, while others use a tiered or sliding scale fee structure that reduces the cost of higher-volume transactions. Some have a cash drawer, making them suitable for retail stores, while others have an in-built receipt printer that helps keep lines moving at restaurants. best card machines