Top features to look for in card machines 

Read more to find out how to choose the right card machine for your business. Get tips on speed, security, and compatibility to find the perfect fit for your needs.

Castle Technology SF12 terminal and case
When you're running a small business or just start, picking the right card machine matters. It's not just about payment processing. The focus should also be on security, service speed, and smooth business operations. 
Here’s what to look for in a payment terminal, based on how and where you do business. 

    Portable card machines

  • Perfect for: Pop-up shops, salons, market stalls, tradespeople, or anyone who moves around. 

Take payments anywhere 

Portable card machines let you move freely and serve customers wherever you are. With contactless card readers or wireless card readers, you can accept payments on the spot, no till required. 

Tap, pay, done 

Speed things up with machines that accept contactless payments. Customers can pay with debit and credit card, digital wallets, or Apple Pay and Google Pay. It’s fast, secure, and what people expect. 

Security you can count on 

You’re handling sensitive data. Choose a machine with payment security features like chip and pin, encryption, and fraud protection. Your customers’ trust depends on your payment card security. 

Power that lasts 

You’ve got enough to think about without worrying if your card machine will make it through the day. Pick a portable card terminal with a strong battery. This way, you can keep taking payments without stopping to recharge. 

Stay connected on the go 

Choose a portable card machine that links up with your mobile or tablet. Wi-Fi down? Out in the field? No problem. 

Dual connectivity with Wi-Fi and 4G keeps you online. You can take payments no matter where your business goes. That’s reliable connectivity built for busy traders. It means more card transactions completed, fewer disruptions, and better service. 

    Countertop card machines 

  • Perfect for: Cafés, shops, salons, and businesses with a fixed location. 

Speed matters 

A good countertop terminal or POS terminal keeps things fast and hassle-free. When transactions are quick and easy, queues stay short and customers stay happy. A quick, responsive card payment machine reduces queues and keeps customers happy. Fewer delays mean more transactions processed, fast and frustration-free. 

Works with what you’ve got 

A great payment processor should integrate with your existing POS and accounting tools. That means smoother business operations and fewer system clashes. Make sure your business card terminal plays nice with your till, accounting software, and other tools. Easy integration saves you time and effort.  

Smart, fast and customisable 

Your countertop terminal should do more than take payments. Our Smart Max terminal is powered by Android 13 OS. You can run EPOS apps, manage orders, track sales, and customise workflows, all from one sleek device. The design features a fast, intuitive interface that enables quick checkouts and smooth service, even during your busiest hours. 

Serious about security 

Choose a card machine that meets the latest standards—chip and pin, EMV, encryption. Solid payment security should be built in, not an extra. Look for credit card payments and payment cards security with encryption and anti-fraud features. Keeping your merchant account safe keeps your customers coming back. 

Accepts major cards 

Modern countertop machines should support many payment options. These include credit and debit cards, digital wallets, and mobile devices. They should also work with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more. You should be ready to take on whatever your customers hand over. 

Watch the fees 

Look at the transaction fees. Are you getting value from the monthly fee? Sometimes cheaper means fewer features. Make sure the balance is right for your business. 

    Mobile GPRS card machines 

  • Perfect for: Delivery drivers, tradespeople, remote events, and businesses on the move.. 

No Wi-Fi? No problem 

Mobile GPRS card terminals use a SIM card to stay connected through mobile networks. So you can take payments wherever you go, even without broadband. Using 4G networks, mobile card readers with GPRS let you process payments even when Wi-Fi isn’t available. This kind of reliable connectivity means you’ll never miss a sale. 

Freedom to roam 

Mobile card machines are built for mobility. Take payments at your customer’s door, at festivals, or wherever business happens. 

All-in-one convenience 

Like any good machine, GPRS terminals support contactless payments, chip and pin, and digital wallets.  

Ready to simplify payments and supercharge your service? 

You can choose a portable card machine, a countertop terminal, or a mobile GPRS terminal. The goal is the same: to take payments quickly, securely, and easily. 

At Clear Business, we make payments easy—so you can focus on running your business. 

No matter your setup, we’ve got a card machine that fits your business. Whether it's a portable card machine, a smart countertop terminal, or a POS system, you'll be accepting cards in no time. 

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