Worldpay Card Machine Review UK 2026: Fees and Options Checked
Worldpay's one of the biggest names in UK card processing, handling payments for everyone from the corner shop to national chains. For smaller firms it now has a simple fixed rate plan as well as the usual custom pricing. We went through Worldpay's UK card machine pages and offer terms in October 2026.
Overview
Worldpay provides merchant accounts, card terminals, online payments and a business dashboard. As an acquirer, it settles card payments directly into your business bank account rather than into an app wallet. Terminals are hired on an agreement, not bought.
Quick verdict: Worldpay's Simplicity plan at 1.50% is a straightforward option for businesses that want a big name acquirer and a proper countertop terminal. You do need to commit to an 18 month terminal hire agreement, so it's better for established businesses than start ups.
Card readers and hardware
| Terminal | Type | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| DX4000 | Countertop, can switch to portable mode | WiFi or Ethernet |
| DX8000 | Mobile terminal | WiFi and 4G |
| Desk5000 | Countertop | Wired |
Worldpay's offer terms list the DX8000, DX4000 and Desk5000 as eligible standalone terminals. Worldpay says countertop machines are typically delivered within one to two working days after approval, and it offers next day terminal replacement.
Hardware costs
Terminal hire is a monthly fee per terminal. When we checked, Worldpay showed a special offer of £0 a month terminal hire. The official offer terms (June 2026 version) say:
- No terminal rental for the first 12 months of a minimum 18 month hire agreement.
- Available until 31 December 2026 to new UK customers who haven't used Worldpay in the previous six months.
- Limited to three terminals, and not available through introducers or partners.
- You must process at least £10,000 over a continuous 180 day period for one terminal (£25,000 for two, £50,000 for three), or Worldpay may withdraw the offer and revise your pricing.
- After 12 months the standard hire rate in your agreement applies.
Worldpay's product page didn't show the standard monthly hire fee when we checked, so ask for it in writing.
Fees and pricing
Transaction rates
| Plan | Who it is for | Transaction fees (checked October 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Simplicity | Businesses wanting one fixed rate | 1.50% on Mastercard and Visa; no authorisation fee, no minimum monthly service charge, no premium transaction charges |
| Custom | Businesses taking over £50,000 a year on cards (per the countertop page) | Variable pricing; premium transaction fees may apply |
Separate fees apply for Amex, Diners, Discover, JCB and UnionPay. There's no joining fee on either plan.
Online payments
Worldpay eCommerce has a separate pay as you go plan: 1.5% + 20p for Visa and Mastercard consumer cards on the Essential package, 1.3% + 20p on the Full package, and 2.9% + 20p for commercial cards and Amex.
What a month might cost on Simplicity
| Monthly card takings | Fees at 1.50% |
|---|---|
| £2,000 | £30 |
| £5,000 | £75 |
| £10,000 | £150 |
Add terminal hire once any promotional period ends.
Contract and setup
Worldpay's countertop page confirms an 18 month contract for terminal hire. You apply online or by phone, and once your customer number is issued Worldpay sends the terminal. You'll also sign Worldpay's Merchant Services Agreement.
Payout speed
Worldpay offers free next business day settlement, meaning funds are sent to your bank account the business day after the transaction, subject to Worldpay's rights under its agreement.
Customer support
Worldpay provides phone support and an online dashboard for settlements, reconciliation and invoices.
How Worldpay compares
| Worldpay | Barclaycard | SumUp | Dojo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Acquirer, terminal hire | Bank acquirer | Payment facilitator, buy outright | Provider, buy or pay monthly |
| Published rate | 1.50% Simplicity | See our review | 1.69% or 0.99% with Payments Plus | 1.2% under £100,000 a year |
| Term | 18 months hire | See our review | None | Varies |
| Settlement | Next business day to your bank | See our review | 7am next day to SumUp account | Next day |
Checked October 2026. Read our Barclaycard review for its current details.
Worldpay Dashboard and extras
Worldpay Dashboard brings settlements, reconciliation, real time insights and invoices into one place. Worldpay also offers Worldpay 360, an all in one business management and POS system, and a business cash advance based on your card sales. If you take online payments, Worldpay eCommerce adds Payment Links, a virtual terminal, fraud screening and 3DS on the same relationship.
Acquirer vs payment facilitator
With Worldpay you get a merchant account in your business's name and money paid straight to your bank. With a payment facilitator such as SumUp, you sign up faster but your funds pass through the provider's account first. Our merchant account providers guide explains the trade off in more detail.
Questions to ask before you sign
- What is my monthly hire fee once the offer ends?
- What are my rates for Amex and other schemes?
- What happens if I miss the offer's turnover minimum?
- What does early termination of the 18 month hire cost?
