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Starting out

Your first card machine: what to get and what it costs

For a new business, start with a terminal that costs nothing upfront and has no monthly fee, such as Flatpay's at 1.49% on every card. One catch matters when you are new: Flatpay expects at least £1,100 a month in card takings (assessed over the year) or charges £39 a month. If you expect less than that at first, a pay-as-you-go reader from SumUp (£25) or Square (£19) can cost less until trade builds.

Get a free Flatpay quote

Three ways to start

A portable terminal

Flatpay's terminal is free upfront, has Wi-Fi and its own 4G SIM, prints receipts and takes tips. Most service businesses need nothing more on day one.

A terminal now, a POS when orders get busy

A POS adds tables, saved orders, split bills and kitchen printing. Flatpay's POS bundles cost from £1,495 and are charged at 1.69%, against 1.49% and nothing upfront for the terminal alone, so many new cafes and takeaways start with the terminal.

A terminal with its own SIM

Pitches and events rarely have Wi-Fi you can trust. Flatpay's terminal comes with a SIM pre-installed, so it works wherever there is a mobile signal.

The honest bit

Flatpay's terminal is free upfront with no monthly fee, but it expects £1,100 a month in card takings, assessed over the year, or charges £39 a month. On published prices, Flatpay's terminal costs less over a first year than SumUp's or Square's cheapest reader once card takings reach about £1,100 a month (at a £25 average payment). Below that, a pay-as-you-go reader can be the cheaper start; above it, the flat 1.49% on all cards wins. Put your own figures in the calculator.

Want the numbers for your business? We will arrange a free Flatpay quote and a call from a local sales manager.

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What will card payments cost you in year one?

Fees on your card takings plus the cheapest terminal each provider sells. Published rates, checked 21 October 2026.

  1. 1.Flatpay£715
  2. 2.Worldpay£720
  3. 3.Dojo£725
  4. 4.SumUp£836
  5. 5.Square£859
  6. 6.Zettle by PayPal£869
  7. 7.Stripe Terminal£913

Flatpay includes its £39 monthly charge when takings are under its £1,100 minimum. Stripe includes 10p per payment. Optional monthly plans, VAT on hardware and providers with no published rate are left out. Your own quote may differ.

Your first card machine, by business

Questions

What do I need before I can take card payments?

A card machine provider will check your business and identity before you can take payments, and pay your takings into your bank account. Have your business details, ID and bank details to hand when you ask for a quote.

Is a minimum monthly turnover a problem for a new business?

Flatpay expects at least £1,100 a month in card takings, assessed over the year, or charges £39 for each month short. On published prices, Flatpay's terminal costs less over a first year than SumUp's or Square's cheapest reader once card takings reach about £1,100 a month (at a £25 average payment).

Should I buy a POS or just a card machine?

Start with what you need on day one. A terminal takes payments; a POS adds tables, stock, saved orders and kitchen printing. Flatpay's POS bundles start at £1,495, so many new businesses add one later.

More card machine guides

Sources, last checked 21 October 2026

Facts about Flatpay come from Flatpay's own website; to get a quote, use the form on this page.

flatpay.com (pricing), flatpay.com (pricelist), flatpay.com (pos system), sumup.com (pricing), squareup.com (pricing)

Want the numbers for your business? We will arrange a free Flatpay quote and a call from a local sales manager.

Get my free quote

GetBrent is an independent UK directory. We work with Flatpay and may receive a fee if you sign up through this page; that does not change the facts shown, which come from each provider's own website or the regulator, checked 21 October 2026. Terms change, so check your own agreement.

Your First Card Machine: What to Get and What It Costs | GetBrent