Cheapest card reader for market stalls UK
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If you trade at markets, fairs or pop-ups, you want a reader that's cheap to buy and costs nothing in the weeks you don't trade. Here are the no-monthly-fee options, ordered by upfront reader price (ex VAT).
| Reader (no monthly fee) | Upfront price | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Square Reader | £19 | 1.75% |
| Tide Nano (PAYG) | £25, needs a Tide account | 1.5% + 5p |
| PayPal Reader | £29 (first reader, new business users) | 1.75% |
| Lopay card reader | £35 + P&P (first, via app) | 0.79% / 0.99% / 1.79% by payout speed |
| SumUp Solo | £79 | 1.69% |
Tide's Nano is £11 on the Premium plan, but that plan costs £19.99 a month on a 12-month contract. Other SumUp models may cost less, so check SumUp's site.
What £500 of monthly card sales costs in fees
Lopay £3.95 (weekly payout) · SumUp £8.45 · Square, PayPal POS and Tide PAYG £8.75 each (Tide assumes a £20 average sale). Calculated from published rates.
Stall-specific checks
- How the reader connects, and whether there's signal at your pitch.
- Battery life for a full day.
- When the money lands in your account.
Check these on each provider's page. We haven't tested the devices.
Check Square official prices ↗Ad Check Tide official prices ↗Ad Check PayPal POS official prices ↗Ad Check Lopay official prices ↗Ad Check SumUp official prices ↗Ad
SumUp offers: SumUp runs time-limited hardware offers. On 26 Oct 2026 we saw sale prices below its usual reader prices. Offers may end without notice, so check SumUp's card reader page for the current price (usual prices Solo Lite £25, Solo £79, Terminal £135 ex VAT, checked 28 Oct 2026).
Last checked: 19 Oct 2026. Prices ex VAT unless stated. Check the official provider page before buying, because promos and fees change. Tide says its fees go up on 1 Dec 2026.
Related guides
- Tide vs SumUp vs Square card readers (2026)
- Card readers for mobile tradespeople
- Amex fees on UK card readers explained
- How payout speed affects cash flow
- Find my card reader quiz
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