Are you on the hunt for the best SoftPOS providers in the UK right now?

We have been, too, and after researching all, we’ve built a guide to the very best SoftPOS options for 2025.As of 2025, the majority of UK businesses are still clinging to physical card readers.

... there are 5.5 million small businesses in the UK.

...and nearly all of them already own a smartphone.

SoftPOS is more than just a flashy upgrade. It’s a smarter way to take payments, quicker to set up, easier to use, and ready when you are. By the end of the decade, card readers might just go the way of fax machines.

SoftPOS is expected to become the new standard for contactless payments by the end of the decade, especially for mobile traders, cafes, barbers, market stalls, and anyone who needs to get paid fast.

So if you’re tired of long contracts, unreliable terminals, or endless setup hoops, this guide will help you find a faster, smarter way to take payments.

Let’s dive in.

PS Sign up to Tapp and get a free launch gift worth over £100.

Best SoftPOS provider in the UK overall

Here’s a quick overview of our winners (which we dig into later in this guide):

• Best overall SoftPOS provider UK: Tapp

• Best for iPhone-only setups: Dojo

• Best enterprise solution: Adyen

• Best for PayPal users: Zettle

• Best for custom integrations: Paynt

• Best entry-level option: SumUp

• Best for large enterprises: Ingenico

Join Thousands of Businesses Going Contactless

Tapp is already turning heads as one of the most complete SoftPOS platforms in the UK.

With fast setup, AI tools, and offline fallback, it’s built with mobile service businesses in mind, like salons, market stalls, food trucks, and delivery teams.

Want to know why it tops our list? Keep scrolling.

Why Softpos is booming in UK retail

SoftPOS is changing the way UK businesses accept payments.

It turns an ordinary smartphone into a certified card reader.

Since Apple launched Tap to Pay in the UK in 2024, even iPhones can now accept contactless payments without extra hardware.

Android users have been doing it for years. 

If you have a modern phone, you are ready to take payments on the move.

Whether you run a market stall, drive deliveries, cut hair, or serve coffee, SoftPOS fits right into your workflow.

It is cost-effective, fast, and easy to get started. That is why so many businesses are switching.

Contactless is now the norm, making up over 94% of all UK in-person card payments.

Customers expect to tap and move on without delay.

SoftPOS is built for that experience.

It meets PCI DSS standards, encrypts every transaction, and completes payments in seconds.

All the transactions are encrypted and processed in seconds.

It is everything modern businesses need.

How did we choose the best SoftPOS providers?

In order to determine the best SoftPOS providers in the UK, we considered the following factors:

• Overall reliability and performance of the app.

• Whether it works across both Android and iOS devices.

• How quick and easy it is to set up and take the first payment.

• The speed of each transaction from tap to approval.

• The clarity and competitiveness of pricing and fees.

• Whether the provider is fully PCI CPoC or SPoC compliant.
  
  

• Whether the app can still function in low or no signal environments.

• The reputation and reviews of each SoftPOS provider.

• The quality of customer support and aftercare.

• Other key features – tipping, receipts, multi-user access, and integration options.

The 7 best SoftPOS providers to use in 2025

If you're planning to scale or simplify payments in 2025, these are the providers worth a closer look.

Best SoftPOS Providers in the UK (Quick Comparison Table)

Here's a quick-look comparison table of the top SoftPOS providers in the UK:

#1 Tapp (Best Overall)

Tapp is set to launch in the UK soon, and it’s already turning heads as one of the most flexible and feature-packed SoftPOS options out there.

It is especially built for small and medium businesses, mobile, and service-based businesses like food trucks, salons, market stalls, and delivery services.

Unlike most providers, Tapp combines terminal-free payments with self-checkout, online ordering, and AI tools, all from a single app. 

Evaluation Across Key Factors:

• Device compatibility
  iOS (via Apple Tap to Pay) and Android

• Setup time
  Takes a few minutes with AI assisted onboarding and no paperwork

• Transaction fees
  1.49 percent flat on the Free plan

             0.99 percent flat on the Pro plan at £29 per month

• Offline payments
  Available with a free dongle included in the Pro plan

• Security
  Fully PCI compliant with encrypted transactions

• Extra tools
  Includes QR code checkout, digital receipts, and a built-in eShop

• AI features
  Offers smart menus, sales forecasts, and detailed analytics

• Support
  UK support details to be confirmed

• Reputation
  Strong early interest, though no UK user reviews yet

• Payout Speed

Payout structure will be shared at launch

Pros

• Terminal-free payments with self-checkout and online ordering

• Built-in AI tools for alerts and sales forecasting

• Ideal for mobile and service-first businesses

• Offline fallback with magnetic dongle

• Simple setup with no extra hardware

Cons

• Not yet available in the UK

• Offline dongle may require separate handling or charging

#2. Dojo (Tap on iPhone)

Dojo’s Tap to Pay on iPhone is built for quick, hardware-free payments.

