A guide on portable card machines for small businesses
Ditch the bulky hardware. Learn how you can boost sales with sleek, portable card machines. Ready to take payments anywhere?
Cash is no longer king
Remember when cash was king? Those days are fading fast. Payment technology is evolving, and so are your customers' expectations. Today, people want quick, seamless payment options, whether they're buying a morning coffee, browsing a craft stall, or paying for delivery. Contactless payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay have become the new norm.
If your business isn’t offering these options, you risk falling behind. But the good news is, modernising your payment setup doesn’t have to be expensive or complex. Portable card machines are flexible, affordable, and built for businesses on the move.
This guide will show you why a portable card machine isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential. We’ll cover what they are, how they work, who they’re for, and how to choose the right one for your business.
What is a portable card machine?
A portable card machine is a lightweight, wireless device that allows businesses to accept card and mobile wallet payments without being tethered to a fixed location. Unlike traditional point-of-sale systems that are desk-bound or require installations, portable terminals can be carried and used anywhere. They can be used at tables, in delivery vans, at pop-up events, or even door-to-door.
These devices typically support:
• Chip and PIN
• Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)
• QR code-based payments
Some models connect via Wi-Fi, others come with built-in SIM cards for mobile data access, making them perfect for businesses on the go.
How do portable card machines work?
Portable card machines process payments in five simple steps:
1) Connect via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or built-in SIM
2) Tap, insert, or swipe the card or mobile wallet
3) Encrypt and transmit data to the payment processor
4) Authorise in seconds
5) Print, email, or QR-code the receipt
It’s fast, secure, and gives your customer a smoother experience than counting out coins or waiting for an app to load.
Introducing the Smart Mini
payment terminal
A lightweight, pocket sized, portable POS terminal powered by Android 13.0 OS with fast, secure payments..
Supporting chip & PIN, contactless, and mobile wallets, plus 4G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for payments anytime, anywhere2.
Small business owners: Cafes, salons, and boutiques can accept payments anywhere on the premises.
Mobile businesses: Tradespeople, market vendors, and food trucks can get paid on-site.
Pop-up retailers: Temporary stalls or seasonal events benefit from quick setup and flexibility.
Delivery services: Accept card payments on the doorstep, avoiding the need for cash handling.
Hospitality providers: Waitstaff can bring the payment terminal directly to the customer’s table.
Who benefits from portable card machines?
In short, any business that values mobility, convenience, and flexibility.
Key features to look for in a portable card machine
Not all portable card machines are created equal. When choosing one, keep these must-have features in mind:
Multiple payment methods: Accept chip & PIN, contactless, and mobile wallet payments.
Connectivity options: Look for built-in SIM support in addition to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Battery life: A long-lasting battery (at least 8–12 hours) is critical for all-day use.
Transaction fees: Understand the pricing model, watch out for hidden costs or blended fees.
Security compliance: Ensure the device is PCI DSS compliant and supports the latest encryption standards.
Benefits of portable card machines
1. Flexibility & Mobility: take payments anywhere, on the shop floor, at a customer's door, or in the middle of a field at a festival.
2. Speed & Efficiency: faster checkouts reduce customer waiting time and help turn over sales quicker.
3. Higher Revenue Potential: customers are less restricted by how much cash they have on hand, often resulting in larger purchases.
4. Professional Image: Offering up-to-date, secure payment methods improves your brand’s trustworthiness and customer perception.
5. Better Record-Keeping: Digital receipts and automatic transaction records reduce the risk of manual errors and streamline accounting.
Is a cashless society coming?
While we’re not entirely cashless yet, the momentum is undeniable. A NatWest report found that only 8% of UK adults rely on cash all the time. Digital payment methods are more convenient, more secure, and increasingly expected, especially among younger consumers.
By adopting a portable card machine, you future-proof your business and stay competitive in a fast-changing retail environment.
Embrace the modern checkout experience
It's clear that the way people pay is changing. While keeping up with technology and its impact on your business may seem challenging, one thing you should prioritise is expanding your payment options. Unlike some trends, card payments and mobile wallets are here to stay.
Whether you're just starting out, scaling up, or simply looking for a better way to process transactions, a portable card machine offers the flexibility, affordability, and professionalism you need to grow, without the overhead of a traditional point-of-sale system.
Take payments
anywhere
Selling on the move? Don’t let your payments slow you down.
Whether you’re at a market, on the road, or running a pop-up, the Smart Mini lets you take payments anywhere.
With options like the Smart Mini offering simplicity, affordability, and security, there's never been a better time to ditch the cash-only model and modernise your checkout experience.
