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The Ultimate Guide to Credit Card Machines / PDQ Terminals

Whether you run a established multi channel company or your business is in its infancy, learning and understanding about what types of terminals are available in the UK marketplace is imperative. It’s not just the handsets which are available, but it’s also important to learn about the manufactures themselves.

This clear and straight forward guide will talk you through some of the card terminal manufactures currently available in the UK and some of the models available to business owners.  If you need any more information concerning the technicalities or logistics of a particular model – please get in touch, and a member of the team will be happy to help.

The payment industry is now saturated with companies offering various POS solutions for companies wishing to accept debit and credit cards. We hope this report on the “The top card machine manufactures” will give UK business owners  (both big and small) a clearer idea on what options are available to them in order to accept card payments almost anywhere; and the various types of machines each manufacturer offers. Customers who shop now expect businesses to be equipped with the latest in payment technology to improve their overall experience.

This article takes you through what card machine manufactures there are in the UK marketplace and the benefits. A credit card machine, otherwise known as PDQ machine, Chip & PIN terminal or credit card machine, allows UK business owners to accept debit and credit card payments electronically.

Customers expect to have the ability to pay by card when paying for goods or services, and in today’s competitive environment business owners need to stay ahead of their competitors by covering all aspects.

Mobile Card Machine

Our mobile card machines offer a wireless way to process secure payments via credit and debit card. With 24/7 connectivity these mobile card terminals eliminate costs such as phone line or internet connections. They are ideal for mobile traders, taxi companies, people attending events and exhibitions and pop up shops.

Portable Card Machine

Our portable card machines connect via bluetooth or wifi, providing the flexibility to take payments around your premises. Portable card machines are ideal for restaurants, nightclubs, pubs and hairdressers and is perfect for businesses that prefer to operate from a fixed phone line connection.

Countertop Card Machine

Our Countertop card terminals are ideal if you are processing card payments from a set location every day. Our countertop card terminals are very popular with retailers, convenience stores, high street shops and restaurants and connect directly to either a telephone line or an internet connection.

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What makes WTS Credit Card Machines stand out?

As pioneers of financial technology payment systems, our terminals are regularly available for money transfers. Even if you operate off-hours, your customers are assured of seamless service. We also have a support team on standby to attend to you.

Unlike some terminal providers, we do not lock you into an unfavourable contract. In fact, our customers are free to select a short-term credit card service if they wish. WTS strives to make business easy for its customers.

Wireless Terminal Solutions offer a variety of different credit and debit card terminals to use in different situations and all come with the option of contactless payments. When you become our customer we ensure you have your own designated account manager who will look after all aspects relating to your business.

All of our payment card terminals are deployed in-house, with a quick turnaround regarded as the quickest in the industry. When the card machine leaves us, you will be notified with a tracking number through our courier DPD, and all orders come with a free tutorial, and ongoing support that includes evenings and weekends. Find out more about Debit Card Machines.

Ingenico

Ingenico need no introduction and are the UK’s biggest provider of card terminals. Their card machines enable businesses to process payments across all channels to increase opportunities and maximise sales. The Ingenico Group has over 35 years payment industry experience and market leading payment solutions. They are renowned for delivering innovative payment solutions, and the manufacturer is dedicated to delivering seamless payments innovation. Even if you aren’t a merchant, you will have no doubt paid using an Ingenico card machine in the past.

Ingenico’s card terminals features include

  • The ability to accept debit and credit cards
  • Ability to accept contactless enabled payments
  • Transactions processed in a matter of seconds
  • Ingenico card terminals are compatible to work with Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and Android Pay and NFC technology.
  • Second Line support
  • Ingenico deliver a whole host of card machines which include Desktop terminals, Portable, Wi-Fi, Smart and GPRS terminals.

Ingenico Repair And Support

All Ingenico PDQ terminals come with a standard 12 month warranty, but you can continue to request (and pay for) servicing options for as long as you own or lease the handset. Ingenico’s support centre is based in Scotland and the manufacturer in most cases generally request a 30 day turnaround meaning it’s important for a customer to plan and prepare in advance should their handset need sending back. If you choose to rent an Ingenico card machine from a third party supplier you may wish to check what infrastructure they offer in instances like this.

How Much Does It Cost To Rent An Ingenico Card Terminal?

If you are considering renting an Ingenico card terminal, then the monthly cost you will pay will vary depending on the company you choose to go through, and the type of Ingenico card machineyou require. Other factors which may have some baring on the rental fee your business pays include: the quantity of Ingenico card terminals your business chooses to acquire, the length of the contract you commit too, and whether you are signing up or switching merchant providers. Some Ingenico providers use this as a USP to board new merchant acquirers.

