Top 5 Card Payment Solutions for UK Restaurants

Table of Contents

Why Your Card Machine Choice Matters

Before diving into the options, let’s be clear about what’s at stake. The wrong payment provider can cost you:

High transaction fees that eat into your margins
Slow processing times that frustrate customers during peak hours
Poor customer support when you need help most
Hidden contract fees that lock you into expensive long-term agreements

The right provider, on the other hand, gives you speed, reliability, transparency, and features that actually help your restaurant run better.

1. Square for Restaurants

Best for: Full-service restaurants, cafes, and busy dining establishments

Square has become a household name in UK hospitality, and for good reason. Their restaurant-specific POS system is designed from the ground up for food service, with features like table management, split bills, and kitchen display systems built right in.

Key Features:

Full restaurant POS software included at no monthly cost
Table layouts and floor plan management
Open tabs and split payment functionality
Kitchen ticket printing and order management
Real-time sales reporting and analytics
Contactless, chip, and mobile payment acceptance

Pricing:

Transaction fee: 1.75% per transaction
Monthly fee: £0 (free POS software)
Hardware: Card reader from £19

Why It’s Great:

Square’s “all-in-one” approach means you’re not just getting a card machine—you’re getting a complete restaurant management system. The free POS software alone is worth hundreds per month compared to competitors. Perfect for restaurants that want to modernize their operations without breaking the bank.

2. SumUp

Best for: Small cafes, food trucks, pop-ups, and startups

If you’re just starting out or run a smaller operation, SumUp is hard to beat. It’s the most affordable entry point into professional card payments, with no monthly fees, no contracts, and incredibly simple setup.

Key Features:

Ultra-portable card reader (fits in your pocket)
No monthly subscription fees
Accept all major card types and contactless payments
SumUp app shows instant transaction history
Next-day funding to your bank account
Works via Bluetooth with your smartphone or tablet

Pricing:

Transaction fee: 1.69% per transaction
Monthly fee: £0
Hardware: Card reader from £29 (one-time purchase)

Why It’s Great:

SumUp removes all the complexity and expense from card payments. Buy the reader once, pay only when you make sales, and never worry about contracts or hidden fees. It’s perfect for businesses with lower transaction volumes or those testing the waters before committing to larger systems.

3. Zettle by PayPal

Best for: Modern restaurants prioritizing speed and online integration

Zettle (formerly iZettle, now owned by PayPal) offers some of the fastest transaction processing in the UK market. If you’ve ever lost a customer because your card machine was “thinking,” you’ll appreciate Zettle’s lightning-quick payments.

Key Features:

Near-instant transaction processing
Seamless integration with PayPal business accounts
Manage online and in-person payments in one dashboard
Integrates with popular accounting software (Xero, QuickBooks)
Accept tap-to-pay, chip and PIN, and QR code payments
Built-in receipt printer options available

Pricing:

Transaction fee: 1.75% per transaction
Monthly fee: £0
Hardware: Card reader from £29 + £10/month for advanced POS features

Why It’s Great:

The PayPal ecosystem integration is a game-changer if you also take online orders or sell products via your website. You can see all your revenue—dine-in, takeaway, and online—in one place. The speed alone can reduce queues during busy lunch rushes.

4. Clover by Fiserv

Best for: Mid-to-large restaurants wanting premium hardware and customization

Clover is the “luxury” option in this list, offering sleek, professional hardware that looks stunning on any restaurant counter. But it’s not just about looks—Clover’s real strength is its app marketplace, which lets you build a custom solution tailored to your exact needs.

Key Features:

Premium all-in-one hardware with built-in printer and scanner
Clover App Market with hundreds of restaurant-specific apps
Employee management and shift tracking
Customer loyalty programs and rewards
Inventory tracking and low-stock alerts
Tableside ordering and payment

Pricing:

Transaction fee: Custom pricing (typically 1.5-2.5% depending on volume)
Monthly fee: From £39/month (varies by plan)
Hardware: From £499 (various models available)

Why It’s Great:

If you’re running an established restaurant with multiple staff members and want a system that can grow with you, Clover delivers. The ability to add apps for online ordering, delivery integration, and advanced reporting means you can build exactly the system you need—nothing more, nothing less.

5. Worldpay

Best for: High-volume restaurants and established chains

Worldpay is one of the UK’s largest and most trusted payment processors, serving everyone from small businesses to major restaurant chains. They offer enterprise-level reliability and the kind of 24/7 UK-based support that’s crucial when you’re processing hundreds of transactions daily.

Key Features:

Bespoke pricing for high-volume businesses
24/7 UK-based phone support
Advanced fraud protection and chargeback management
Multi-location management capabilities
PCI DSS compliance handled by Worldpay
Integration with major restaurant management systems

Pricing:

Transaction fee: Custom pricing (volume-based discounts available)
Monthly fee: From £9.95/month (varies by package)
Hardware: From £99 (various terminal options)

Why It’s Great:

For restaurants processing over £10,000/month, Worldpay’s volume-based pricing can save you hundreds compared to flat-rate providers. The enterprise-grade security and UK support team mean you’re never left hanging when issues arise during service.

