GetBrent

Starting out: breweries and taprooms

Your First Card Machine for Breweries and taprooms: What to Get

For new breweries and taprooms, 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

What to start with: 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.

Your set-up checklist

  • Tabs at the taproom bar
  • Bottle shop and merchandise
  • Events and festivals
  • Trade customers paying larger invoices

How Flatpay covers it

  • POS with tabs, tables and split bills
  • Portable terminal for festival stands
  • One flat rate on every card, including business cards
  • The same rate for every card type

Worth checking first

  • Trade invoices usually go by bank transfer; the terminal is for the taproom and shop
  • Since 1 October 2024 employers in Great Britain must pass all tips, including card tips, to workers in full, keep a written tips policy and keep records for three years (Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023).

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

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.

Card machines for breweries and taprooms near you

Other new businesses

Questions

What card machine should new breweries and taprooms start with?

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.

Can a brewery use the same card machine at a festival?

Yes, if it has its own mobile data. Flatpay's terminal has a SIM pre-installed as well as Wi-Fi.

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 (terminal), flatpay.com (brewery)

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 for Breweries and taprooms: What to Get | GetBrent