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Accepting Card Payments as a Mobile Trade or Sole Trader

Plumbers, electricians, mobile groomers and market traders — how to take cards on site without a fixed line or high monthly cost.

27 June 2026 6 min read

Pay-as-you-go vs monthly plans

Pay-as-you-go readers charge a flat percentage with no monthly fee — ideal below roughly £1,500 a month in card turnover. Above that, a monthly plan with a lower rate almost always works out cheaper.

Signal reliability matters most

For mobile work, a terminal with a multi-network SIM will connect where a WiFi-only reader tethered to a phone will not. Losing a payment on a doorstep costs more than the difference in rate.

Invoicing and payment links

For larger jobs, a payment link on the invoice gets paid faster than bank transfer terms and gives the customer card protection they value. Many trades find it materially reduces late payment.

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