You will also find some banks or third parties may be restricted as to what contract terms they can offer on an Ingenico card machine, but you will find some who will be able to offer contract terms in accordance to your requirement. To give you a rough idea, most companies generally pay between £14-£28 a month on an Ingenico card machine.

Ingenico Card Machine Cost

You can buy from the manufacturer directly or you have the option to buy from a reseller. Prices will differ dependent on the make/model you buy and any service charge that may apply and ongoing charges but a rough figure of £499 exc VAT is generally the ball park figure most companies charge to buy the hardware outright. Please note for the Ingenico GPRS Credit Card Machine there will invariably an additional charge for the sim card. The charge relates to the air time which allows the card machine to connect directly when processing a transaction.

Ingenico Merchant Fees

As Ingenico are only a manufacturer they don’t actively set up merchant accounts. In order to access one of their card machines you will need to set up this facility. You can set this up with one of the acquirers directly or alternatively you will find many resellers will already have relationships in place for customers to save money on their MSC merchant service charges. Each acquirers rates will generally differ from each other and this can be reflected on how much you turnover, the type of business/services you offer and how your business operates (i.e mobile or from a fixed commercial address)

What Card Machine Models Do Ingenico Offer?

Ingenico have a long standing reputation for delivering the best card machines. The EFT series was phased out at the end of 2017 as this hardware was no longer PCI compliant. The iWL, iCT and Tetra series boast a broad and in depth selection of card machines for business users.

iCT 250

The iCT 250 card machine is a contactless enabled countertop card machine. The iCT 250 meets the highest security requirements and is PCI PTS 3.x certified with SRED and Open protocol modules. The optional PIN privacy shield provides additional PIN entry confidentiality. The iCT 250 accept all electronic payment methods including EMV Chip & PIN, magstripe and NFC. The iCT 250 also enables new NFC couponing and wallet applications. The iCT 250 ranks as one of the world’s lightest and smallest handsets. The primary objective of the iCT 250 is delivering easy handling and robust daily use for the merchant. This hardware comes with 1 year warranty as standard.

iCT 220

The iCT220 card machine prrovides businesses with a condensed payment terminal using minimum countertop space. The iCT 220CL meets the highest security requirements and is PCI PTS 3.x certified with SRED and Open protocol modules. The card machine offers additional optional PIN privacy shield provides additional PIN entry confidentiality. The iCT 220 comes with 1 year warranty as standard. This popular handset is constructed for smooth handling and robust daily use. The backlit keypad makes PIN entry and menu navigation easy and intuitive.

iWL 251

The popular iWL 251 model will help support your business when your business is looking to accept card payments on the go and ranks as one of the most popular card machines in the UK. The iWL 251 meets the highest security requirements and is PCI-PTS x and 3.x certified with SRED & open protocol modules. The iWL 251 card machine comes with 1 year warranty as standard. One of the key USP of the iWL 251 is the fact you can use it indoors and outdoors thus delivering flexibility to the merchant and with an extended battery life, pocket-size form factor, light weight design, perfect display readability, wide backlit keypad. The termianal is fast and reliable and accepts all major debit and credit cards. The handset takes a Li-Ion 2200 mAh battery. The terminal has a Li-lon battery and also offers high print resolution using th thermal printer. The iWL251 is accredited to work with all acquiring banks.

iWL258

The iWL 258 is Ingenico’s Wi-Fi offering, and is ideal for restaurants, bars and cafes. The iWL258 Wi-Fi terminal accepts EMV Chip & PIN, magstripe and NFC/contactless enabled payments. With the ability of 30-lines-per-second printers are one of the fastest on the market, for on-the-spot checkout efficiency. The handset has been designed specifically for mobility, and the iWL 258 provides businesses with an extended battery life, in a lightweight, robust, compact-sized design and feature a wide backlit keypad for outstanding display readability inside or outdoors.   The iWL258 is accredited to work with all acquiring merchant banks. This model comes with a 1 year warranty as per standard.

iWL252

The iWL252 is Ingenico’s Portable/Bluetooth offering. The iWL252 handset is programmed to provide a secure, wireless payment solution that allows merchants to take payments.This card machine provides a unique way for merchants to increase profitability and security by allowing merchant to pay anywhere they are when they are ready. The iWL252 is accredited to work with all acquiring banks. The card machine has a Processor ARM 9 & ARM 7 and is PCI PTS 2.x & 3.x certified. Extremely popular for cafes, restaurants who offer a pay at the table service. The handset comes with a 1 year warranty as per standard.

Ingenico Summary

They come with a healthy reputation and sit firmly as top dog in the UK’s terminal market. The introduction of smart terminals will revolutionised the industry in 2018 and this could see them increase their foothold. Ingenico’s hardware delivers flexibility to UK business owners both big and small and their hardware delivers options that will work for them.

