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Starting out: pubs and bars

Your First Card Machine for Pubs and bars: What to Get

For new pubs and bars, 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.

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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 and split bills
  • Speed at the bar when it is three deep
  • Tips
  • A system that copes with busy event nights

How Flatpay covers it

  • POS to manage tabs and tables and split orders
  • Kitchen printing for food
  • Flat rate on every card, including premium cards
  • 24/7 phone support

Worth checking first

  • Ask about what happens if the connection drops on a busy night
  • 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.

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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.

Card machines for pubs and bars near you

Other new businesses

Questions

What card machine should new pubs and bars 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.

Do pubs pay more for Amex and premium cards?

With many providers they do. Flatpay charges the same flat rate on all cards.

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 (pubs)

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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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 Pubs and bars: What to Get | GetBrent