Card readers for drivers are mostly pay-as-you-go: you either buy a small reader once (no monthly contract) or use Tap to Pay on your phone, then pay a small percentage on each card payment. The two things that matter most are the transaction fee (what you pay per fare) and the payout speed (how quickly the money reaches your bank). Some readers also have their own SIM so they work without your phone. For a typical driver, a low fee and a payout schedule that suits your cash flow is usually the sweet spot.
0.79% per tap (weekly payout) · 0.99% next-day
Reader from ~£24 · no monthly fee, no contract
1.69% per tap (PAYG)
Readers from ~£25 · next-day payout
1.75% per tap (in person)
Readers from ~£19 · 2-year warranty
1.75% per tap
Readers from ~£25 · no contract
Quick comparison
| Provider | In-person fee | Reader from | Built-in SIM option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lopay | 0.79% (weekly) / 0.99% (next-day) | ~£24 | No (Tap to Pay on phone) |
| SumUp | 1.69% (0.99% on paid plan) | ~£25 | Yes (Solo) |
| Square | 1.75% | ~£19 | No |
| Zettle | 1.75% | ~£25 | No |
Which is right for you? If the lowest possible fee matters most and you're happy with weekly (or next-day) payouts, Lopay has the cheapest base rate here and is built with drivers in mind. If you'd rather have a dedicated reader with its own SIM that works without your phone, SumUp's Solo is a strong fit. Square is worth a look for its free software and longer warranty, and Zettle keeps things simple if you already use PayPal. One thing to check: Lopay and SumUp's headline rates are for standard UK cards — Amex and international cards can cost a little more. For most drivers the differences are small per fare, but over a year of card payments, a lower rate adds up.
Fees and prices are correct to the best of our knowledge as of mid-2026 and exclude VAT where applicable — always check the provider's current pricing before signing up. CabNation may earn a commission if you sign up through our links; this never affects what you pay.