Table of Contents:
- Why do I need the best card payment machine for my business?
- What are the different types of card machines?
- Key factors to consider when choosing a machine
- Top card payment machines for various businesses
- Selecting the ideal machine for seamless transactions
Why do I need the best card payment machine for my business?
With contactless payments accounting for 38 percent1 of UK transactions, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) must consider investing in point of sale (POS) systems tailored to their needs. Where to start? By asking a few simple questions:
- How do I get a card machine for my business?
- Why should I change my POS card machine?
- What is the best card payment machine for my business?
This blog explains how to get a card machine for a business, the different types available on the market, key factors to consider and how Clover POS systems empower SMBs.
What are the different types of card machines?
Portable
Ideal for pubs and restaurants, these machines connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for tableside payments. With 87 percent1 of UK adults using remote banking, customers expect wireless payment options.
Countertop
Perfect for retail stores and salons, these connect via Wi-Fi, Ethernet or a phone line for stable transactions. Debit cards remain the UK’s top payment method, used for 24.51 billion transactions in 2023, making a reliable card machine crucial.
Mobile
Designed for delivery services and mobile businesses, these machines use 4G, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to take payments anywhere. With Buy Now, Pay Later services growing to 14 percent1 of UK consumers, mobile solutions help businesses meet changing payment habits.
Key factors to consider when choosing a machine
For those still asking how to pick the best card payment machine for their business, here’s what to consider.
Payment methods accepted
A card machine should accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express, along with mobile wallets. Contactless card payments alone accounted for 18.31 billion transactions in 2023, so ensuring compatibility is vital.
Transaction speed
Clover POS systems process payments in 2–3 seconds, whereas some older technologies and competing products take 5+ seconds. With card payments projected to reach 66 percent1 of UK transactions by 2033, faster processing is a priority.
Connectivity options
Machines must support Wi-Fi, 4G, Bluetooth or Ethernet, depending on a business’ needs. Faster Payments and other remote banking transactions made up 10 percent1 of UK payments in 2023, proving the growing need for reliable connectivity.
Security features
With card fraud accounting for 79 percent1 of total fraud losses in the UK, choosing a machine with end-to-end encryption, tokenisation and AI-powered fraud detection is crucial.
Portability and battery life
In this mobile-driven era, battery life is key. For example, Clover Flex lasts up to 8 hours, ensuring uninterrupted transactions. 52 percent1 of UK adults still used cash machines in 2023, but as cash use declines, businesses need a reliable portable device.
Top card payment machines for various businesses
To understand how to get the right card machine for a business, do some research, read about the subject, and talk to experts. We’re experts in Clover technology and can inform merchants about our products.
Flex: Best for mobility
Ideal for mobile businesses, restaurants and delivery services, with key features including:
- Handheld, all-in-one POS system
- Accepts chip, swipe and contactless payments
- 8-hour battery life
- Built-in barcode scanner and printer
Mini: Best for countertop payments
Ideal for retail stores, salons and cafés, with key features including:
- Compact countertop POS with an 8” touchscreen
- Built-in receipt printer
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet and LTE connectivity
Station Duo: Best for high-volume transactions
Ideal for busy shops, with key features including:
- Dual-screen setup
- Fast transaction speeds
- Secure end-to-end encryption
eCommerce: Best for online and remote payments
Ideal for online stores and phone payments, with key features including:
- Online, phone and social media payments
- Support for Shopify, WooCommerce and Magento
Selecting the ideal machine for seamless transactions
With card payments projected to reach 31.11 billion transactions by 2033, knowing how to choose the right card payment machine for a business ensures smooth and secure transactions. For those wondering how to get a card machine for their business, start by evaluating portability, connectivity, security and speed.
Still asking “how do I get a card machine for my business?” We give businesses options tailored to their operating models. Contact us to start preparing for the future of payments.
1All data from UK Finance’s UK Payment Markets Summary for July 2024
