Best Card Machines For Small Business

These days more than ever, a card machine is an absolutely essential piece of kit that simply makes taking payments from customers a quick, secure and safe method. Whilst we're over COVID-19 thank the Lord, it's still so common for consumers to pay with card, using the contactless method. These days using the actual keypad on the card reader is so rare.

So, just how easy it is to take a card payment and which card machine is going to be the right one? Well for the first thought, there are so many options including app based solutions that can be installed as apps. Sure, they'll need to be setup with a payment provider but that's more a lesser known quantity. The fact is, consumers trust what they know - so are far more likely to want to use a regular card reader than a fancy app that may have limited features that may cause problems later on.

This being said, there are so many contactless payment machines available which gives the business looking for one, so much choice over the likes of models, rates and even costs (such as pay as you go or just a regular contract). But then, there are extra things to think about.

Rates - these can vary based a wide range of options, from whether you choose a long or short contract - to what cards you accept and even how quickly you want the payment to be in your bank account.

Features - interesting one, as more often that not many small businesses go for the "shiny looking" card machine, only to find that it has so many features that are either hard to use, or just slow down the card reader. On top of this, are the extra features even worth it?

Connectivity - well this is a popular one, do you get a card machine with all the popular connectivity options or you get a Bluetooth one. Now Bluetooth card machines are popular, but, they often rely on a mobile phone to connect to the internet. Sounds easy, but what happens when - the battery runs out? Or when the Bluetooth link cuts out when trying to process the transaction?

Type - there are card machines that you keep on the desk next to the till (countertop), ones that you take the customer (portable) that you'd use in a restaurant for example. Plus there are others that are mobile - which are ideal if you're on the move.

There's a lot to consider when getting a card machine, which is why it's important to look at the all of the above when finding the best card machines for small businesses. After all, if you do your research then you get the right card machine for you - without having expensive fees or features that you'd never need.