Pros and cons
Pros
- Simple 1.50% Simplicity rate on Visa and Mastercard
- No authorisation or minimum monthly fees on Simplicity
- £0 terminal hire offer for 12 months (until 31 December 2026, conditions apply)
- Next business day settlement into your own bank
- Large, established acquirer
Cons
- 18 month hire agreement
- Standard hire fee not shown on the product page
- Offer requires minimum turnover
- Separate fees for Amex and other schemes
Who it suits
Established shops, pubs and service businesses that take a steady amount on cards and want their money in their own bank account.
Alternatives
- Barclaycard: a bank owned acquirer. See our Barclaycard card machine review.
- Lloyds Bank Cardnet: see our Lloyds Bank Cardnet review.
- SumUp: no contract alternative. See our SumUp card reader review.
Compare every option in our best card machines UK guide.
Worked monthly cost examples
These examples use Worldpay's Simplicity rate of 1.50% on Visa and Mastercard (checked October 2026) and exclude terminal hire, which is £0 for the first 12 months under the current offer for eligible new customers.
| Monthly card takings | Worldpay Simplicity (1.50%) | SumUp Payments Plus (0.99% + £19) | Dojo (1.2%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| £2,000 | £30.00 | £38.80 | £24.00 |
| £10,000 | £150.00 | £118.00 | Custom rate above £100,000 a year |
| £30,000 | £450.00 | £316.00 | Custom rate |
At £10,000 and £30,000 a month you're above the £50,000 a year level where Worldpay suggests its custom pricing, so ask for a custom quote and compare. Simplicity's main advantage is simplicity: no authorisation fees, no minimum monthly service charge and no premium card surcharges on Visa and Mastercard.
The offer's turnover test
The £0 hire offer needs at least £10,000 of transactions within a continuous 180 day period for one terminal. That is about £1,670 a month. A business taking £2,000 a month passes for one terminal, but would need over £4,170 a month to keep the offer on two terminals (£25,000 in 180 days), and over £8,330 a month for three (£50,000).
After year one
Once the 12 month offer ends, hire is charged at the rate in your agreement for the remaining months of the 18 month term. Get that rate in writing and add it to your monthly cost when comparing.
Worldpay for different businesses
Cafe
A cafe taking £6,000 a month pays £90 on Simplicity. The DX4000 switches between countertop and portable, which helps when you occasionally serve outside.
Pub and restaurant
The DX8000 mobile terminal with WiFi and 4G suits table service. Larger venues should request custom pricing.
Retail shop
Steady takings, a fixed counter and money paid straight to your own bank account suit Worldpay well. The Desk5000 is an option for a wired till.
Hairdresser
A salon taking £3,000 a month pays £45. That is competitive, but the 18 month term is a long commitment for a new salon.
Market stall, trades and taxi
The term and turnover conditions make Worldpay a poor fit for seasonal or mobile workers. A no contract reader is usually better. See our guide to card readers for taxi drivers.
Setup and contract tips
- Check your eligibility. The hire offer excludes anyone who was a Worldpay customer in the previous six months and anyone signing through a partner.
- Ask the standard hire rate. It applies after the offer and for any terminal outside it.
- Know the other schemes. Amex, Diners, Discover, JCB and UnionPay carry separate fees.
- Plan your 18 months. If your business might move, close or change, factor in the cost of the remaining term.
- Use the dashboard. Worldpay Dashboard handles settlements and reconciliation, which saves time at month end.
Verdict
Worldpay's Simplicity plan makes a traditional acquirer far easier to understand, and the current hire offer is generous if you meet the turnover minimum. The 18 month term is the main catch. We rate Worldpay 3.9 out of 5.
FAQs
How much does Worldpay charge per transaction?
On the Simplicity plan, Worldpay charges 1.50% on Mastercard and Visa transactions. Custom pricing is quoted individually. Checked October 2026.
How long is a Worldpay contract?
Terminal hire is on an 18 month contract.
Is Worldpay terminal hire free?
New UK customers can get £0 hire for the first 12 months of an 18 month agreement until 31 December 2026, if they meet minimum turnover conditions.
When does Worldpay pay out?
Worldpay offers free next business day settlement to your bank account.
Can I buy a Worldpay card machine?
No. Worldpay card machines are hired, not sold.
Does Worldpay pay into my own bank account?
Yes. Worldpay settles to your business bank account on the next business day.
What is the difference between Simplicity and custom pricing?
Simplicity is one fixed 1.50% rate on Visa and Mastercard with no authorisation or minimum monthly fees. Custom pricing is variable and aimed at businesses taking over £50,000 a year on cards.
Is Worldpay good for small businesses?
It suits established small businesses with steady takings. New or seasonal businesses may prefer a no contract provider.
Does Worldpay take online payments too?
Yes. Worldpay eCommerce has a pay as you go plan with no monthly commitment: 1.5% + 20p (Essential) or 1.3% + 20p (Full) on Visa and Mastercard consumer cards, and 2.9% + 20p for commercial cards and Amex.
How fast is a Worldpay terminal delivered?
Worldpay says countertop machines are typically delivered within one to two working days after approval.
Can I cancel Worldpay early?
The hire agreement runs for 18 months. Ask Worldpay for any early termination charges in writing before you sign.