How long does switching card machine provider take?

Typically seven to fourteen working days. We handle the process and make sure your new terminal is live before you return the old one. You will not lose a single transaction.

Can I run multiple card machine terminals on one account?

Yes. BoonPay supports multi-terminal setups on a single account. One statement, one monthly fee, one point of contact regardless of how many devices you need.

Do your card machine terminals support tips?

Yes. The PAX A920 Pro and PAX A50 both support tip prompts as standard at the point of payment with no additional setup required.

What happens if my card machine breaks during service?

With Terminal Care at £4.99 per month a replacement device is dispatched within 24 hours. Support is available seven days a week including evenings and bank holidays.

Do you provide card machines for pubs outside Manchester?

Yes. BoonPay is based in Manchester but works with pubs and bars across the UK. Everything is handled remotely and terminals are shipped directly to your venue.

Solutions / Cafes & Coffee Shops

Card machines for cafes that keep up with your queue

Fast contactless, all-day battery, and honest processing fees. Built for Manchester's independent cafes and coffee shops that can't afford downtime during a morning rush.

Get a free statement review Speak to Ethan

Why it matters in cafes

Of cafe transactions are card

80%+

Average transaction value

£4–7

Contactless should complete in

<2s

Daily transactions (busy cafe)

150+

Terminals for cafes

Most popular

PAX A50

Counter service and table cafes

Portable WiFi + 4G All-day battery Fast processor

The go-to for independent coffee shops. Quick contactless, easy to carry tableside, and built for busy mornings. See our full coffee shop card machine guide for a detailed breakdown.

PAX A920 Pro

Larger cafes and multi-terminal setups

Large touchscreen Receipt printer EPOS-ready

Full-screen Android terminal. Works well where staff need more than just payment at the point of sale.

PAX A35

Fixed counter with integrated printer

Countertop Built-in printer Ethernet + WiFi

A reliable fixed unit for high-volume counters. Suits cafes where the customer always comes to the till.

What cafe owners actually need

Speed at peak times

Contactless that completes in under two seconds keeps queues moving. Slow terminals cost you sales and patience.

All-day battery

A cafe that opens at 7am needs a terminal that lasts until close. No mid-service charging, no excuses.

Dual connectivity

WiFi as standard, 4G as backup. If your broadband drops during a rush, payments still go through.

Fair processing fees

Low average spend means your transaction rate matters more than most. We'll show you exactly what you're paying now.

Understanding your processing costs

Low average transaction values mean card fees hit harder in cafes than almost any other sector. A 1.75% flat rate on a £3.50 flat white costs around 6p per sale. Multiply that across 150 daily transactions, five days a week, and it adds up faster than most owners realise. If you're still weighing up whether card is worth it at all, our cash vs card guide breaks down the real numbers.

Transaction fee (typical SME rate)0.35% – 1.5%

Terminal rentalFrom £15/month

Contract length18 months

Next-day settlementAvailable on all plans

Statement reviewFree, no obligation

Unsure what a PCI compliance fee is? Find out here.

Common questions

Do I need a separate card machine for inside and outside seating? +

Not necessarily. A portable terminal like the PAX A50 covers both with ease. If you have a high-volume outside area running simultaneously, a second terminal may make sense and we can help you work out whether the numbers justify it.

Can the terminal connect to my coffee shop EPOS? +

Yes. Our terminals integrate with most major EPOS platforms. If you're already on a system or looking to add one, we'll confirm compatibility before you commit to anything.

What if I already have a provider and I'm mid-contract? +

Send us your latest merchant statement. We'll show you what you're actually paying versus what you could pay, and whether it makes financial sense to switch now or wait out the contract.

Is there a loyalty programme option for cafes? +

Yes. A built-in digital loyalty programme is available through the terminal, which replaces paper stamp cards and gives you real data on your regulars. It's a better experience for customers and more useful for you than tracking stamps. Read more in our guide on loyalty programmes for coffee shops.

How quickly do payments settle into my account? +

Next-day gross settlement is available on all BoonPay plans. You see your full takings, minus fees, in your account by the following morning.