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Taking payments as a small business

How you take payments is crucial for any small business. And the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift away from cash to contactless. According to UK Finance, the total value of contactless transactions in 2021 hit £165.9bn, more than double the amount recorded in 2019 pre pandemic.

However, whereas before taking card payments was just a matter of renting a card reader, today’s payment systems are truly sophisitacted, connecting your till, your inventory and even direct to your bank account – which means you can even borrow money against your cashless payments. Today’s payment systems are seamlessly connected.

But where do you start when it comes to contactless payments? What’s the best electronic payment system to use? How do they compare?

On this page, you can discover 11 of the best payment processors, which card payment machines are idea for your small business, optimising cash flow with cashless payments, the best payment systems for outdoor festivals, pop-ups and street food markets, and even which is the best payment system for accepting US dollars.

6 of the best payment systems for accepting US dollars

If you have a lot of customers Stateside, you'll want them to be able to pay in US dollars. We look at the best payment systems for USD.

Accounting

Taking payments as a small business

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Guides

Taking payments as a small business

Taking card payments – everything you need to know

Articles

Taking payments as a small business

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What exactly is a merchant account? How much do they cost? And do you need one to take card payments? We answer these questions and more

Taking payments as a small business

The 6 best POS systems for bars and pubs in 2022

Whether you serve cocktails or craft ales, check out our pick of the best POS systems that can help to boost efficiency and revenue

Taking payments as a small business

High risk merchant accounts: What you need to know

If you’re a new business, you have a bad credit rating, or your industry is considered risky, you may need a high risk merchant account in order to take card payments.

Taking payments as a small business

Global payment services for small businesses: how to avoid higher fees

Global ambition doesn’t have to come at a high price - here are three international payment solutions that can help to cut the costs of doing business overseas.

Taking payments as a small business

Taking payments online for ecommerce businesses

There are countless ways for an ecommerce business to accept online payments. We explain your best options.

Taking payments as a small business

What is a PDQ machine and how does it work?

A PDQ machine is just another name for a card machine - find out out everything you need to know about how they work, how much they cost, and where you can buy them

Taking payments as a small business

How to optimise cash flow with cashless payments

The phrase ‘cash is king’ has never been truer, but how can small businesses like yours ensure a healthy inflow of money to cover costs and make profits?

Taking payments as a small business

How to sell anywhere with contactless payments

This summer, three quarters of payments to Square’s small business customers did not involve cash. It’s a growing trend that’s not going away

Taking payments as a small business

5 reasons why (and how) you should meet demand for cashless payments

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Taking payments as a small business

Strong Customer Authentication is complicating online payments

New EU SCA legislation that risked knocking €150 billion off the EU internet economy on its proposed introduction in September has been given a 'phasing in' extension of 18 months.

Taking payments as a small business

40% of the UK’s micro businesses do not accept card payments

This is despite digital payments being the preferred way to pay for 47pc of shoppers

Taking payments as a small business

Card payment system down: a survival guide for small businesses

Guy Moreve, chief marketing officer at Paymentsense, explains how small business owners can cope when their card payment system goes down.

Business Technology

How to keep your small business safe online

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