If your business still operates a cash-only policy when it takes payments, or you're looking to upgrade the cash machines you've already got, choosing the right card reader for your business can be a trickier job than it sounds.While card machines aren't the most glamorous thing to spend your money on, they are an essential part of your business. Recent years have seen them grow in popularity and now many people use their cards to pay for the vast majority of their goods and services. You, then, need a reliable, useable, and cost-effective card machine to ensure your business is not only able to take payments by card but also take them quickly and easily with a device you understand.  The Best Card Machines for Small BusinessesDifferent machines offer your business different benefits, and knowing which is the best choice isn't always clear. That's why we've done most of the research for you, and compiled this list of some of the best card machines on the UK market. We've compared them, so you don't have to. As you're probably aware, card machines come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are portable and pocket-sized, while others are large and fixed to your business's countertop. We've covered all bases in this list, so you'll find a mix of different types of card machines. 

What is a Business Bank Account?Business bank accounts enable you to separate your personal and business expenses; creating a convenient way to organise your tax and bookkeeping. This makes paying taxes easier and means your files are clear and easy to understand. There are several advantages to having a business bank account. For a deeper dive into what a business account can offer you and your business, read on. In this article, we outline the costs associated with opening and maintaining a business bank account and explain what you need to get started. How Much Does A Business Account Cost?Each bank has its own set of criteria for opening a business bank account. It's important to evaluate and compare the available options to find the best business checking account that suits the needs of your business. If you already have a personal account with a particular bank, there might be special offers or benefits available to you if you choose to open a business bank account with the same one. Some banks require an initial deposit or a minimum balance, while others impose varying fees for different types of transactions, such as monthly service fees, excess transaction fees, or cash handling fees.

Getting Started with a Merchant AccountOpening a merchant account allows your business to accept credit and debit card payments from customers. They are, by their nature, helpful for many businesses as they allow them to modernise the way they take payments and interact with their customers.  But how do you get a merchant account? It's a process many businesses do every year but, if you're unfamiliar with the process, it can be confusing and even daunting. That's why we've created a breakdown of the process. Before you Apply for a Merchant AccountIf you want a merchant account, there are a couple of things you need to already have in place before you can apply for one.  First, you need to ensure your business is legally registered. If you're already trading you don't need to worry about this stage but if you're starting from scratch you need to ensure you're registered. There's a lot of information on how to do this on the Government's website but, usually, you'll register as a sole trader, limited company or partnership. When you apply to set up your merchant account, you could be asked to provide a variety of documents to prove your validity, so it's best to have these things ready. Documents you could be asked to provide include: Proof of identity for your business's ownerProof of address for your business's ownerFinancial documentsYour business planStep One: Choose Your Merchant Account TypeThough merchant accounts all work in similar ways, different types of merchant accounts will suit one business more than they will suit another. Retail merchant accounts, for example, are more suited for physical shops where you and your staff will conduct sales face-to-face. These sales will happen with a physical card machine, or perhaps a full EPOS system, which is directly linked to your merchant account.  Internet merchant accounts, meanwhile, do what they say on the tin. They're designed for and suited to businesses that operate online. The payments you make here won't be done face-to-face but via a website. With this type of merchant account, there is no need for a card machine or EPOS system.  Mobile merchant accounts land somewhere in between the two types above. They're ideal for businesses that operate on the go, like pop-up stalls, fitness training providers, or food vans. This type of merchant account allows you to process transactions from anywhere via a mobile device. Only you know the best type of merchant account for your business, so you'll have to take the time to decide which type of account best suits you. Once you've done this, you can move on to the next step. Step Two: Research ProvidersThis is probably the most time-consuming part of the process, but also the most important. You need to research and compare merchant account providers. While all merchant accounts do the same thing and work in broadly the same way, it's still important to not go for the first one you see.  There are plenty of things to consider, not least the transaction fees and admin costs that a merchant account may come with, and the risk level of your industry. To make this step as easy for you as possible, we've created the following list of considerations.