9 best card machine options for a small business in Ireland

What’s the best, or cheapest, card payment device for small businesses in Ireland?

We’ve looked at low-cost card readers with a reasonable (or no) contract and pricier models with variable fees.

The choice comes down to how you plan to use the device short- and long-term, payout and banking preference, POS requirements and what fees are best.

You don’t want to tie yourself into a long-term contract if sales aren’t guaranteed for that time, but that’s no issue with the commitment-free options.

Compare the best card payment machines for a small business in Ireland:

American company Square launched in Ireland just a few years ago. It’s a pay-as-you-go payment platform without contract lock-in or monthly fees for its card machines.

We’ve tested both the card reader and more complete touchscreen terminal, and they are both pleasing to the eye, easy to use, reliable and fast. For €19 + VAT, you can purchase Square Reader that works with a free, feature-rich Point of Sale app on your iPhone, iPad or Android device. It doesn’t have a physical keypad, instead prompting payers to enter their PIN in the app on your mobile device.

The more expensive Square Terminal works on its own with a direct connection to WiFi and prints receipts. It can’t connect with 3G/4G, so is better suited for fixed premises with a stable internet connection. The touchscreen terminal has many free POS features that are regularly updated.

“Square’s software is constantly updated and improved, and their credit card terminals are good quality despite the low price. I also love the huge selection of online tools that help you deal with payments in any situation.”

– Emily Sorensen, Senior Editor, MobileTransaction

One of the clear advantages is Square’s wide selection of remote payment tools for all users. This includes payment links, email invoices, QR code payments, ecommerce, recurring payments, eGift cards and keyed payments. None of these have monthly fees, unless you upgrade to a monthly online store plan.

Photo: MobileTransaction

Square Terminal next to Square Reader.

You can also upgrade from the free Point of Sale app to the paid Square for Restaurants, Retail or Appointments POS systems with more specialised features.

Transaction fees are fixed at 1.75% + VAT for chip and contactless cards, or higher for remote and online payments. Payouts take one working day to reach your bank account.

>> To Square website

In Ireland, SumUp is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get started with payments. There’s no contractual commitment, no monthly fee and no long sign-up. You just create a SumUp account online, order the card payment device and wait 3-5 working days to receive it.

There are three card readers: SumUp Solo Lite that works with an app (downloaded on iPhone, iPad or an Android device), SumUp Solo with a touchscreen and countertop base or SumUp Solo with a receipt printer attached. The last two are pricier, but come with a SIM card built in so they work independently without a phone or tablet.

“I always recommend SumUp as one of the easiest, cheapest card machine options with a business account thrown in for fast transfers. You can also do ecommerce, invoicing etc. from SumUp App – a very accessible way to manage business.”

– Emily Sorensen, Senior Editor, MobileTransaction

SumUp merchants also get free access to payment links for remote payments, QR codes, email invoices and electronic gift cards. If you want a super-simple online store to share on social media, the free Online Store lets you create one in minutes.

Photo: MobileTransaction

SumUp Solo and Solo & Printer terminals.

The only thing you’re paying is a transaction fee: 1.69% for all card payments. The free SumUp Card and Business Account provide an IBAN and next-day settlement (weekends inclusive), if you can’t wait 2-3 working days to receive transactions in a bank account.

For the monthly fee, you can subscribe to a more advanced point of sale (POS) system.

>> To SumUp website

Dojo recently arrived in Ireland after much success in the UK, where the product has had some time to mature. The success is down to a smooth onboarding, good quality card terminal and short contracts. It also has next-day payouts, including weekends, depending on your bank account.

Dojo’s only card machine (Dojo Go) is a popular PAX A920 model, which has been used across Europe for some years now. It has a touchscreen display and a simple payment app designed by Dojo.

“I’ve tested the Dojo terminal app and used it in shops many times, and it really works very smoothly. But if I were a retail shop, for instance, it wouldn’t be enough on its own because it lacks substantial POS features.”

