Pop-up shops are fast, flexible, and all about grabbing attention and you need a card machine that can keep up.
Whether you’re selling at markets, festivals, exhibitions, or weekend retail events, the right payment device helps you move fast, sell more, and never miss a sale.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top card machines for pop-up shops in 2025 based on mobility, speed, ease of setup, and real-world reliability.
Let’s get into it.
Why Card Machines Matter for Pop-Up Businesses
In a pop-up environment, customers expect speed and convenience. The days of “cash only” are gone and if your card reader can’t keep up, you’ll lose sales.
The right machine should:
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Work anywhere (even outdoors or with weak Wi-Fi)
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Accept contactless and mobile payments
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Be compact, wireless, and ready to go out of the box
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Have transparent pricing with no long-term commitment
1. Paymentsave Card Machine
Paymentsave offers fast, wireless card machines built for small businesses on the move. No setup fees. No monthly contracts. Just simple, flexible payments.
Key Features:
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Accepts contactless, chip & PIN, Apple Pay, and Google Pay
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Works on 4G, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
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Super-fast setup with UK-based 24/7 support
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Transparent pricing no hidden charges
Pop-up retailers, mobile vendors, food stalls, and creators who want a simple, reliable machine without monthly costs.
2. Zettle by PayPal
Zettle’s minimalist design and trusted PayPal integration make it a smart choice for modern pop-up stores.
Key Features:
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Compact card reader connects to your phone or tablet
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POS app helps manage products and sales
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Charges 1.75% per transaction
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Accepts all major debit, credit, and mobile wallets
Boutique pop-up shops, weekend sellers, and solo entrepreneurs looking for a clean, branded setup.
3. Square Reader
Square offers a no-fuss, plug-and-play payment solution with clear pricing and a solid mobile app.
Key Features:
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Small, lightweight reader connects via Bluetooth
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Works with Square’s free POS system
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Flat 1.75% fee per transaction
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No monthly or hardware rental fees
First-time pop-up vendors, creators, and food stands that want to take payments without technical hassle.
4. SumUp Air
SumUp Air is perfect if you want to start taking card payments with minimal upfront cost.
Key Features:
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Reader costs around £29 (one-time)
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No monthly fees, 1.69% per transaction
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Pairs with free mobile app
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Accepts chip, contactless, and mobile wallets
Freelancers, craft sellers, or new traders testing pop-up events without breaking the bank.
5. Worldpay Mobile
If your pop-up shop is scaling fast, Worldpay’s portable terminals give you pro-level features and flexibility.
Key Features:
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Enterprise-grade hardware
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Real-time sales tracking and analytics
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Custom rates for higher volume
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Supports ePOS integration
Established pop-up brands, food trucks, or merchants who want deeper reporting and multi-location support.
How to Pick the Right Card Machine for Your Pop-Up
Choosing the right device isn’t about the fanciest features it’s about what works for your setup.
Ask yourself:
Do I need mobile connectivity?
If you’re often outdoors or in remote areas, choose a 4G-ready machine like Paymentsave.
How many transactions will I do?
For low volume, stick with fee-per-transaction options like SumUp or Square.
Do I need a POS system?
Go for Zettle or Square if you want to track sales and manage stock in one app.
How soon do I want payouts?
Paymentsave offers fast next-day payouts helpful for cash flow.
Conclusion
Pop-up shops move fast. Your card machine should too.
Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your pop-up brand, choosing the right payment device will help you take payments faster, reduce friction, and keep your customers happy.
