Compared to bulkier machines like the Dojo card reader, the A920 also leads on design. It offers a modern, fully touchscreen interface that easily blends in with your countertop. It can be wireless, unlike the Worldpay reader, which has numerous additional wires and could make your countertop look and feel cluttered. Our researchers found that Worldpay has some of the least generous transaction fees available on the card machine market, which is why it only scores 3.6 out of 5 for pricing. You can receive funds into your account on the same day if you have a SumUp Business Account, out with this it takes a standard 1-3 working days to arrive into your account. There is also the option of receiving your funds on a weekly or monthly schedule.

We found the Square card reader in use at a beautiful crystal store (pictured) and at Scoobys Coffee, a small cafe stall based in North London. We talked to Anthony, the owner of Scoobys Coffee who uses the Square POS card reader. Customer Support: the assistance and resources provided by the merchant account provider to users in resolving issues, answering questions, and providing guidance. Connect using the free built-in SIM card for unlimited 3G data, or use Wi-Fi for your transactions, this SumUp card reader is truly flexible to work with your business needs.

Fees and settlement

The first thing we need to highlight about the SmartPay Anywhere is its incredibly low transaction fees (1.6%). This is more than a whole percent less than rival provider Worldpay, and is a significant pull factor for firms selling low-cost goods, like a corner shop. Consider upfront costs versus long-term value. A cheaper machine might seem enticing initially, but durability and functionality matter. Investing a bit more upfront might save you from frequent replacements or operational glitches down the line. Transaction fees:

You can say hello to the fully-mobile duo every business needs. The SumUp 3G Plus Wi-Fi Card Reader and the SumUp 3G Plus Printer work together to bring simplicity and flexibility to your business. Zettle's reader is more expensive than Square's, however Zettle outranks the latter in terms of deposit speed and because it has a stronger mobile app, which makes it the better choice for firms making transactions on the move. Of course this is all subjective. Customer service support is available via telephone Monday - Friday 8am - 7pm, and Saturday/Sunday 8am - 5pm. Note: if the paper is cut incorrectly, you may see an error message stating that the printer is out of paper. To continue, simply push open the lid, pull out some paper and close the lid again. Paper roll Founded in 2012, this London based provider is acclaimed for its support of small businesses. SumUp’s mission is to support those who would likely be snubbed by larger providers, and with their range of affordable products they do just that.

Sign-up process

Like Tyl by Natwest, SmartPay Anywhere is best for users who already have a business account with the linked bank. If you have a Barclays Business account you'll be able to take full advantage of the device. My customers seem happy with it. The charge also lasts for ages. One charge will last for three days. I charge it every night and it never drops below four bars. They told us their Barclaycard machine is “relatively easy and straightforward to use”, but that it “can be slow to connect sometimes; we're still connected via telephone”. You can choose to either print a receipt automatically after every transaction or only on demand. To select the preferred option, go to “Menu” -> “Settings” -> “Printer” -> “Auto-print receipts” -> “On/Off”. To begin charging the printer, plug in the cable as shown in the image below and connect it to the power supply: