Getting a card machine is four steps: choose the account, pass identity checks, receive the hardware, and run a test sale. With an app based provider the whole thing takes days. With a traditional acquirer underwriting comes first and it takes longer, in exchange for pricing quoted against your own turnover.
What you will be asked for
Identity documents for the people who own and control the business, the business details, a settlement destination, and for traditional acquirers your annual card turnover, average transaction value and merchant category. Paymentsense asks for exactly those three before quoting. Having them ready is the difference between one conversation and three.
Choosing before you apply
Decide where you will take payments, because that decides the hardware, and decide your monthly card takings, because that decides which pricing shape wins. Published rates run from 0.79% to 1.75% and hardware from 11 to 179 pounds. Applying first and choosing afterwards usually means accepting whatever the first salesperson offered.
The first week
Run a small test sale and refund it before trading. Confirm where the money settles and when. Then check the first statement against the quote. Most disappointment with card machines comes from charges nobody mentioned rather than from the headline rate, and the first statement is where they appear.
Questions people ask about how do i get a card machine for my business
How long does it take to get a card machine?
Days with an app based provider once identity checks pass, and longer with a traditional acquirer because your business is underwritten first.
What do I need to apply for a card machine?
Identity documents, business details and a settlement destination. Traditional acquirers also want annual card turnover, average transaction value and your merchant category.
Can a new business get a card machine?
Yes. App based providers onboard new businesses routinely on published rates. Traditional acquirers may want projections or a personal guarantee where there is no trading history.