INGENICO iCT 250 iCT 220 iWL 251 iWL 258 iWL 252
Available from WTS ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
COUNTERTOP TERMINAL COUNTERTOP TERMINAL MOBILE TERMINAL PORTABLE (WIFI) TERMINAL PORTABLE (BLUETOOTH) TERMINAL
Contactless ✓ ✖ ✓ ✓ ✓
Connectivity
Dial Up ✓ ✓ ✖ ✖ ✓
Ethernet ✓ ✓ ✖ ✖ ✓
Bluetooth ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖ ✓
WIFI ✖ ✖ ✖ ✓ ✖
GPRS/GSM ✖ ✖ ✓ ✖ ✖
Device Details
Colour Screen ✓ ✖ ✓ ✓ ✓
Resolution 320 x 240 pixels 128 x 64 pixels 320×240 pixels 320×240 pixels 320×240 pixels
Weight 325 g 325 g 285 g 285 g 285 g

Terminal Size

L x W x H		 185mm x 83mm x 63mm 185mm x 83mm x 63mm

25mm Paper Roll Cage

149mm x 78mm x 44mm

40mm Paper Roll Cage

165mm x 78mm x 54mm

25mm Paper Roll Cage

149mm x 78mm x 44mm

40mm Paper Roll Cage

165mm x 78mm x 54mm

25mm Paper Roll Cage

149mm x 78mm x 44mm

40mm Paper Roll Cage

165mm x 78mm x 54mm
Thermal Printer
Print Speed (lines per second) 18 l/s 18 l/s 30l/s 30l/s 30l/s
Processor
Processor ARM 9 & ARM 7 ARM 9 & ARM 7 32-bit ARM9 32-bit ARM9 32-bit ARM9
Memory
Memory RAM 32 MB 16 MB 32 MB 32 MB 32 MB
Flash 128 MB 16 MB 128 MB 128 MB 128 MB
Ingenico Official Website Ingenico Site Ingenico Site Ingenico Site Ingenico Site Ingenico Site
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Verifone

Their headquarters are based in California and Verifone are regarded as one of the world’s largest terminal vendors and are recognised as one of the UK’s leading suppliers in hardware solutions for businesses looking to accept card payments. With a work force of nearly 6,000 globally their card terminals are widely used by companies both big and small. With innovative technology and a dedicated channel to developing partnerships their reputation goes from strength to strength. Everyone knows that payments are a complex business, and Verifone delivers a simple, secure and flexible way to address businesses payments.

Verifone’s card terminals features include

  • The ability to accept debit and credit cards
  • Ability to accept contactless enabled payments
  • Verifone’s terminals allow transactions processed in a matter of seconds
  • Verifone’s Credit Card Machines are compatible to work with Android Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay.
  • UK based technical support
  • Verifone deliver an extensive hardware list of card terminals suitable for most trading environments. These include Countertop, mobile and Portable card machines.

How much does a Verifone Card Machine Cost?

If you are a business looking to purchase a Verifone card machine you have a couple of options. You have the option to buy from Verifone directly, or you can choose to go through a reseller. Prices will vary depending on the type of card machine you require and the agreement you sign up to. Please be aware if you choose a GPRS handset the customer will normally have to pay a monthly airtime charge. The airtime charge relates to the sim card that is required in order for the GPRS terminal to process transactions. As a rule of thumb we normally state £349 exc VAT as a rough ball park figure to purchase the hardware outright.

Verifones Merchant Fee's.

Verifone are a hardware manufacturer so they don’t actively set up merchant accounts. If you are a start up business or you are looking at switching providers you will need to contact an acquirer instead. If you speak to any resellers you may find they already have existing partnerships/relationships in place for businesses to benefit from saving money on their merchant rates. It’s an extremely competitive market and merchant rates will differ across the board. This can be as a result as the type of business you operate, what you turnover amongst other factors.

How Much Does it cost to rent a Verifone card machine?

Renting or leasing a Verifone card machine will vary on cost and this will be dependent on the company you choose to go through, the quantity of card machines your business may need, whether you are signing up to a merchant account and the length of the terminal agreement. Some companies are restricted as to what contract terms they can offer on a Verifone terminal (i.e nothing under 36 months) but you will find some who will be able to offer contract terms in accordance to your requirement. To give you a rough idea, most companies generally charge between £14-£30 a month on a Verifone long term lease agreement.

Verifone Repair And Servicing Process

VerIFone helpdesks are staffed 24/7. All Verifone credit card terminals should come with a 12 month manufacturer warranty as standard, but a business should be able to request an ongoing agreement (predominately available upon request) for the period the business owns or rents the terminal. Verifone operates a repair centre for UK customers and resellers and repairs can take time due to the sheer volume of terminals in the UK marketplace. if you opt to rent or lease a card machine from a reseller or third party you may wish to check whether a swap out facility is available before committing to any terminal agreements.

What Card Machine Models Do Verifone Offer?