0.99% transaction fees1 - keep more of what you earn
Zero monthly terminal fees – just a one-off cost of £99+VAT
SIM and Wi-Fi connectivity2 – allowing you to take payments on-the-go
Long-lasting 12-hour battery life3 - perfect for a full day of trading without worrying about charging
Perfect for small businesses on the move
Cash is no longer king
Remember when cash was king? Those days are fading fast. Payment technology is evolving, and so are your customers' expectations. Today, people want quick, seamless payment options, whether they're buying a morning coffee, browsing a craft stall, or paying for delivery. Contactless payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay have become the new norm.
If your business isn’t offering these options, you risk falling behind. But the good news is, modernising your payment setup doesn’t have to be expensive or complex. Portable card machines are flexible, affordable, and built for businesses on the move.
This guide will show you why a portable card machine isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s essential. We’ll cover what they are, how they work, who they’re for, and how to choose the right one for your business.
What is a portable card machine?
A portable card machine is a lightweight, wireless device that allows businesses to accept card and mobile wallet payments without being tethered to a fixed location. Unlike traditional point-of-sale systems that are desk-bound or require installations, portable terminals can be carried and used anywhere. They can be used at tables, in delivery vans, at pop-up events, or even door-to-door.
These devices typically support:
• Chip and PIN
• Contactless payments
• Digital wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)
• QR code-based payments
Some models connect via Wi-Fi, others come with built-in SIM cards for mobile data access, making them perfect for businesses on the go.
How do portable card machines work?
Portable card machines process payments in five simple steps:
1) Connect via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or built-in SIM
2) Tap, insert, or swipe the card or mobile wallet
3) Encrypt and transmit data to the payment processor
4) Authorise in seconds
5) Print, email, or QR-code the receipt
It’s fast, secure, and gives your customer a smoother experience than counting out coins or waiting for an app to load.
Introducing the Smart Mini
payment terminal
A lightweight, pocket sized, portable POS terminal powered by Android 13.0 OS with fast, secure payments..
Supporting chip & PIN, contactless, and mobile wallets, plus 4G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for payments anytime, anywhere2.
Small business owners: Cafes, salons, and boutiques can accept payments anywhere on the premises.
Mobile businesses: Tradespeople, market vendors, and food trucks can get paid on-site.
Pop-up retailers: Temporary stalls or seasonal events benefit from quick setup and flexibility.
Delivery services: Accept card payments on the doorstep, avoiding the need for cash handling.
Hospitality providers: Waitstaff can bring the payment terminal directly to the customer’s table.
Who benefits from portable card machines?
In short, any business that values mobility, convenience, and flexibility.
Key features to look for in a portable card machine
Not all portable card machines are created equal. When choosing one, keep these must-have features in mind:
Multiple payment methods: Accept chip & PIN, contactless, and mobile wallet payments.
Connectivity options: Look for built-in SIM support in addition to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Battery life: A long-lasting battery (at least 8–12 hours) is critical for all-day use.
Transaction fees: Understand the pricing model, watch out for hidden costs or blended fees.
Security compliance: Ensure the device is PCI DSS compliant and supports the latest encryption standards.
Benefits of portable card machines
1. Flexibility & Mobility: take payments anywhere, on the shop floor, at a customer's door, or in the middle of a field at a festival.
2. Speed & Efficiency: faster checkouts reduce customer waiting time and help turn over sales quicker.
3. Higher Revenue Potential: customers are less restricted by how much cash they have on hand, often resulting in larger purchases.
4. Professional Image: Offering up-to-date, secure payment methods improves your brand’s trustworthiness and customer perception.
5. Better Record-Keeping: Digital receipts and automatic transaction records reduce the risk of manual errors and streamline accounting.
Is a cashless society coming?
While we’re not entirely cashless yet, the momentum is undeniable. A NatWest report found that only 8% of UK adults rely on cash all the time. Digital payment methods are more convenient, more secure, and increasingly expected, especially among younger consumers.
By adopting a portable card machine, you future-proof your business and stay competitive in a fast-changing retail environment.
Embrace the modern checkout experience
It's clear that the way people pay is changing. While keeping up with technology and its impact on your business may seem challenging, one thing you should prioritise is expanding your payment options. Unlike some trends, card payments and mobile wallets are here to stay.
Whether you're just starting out, scaling up, or simply looking for a better way to process transactions, a portable card machine offers the flexibility, affordability, and professionalism you need to grow, without the overhead of a traditional point-of-sale system.
Take payments
anywhere
Selling on the move? Don’t let your payments slow you down.
Whether you’re at a market, on the road, or running a pop-up, the Smart Mini lets you take payments anywhere.
With options like the Smart Mini offering simplicity, affordability, and security, there's never been a better time to ditch the cash-only model and modernise your checkout experience.
0.99% transaction fees1 - keep more of what you earn
Zero monthly terminal fees – just a one-off cost of £99+VAT
SIM and Wi-Fi connectivity2 – allowing you to take payments on-the-go
Long-lasting 12-hour battery life3 - perfect for a full day of trading without worrying about charging
Perfect for small businesses on the move
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