The Best Barclays Card Machine Options for Small Businesses in 2025

For small businesses in the UK, accepting card payments is no longer optional—it’s essential. With the rise of contactless payments, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, customers expect seamless transactions. If you’re considering a Barclays card machine, you’re in the right place.

Barclays offers a range of card machines tailored to different business needs, from portable card machines to desktop card machines with built-in receipt printers. In this guide, we’ll explore the best Barclaycard terminals for small businesses in 2025, covering transaction fees, monthly costs, and key features to help you make an informed decision.

Introduction to Card Payments

Card payments have become an essential part of modern commerce, allowing businesses to accept payments from customers using credit and debit cards. With the rise of contactless payments, mobile payments, and online transactions, card payments have become a convenient and secure way for customers to make purchases. As a result, businesses need to have a reliable and efficient card payment system in place to process transactions and manage their finances effectively. In this section, we will explore the world of card payments, including the benefits of card machines, transaction fees, and payment processing security.

Why Choose a Barclays Card Machine?

Barclays is one of the UK’s leading merchant service providers, offering reliable payment processing solutions. Here’s why a Barclaycard card machine could be the best small business solution for you:

• Seamless integration with a Barclays bank account

• Competitive transaction costs and tailored pricing based on sales volume

• No hidden fees—clear monthly fee structures

• Secure PCI compliance for safe card processing

• Flexible options, including pay as you go and contract-based plans

• Various Barclaycard offers, including card readers, payment gateways, and rental plans

Now, let’s dive into the best Barclays card reader options for 2025.

Benefits of Card Machines

Card machines, also known as card readers, are devices that enable businesses to accept card payments from customers. The benefits of card machines are numerous, including increased sales, improved customer satisfaction, and enhanced cash flow management. By accepting card payments, businesses can attract a wider customer base, reduce the risk of cash handling errors, and improve their overall financial management. Additionally, card machines can be integrated with other payment systems, such as online payment gateways and virtual terminals, to provide a seamless payment experience for customers. With the right card machine, businesses can streamline their payment processes, reduce transaction costs, and focus on growth and development.

Best Barclays Card Machines for Small Businesses

1. Barclays SmartPay Touch – Best All-in-One Solution

The SmartPay Touch is a battery-powered, Wi-Fi and mobile data networks-enabled portable card machine, perfect for businesses on the go.

Key Features:

• Accepts contactless, debit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay

• Built-in receipt printer for instant customer receipts

• PCI-compliant with secure encryption

• Virtual terminal for over-the-phone payments

• Sales reports and analytics for better financial tracking

Pricing:

• Monthly rental fee: From £19 + VAT, with no hidden monthly fees, making it more affordable compared to competitors that require long-term contracts with higher monthly fees.

• Transaction fees: Custom rates based on annual card turnover

• One-off fee: Possible setup charge (varies by business)

Best for: Retailers, market traders, and delivery services needing a portable card machine.

2. Barclays Desktop Card Machine – Best for Fixed Locations

If your business operates from a single location (e.g., a café or salon), a desktop card machine could be the cheapest option.

Key Features:

• Connects via Wi-Fi or Ethernet

• Fast card processing with PCI compliance

• Value-added services like sales volume tracking

• No exit fees on flexible contracts

Pricing:

• Monthly cost: From £25 + VAT

• Transaction costs: Lower than mobile terminals (tailored to transaction volume). For example, the Desktop Card Machine offers a competitive transaction fee structure similar to Barclays, which provides a low fixed transaction fee of 1.6%. This makes it appealing for both new and established businesses. The transaction fees can be customized based on your business’s card turnover, making it ideal for seasonal vendors or those with higher sales volumes.

Best for: Restaurants, salons, and shops with a fixed checkout.

3. Barclaycard Flex – Best for Variable Sales Volumes

For businesses with fluctuating sales volume, Barclaycard Flex offers pay-as-you-go pricing.