Verifone offer a wide range of card machines suitable for a whole host of environments.

VX 675

The Verifone VX 675 has the ability to connect via GPRS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The credit card terminal also offers a 2.8 inch full colour screen impressive 192mb memory in addition to offering a backlit keypad. The terminal comes with a PCI PTS 3.0 encryption for added security. Ideal for companies who operate an on the go business or are set at more than one location. This handset comes with a 1 year warranty as standard.

VX 820 Duet

The Verifone VX 820 Duet countertop card machine is ideal for retail settings. It accepts contactless enabled payments. It boasts a 3.5inch colour touch screen, and this extends to a large backlit keypad. This model comes with a 1 year warranty as standard. The terminal comes inclusive with a 500mb memory Is fully PCI DSS compliant.

VX520

The Verifone 520 offers businesses reliabilityparticularly those that are basedin a retail setting. This countertop card machine authorises transactions quickly and efficiently and because it accepts contactless and NFC payments will help eliminate queues when you need it most. The VX520 handset comes with a 1 year warranty as standard. The VX 520’s backlit screen and keypad are easy to operate in a whole host of environments, and you have the flexibility to choose between a black and white or colour screen.

VX680

The Verifone Vx680 is convenience delivered in the form of a GPRS handset. The Verifone Vx680 has contactless enabled technology as standard allowing businesses to process payments efficiently, quickly and on the go. The Verifone VX680 comes with a full colour touch screen that allows easy reading and is visually and aesthetically pleasing. The terminals can take payments anywhere, anytime there is a GPRS signal. The VX680 handset comes with a 1 year warranty as standard. The handsets’ dimensions measure in at 172mm (L) x 86mm (W) x 63mm (H).

Verifone Summary

Verifone offer innovative high end card terminals which are popular in the UK marketplace. They have an extensive portfolio and you will frequently see their card machines in many retail setting. Verifone are regarded as one of the largest card machine manufacturers in the world, but it’s still important that you know what they are offering, and how best the machine will benefit your business.

VERIFONE VX 675 VX 820 DUET VX 520 VX 680
Available from WTS ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖
PORTABLE/MOBILE/COUNTERTOP TERMINAL COUNTERTOP TERMINAL COUNTERTOP TERMINAL PORTABLE/MOBILE/COUNTERTOP TERMINAL
Contactless ✓(optional on GPRS Model) ✓ ✓(optional) ✓
Connectivity
Dial Up ✓(VX 675 WF/BT Model) ✓ ✓ ✓(VX 680 WF/BT Model)
Ethernet ✓(VX 675 WF/BT Model) ✓ ✓ ✓(VX 680 WF/BT Model)
Bluetooth ✓(VX 675 WF/BT Model) ✖ ✖ ✓(VX 680 WF/BT Model)
WIFI ✓(VX 675 WF/BT Model) ✖ ✖ ✓(VX 680 WF/BT Model)
GPRS/GSM ✓(VX 675 WF/BT Model) ✖ ✖ ✓(VX 680 WF/BT Model)
Device Details
Colour Screen ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Display 2.8" QVGA 3.5" QVGA | resistive touch screen 128x64 pixel graphical | white backlit LCD 3.5" colour QVGA | resistive touch screen
Weight 336 g 735 g 500 g 372 g

Terminal Size

L x W x H		 163mm x 78mm x 52mm 178mm L x 98mm W x 109mm 203mm L x 78mm W x 87mm 172mm x 82mm x 62mm
Thermal Printer
Print Speed (lines per second) 30 l/s 18 l/s 24 l/s 18 l/s
Processor
Processor ARM 11 ARM 11 ARM 11 ARM 11
Memory
Memory RAM 64 MB 32 MB 32 MB 64 MB
Flash 128 MB 128 MB 128 MB 128 MB
Verifone Official Website Verifone Site Verifone Site Verifone Site Verifone Site
PDF DataSheet More Info More Info More Info More Info
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PAX

PAX is the newest card terminal manufacturer to enter the UK marketplace. Based in Wanchai HongKong they have strong links in Asia, USA and Europe. In the companies own words they are taking a leading position in most of the regions, proving that PAX has been one of the global mainstream brands through years of effort. With the extensive portfolio, the company delivers ample opportunities and other strategic partnerships.

PAX card terminals features include

  • The ability to accept debit and credit cards
  • Ability to accept contactless enabled payments and NFC
  • Advanced functionality with a User-friendly graphical interface</li>
  • PAX deliver a variety of card machines. These include Pax S900 devise, the first machine to use Wifi as well as a GPRS connection, and a countertop device called the Pax S800, and this connects into the back of a Wifi router though a ethernet cable.

