Card machines for healthcare practices that put the patient experience first
Reliable, discreet payment terminals for independent dental practices, physiotherapy clinics, opticians, and private GP surgeries. Transparent fees, next-day settlement, and support that actually picks up.
For a full breakdown of what to look for by practice type, read our guide to card payment machines for dental practices and healthcare clinics.
Healthcare practices tend to process fewer transactions than retail or hospitality, but at significantly higher average values. A dental treatment at £350 processed at 1.5% costs £5.25. At 0.5% it costs £1.75. Across 200 monthly transactions the difference is over £700 a year. Most practices we speak to have been with the same provider for years and have never reviewed their fees. Our cash vs card guide breaks down what UK small businesses are actually paying in 2026, and our PCI compliance fee guide explains one of the most common mystery charges on merchant statements.
What is the best card machine for a dental practice?
For most independent dental practices, the PAX A50 is a strong choice. It is portable, works on WiFi and 4G, and is easy to hand across a reception desk or take to a treatment room. For practices with a fixed reception counter and higher patient throughput, the PAX A35 with its built-in printer is a reliable countertop option. Read our full healthcare card machine guide for a detailed breakdown by practice type.
Can I take card payments for treatment plans paid in instalments?
Yes. BoonPay terminals handle individual card transactions, so staged or recurring payments are straightforward to process each time a patient pays their instalment. For more complex automated payment plan billing, speak to us about what works best for your specific setup.
How quickly do card payments settle into my practice account?
Next-day gross settlement is included on all BoonPay plans. Payments taken today are in your account by the following morning, with no deductions held back. That matters when you are managing lab costs, associate payments, and supplier invoices early in the week.
Do I need a separate terminal for each treatment room?
Not necessarily. A single portable terminal can move between treatment rooms and reception easily. If your practice has high patient throughput across multiple rooms at the same time, a second terminal on the same merchant account keeps everything consolidated and reporting simple.
What fees should a healthcare practice expect to pay?
You will pay a monthly terminal rental and a transaction fee on each card payment. Debit card rates start from 0.35% and consumer credit cards from 0.65%. There are no hidden charges and no rate changes mid-contract with BoonPay. Send us your current statement and we will show you exactly where you stand.
Can I switch provider if I am already in a contract?
Send us your latest merchant statement. We will show you what you are currently paying versus what you could be paying, and whether it makes financial sense to switch now or wait out your existing contract. There is no pressure and no obligation. Our guide on how to switch card machine provider walks through the full process.
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