Featured · Guides
How to read your card machine statement
A line-by-line guide to UK card machine statements: transaction charges, pricing models, authorisation, PCI and rental fees, and your effective rate.
6 min read
News & guides
Card payment guides and news
Plain-English guides to what UK businesses pay to take cards, and the regulatory news that affects it. Each guide lists the sources it relies on.
9 articles shown
Switching
Leaving a card machine contract: what to check
How to leave a UK card machine contract: notice periods, early termination fees, separate terminal rental agreements, auto-renewal and a step-by-step switch.
6 min read
Guides
Countertop, portable or mobile card machine?
The seven main ways UK businesses take card payments, from countertop terminals to Tap to Pay and online gateways, who each suits and how costs are structured.
6 min read
Guides
Interchange++ vs blended pricing for UK businesses
What interchange++ and blended card pricing mean, the UK interchange caps, cross-border fees after Brexit, scheme fee changes and which model suits small firms.
6 min read
Tips
PCI compliance fees explained
What PCI DSS is, which self-assessment questionnaire applies, why card providers charge PCI and non-compliance fees, and how small UK businesses can avoid them.
6 min read
Industry news
PSR sets new rules on Visa and Mastercard scheme fees
On 30 July 2026 the PSR directed Mastercard and Visa to explain their fees more clearly and record how they set prices. What it means for small UK businesses.
2 min read
Industry news
Bill to fold the PSR into the FCA reaches the Commons
The Financial Services and Markets Bill, which would abolish the Payment Systems Regulator and move its work to the FCA, passed the Lords on 15 September 2026.
2 min read
Industry news
Treasury payments consultation closes 6 October
HM Treasury's consultation on modernising UK payment services rules closes on 6 October 2026. Card interchange rules are out of scope; pay by bank is a focus.
2 min read
Industry news
The Rate Dropper launches
The Rate Dropper is a free UK service where an advisor reads your card statement, works out your effective rate and compares the cost across eight providers.
2 min read
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