How Much Does A PAX Card Machine Cost

If you are a business looking to purchase a card machine you have a couple of options. You have the option to buy from a third party directly. Optomany are primarily the biggest third party reseller to PAX in the Uk. Optomomany are the sister company to 123send who together make up CR7 Services which are now one of the fastest growing payment solutions providers in Europe.

The price you will end up paying will depend on the model of PAX card machine you require and the agreement terms (length of contract) you agree too.

Please be aware if you opt to lease a PAX S900 you may be liable for a monthly airtime charge. The airtime charge relates to the sim card that is required in order for mobile connection to work to process transactions. As a rule of thumb we normally state £300exc VAT as a rough ball park figure to purchase the hardware outright.

PAX Merchant Fee's.

PAX are a Hong Kong based hardware/software specialist, so they don’t currently assist businesses in setting up merchant accounts in the UK. If you are in the process of starting up a company and you are considering accepting card payments you will need to contact a merchant acquirer instead. If you speak to a PAX reseller you may find they have an existing relationship in place with a preferred acquirer thus resulting in potential savings or benefits to the business owner. What transaction fee’s you actively pay for your merchant account will be dependent on a variety of factors including the type of business you operate, how you plan to accept card payments and your predicted turnover.

How Much Does It Cost To Rent A PAX Card Machine?

If you feel renting a PAX machine will be the most practical solution for your business then you will need to get an idea on costs. Rental agreements for PAX terminals start from as little as £12 -£20 based on a long term contract agreement. The price you pay for their PAX handset will vary on a number of factors, the biggest being the company you choose to go through, the volume of PAX card machines your business chooses to acquire, the agreement you enter into. Some third parties will insist on 36 month agreements whilst others offer flexible payment terms.

PAX Repair And Servicing Process

At the moment PAX repair and servicing process goes through third party suppliers directly, so the terms and conditions relating to this will be dependent on the company you choose. All PAX terminals should come with a standard 12 month manufacturer warranty, and a third party pay then charge a fixed monthly fee to increase the warranty. If you opt to rent or lease a PAX card machine from a reseller or third party it’s best checkingwhether a swap out facility is available before committing to any rental contracts

What Card Machines Do PAX Offer?

Below are two of the most popular terminals currently available.

The PSX S900

The PAX S900 card machine is a contactless enabled Wifi/GPRS card machine. The PAX S900 offers remote background updates and accepts all major debit and credit cards. The handset is certified through all acquirers. The S900 terminal is designed to process payments efficiently as possible whilst providing valuable reporting and other functionality. The handset offers a 3.5 inch 240 x 320 pixel colour TFT LCD Touch screen, whilst the keypad offers 10 numeric / letter keys, 8 function keys. The dimensions of the handset Length: 175mm, Width: 82mm, Height: 63mm and delivers easy handling for the merchant and customer This hardware comes with 1 year warranty as standard.

The Pax S800

The PAX S800 is a static card terminal. The software includes a 32-bit ARM11 CPU, 400MHz with a 128MB Flash, 64MB DDR. The terminal has a thermal printer, speed: 25 lines per second Paper roll width. The card machines dimensions: physical Length: 203mm, Width: 86mm, Height: 70mm (with Privacy shield) The static PAX S800 handset offers remote background updates and accepts all major debit and credit cards. The card machine is accredited to work with all merchant acquirers. The S800 terminal is designed to process payments efficiently as possible whilst providing valuable reporting and other functionality. This hardware comes with 1 year warranty as standard.

PAX Summary

PAX are relatively new to the marketplace and for many UK businesses they may not be familiar with the brand. They offer innovative solutions for business wishing to invest in a Credit Card Machine. card terminals which are popular in the UK marketplace. Their website states they currently have 17,000,000 terminals worldwide along with 1700+ employees* so based on that it’s a question of time before they establish themselves alongside the likes of Ingenico and Verifone.
*facts and figures correct 2nd March 2018

PAX S900 S800
Available from WTS ✖ ✖
PORTABLE/MOBILE TERMINAL COUNTERTOP TERMINAL
Contactless ✓ ✓
Connectivity
Dial Up ✖ ✓
Ethernet ✖ ✓
Bluetooth ✓ ✖
WIFI ✓ ✓(optional)
GPRS/GSM ✓ ✓(optional)
Device Details
Colour Screen ✓ ✓
Display 3.5 inch 240 x 320 pixel colour TFT LCD Touch screen 2.8 inch 320 x 240 pixels TFT colour LCD
Weight 458 g 454 g

Terminal Size

L x W x H		 175mm x 82mm x 63mm 203mm x 86mm x 70mm
Thermal Printer
Print Speed (lines per second) 30 l/s 30 l/s
Processor
Processor ARM 11 ARM 11
Memory
Memory RAM 64 MB 64 MB
Flash 128 MB 128 MB
Pax Official Website Pax Site Pax Site
PDF DATASHEETS More info More info
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Spire Payments

Spire Payments originate as one of the original pioneers to develop world-class secure electronic payment solutions. With over 30 years industry experience Spire deliver a variety of hardware and software options for businesses and these range from countertop card machines right through to pin pads and other peripherals onto software tools designed to maintain and extend the life of PDQ terminals. Spire currently have offices in a whole host of countries and this includes Spain, Czech Republic, Dubai, Russia and of course the UK. In the UK the company currently hosts two offices and these can be located in Watford and Salisbury. Spire have a comprehensive portfolio, and in their words will always be at the forefront of progress in electronic payments.

