If you sell at events, speed and reliability are everything.
Whether you’re working festivals, trade shows, food markets, or live exhibitions your card machine needs to be fast, portable, and totally reliable.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best card machines for event vendors in the UK, based on what actually works in the field not just spec sheets.
Why Your Card Machine Can Make or Break Your Event Sales
Events are fast-paced.
Queues build quickly. Customers want to tap and go. If your card machine lags, loses signal, or crashes you lose sales.
That’s why you need a card reader that’s:
- Compact and fully mobile
- Quick to set up (ideally in minutes)
- Able to take contactless, chip & PIN, and mobile wallet payments
- Backed by solid UK-based support
Let’s break down the top picks.
1. Paymentsave Card Machine
Paymentsave offers a wireless card machine with 4G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth support, ideal for event vendors on the go. There are no setup costs or long-term contracts, and their UK-based 24/7 support means you’re never stuck during a busy sale.
Top Features:
- Works via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or 4G — ideal for any location
- Accepts contactless, chip & PIN, Apple Pay, Google Pay
- No monthly fees, no rental agreements
- 24/7 UK-based support
Food trucks, festival vendors, trade show stalls, and mobile businesses needing reliable, event-ready tech.
2. SumUp Air
SumUp Air is a lightweight, app-connected card reader with a flat 1.69% transaction fee and no monthly cost. It’s perfect for solo vendors and mobile traders who want an affordable, easy-to-use payment solution that works reliably at pop-ups or outdoor events.
Top Features:
- Reader costs ~£29 (one-time)
- 1.69% transaction fee — no extras
- Works via app on your phone
- Accepts contactless, chip, and mobile payments
First-time event vendors, part-time sellers, or those on a tight budget.
3. Zettle by PayPal
Zettle offers a stylish card reader paired with a robust POS app, turning your smartphone or tablet into a payment powerhouse. It accepts all major cards and wallets, making it ideal for vendors who want a professional setup without the hefty cost.
Top Features:
- Customisable POS system
- Flat 1.75% per transaction
- Accepts all major cards + mobile wallets
- Reader pairs via Bluetooth with phone or tablet
Artisan vendors, craft stalls, and boutique sellers who want modern tools with a branded feel.
4. Square Terminal
Square Terminal is a full payment station in one sleek unit — touchscreen, receipt printer, and card reader included. No phone or tablet required. Great for vendors who sell a variety of items and want a fast, all-in-one checkout solution at busy events.
Top Features:
- No extra device needed (no phone/tablet pairing)
- Accepts chip, contactless, and mobile payments
- Flat 1.75% fee
- Great battery life for long events
Busy events, multi-product sellers, or vendors who want a more professional setup without the complexity.
5. Worldpay Mobile
Worldpay’s mobile solutions are built for scale, offering real-time sales tracking, advanced security, and multi-channel payment support. With tailored pricing and ePOS integration, it’s the go-to option for vendors handling high traffic and large transaction volumes.
Top Features:
- Enterprise-grade hardware
- Optional POS integration
- Tailored pricing for high-volume merchants
- Realtime transaction reporting
Established vendors, food businesses, and busy stalls at major festivals or conferences.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right card machine for events means smoother checkouts, fewer lost sales, and happier customers. Whether you’re a solo trader or running a busy stall, these top picks offer speed, portability, and reliability so you can focus on selling, not tech problems. Get paid fast, anywhere.
