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  1. Clover Insights
  2. Choosing the best business payments solutions for your small business

Choosing the Best Business Payments Solutions for Your Small Business

10.12.2024

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As cashless transactions continue to dominate in the UK, selecting the right business payments solution is crucial. Let’s explore options such as mobile and countertop systems and see which tools simplify credit card payments for small business owners.

Table of contents:

  • What Payment Solutions Are Available for Small Businesses?
  • Mobile vs. Countertop Payment Solutions
  • Choosing the Right Solution for Your Company
  • Finding the Ideal Payment Solution for Small Business Success

 

What Payment Solutions Are Available for Small Businesses?

 

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) need efficient ways to process payments and meet customer demands. With cash transactions dropping from 53% in 2014 to a projected 33% by 2024, non-cash payment systems are now essential. Cards dominate the market, making up 51% of cashless payments in 2014 and are expected to have reached 60% by 2024.

 

Shoppers in the UK increasingly demand convenience. They want quickly moving queues and smooth checkouts. For a small business, credit card processing and debit card acceptance are not just an option anymore—they’re a must. To keep up with the shift to cashless transactions, small businesses need to embrace digital business payment methods.

 

POS Systems with Card Readers

These are the foundation for accepting credit card payments for small business owners. Point-of-sale (POS) solutions with card-reading capabilities offer fast, secure transactions while allowing for contactless and mobile wallet transactions.

 

Mobile Payment Solutions

 

Perfect for remote and on-the-go services, these systems let you take payments anywhere. For a small business, credit card processing is convenient for customers, all while enhancing flexibility.

 

Online Payment Portals

 

For businesses with digital sales, an online platform offers various business payment methods to ensure seamless transactions. These integrated systems handle both in-person and online payments, offering unified sales insights.

 

Automated Payment Services

 

An increasingly popular option, Faster Payments Service (FPS) is one to consider as your business grows. FPS is convenient, quick and ensures secure one-off transfers for businesses needing swift payment processing.

 

Mobile vs. Countertop Payment Solutions

 

The choice between mobile and countertop solutions depends on a business’ model. Each offers distinct advantages, and selecting the right fit ensures smooth operations.

 

Mobile Payment Solutions

 

Mobile systems are ideal for businesses needing flexibility. Food trucks, market stalls or remote service providers benefit from mobile devices, such as the Clover Flex. They process debit and credit card payments for small business owners on the go, accept chip-and-pin and contactless payments, and integrate with sales tracking systems.

 

Countertop Payment Solutions

 

Countertop devices are perfect for high-traffic businesses. Retail shops, cafes, and restaurants benefit from dual screens, faster processing, and the ability to handle peak hours effortlessly. With robust reporting tools, our Station Duo and similar countertop units offer more than just payments—they provide insights to optimise business performance.

 

Understanding these systems makes it easier to choose the right tool, one that can quickly process debit and credit card payment for small businesses and family-run stores.

 

Choosing the Right Solution for Your Company

 

Selecting the right business payments system is vital for efficiency and customer satisfaction. Here are a few factors to consider:

  • Business type: Each small business’ industry influences its ideal solution. Mobile systems suit on-the-go services, while countertop devices work well for fixed locations.

  • Customer preferences: Cards are leading cashless transactions. Offering card payments for small businesses through devices such as ours ensures each small business can meet this demand.

  • Flexibility: Convenient, handheld POS systems allows payments to be processed anywhere. For businesses needing adaptability, mobile solutions are invaluable.

  • Scalability: Tools enabling Android SDK Integration empower small businesses to start with one device and build out their platform on top of technology such as ours to create an interconnected POS ecosystem.

  • Insights and analytics: Understanding sales patterns improves decision-making. Businesses should seek systems that provide real-time data to optimise operations.

Small businesses should sssess the above factors to select solutions that meet their current and future objectives.

 

Finding the Ideal Payment Solution for Small Business Success

 

Cashless transactions are the future, so investing in the right business payments system is no longer optional. With the share of cash payments expected to reach 33% this year, SMBs must adapt to survive.

 

Whether in-store or on the go, our POS systems simplify debit and credit card payments for small businesses. By choosing the right tools, small businesses gain more than convenience- they improve customer experiences and keep pace to gain a competitive advantage. Contact us for solutions that drive growth. 

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© 2025 Fiserv, Inc. or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Fiserv, Clover and First Data are trading names, trademarks, registered trademarks, service marks or registered service marks of Fiserv, Inc. or its affiliates. Our acquiring solution in the UK is provided by First Data Europe Limited (FDEL) a private limited company incorporated in England (company number 02012925) with a registered address at Janus House, Endeavour Drive, Basildon, Essex, SS14 3WF. FDEL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA register No. 582703;). Clover devices and solutions are provided by either Marketplace Merchant Solutions Limited (MMSL) or First Data Europe Limited (FDEL). Non Clover POS solutions are provided by FDR Limited, LLC (FDRL).FDEL, MMSL and FDRL are all Fiserv, Inc. group companies.

 

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