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In 2025, small businesses have more ways than ever to take card payments, whether in person or online. The right system can cut costs, simplify operations, and help you serve customers wherever they are.
In this guide, we compare the top card payment systems to help you find the best fit for your business.
1. Square: simple solution covering both face-to-face and online sales
Square is a popular all-in-one payment solution that’s easy to set up and use. It offers affordable card readers, a free point of sale (POS) app, and even a website builder, all integrated in one system. You can take payments in person, online, or via invoice, while also managing inventory, staff, and reports from a single dashboard. It's especially popular with independent retailers, cafés, market traders, and service providers.
Best for: Small businesses and startups looking for a fast, no-fuss way to take payments without contracts or monthly fees.
Square features
Feature | Details |
In-person fees | 1.75% per transaction |
Online fees | 1.4% + £0.25 (UK cards) / 2.5% + £0.25 (non-UK cards) |
Keyed-in payments | 2.5% (e.g. phone orders) |
Monthly fees | £0 |
Setup/PCI fees | None |
Hardware costs | From £19 + VAT (Square Reader) |
Payout time | Next day (instant available for a fee) |
Contract | No contract |
Pros of Square payment solution
Cons of Square payment solution
2. Zettle by PayPal: plug-and-play POS with trusted brand backing
Zettle is a user-friendly POS and payment system from PayPal. It comes with an app, compact card reader, and optional hardware like receipt printers and cash drawers.
It’s great for shops, cafés, salons, and pop-ups. Its particularly useful if you already use PayPal or want easy integration with online payments.
Best for: Small retail or hospitality businesses that want a simple POS setup and PayPal support.
Zettle features
Feature | Details |
In-person fees | 1.75% per transaction (any card/contactless) |
Online fees | 2.5% |
Keyed-in payments | Not available (online or in-person only) |
Monthly fees | £0 |
Setup/PCI fees | None |
Hardware costs | £29 + VAT for the card reader |
Payout time | 1–2 business days (or instantly via PayPal balance) |
Contract | No contract |
Pros of Zettle by PayPal
Cons of Zettle by PayPal
3. Stripe: flexible, developer-friendly platform for online payments
Stripe is a flexible payment solution built for online businesses. It handles card payments, subscriptions, and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Known for its developer tools and customisation, Stripe is ideal for ecommerce or tech-driven businesses.
Best for: Online-first businesses, SaaS platforms, and those needing advanced payment integrations or recurring billing.
Stripe Features
Feature | Details |
In-person fees | 1.5% + £0.20 for UK cards, 2.5% + £0.20 for non-UK cards |
Online fees | 1.5% + £0.20 for UK cards, 2.5% + £0.20 for non-UK cards |
Keyed-in payments | 1.5% + £0.20 for UK cards, 2.5% + £0.20 for non-UK cards |
Monthly fees | £0 |
Setup/PCI fees | None |
Hardware costs | From £49 - £249 |
Payout time | 3–5 business days (faster with Stripe Instant Payout) |
Contract | No contract |
Pros of Stripe payment solution
Cons of Stripe payment solution
4. Worldpay: established provider with tailored business solutions
Worldpay is a well-known provider offering tailored payment solutions for businesses of all sizes. It supports in-person, online, phone, and recurring payments with custom pricing and long-term contracts.
Best for: Established businesses with steady volume, like larger retailers, hospitality venues, or professional services.
Worldpay Features
Feature | Details |
In-person fees | From ~1.5%, custom pricing applies |
Online fees | Varies, custom pricing applies |
Keyed-in payments | Available – pricing varies |
Monthly fees | Yes, pricing depends on your custom plan |
Setup/PCI fees | May apply |
Hardware costs | Card machine rental or purchase (~£15–£25/month) |
Payout time | 2–3 business days |
Contract | Yes, typically 12 to 36 months |
Pros of Worldpay payment solution
Cons of Worldpay payment solution
5. SumUp: simple, mobile-first solution for microbusinesses
SumUp offers simple, contract-free card payments with some of the lowest rates for face-to-face sales. It’s designed for sole traders and very small businesses that want basic tools at low cost.
Best for: Microbusinesses, freelancers, and mobile sellers like food stalls, therapists, or tutors.
SumUp Features
Feature | Details |
In-person fees | 1.69% per transaction on free version, 0.9% per transaction on Payment Plus |
Online fees | 2.5% for free users, 0.99% for Payment Plus users |
Keyed-in payments | Available, flat fee applies |
Monthly fees | From £0 up to £49 per month, depending on subscription level |
Setup/PCI fees | None |
Hardware costs | From £0 - £169 |
Payout time | 1–3 business days |
Contract | No contract |
Pros of SumUp payment solution
Cons of SumUp payment solution
Finding the best card payment solution for your business isn’t about picking the “top” brand, it’s about choosing the system that fits your sales style, volume, and budget.
Whether you're just starting out with a mobile card reader or need a more robust POS setup, each provider has its strengths. Some offer all-in-one simplicity, others are better for fast-moving shops or multi-location businesses. Look closely at fees, contract terms, hardware costs, and payout speed to decide what matters most to your operations.
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