Spire Payments Card Machines Features Include

  • The ability to accept all major credit and debit cards
  • Ability to accept payments via their countertop models
  • Easy to use – Featuring intuitive keys and large colour screen
  • Operates as Standalone or as part of a POS solution

How much does a Spire Card Machine Cost?

If you are a business owner and you are looking to purchase a Spire card machine, you have a couple of options. You have the benefit to buy from a Spire directly. You also have the option to buy or rent from resellers and these include Handepay. The price you will ultimately pay for the Spire handset will depend on a couple of factors. Whether you’re buying or loaning the Spire hardware, which company you go through and the type of handset you may require. Bare in mind you may be paying an ongoing fee if you choose a Spire mobile handset as the provider will be charged a fixed monthly fee for the air time of the sim card. As a rule of thumb costs generally differ between £360-£450 exc VAT to purchase the hardware outright.

Spire Merchant Fee’s

Spire just like Ingenico, Pax and Verifone are a hardware/software specialist, so they don’t currently have an infrastructure to set up merchant account facilities. If your company is in it’s early stages, perhaps you’ve now decided it’s time to accept card payments you will need to speak to an independent supplier or a merchant acquirer directly. It is a hugely competitive market, and it’s always good to shop about. You will find some Spire resellers will have direct business relationships with acquiring banks and as a result may be able to find you a great deal as a result. What a businessowner pays per transactionis dependent on a wide range of factors including the type of business they operate.

How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Spire Credit Card Machine?

If you have decided leasing a Spire card machine is the most convenient option for your business, it’s good to get an idea of what you are expected to pay. Spire terminals sit in a similar price bracket as other manufacturers and prices generally start at £13-£25 per month based on a long term agreement. The price you pay will be reflected in a number of aspects: The quantity of Spire terminals you lease, the type of Spire card machine you decide to proceed with and the length of agreement your business enters into with Spire or terminal provider.

Spire Repair And Helpdesk

Spire have their own in-house, technical helpdesk which is accessible available 24hours a day, 365 days a year with bespoke contracts to meet the needs of your business. On their website in and in their own words “We will provide a first class service to your merchants and to your operational and sales teams by ensuring that we understand your business and work in partnership with you to deliver service excellence at all times”
If you decide to lease a Spire card machine from a third party group, we advise checking what infrastructure they implement in instances of support and terminal replacement. You may find this comes as an additional charge with some companies.

What Card Machines Models Do Spire Offer?

SPc5

The Spire SPc5 countertop card machine is a versatile and reliable handset particularly popular for retail POS environments. The handset is easy to use and offers a colour screen and intuitive keyboard. The handset offers 12 alphanumeric keys, 3 navigation keys, 3 function keys and an on/off key. The SPc5 offers merchants and customers a touchscreen option 320×240 pixels TFT-LCD 2.4″ with backlight. Another key aspect to the handset is its ability to operate as a standalone or as part of a POS solution. The handset comes with a 12 month warranty as standard. The Spire SPc5 card machine is designed to process payments efficiently as possible whilst providing valuable reporting and other functionality

SPc50

The Spire SPc50 countertop Chip & PIN terminal is a robust and reliable terminal particular popular for retail and hospitality settings. The handset has been designed with simplicity in mind, and features an intuitive keypad and large colour screen. Some merchants use this hardware alongside the SPp10 PIN-pad. The terminal is PCI compliant, and offers safe & secure payments. With a 32-bit high performance ARM9 secure CPU processor and Graphical black + white 128×64 pixel or colour 320×240 pixel TFT-LCD 2.8” (optional touchscreen) LED backlight display. The handset uses the Linux 2.6, POSIX software. This model is designed with simplicity in mind. The terminal comes with a 1 year warranty as standard.

SPw70

The Spire SPw70 GPRS card machine offers merchants a reliable way to take wireless card payments. The manufactuerer has designed this innovative terminal with simplicity in mind. The handset is user friendly and easy to use, and the mobile device features intuitive keys. The terminal boasts a display of 240×320 pixel TFT-LCD 2.8” (optional touchscreen) and also includes an LED backlight. The handset comes with a 12 month warranty as standard. Another feature to the SPw70 is the dual sIM configuration option as well as the thermal printer which can print up to 30 lines per second. This model offers merchants simple operation combined with ability to perform fast and secure payment.