– Emily Sorensen, Senior Editor, MobileTransaction

To accept a card, merchants just have to enter the transaction amount and proceed to processing a chip and PIN or contactless payment through the display. There’s no way to itemise a sale in the app. If more complex point of sale features are required, it does integrate with POS systems in Ireland.

Photo: MobileTransaction

Dojo just offers a PAX A920 card machine in Ireland, but it’s a good model.

For some, the biggest draw of is the short terminal rental contract. Those with an annual card turnover above €150,000 (€12,500 per month) get a monthly contract that can be cancelled any time, and transaction fees are customised around your business.

But merchants with a lower turnover have to start with a 6-month contract which rolls into monthly afterwards. Fees on that plan are 1.4% + 5¢ for consumer Visa, Maestro or Mastercard and 1.99% + 5¢ for business cards. If transaction fees do not amount to €24.95 for a month, you will still be charged €24.95 – this is known as a monthly minimum service charge. So you can’t, like SumUp and Square, just not use the card machine and avoid transaction fees.

Given all the charges, Dojo’s fees are only better than SumUp’s above ~€7,000 per month, depending on the average transaction size.

Although, businesses stuck in a card machine contract elsewhere can get up to €3,000 exit fees reimbursed by Dojo, which is quite good.

>> To Dojo website

A recent entry in Ireland, Revolut Reader is a chip and contactless card reader that works with the Revolut Business app on your phone. It has a simple touchscreen and the Revolut logo edged onto both sides so customers will trust the device for payments.

To get it, you’ll need to register for a Revolut Business account, then a Merchant Account allowing you to accept cards online (e.g. via QR code and payment link) and in person (via card reader).

You’ll have to navigate to the Merchant section in the Revolut Business app and request a payment via the card reader. It’s quick enough to do with practice, but not intuitive the first time around.

The app has a very basic product library to itemise the digital receipts and an overview of transactions. It doesn’t register cash transactions or connects with other hardware like a receipt printer.

The only dedicated point of sale (POS) system that works with the card reader is Revolut POS, which is geared towards cafés.

Photo: MobileTransaction

Revolut Reader is small and lightweight with a basic touchscreen.

The card reader’s main advantage is perhaps the low transaction fee for domestic cards: 0.8% + €0.02 for consumer Visa and Mastercard cards issued in the EEA. This, unfortunately, does not include Northern Ireland, which is charged the higher rate of 2.6% + €0.02 along with all other cards (non-consumer and non-EEA).

“Revolut’s domestic rate is unbeatable in Ireland, but based on my mixed experience of the card reader and slightly awkward payment flow, I’d only recommend Revolut Reader to those who regularly use the business account.”

– Emily Sorensen, Senior Editor, MobileTransaction

All payouts reach the Merchant Account within 24 hours, even on weekends. Then you can immediately transfer funds to the Business Account that’s linked to the Business Mastercard included with the account, and spend it on expenses. Revolut is famed for its multi-currency accounts, benefitting cross-border merchants.

>> To Revolut website

The global card processors, Worldpay, offers a range of the latest high-quality card machines to all sizes of business.

Because the company doesn’t yet have an Irish website, you’ll need to complete a contact form that will get you in touch with a sales rep who can give you an offer based on needs and your type of business.

Currently popular card machines on offer include Ingenico Desk 5000 for countertops and the portable and mobile Axium DX8000 terminal.

“Of all the traditional card terminal providers, we’ve had the best impression of Worldpay. Their contracts are competitive, and the card machines we’ve tested are designed for accessibility and hard wear.”

– Emily Sorensen, Senior Editor, MobileTransaction

The lightweight, push-button Desk 5000 model has to be plugged into your Ethernet broadband, but then you can rely on a fast transaction process. The Axium DX8000 connects to the local mobile network with its built-in SIM card for on-the-go payments, or WiFi if on fixed premises and carrying it around for e.g. table service.

