Credit cards run on the same terminal and the same account as debit cards, so there is nothing extra to buy. What is different is the cost underneath: UK interchange is capped higher on consumer credit cards than on debit cards, and most providers blend the two into a single advertised percentage.
The same machine, a different underlying cost
Every terminal in this index accepts credit, debit and phone wallets on one device. The provider's rate is what differs, and blending hides it. A business whose customers pay overwhelmingly by debit card is subsidising credit users on a blended rate, and can often do better with a provider that prices the categories separately.
Taking credit cards on a phone
Tap to pay accepts contactless credit cards on a supported phone with no hardware. It cannot take a chip and PIN card, so a credit card presented for a large sale, which is exactly when credit cards are used, will often fail. For businesses whose credit card sales are the big ones, a reader is not optional.
Commercial credit cards are the expensive ones
Business credit cards sit outside the UK interchange caps that cover consumer cards, so they cost more to accept. Lopay states an additional percentage point for corporate cards. If you invoice businesses or sit near an office park, model that share before choosing on a headline rate.
Questions people ask about take credit card payments
Do I need a separate machine for credit cards?
No. One terminal and one account cover debit, credit and phone wallets. Only the underlying cost differs, and most providers blend it into one rate.
Can I take credit card payments on a phone?
Contactless credit cards, yes, through tap to pay on a supported phone. Chip and PIN credit card payments need a reader, which matters because credit cards are typically used for larger sales.
Why do credit cards cost more to accept?
Interchange on a UK consumer credit card is capped higher than on a debit card, and commercial credit cards fall outside the caps altogether.