SPw60

The Spire SPw60 has have been designed to meet the needs of those merchants requiring portable payments. With the nature of the Wi-Fi connectivity the Spire SPw60 is particularly popular for restaurant, cafe and hospitality settings. The handset has a clean crisp design and offers Safe & secure payment and the handset has been certified to the industry’s highest security standards. The handset boasts of 12 alphanumeric keys, 3 navigation keys, 3 function keys and is backlit. The handset offers a thermal printing solution, which delivers up to 30 lines per second with a drop-in load 40mm paper roll, 15.5m length. The Wi-Fi terminal comes with a 12 month warranty as standard.

Spire Summary

Spire have been established for over 30 years and offer an extensive list of MPOS and card machines. They have a proud history and have delivered innovative, highly secure and future proof devices and solutions in that time. Each and every Spire customer benefits from their extensive knowledge of the products and solutions they provide to businesses owners across the world.

SPIRE SPc5 SPc50 SPw70 SPw60
Available from WTS ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖
PORTABLE/MOBILE/COUNTERTOP TERMINAL MOBILE/COUNTERTOP TERMINAL MOBILE TERMINAL PORTABLE TERMINAL
Contactless ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Connectivity
Dial Up ✓ ✓ ✖ ✖
Ethernet ✓ ✓ ✖ ✓
Bluetooth ✖ ✖ ✖ ✖
WIFI ✓ ✖ ✖ ✓
GPRS/GSM ✓ ✓(optional) ✓ ✖
Device Details
Colour Screen ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Display Graphical colour/Touchscreen 320x240 pixels colour 320x240 pixel TFT-LCD 2.8” (optional touchscreen) Colour 240x320 pixel TFT-LCD 2.8” (optional touchscreen) Colour 240x320 pixel TFT-LCD 2.8” (optional touchscreen)
Weight 360 g 475 g 550 g 550 g

Terminal Size

L x W x H		 192mm x 81mm x 61mm 211mm x 89mm x 78mm 180mm x 82mm x 61mm 180mm x 82mm x 61mm
Thermal Printer
Print Speed (lines per second) 34 l/s 30 l/s 30 l/s 30 l/s
Processor
Processor 32-BIT, ARM CPU ARM 9 ARM9 ARM9
Memory
Memory RAM 64 MB 32MB SDRAM (64MB option) 32MB SDRAM 32MB SDRAM
Flash 128 MB 64MB Flash (128 MB option) 64MB Flash (128 MB option) 64MB Flash (128 MB option)
Spire Official Website Spire Site Spire Site Spire Site Spire Site
PDF DATASHEETS More info More info More info More info

What Is The Best Card Machine For My Business?

We hope this overview has been beneficial. If you have any questions, or you’d like to learn more please get in touch with a member of the team from Wireless Terminal Solutions. We are one of the UK’s market leaders in delivering POS solutions to businesses and we can save customers money if they are looking at switching merchant accounts. We own all our stock and hardware outright meaning we are not dependent on any third parties and we have a long standing reputation. Not only are wea card terminal specialist, but we are accredited to work with every acquiring bank meaning we can offer customers cost effective terminals coupled with simplicity, quick set up and versatility. With the popularity in contactless payments on the increase there is no better time to start accepting card payments and hopefully the above information would have given you an insight into what hardware is available. 12 years ago In 2006, 62% of all payments in the UK were made using cash; in 2016 the proportion had fallen to 40%. By 2026, it is predicted cash will be used for just 21%, according to figures from UK Finance.Wireless Terminal Solutions like to make card payments refreshingly simple and deliver innovative solutions on a whole range of POS and ePOS solutions. To get a FREE no obligation quote on any POS solution email us now sales@wirelessterminalsolutions.co.uk or phone 0345 459 9984.

This manufacturer guide has been generated for customers to learn more about specific terminal models from an unbiased point of view. These handsets are currently available in the payment sector at the time of this guide “going live”. It is merely a guide and should not be used for other purposes. Every manufacturer mentioned in this article will have different hardware options available, and we cannot recommend which solution is best suited to the needs of your business without speaking to the customer or business directly. The content of this guide was generated to help companies gauge what manufacturers maybe available at their disposal. Wireless Terminal Solutions relinquish any responsibility for companies choosing hardware or a particular product which later turns out to be incorrect. The specifications stated are deemed to be accurate and have been sourced from the manufacturers directly, and we cannot be held responsible for any discrepancies or inaccuracies.

Credit Card Machine Questions & Answers

What are the benefits to having merchant services?

Put quite simply the opportunity for increased Sales. The last decade has seen the amount of businesses accept card payments with merchant services grow tenfold. It is fact, that more payments have been made by cards than by cash in the last few years.

What are merchant services?

