Unlock Seamless Payments & Grow Your Business: Compare Top Merchant Accounts & Card Machines

We connect you with tailored solutions to boost your revenue and simplify payments.

Julian, Author
Last updated: July, 2025

Navigating the world of merchant accounts, card machines, and online payment systems can be overwhelming. We, at Expert Market, understand the critical role efficient payments play in your business success. We cut through the noise, providing pre-qualified leads for top payment providers, ensuring you get the best rates and features without the hassle.

Do you need a Merchant Accounts?

If you want to accept card payment in-store or online, having a Merchant Account is highly recommended for retail, hospitality, and service businesses.

How it works:

Let’s say you run a coffee shop in London:

  • Your EPOS let’s you barista ring up an oat latte and track your oat milk stock.
  • Your card reader is linked to a merchant account, which processes the customer’s card payment.
  • In 1-2 business days, the money is deposited into your business account
Benefits include:
  • Accepts more payments – Take cards, contactless, Apple Pay  & Google Pay.
  • Get Paid fast – Funds go straight to your business bank account.
  • Boost Trust – Customers expect card options – give them confidence.
  • Grow your sales – More payments methods = fewer missed sales.
  • Works with your system – Easily connects with your EPOS or card reader.

For personalised recommendations and tailored prices, get started by answering the question below:

Compare Our Recommended Providers Below

Most Popular
9.8
We score our brand partner based on: Successful matches, brand engagement and coverage.
  • Transaction fee = 1.75%
  • No monthly Fees
  • No long-term commitments or contracts
  • Over 4 million sellers around the world
View Deals Get 17% off Square Terminal with code TERMINALJULY2025

Square’s merchant account service stands out for its simplicity and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for small businesses and startups. With no lengthy contracts or hidden fees, Square offers a transparent pricing model, charging a flat rate per transaction. This straightforward approach helps businesses avoid unexpected costs and simplifies budgeting.

In addition to its competitive pricing, Square provides a comprehensive suite of tools to support business operations. These include point-of-sale (POS) systems, invoicing, and inventory management, all integrated into a user-friendly platform. The service also features robust analytics, enabling merchants to track sales, manage customer relationships, and make data-driven decisions.

Furthermore, Square’s flexibility and accessibility are significant advantages. It supports various payment methods, including credit and debit cards, contactless payments, and e-commerce transactions. With no need for a dedicated merchant account or gateway, businesses can start accepting payments quickly and efficiently, making Square an excellent option for those seeking a hassle-free and scalable payment solution.

Learn More
9.3
We score our brand partner based on: Successful matches, brand engagement and coverage.
  • Transaction fee = 0.99% +3p
  • No Monthly Fees
  • Use Code 'GETPAID200' to get promotion low transaction fees
  • Trusted by over 600,000 UK businesses
View Deals Get £200 Cash Reward, 0.99% + 3p transaction fees with code GETPAID200

Tide’s merchant account service is designed specifically for small businesses and freelancers, offering a seamless and efficient way to manage finances. Tide provides a straightforward application process with quick approvals, enabling businesses to start accepting payments promptly. With competitive transaction fees and no hidden charges, Tide ensures cost transparency and predictability.

A standout feature of Tide’s service is its integration with business banking. This allows merchants to manage both their payments and banking needs from a single platform, simplifying financial management. Tide offers tools such as invoicing, expense tracking, and instant account statements, all accessible through an intuitive mobile app.

Moreover, Tide’s commitment to customer support and innovation makes it a strong contender in the market. Businesses benefit from dedicated support and ongoing improvements to the platform, ensuring they have the latest features at their disposal. Tide’s focus on simplicity, combined with comprehensive banking and payment solutions, makes it an excellent choice for entrepreneurs seeking an all-in-one financial service provider.

Learn More
9.6
We score our brand partner based on: Successful matches, brand engagement and coverage.
  • Transactions fees tailored to work for your business
  • UK’s most trusted card payment provider
  • Next day settlement
  • 7 days a week customer support
View Deals Tailored pricing for your business

Takepayments’ merchant account service excels in providing tailored solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. Known for its personalized approach, Takepayments offers a free, no-obligation consultation to understand each business’s unique needs and recommend the most suitable payment solutions. This customized service ensures that businesses get the best fit for their specific requirements.

Takepayments stands out with its flexible contract options and transparent pricing. Businesses can choose from various contract lengths, including short-term agreements, which provide greater flexibility and control. Additionally, Takepayments offers competitive rates with no set up fees, helping businesses manage costs effectively.

Another key advantage of Takepayments is its comprehensive support and onboarding process. The service includes a welcome team to get you up and running quickly and confidently, along with extensive training and 24/7 customer support. This ensures that businesses can seamlessly integrate their payment systems and receive ongoing assistance, making Takepayments a reliable and supportive partner for managing merchant accounts.

Learn More
9.8
We score our brand partner based on: Successful matches, brand engagement and coverage.
  • Transaction fee = up to 2.5%
  • No monthly Fees
  • No long-term commitments or contracts
  • Over 4 million sellers around the world
View Deals Get 17% off Square Terminal with code TERMINALJULY2025

Square’s merchant account service stands out for its simplicity and ease of use, making it an ideal choice for small businesses and startups. With no lengthy contracts or hidden fees, Square offers a transparent pricing model, charging a flat rate per transaction. This straightforward approach helps businesses avoid unexpected costs and simplifies budgeting.

In addition to its competitive pricing, Square provides a comprehensive suite of tools to support business operations. These include point-of-sale (POS) systems, invoicing, and inventory management, all integrated into a user-friendly platform. The service also features robust analytics, enabling merchants to track sales, manage customer relationships, and make data-driven decisions.

Furthermore, Square’s flexibility and accessibility are significant advantages. It supports various payment methods, including credit and debit cards, contactless payments, and e-commerce transactions. With no need for a dedicated merchant account or gateway, businesses can start accepting payments quickly and efficiently, making Square an excellent option for those seeking a hassle-free and scalable payment solution.

Learn More
View Deals
View Deals
View Deals
View Deals

Who we are

Expert Market a news, reviews, and advice site aimed at keeping you up-to-date on the very best consumer and business technology. We help our readers stay informed on the latest trends with reviews of devices, software, and business tech designed to help you make the best choices, because we believe that getting the right tech matters. Our recommendations are completely independent, based on in-depth research and always jargon-free.