Why Small Businesses Need to Accept Card Payments
In today’s fast-moving, cash-light economy, being able to take card payments isn’t just convenient, it’s essential, especially in the run-up to Christmas.
You don't want to be in the situation where you have to turn away a disappointed Christmas shopper because they don't have any cash in their wallet or purse.
Customers expect to pay by card, contactless, or mobile wallet, whether they’re shopping in-store, at a market stall, or online.
For UK small businesses and sole traders, introducing card payment options can boost sales, improve cash flow, and make your brand look more professional.
Let’s look at how you can start accepting card payments, both online and in person, quickly and affordably.
Step 1: Decide How You’ll Take Payments
Before you invest in any system, think about where your customers interact with your business.
In-person payments: Ideal for cafés, salons, pop-ups, and retail outlets. You’ll need a card reader or POS terminal.
Online payments: Suitable for e-commerce sites, digital services, or freelancers. You’ll need a payment gateway or checkout page.
Hybrid setup: Many UK businesses benefit from combining both, selling face-to-face and online with the same provider.
Step 2: Choose a Reliable Card Payment Provider
Finding the right provider depends on your turnover, business model, and budget.
Popular UK options include:
Square: Free account, pay-as-you-go transaction fees. Great for small shops and market stalls.
SumUp: Fast setup with low-cost card readers and no monthly contracts.
Zettle by PayPal: Ideal for sellers who already use PayPal or sell through social media.
Stripe: Excellent for online payments, subscriptions, and integration with e-commerce platforms.
Worldpay and Barclaycard: Traditional merchant accounts for businesses with higher sales volumes.
Tip: Compare transaction fees, payout times, and integration options before you commit.
Step 3: Setting Up In-Person Card Payments
To take payments in person, you’ll need a card reader that supports chip & PIN, contactless, and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.).
Most modern card readers connect to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth and come with an app to manage sales, refunds, and receipts.
Benefits include:
Take payments anywhere, perfect for mobile businesses or markets.
Email receipts instantly to customers.
Sync transactions with your accounting software.
Popular small business readers in the UK include Square Reader, SumUp Air, and Zettle Reader 2.
Step 4: Setting Up Online Card Payments
If your business sells online, you’ll need a payment gateway to handle secure transactions.
Options include:
Stripe, PayPal, and Square Online, all integrate easily with Shopify, Wix, or WordPress.
Shopify Payments or WooCommerce Payments, built-in systems for e-commerce sites.
Payment links or invoices, perfect for freelancers and service providers.
Make sure your website uses SSL encryption (that padlock symbol) to protect customer data and improve trust.
Step 5: Understand the Costs and Fees
Most card payment providers charge a small percentage per transaction, typically 1.5%–3%, plus a few pence per sale.
Although it’s tempting to pass that on to the customer, most UK businesses now include it in their pricing. Offering free and easy card payments can help boost conversions and customer satisfaction.
Step 6: Stay Secure and Compliant
When accepting card payments, you must follow the PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard).
Fortunately, most reputable providers handle the heavy lifting for you, but you’re still responsible for basic best practices:
Use secure payment systems only.
Keep all customer data confidential.
Train staff to spot payment fraud or phishing scams.
Security and professionalism go hand in hand when building customer trust.
Step 7: Promote Your New Payment Options
Once your payment system is up and running, shout about it!
Add “We now accept card payments” to your shop window, website, and social media posts.
Mention contactless, Apple Pay, and online checkout options in your marketing.
Update your Google Business Profile with “Card payments accepted.”
The easier you make it to pay, the more likely customers are to buy.
Step 8: Review, Analyse, and Grow
Card payment systems don’t just process transactions, they provide valuable data, too.
Use built-in analytics to track:
Your best-selling products or services
Average transaction values
Peak shopping times
This insight helps you plan stock, schedule staff, and refine your pricing strategy.
Final Thoughts: Bring Your Business into the Modern Age
Moving to card payments, whether online or in person, can seem daunting, but modern technology makes it surprisingly simple.
With affordable providers like Square, SumUp, and Stripe, small businesses and sole traders in the UK can start accepting card payments in minutes. You’ll enjoy smoother sales, faster cash flow, and happier customers.
If you haven’t already, now’s the time to make your business cashless-ready, and future-proof.
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Learn how small businesses and UK sole traders can start accepting card payments online or in person. Compare payment providers, fees, and setup tips to get paid faster.
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