Any money your business processes from card payments go into the merchant services account before being transferred to the business bank account. Merchant services is an online bank account set up with a merchant services provider, so it’s separate from your business bank account.

What are some of the key advantages to having merchant services?

The list is extensive, but here are just a few examples:
  • The ability to accept card payments from customers
  • Merchant services increases sales because customers are not restricted to cash only purchases
  • Merchant services provides new opportunities for sales via telephone mail order and online
  • Increased impulse purchasing opportunities as people go from browsers to buyers

How will the introduction of merchant services benefit my staff?

Introducing merchant services means staff handle less cash, reducing the potential for simple mistakes.

How long does a merchant services application take?

In most cases a merchant services application takes anything from 2 – 5 working days, once the customer has completed all relevant documentation. Every merchant services application is different and this can be based on the way the business operates, what they sell and where they trade from.

How to be kept up to date with a merchant services application?

All reputable providers should assign a dedicated account manager who manages all aspects of the merchant services application, and should keep all suitable parties involved in the merchant account application up to date.

Where do I get a merchant services application form from?

You will need to contact an affiliated merchant services acquirer (this can be a bank, ISO or independent seller) which you can source through Google. They will support and guide the business through the merchant services application form.

How do you get help with your merchant services application?

All companies who offer merchant services facilities should provide an infrastructure to provide merchant applicants the necessary support where required. If you are unsure, ask when you make an enquiry.

What documentation do I need to provide on a merchant services application?

In most cases the customer or business will need to provide proof of their business bank account. In addition, proof of ownership/director and copies of passport and address may be required. Everything will be outlined on the form and it is mandatory regardless of which merchant acquirer you use.

When I switch merchant services do I terminate my current agreement?

Everything should be outlined for you. If you are unsure check your current agreement. There have been instances where people have cancelled their merchant services agreement and then been penalised as they have broken their contract.

Who is my merchant services agreement with?

You should receive a monthly merchant services statement detailing all transactions and any relevant charges. Some businesses work with independent suppliers or an ISO but they will have a direct relation with one merchant acquirer. If you are unsure speak with them.

Who settles my funds on my merchant services?

This will always be done directly by the merchant services acquiring bank. Even in instances where your relationship is with a third party or ISO all settlement funds are never, at any time, held by a supplier.

What is the cost for terminating my merchant services contract?

This should have been outlined in the initial set up. In this instance we would suggest referring back to the original agreement, and if not speak with the acquirer outlining what implications there are for terminating the merchant services agreement.

Should I worry about PCI compliance on my merchant services account?

PCI DSS standards exist to protect the security of your customers’ credit card data. All UK based merchant accounts need to be PCI compliant and there is a criteria of requirements. It is paramount that every business that uses merchant services has this. This should be outlined in your merchant services agreement.

How to add AMEX to my merchant services account?

This should be offered at the time of setting up the merchant services account application. If you need to add this midway through the account, speak with AMEX at their Brighton offices and they will assist in getting this added to your merchant services account.

When do I receive my funds on my merchant services account?

In most instances it is typically 3 days but any restrictions should have been outlined at the time of signing up. In some cases some merchants are able to offer next day funding but this isn't available to everyone.

Do I get separate merchant services account numbers for debit and credit cards?

You will have one merchant number for face to face transactions that apply to all debit and credit cards. If you accept AMEX that will be an additional merchant services account number. If you were looking to accept payments online, or via your website you will need a separate merchant account set up.

How are my monthly fees paid on my merchant services account?

Monthly merchant fees are automatically debited from your business bank account normally in first week of each month for the previous month’s fees. This will be outlined and differs from each acquirer.

Can a sole trader have merchant services?

Yes. Anyone who is trading regardless of whether they are a sole trader, limited company or multinational retail establishment can accept debit and credit cards.

How long should I keep my merchant services transactional documents?

Most financial establishments in the merchant services industry recommend you to keep all transactional data and documentation for a period of at least 18 months.

How do I order an additional card machine for my merchant services account?

Speak with the merchant services acquirer, or speak with a card payment specialist.

Can I accept payments in more than one currency on my merchant services account?

Yes. It is advisable to check with the relevant merchant acquirer to see if this is possible. We suggest speaking with the relevant merchant services provider to discuss the currency you wish to trade in and how you wish your account to be settled.

What types of card machines come with a merchant services account?

You have 4 options. You have the mobile option which connects via a roaming SIM card. You have the portable option which connects via a router. The popular Wi-Fi card machine or the traditional countertop card machine which is popular for retail businesses who use merchant services account.

What do merchant services cost?

Some merchant services providers charge a set up fee, others don't. You will then have merchant services transaction fees, which is a set fee a business would pay on debit and credit cards for each transaction. In this instance, it is normally a flat rate or a percentage and you may have to pay an authorisation fee.
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