Guide
How to take card payments without a card reader
You can take card payments in the UK with no card machine at all. The customer pays on their own phone, through a link or a QR code you give them, and the money is paid into your bank. Here is how each option works and what it costs.
Updated
Can I take card payments without a card machine?
Yes. A card machine is only one way for a customer's card to reach a payment processor. The other way is for the customer to enter their card on a secure payment page on their own phone or computer. That page can be reached from a payment link you text or email them, a QR code they scan, or a link on an invoice. The processor checks the card, takes the money and pays it out to your bank, exactly as it would for a card machine.
This works for sole traders as well as limited companies. You need an account with a payment provider, which will ask for your identity and bank details before it pays you out. You don't need a shop, a website or a contract.
What are the ways to take a card payment with no reader?
- A payment link. A web address you send by text, WhatsApp, email or social media. The customer opens it, enters an amount or sees a fixed price, and pays by card, or by Apple Pay or Google Pay where their device supports it. Best for remote work and anyone who pays you after the job.
- A QR code. The same link printed as a code on a sign, a flyer, a van or a receipt. The customer scans it with their phone camera and pays on the spot. Best for market stalls, events and anywhere customers pay in person.
- Tap to pay on your phone. Some providers turn a supported iPhone or Android phone into a contactless reader, so a customer taps their card on your phone. It needs the provider's app and a compatible phone, and some providers set a limit per payment.
- An invoice with a pay button. For larger or pre-agreed jobs, send an invoice that carries a card payment link, so the client can pay it the moment it arrives instead of copying your bank details.
What does it cost?
Most options charge a percentage of each payment, sometimes plus a fixed amount, and nothing when you take no payments. With Paytide you pay 1% per payment (20p minimum) plus Stripe's card fee, which is 1.5% + 20p for a standard UK card. On a £40.00 payment that is £0.40 to Paytide and about £0.80 to Stripe, so you keep about £38.80. The fee calculator works it out for any amount.
| Method | Customer does | Needs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Payment link | Opens a link and pays on their phone | A phone number or email to send it to | Remote work, paying after the job |
| QR code | Scans the code and pays on their phone | A printed or on-screen code | Stalls, events, in person |
| Tap to pay | Taps their card on your phone | A compatible phone and the provider’s app | In person, card in hand |
| Invoice with a link | Pays from the invoice email | The client’s email address | Larger or agreed jobs |
Is taking payment by link or QR code safe?
Yes, when the page the customer pays on belongs to a regulated payment processor. With Paytide the customer pays on a page hosted by Stripe, which is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Card details go straight to Stripe, never to you or to Paytide, and Stripe runs its own fraud checks on every payment.
Two habits help your customers trust the link. Use a link with your own name in it, so it is obviously yours, and tell people in advance how you take payment, so a message asking them to pay is expected rather than a surprise.
How do I set up a payment link and QR code?
- Create a Paytide account and pick your name. Your link is paytide.co.uk/your-name.
- Connect Stripe. Stripe asks for your identity and bank details, which it needs before it can pay you out.
- Share the link, or print the QR code from your dashboard and put it where customers pay. Payments show in your dashboard straight away and are paid into your bank on Stripe's payout schedule.
If you are weighing up providers, our PayPal.me alternatives comparison sets the fees side by side, and the guide to getting paid as a freelancer covers invoices, payment terms and chasing late payers.