How to Choose the Right Card Machine for Your Restaurant

Still not sure which option fits your needs? Ask yourself these three critical questions:

1. What’s Your Transaction Volume?

Low volume (under £5,000/month): SumUp or Zettle offer the lowest costs
Medium volume (£5,000-£20,000/month): Square or Zettle provide the best feature-to-cost ratio
High volume (over £20,000/month): Worldpay or Clover can negotiate better rates

2. Where Do You Take Payments?

Counter only: Any provider works, but consider hardware size and durability
Table service: Square, Clover, or Zettle with portable terminals
Mobile/outdoor: SumUp’s pocket-sized reader is unbeatable for portability
Multiple locations: Worldpay or Clover for centralized management

3. What Features Do You Actually Need?

Don’t overpay for features you won’t use. Consider:

Basic card acceptance only: SumUp or Zettle
Full POS with inventory tracking: Square or Clover
Online ordering integration: Zettle (PayPal) or Square
Employee management: Clover or Square
Advanced reporting: Clover or Worldpay

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

Many UK businesses get caught out by hidden fees that aren’t obvious in the initial sales pitch. When comparing providers, always check for:

PCI compliance fees (typically £20-40/year)
Chargeback fees (£15-25 per disputed transaction)
Statement fees (some providers charge monthly)
Minimum monthly processing fees (common with Worldpay)
Early termination fees if on contract
Gateway fees for online payment integration

The providers in our top 5 are generally transparent about costs, but always read the fine print before signing.

What About Contactless Payment Limits?

As of 2026, the UK contactless limit is £100, and most modern card readers support this automatically. However, if you’re using older terminals, check with your provider to ensure you’re not forcing customers to use chip and PIN for mid-range transactions unnecessarily.

Making the Switch: What to Expect

Worried about the hassle of switching payment providers? Here’s the typical process:

Sign up online (takes 10-20 minutes)
Verification (1-3 business days for ID and business checks)
Receive hardware (2-5 business days delivery)
Setup (most systems take under 15 minutes)
Start accepting payments (same day as setup)

Most providers offer free migration support, and some (like Square and SumUp) have no contracts, so there’s minimal risk in trying them out.

How Utility7 Can Help You Save Even More

At Utility7, we specialize in helping UK restaurant owners cut costs across all their essential services—not just energy, but card payment terminals too.

We’ve helped hundreds of businesses:

Reduce card processing fees by up to 40%
Eliminate hidden charges buried in contracts
Find the best-fit provider for their specific needs
Negotiate better rates based on transaction volume

Running a restaurant means juggling countless responsibilities. You shouldn’t have to waste time comparing payment processors or negotiating with sales reps. That’s where we come in.

Our Process is Simple:

Tell us about your business (transaction volume, business type, current provider)
We compare the market and negotiate on your behalf
You get multiple quotes with no obligation
We handle the switch if you choose to move

Best of all? Our service is completely free. We’re paid by the providers, so there’s no cost to you.

Ready to stop overpaying for merchant services?

Contact Utility7 today:

+44 7913 685973
info@utility7.com
www.utility7.com
HQ: The Quadrant, 3 Warwick Rd, Coventry, CV1 2DY

Final Thoughts: Don’t Settle for “Good Enough”

Your card machine is one of the most-used pieces of equipment in your restaurant. It touches every single customer interaction and directly impacts your bottom line through fees and processing times.

In 2026’s competitive UK hospitality market, you can’t afford to settle for outdated, expensive, or unreliable payment systems. Whether you choose Square’s comprehensive POS, SumUp’s simplicity, Zettle’s speed, Clover’s customization, or Worldpay’s enterprise reliability, make sure your choice aligns with your business goals.

And remember: you don’t have to navigate this decision alone. Utility7’s experts are here to guide you to the most competitive rates and the right solution for your unique needs.

Stop overpaying. Start saving. Let Utility7 help you find the perfect card payment solution today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a business bank account for these card machines?

Yes, all UK payment providers require a business bank account to deposit your takings. Some providers like PayPal/Zettle offer more flexibility if you’re a sole trader.

How long does it take for money to reach my account?

Most providers offer next-day funding (funds arrive the next business day), though some offer same-day for an additional fee. Worldpay typically takes 2-3 business days.

Can I accept American Express?

Square, Zettle, and Worldpay all accept Amex. SumUp and Clover vary by plan. Note that Amex typically charges higher transaction fees (around 2.5-3%).

What happens if my internet goes down?

Most modern terminals can store transactions offline and process them once reconnected. However, you won’t be able to accept chip and PIN without connectivity. Contactless payments may work offline up to a certain limit.

Are there any setup fees?

SumUp, Square, and Zettle typically have no setup fees. Clover and Worldpay may charge setup depending on your contract. Always clarify this before signing.