As cashless transactions become more prevalent, not having card payment machines can cause your business to lose sales. There are various card machines designed for small businesses available in the market with features that enable you to accept chip & pin, contactless, and mobile payments. However, certain machines may be more suitable for your business based on their features, fees, and upfront costs. This article provides a breakdown of the hardware and functionality of the best payment machines currently available, guiding you in choosing the card machine that best fits your needs. The top 10 card payment machines for small UK businesses in 2023 are listed, including SumUp Air, Zettle Reader 2, Square Reader, and more. The cost of a card payment machine consists of the device and payment processing fees as a percentage of each transaction made through the machine. Mobile card readers range between £15-£30, while countertop ones cost between £150-£200, and you can either buy or rent the device depending on the provider. Transaction fees range between 1.5% to 2% of the transaction’s value, and card not present fees are approximately 2.5% due to the increased risk of fraud. Portable and mobile card machines are available, with the latter being the most versatile and affordable option for small businesses that offer flexibility. SumUp Air, Zettle Reader 2, and Square Reader are some of the top-rated payment machines for small businesses, with competitive fees and practical features such as accepting a variety of payment types and speedy transactions.