
Tide card reader fees: what changes on 1 Dec 2026
No links here are currently paid; some may earn us commission in future. How we make money
Tide's card reader page says: "Transaction fees and subscription fees will increase on 1st December 2026." It points to Tide's revised Membership and Product Terms for the details. Check Tide's page (tide.co).
Reported new rates (not yet shown on Tide's card reader page): MerchantHQ reports that, under Tide's revised terms (Appendix 19), the pay-as-you-go card reader rate becomes 1.6% + 5p and the Card Reader price £159 from 1 Dec 2026 (MerchantHQ, checked 28 Oct 2026). We haven't confirmed this against Tide's terms ourselves, so check Tide's revised Membership and Product Terms before deciding.
Check Tide's card reader fees ↗Ad
Current Tide fees (until 1 Dec 2026, ex VAT)
| Tide plan | Monthly fee | Card reader fee* | Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay As You Go | £0 | 1.5% + 5p | None |
| Sell In-Person Essential | £17.99 (or £139.90/year) | 0.89% + 3p | Monthly, cancel anytime |
| Sell In-Person Premium | £19.99 (or £159.99/year) | 0.69% + 3p | 12-month contract |
Tide reader prices (ex VAT, by plan: PAYG / Essential / Premium)
- Nano: £25 / £15 / £11
- Card Reader: £49 / £39 / £29
- Card Reader Plus: £69 / £59 / £49
Every Tide reader needs a Tide business account.
What to do before 1 December
- Read Tide's revised terms for your plan.
- Work out your monthly card takings and average sale.
- Put both into our break-even calculator.
- If you're on Premium's 12-month contract, check your terms before switching.
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
My notes
Log in to keep private notes on this guide. Only you can see them.