Photo: MobileTransaction

Worldpay offers several card machines, including the pictured Desk/5000 and Axium DX8000.

We can especially recommend the Axium DX8000 for its large, colourful touchscreen display with optional apps to suit your shop functions. It has a built-in camera for barcode and QR code scanning, receipt printer and accessibility settings to make up for its lack of tactile keypad.

Worldpay is known for its reliable payment processing and tailored packages, so you can expect them to meet any retail needs including POS integration. Funds reach your bank account directly, typically within a few working days.

>> To Worldpay website

The payment company myPOS sells a few mobile card terminals with a built-in SIM card designed to work across Europe. This makes myPOS a great choice for cross-border merchants, for example if selling both in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The card machines range in price from €39 + VAT for myPOS Go 2 (basic, standalone card reader) to €249 + VAT for myPOS Pro with a receipt printer. The touchscreen terminal Pro has apps for serving customers face-to-face and also remotely.

“Our tests of the myPOS card machines have revealed many detailed features that some competitors lack. But onboarding is tedious, and the inactivity fees extortionate after 10 months of no use.”

– Emily Sorensen, Senior Editor, MobileTransaction

myPOS seemingly has no monthly fees, but after 10 months of no use, inactivity fees amount to €45 until the next time you accept a card. Still, you can just cancel the account as there is no lock-in. We would’ve liked to see more transparency around that.

The sign-up process takes a few days to complete since various proof is required. Most card transactions (Visa, V Pay, Mastercard and Maestro cards from the EEA and UK) cost 1.69% + €0.05. American Express costs €2.49 + €0.05 whereas all other cards incur 2.89% + €0.05 per transaction.

Photo: MobileTransaction

myPOS Go 2 and Pro credit card machines.

Transactions through myPOS don’t go to your bank account. Every merchant gets an online e-money account where payouts go. You can then choose to transfer it to your Irish bank account for a fee, transfer it internationally or spend it with the complimentary myPOS Visa card.

myPOS also has a virtual terminal for telephone payments, payment links, invoicing and other online tools. There are, however, several different fees related to payment transfers, chargebacks, shipping etc. so it’s not necessarily the cheapest option.

>> To myPOS website

The French fintech company Yavin now offers two WiFi/4G mobile card machines in Ireland. One is a small Yavin Reader (Nexgo N6 model) that looks and feels similar to a smartphone, but accepts chip cards, contactless and online payments.

The slightly pricier and bigger Yavin Terminal (Nexgo N86) also has a large touchscreen and the same payment features, plus a built-in receipt printer.

They both have a long battery life, SIM card and connect with compatible POS systems. Their offline mode allows you to accept cards without a connection, completed later when online again.

If there are any issues using the product, Yavin has a helpline to support. We know that their team is generally dynamic and focused on serving small businesses well.

The terminals are purchased upfront for €179 (Reader) or €199 (Terminal), but you get 50% off if stating Yavin’s promo code during sign-up. Apart from that, there’s a €29 (VAT not applicable) monthly fee, but the commitment-free contract can be paused, resumed or cancelled any time.

“Yavin started out as a promising service, but we have yet to see a similar level of service in Ireland as they have in France. Fees are also not transparent, but packages are potentially good for your business.”

– Emily Sorensen, Senior Editor, MobileTransaction

Transactions incur custom rates that vary between the types of cards accepted. Small businesses can expect low rates for domestic Visa and Mastercard transactions, but the monthly fee means you should make a few thousand euros every month at least to make it worthwhile.

Local cards typically incur a fee of around 0.7% while other European cards tend to cost 0.85%, plus a €0.02 fixed gateway fee that’s added to all transactions.

Yavin’s card machines are high-quality Nexgo touchscreen models.

The card machines are sent from France, and shipping takes about a week. They come connected with your IBAN and ready to accept payments upon arrival. Funds take just one working day as standard to clear in your bank account.

