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ThePOS.co.uk

The POS Blog

Sharp, practical tips on card machines, POS systems and payment fees — written for busy UK business owners, not fintech insiders.

Contactless card payment on a reader
Comparisons 7 min

SumUp vs Square in 2026: Which Should Your Small Business Pick?

Two of the UK's most popular no-monthly-fee options, head to head. We break down fees, hardware and who each one actually suits.

20 June 2026Read
Calculator and banknotes on a desk
Fees & saving 6 min

How to Cut Your Card Processing Fees (Without Switching to a Worse Provider)

Seven practical ways UK businesses can shave money off card fees — from renegotiating to picking the right plan for your volume.

16 June 2026Read
Customer paying with a bank card at a stall
By business 5 min

The Best Card Readers for Market Traders

Market stalls need a reader that works on mobile data, lasts all day and costs nothing when you're not trading. Here's what to look for.

12 June 2026Read
Person tapping a phone on a payment terminal
How-to 5 min

Tap to Pay on iPhone: Is It Good Enough to Ditch the Card Machine?

Take contactless payments on your phone with no extra hardware. We look at who it suits — and where you'll still want a proper reader.

8 June 2026Read
Person reviewing costs with a calculator
Fees & saving 5 min

No-Contract Card Machines: What's the Catch?

No-contract sounds like a no-brainer — but there are trade-offs. Here's when pay-as-you-go wins and when a contract is genuinely cheaper.

4 June 2026Read
Customer paying by card at a café counter
By business 5 min

Why Your Café Might Be Overpaying on Card Fees

Lots of small coffees means lots of tiny transactions — and that's exactly where the wrong setup quietly costs you. Here's how to fix it.

30 May 2026Read
Customer paying at a restaurant counter
By business 6 min

Restaurant POS in 2026: What Actually Matters

Tables, tabs, tips and a kitchen that's already on fire at 8pm. Here's what to prioritise in a restaurant POS — and what to ignore.

26 May 2026Read
British pound banknotes
Comparisons 5 min

Getting Paid Faster: Which Providers Offer Same-Day Payouts?

Standard settlement is 1–2 working days. If cash flow is tight, here are the providers that get your money to you sooner.

20 May 2026Read
Writing a checklist on a notepad
How-to 6 min

Switching Card Machine Providers: A Stress-Free Checklist

Thinking of moving provider? Work through this checklist first so you don't get caught by exit fees, downtime or a worse rate.

14 May 2026Read

Not sure what you need?

Tell us how your business takes payments and we'll point you towards providers that actually fit — not just the one with the loudest sales team.