If you’re using an iPhone and need to take payments at the till, the table, or on the go, it handles it with ease. 

It’s secure, well-integrated, and connects smoothly with Dojo’s full platform, including EPOS, real-time tracking, and custom tools.

Evaluation Across Key Factors:

• Device Compatibility
  Works on iPhones XS or newer running iOS 16.4 or above

• Setup Time
  Instant through the Dojo for Business app

• Transaction Fees
  Starts from 1 percent with custom rates based on turnover
  Starter plan is £39.99 per month for up to £4,000 in sales

• Offline Payments
  Not supported through Tap to Pay
  Available only with Dojo’s physical terminals

• Security
  PCI DSS compliant with point-to-point encryption using Apple’s Secure Element

• Extra Tools
  Includes EPOS integration, real-time analytics, and daily reports

• AI Features
  There is no ai features at the moment
  Focus is on real-time tracking without predictive insights

• Support
  UK-based support available until 11 p.m.
  Response quality has been inconsistent amd poor, based on user reviews.

• Reputation
  Strong on tech, but billing and service issues are commonly reported by the users.  

• Payout Speed
  Next-day payouts by default, including weekends

Pros

• Smooth and seamless experience for iPhone users

• Well-suited for stable environments with reliable signal

• A strong option for businesses with higher transaction volumes

Cons

• Requires an internet connection, with no offline mode on iPhone

• Needs a physical terminal as backup in low-signal areas

• Pricing starts near £40 per month, which may be high for small businesses

• Users report delays in support, confusing contracts, and pushy sales tactics

#3. Adyen In-Person Payments (Best for Global Retail & Enterprise)

Adyen offers a strong in-person payment solution for businesses operating at scale or planning to grow fast. 

With Tap to Pay available on both iPhone and Android, you can accept payments directly on mobile without extra hardware.

But it’s not built for instant setup. Adyen’s SoftPOS needs developer integration or a supported POS partner. 

There’s no out-of-the-box app for sole traders or smaller merchants looking to get started quickly.

Evaluation Across Key Factors:

• Device Compatibility
  Supports both iOS using Tap to Pay on iPhone and Android via NFC-enabled devices

• Setup Time
  Requires SDK integration or an approved POS app
  Not an instant setup

• Transaction Fees
  £0.11 processing fee plus payment method charges
  Apple Pay, Visa, and Mastercard are billed at Interchange plus 0.60 percent

• Offline Payments
  Not supported
  Tap to Pay requires a live internet connection at all times

• Security
  Fully PCI DSS compliant using Apple’s Secure Element and tokenisation

• Extra Tools
  Includes flexible payout options, EPOS integrations, and global multi-currency support

• AI Features
  No AI features so far
  Built for scale rather than automation

• Support
    Reviews highlight poor responsiveness, KYC friction, and unresolved issues

• Reputation
  Well-regarded for enterprise use
  Lower satisfaction reported by small business users

• Payout Speed
  Configurable, but users have flagged payout delays

Pros

• Enterprise-grade platform with global reach

• Ideal for large retailers with in-house dev and compliance teams

Cons

• It’s not a plug-and-play. It requires technical integration or a partner POS

• No standalone app for sole traders or micro-merchants

• Pricing lacks transparency for smaller businesses

• Support often flagged for payment delays, strict KYC checks, and unresolved issues

#4 Zettle by PayPal (Ideal for Small Retailers)

Zettle’s SoftPOS gives small retailers what they’re usually looking for: quick setup, no monthly fees, and Tap to Pay support on both iPhone and Android. 

It works well for market stalls, cafés, and small shops, with added tools like stock tracking and gift cards.

It’s backed by PayPal, which adds trust for some, but not all.

The tech is solid, but user feedback shows a mix of good and bad experiences with support and reliability.

