In short: In the UK, card payments typically reach your bank account one to three working days after the sale, depending on the provider. Some, such as Dojo, offer fast or same-day payouts, and several providers offer instant settlement for an extra fee. Weekends and bank holidays can add a day or two.
Took the payment - so where's the money? Settlement times vary by provider, and fast payouts can be worth paying for if cash flow is tight.
Typical payout times
Standard settlement is usually 1–2 working days. Some providers are faster:
- myPOS - instant settlement to your myPOS account
- Dojo - next-day, with as-fast-as same-day options
- Square - next working day (instant transfer for a fee)
- SumUp / Zettle - typically 1–2 working days
Is fast payout worth it?
If you rely on daily takings for stock or wages, yes. If not, standard (free) payouts are fine and save you the instant-transfer fee.
FAQs
Why do card payments take a few days to clear?
The payment passes through several steps: authorisation, settlement between banks, and the provider batching and releasing funds. Each adds time. Most UK providers send payouts on working days only, so a sale made on a Friday or before a bank holiday can take longer to arrive.
Which card machine pays out the fastest in the UK?
Dojo is known for fast, often same-day or next-day payouts including weekends. Several other providers offer instant or same-day settlement, though this usually costs extra. If quick access to funds matters, check each provider's standard payout time and any fee for faster payouts.
Can I get card payments paid out instantly?
Some providers offer instant or same-day payouts, but this often comes with an extra fee or a small percentage charge. Standard free payouts usually take one to three working days. Weigh the cost of instant access against how urgently you need the cash flow.
Reviewed by Nathan Keeble - Founder, The POS
Independent UK payments research. We research the pricing, read the small print and write it up in plain English.