Top Card Readers for Food Trucks & Mobile Stalls

SumUp Solo

• Built-in SIM: The Solo comes with a pre-installed SIM and free, unlimited 4G data for life. You’ll never have to drain your phone’s battery hotspotting or rely on patchy public Wi-Fi again.

• Ultimate Portability: Small enough to fit in your pocket or apron. It is designed for businesses on the move, allowing you to take over 100 transactions on a single charge from anywhere in the UK.

• Pay As You Go: No monthly contracts or hidden fees. You only pay a flat 1.69% fee per sale, and with new 2026 updates, your money hits your bank account by 7 AM the next morning.

Square Reader

• 100% Free Setup & Zero Rent: Start taking payments instantly by turning your smartphone into a card machine via Tap to Pay, or use the pocket-sized Reader for just £19. No monthly rent, no contracts just a simple flat rate per tap.

• True Offline Mode: Never miss a sale in a dead zone. Square’s industry-leading offline tech lets you process Chip & PIN and digital wallet payments without any signal, automatically syncing your funds the moment you’re back online.

• Next-Day Payouts: Keep your cash moving. Your weekend festival takings are cleared and sent to your bank account by the next business day as standard, with an "Instant Transfer" option available if you need your cash in seconds.

• The All-in-One POS: Ditch the separate iPads. This premium handheld device features a built-in touchscreen and free software to effortlessly manage your menu and stock levels directly from your food truck.

• Built-in 4G Connectivity: Crush the festival rush. It processes payments in seconds via Wi-Fi or the included 4G SIM, ensuring you can take secure payments anywhere even in the middle of a remote field.

• Zero Monthly Contracts: Get a professional mobile setup with absolutely no ongoing subscription fees. You only pay a simple flat rate per tap, backed by the global trust and security of PayPal.

PayPal Terminal

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay monthly fees during the winter off-season?

No. We know mobile catering can be seasonal. Readers like SumUp, Square, and PayPal operate on a strict pay-as-you-go model with zero monthly rent. If you park the van for three months over the winter, you pay absolutely £0 until you start trading again.

What if I’m at a rural festival with terrible phone signal?

You have a couple of great safety nets. The SumUp Solo comes with its own built in SIM card featuring free, unlimited data that connects to the strongest local network. Alternatively, the Square Reader features an 'Offline Mode' that lets you continue taking card payments even in total dead zones.

Will the battery actually last a full 12-hour festival shift?

It depends on the hardware, but yes, as long as you plan ahead. The small, ultra-portable Square Reader typically lasts for around 100 transactions on a single charge, which may fall short during a non-stop 12-hour festival rush. However, larger all-in-one machines like the PayPal Terminal boast up to a 12-hour operational battery life. The good news? Both devices charge via standard USB cables, meaning you can easily keep them plugged into a standard portable power bank to ensure they never die mid-shift.

Stay Updated

Get tips and deals for mobile food stalls