>> To Yavin website

Clover is known for their white, standalone payment terminals with large touchscreens.

Clover Flex is the smallest one. It prints receipts and has enough POS features to work as a portable checkout with card payments built in. Clover Mini is more like a tablet terminal, best stationed on a counter (although it can be carried around).

The amount of POS features on the terminals depends on the software plan, which comes with a monthly fee. The simplest subscription only works with WiFi, so a truly mobile terminal reliant on 3G requires a higher monthly cost. Additional features are downloaded from the Clover App Market, but these have separate costs.

“AIB’s Clover terminals may look good, but they come with complicated terms and long contracts. I also don’t like the fact you have to add separate apps that cost extra if using it as a full-fledged POS system.”

– Emily Sorensen, Senior Editor, MobileTransaction

The main provider of Clover terminals in Ireland is AIB Merchant Services. Here, you can expect to commit to 3- or 4-year contracts with a merchant account, payment processing, terminal lease and software subscription included.

Photo: Clover

Clover Flex and Clover Mini.

Suffice to say, the Clover solution is better suited for merchants with a stable turnover, as you will be locked into a contract with at least €70+ paid monthly just for the lease, merchant account and basic software. On top of that, you pay transaction fees and miscellaneous costs for setup, chargebacks and PCI compliance.

Businesses with a larger turnover can, however, benefit from lower transaction fees negotiated with AIBMS. Moreover, the software customisations are attractive for those who like to pick and choose till features.

Elavon offers a pay-as-you-go card reader called Elavon Mobile (previously Elavon MobileMerchant). It works with the free talech Mobile app, which has mixed reviews so we can’t wholeheartedly recommend it.

The first Mobile card reader costs €19 (one-off price). The “standard fee” for card payments is 1.75%, which covers Visa and Mastercard transactions. Other card brands have different rates: 1.9% for Amex and 2.5% for JCB, Diners Club and UnionPay.

Photo: Elavon

The Elavon Mobile reader is very basic – and so is the connected mobile app.

The card reader used to rely on the Elavon MobileMerchant app, a very outdated app that couldn’t do many things. Now, it works with the slightly better talech Mobile app that has a product library, but still no integration with a receipt printer.

“Mobile is a very basic card reader that looks like a calculator. I’d be more interested in Elavon’s higher-end card machines on a contract, but those are not cheap.”

– Emily Sorensen, Senior Editor, MobileTransaction

Taking payments over the phone? Elavon merchants get a complimentary virtual terminal for over-the-phone payments. Additionally, Elavon Mobile doesn’t have lock-in or monthly fees.

Which to choose?

Out of the credit card machines in Ireland, SumUp and Square have the best deal all-round: the software is updated regularly, card readers are cheap, there’s no lock-in or monthly fees, and plenty of remote payment tools are included free. The transaction fees are competitive for smaller businesses, especially given the business tools you get access to. Once sales have grown above €8,500 per month, lower fees can be negotiated.

Revolut Business is another interesting option, offering a card reader with low domestic rates and next-day payouts.

What about stable businesses who want a more ambitious terminal? We recommend Dojo for some of the industry’s shortest rental contracts, and it has decent fees above a €7,000-€12,5000 monthly turnover.

Yavin, Worldpay and Clover has good  multi-functional terminals with expandable POS features and negotiable fees.

Elavon’s accompanying app is a bit restrictive, but you might prefer Elavon if you’re considering their other services in the future.

Whereas myPOS has a good range of card terminals to buy, it is better suited for cross-border merchants preferring an online account over a high street bank based in Ireland.

Summary of best card machines:

We would say the least adaptable options are Elevon Mobile and Revolut Reader. They are better for simple transactions where you just enter an amount or as a backup for impromptu payments on the go. All other options can be expanded with more complex features as your business grows, either in store or online.

Alternatively, you could set up Tap to Pay on a smartphone, which doesn’t require a card reader to accept contactless payments.