For UK businesses, speed, security, and simplicity at the point of sale are essential for success, and whether you’re running a bustling café, a high-street shop, or a growing restaurant chain, having an EPOS system that integrates seamlessly with a card reader is essential to delivering fast, frictionless customer service.
Integrated card payments eliminate the need to manually enter transaction amounts into separate card machines, reducing errors and improving the checkout experience. But not all systems are created equal.
What is an Integrated EPOS System?
An integrated EPOS system directly connects your electronic point of sale software to a card payment terminal, allowing automatic transaction syncing between the till and the card reader, meaning your staff don’t need to key in amounts twice.
Instead, the EPOS sends the total directly to the card terminal, where your customer taps or inserts their card. Once approved, the payment is logged in your sales report instantly.
Benefits include:
- Faster transactions
- Fewer manual errors
- Seamless reporting and reconciliation
- Improved customer experience
- PCI DSS-compliant security
Features to Look For
- Real-time payment syncing
Instant till and card reader communication reduces customer wait times and speeds up busy queues.
- Multiple payment options
Support contactless, chip & PIN, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and QR code payments.
- Consolidated reporting
Sales and payment data in one dashboard simplifies end-of-day reporting and cashing up.
- Flexible hardware options
Some systems offer tablet EPOS with mobile card readers, while others offer all-in-one countertop setups.
- Transparent pricing
Watch out for hidden fees on transaction rates or hardware rental.
Best EPOS Systems with Integrated Card Payments in the UK
Provider | Best For | Features | Starting Price |
| Hospitality & fast-paced retail | Fast payouts, integrated card machines, sleek design | From £20/month + fees |
| Small businesses & pop-ups | EPOS app + card reader, no monthly fee | Free app + reader fee |
| Micro-businesses & mobile setups | Simple integration, low fees, mobile EPOS | Free app + reader fee |
| Retail & food service | Full EPOS suite, tipping, invoice & loyalty features | Free plan available |
| Growing businesses | Integrated payments, add-ons for retail/hospitality | From £55/month |
| Restaurants & advanced retail | Customisable EPOS, multi-channel selling, integrated pay | From £59/month |
| Enterprise-scale operations | High-volume POS, advanced inventory, integrated payments | Custom pricing |
Dojo: Seamless Payment Experience for Service-Driven Businesses
Dojo offers integrated EPOS and card machines built for hospitality and retail. Their sleek terminals process payments in seconds and settle funds by the next working day. With full EPOS integration, Dojo reduces human error and queues during busy service.
Ideal for: Restaurants, pubs, and salons that prioritise speed and modern presentation.
Zettle by PayPal: EPOS and Card Reader in Your Pocket
Zettle is a top pick for small UK businesses needing flexibility and low upfront costs. Their free POS app pairs with a lightweight card reader, integrating accounting tools and basic inventory management.
Ideal for: Cafés, independent shops, and mobile vendors.
SumUp: Plug-and-Play Simplicity
SumUp is an excellent option for micro-businesses and mobile traders. The all-in-one SumUp Solo terminal is portable, affordable, and connects to their cloud-based POS.
Ideal for: Food trucks, tradespeople, and weekend market stalls.
EPOS Now: Scalable and Customisable
EPOS Now integrates with various card payment providers, including Dojo and Zettle. It offers solutions tailored for retail and hospitality, and works well for businesses looking to scale.
Ideal for: Growing businesses with plans to expand or diversify.
Lightspeed: Feature-Rich and Multi-Channel Ready
Lightspeed combines powerful POS software with integrated payments, ecommerce tools, and advanced stock management. It’s ideal for restaurants or retailers looking for an all-in-one system.
Ideal for: Larger, multi-location businesses.
Why Integration Matters in 2025
Customer expectations around speed, convenience, and payment options are higher than ever and integrated EPOS and card payment systems aren’t just a nice-to-have; they’re critical to delivering modern service.
these payments:
- Reduce human error during busy service times
- Speed up queues during peak hours
- Provide real-time, accurate reporting for smarter decisions
- Support contactless and mobile wallet payments, now standard in the UK
Our Final Thoughts on Integrated Card Payments
If you are launching your first shop or upgrading a busy café, choosing an EPOS system with integrated card payments is smart for efficiency, professionalism, and profitability.
Providers like Dojo, Zettle, SumUp, and EPOS Now offer flexible solutions for every budget and business type. Focus on what matters most to your workflow—fast payouts, low fees, or mobile capabilities.
Need Help Comparing EPOS Options? Use our free EPOS comparison tool to explore the best integrated payment solutions for your UK business in 2025.
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