The main differences between purchasing a card reader outright and renting one include the associated transaction fees. While buying a card reader incurs higher fees for each transaction, renting may offer the opportunity to negotiate lower fees through contracts, making it a potentially better option for established businesses.

Key Features:

• No long contract length

• Custom rates based on financial circumstances

• Works with online payment gateway for online payments

• Monday to Friday customer support

Pricing:

• Pay per transaction (no monthly rental fees)

• Ideal for seasonal businesses

Best for: Pop-up shops, freelancers, and businesses with irregular card payments.

Customer Support

Customer support is a critical aspect of any merchant service, including card payment systems. Businesses need to have access to reliable and efficient customer support to resolve any issues that may arise during transactions. This includes technical support, account management, and troubleshooting. A good customer support system should be available 24/7, with multiple channels of communication, such as phone, email, and live chat. Additionally, customer support should be knowledgeable and experienced in handling card payment-related issues, providing timely and effective solutions to ensure minimal disruption to business operations. In this section, we will explore the importance of customer support in card payment systems and what businesses should look for when selecting a merchant service provider.

Barclays vs. Other Merchant Service Providers

While Barclays offers strong merchant services, it’s worth comparing with other merchant service providers:

Requesting tailored quotes is essential to ensure businesses receive personalized services that cater to their specific needs, helping them secure the best possible deals.

Barclays stands out for small businesses due to its merchant account integration and corporate solutions for scaling.

Card Processing Security

Card processing security is a top priority for businesses that accept card payments. With the increasing risk of cyber attacks and data breaches, businesses need to ensure that their card payment systems are secure and compliant with industry standards. This includes implementing robust security measures, such as encryption, tokenization, and secure socket layer (SSL) technology, to protect sensitive customer data. Additionally, businesses should ensure that their card payment systems are compliant with industry regulations, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), to avoid fines and penalties. In this section, we will explore the importance of card processing security and what businesses can do to protect their customers’ sensitive information.

By integrating these new sections, the article will provide a comprehensive guide for small businesses considering Barclays card machines, covering all essential aspects from the basics of card payments to the specifics of customer support and security.

How to Choose the Right Barclays Card Machine

Consider these factors before selecting a Barclays card reader:

1. Business Type – Do you need a portable or desktop card machine?

2. Transaction Volume – High sales volume? Opt for lower transaction fees.

3. Payment Methods – Need Google Pay/Apple Pay support?

4. Budget – Compare monthly rental vs. pay-as-you-go.

5. Customer Support – Check availability (e.g., Monday to Friday).

6. Functionality – A traditional card machine accepts both contactless and chip and PIN payments and integrates with third-party systems, making it ideal for small businesses seeking reliable payment solutions.

Hidden Fees & Contract Considerations

Some merchant service providers charge:

• Exit fees for early termination

• Annual card turnover penalties

• PCI compliance add-ons

Barclays is transparent, but always review the contract length and monthly cost before committing.

Final Verdict: Is a Barclays Card Machine Right for You?

If you want a reliable payment processor with Barclaycard terminals that suit small businesses, Barclays is a strong choice. The SmartPay Touch is ideal for mobility, while the desktop card machine suits fixed locations.

Additionally, the SmartPay Touch allows businesses to connect to an online portal and manage product listings, which can be a significant advantage for those needing to create and manage product inventories. In contrast, the Barclaycard Flex does not offer this specific capability, emphasizing its more limited use primarily for payment processing.

For business growth, consider Barclaycard Flex if you need flexibility. Always assess your financial circumstances and sales reports before deciding.

Next Steps

• Compare Barclaycard review options

• Contact Barclays for custom rates

• Ensure your business meets PCI compliance

• Include your card number in communications with Barclays when addressing any issues with your card machine

By choosing the right Barclays card machine, you’ll streamline payments, reduce customer service issues, and boost business growth in 2025.

Need help deciding? Check out our Barclaycard account guide or compare Barclaycard payments with other merchant service providers today!