Evaluation Across Key Factors:

• Device Compatibility
  Supports iPhones XS or newer and Android devices running 8.1 or higher with NFC

• Setup Time
  Takes a few minutes through the Zettle app
  Although, the account approval may take longer depending on verification

• Transaction Fees
  1.75 percent per in-person card or digital wallet transaction
  No monthly fees

• Offline Payments
  Not available when using Tap to Pay
  An internet connection is always required

• Security
  Fully PCI DSS compliant
  Transactions are encrypted and processed through PayPal

• Extra Tools
  Includes POS software, inventory management, staff tracking, and gift card creation

• AI Features
  No AI features so far
  Platform focuses on usability and scale over automation

• Support
  User reviews point to slow KYC, limited responsiveness, and unresolved support issues

• Reputation
  It is backed by PayPal and is strong in core features
  Lower satisfaction reported by small business users

• Payout Speed
  Configurable, though delays have been flagged by users

Pros

• A natural fit if you’re already using PayPal

• Easy to integrate into the existing PayPal ecosystem

• Familiar setup for micro-merchants and small teams

Cons

• Support is frequently criticised for poor response and lack of resolution

• Reports of hardware being disabled after warranty, even when unused

• Sudden account freezes and delayed access to funds are common concerns

• Limited reliability may be a deal-breaker for businesses needing consistent service

#5 Paynt SoftPOS (Best for custom integrations)

Paynt’s SoftPOS stands out for its flexibility.

If you’re a developer, ISO, or software vendor looking for control, it’s one of the most customisable platforms available. 

You can build directly with their SDK or use App Switch for a lighter integration.

Feature-wise, it covers tipping, subscriptions, pay-by-link, eCommerce, and real-time analytics. 

It also supports fiscal compliance for cash registers and offers global acquiring coverage for businesses working across borders.

Evaluation Across Key Factors:

• Device compatibility
  iOS (Tap to Pay on iPhone) and Android (NFC-enabled devices)

• Setup Time
  Depends on how it's used
  Offers SDK and App Switch options, but both require technical setup

• Transaction Fees
  Custom pricing based on merchant profile
  Usually includes interchange fees plus acquirer markup
  No fixed monthly fee listed

• Offline Payments
  Not supported
  An active internet connection is always required

• Security
  Fully PCI DSS compliant
  Includes encryption, tokenisation, and real-time fraud detection

• Extra Tools
  Supports inventory tracking, tipping, subscriptions, QR codes, and checkout features

• AI Features
  No AI capabilities
  Built for control, not automation

• Support
  Some merchants report delays in KYC and weak follow-up

• Reputation
  Flexible and developer-friendly for custom builds
  Trust varies among small merchants due to payout issues and onboarding delays

• Payout Speed
  It is variable.
  Some users report quick settlements, others experience extended delays

Pros

• Strong backend capabilities for software vendors and enterprise teams

• Well-suited for businesses with in-house developers and custom POS needs

Cons

• Onboarding is often slow and rigid, especially for smaller merchants

• Excessive KYC checks and unclear communication are common complaints

• Payouts can be delayed without clear timelines

• Integration may be too complex for non-technical users looking for a quick setup

#6 SumUp (Great entry-level SoftPOS, but support disappoints)

SumUp’s Tap to Pay makes it simple to accept contactless payments on iPhone or Android, with no terminals, hardware, or cables needed.

It’s a solid choice for mobile professionals and sole traders.

The setup is quick, pricing is clear at 1.69 percent per transaction, and there are no monthly fees.

For new or seasonal businesses, it’s an easy way to try SoftPOS without the pressure of long-term costs.

The app is straightforward and designed to get you up and running fast.

Evaluation Across Key Factors:

• Device Compatibility
  Supports iPhones using Tap to Pay and Android devices with NFC

• Setup Time
  Takes just minutes
  Download the SumUp app, create an account, and enable Tap to Pay in settings

• Transaction Fees
  1.69 percent flat per transaction
  No activation or monthly fees

• Offline Payments
  Not supported
  Requires a live internet connection for all transactions

• Security
  PCI compliant with secure on-screen PIN entry
  iOS version uses Apple’s Secure Enclave for added protection

• Extra Tools
  Offers only basic features
  No built-in invoicing, tipping, or third-party integrations
  Best suited for quick and simple payment needs

• AI Features
  None available

• Support
  Frequently criticised
  Users report delays in onboarding, poor responsiveness, and unresolved issues

• Reputation
  Common among micro-merchants
  Trust is declining due to complaints about frozen payouts and inconsistent support

• Payout Speed
  Delays are especially common during verification
  Some users report funds held for extended periods

Pros

• Quick and easy setup for getting started without complexity

• A good fit for businesses with simple payment needs and no need for advanced features or integrations

Cons

• Customer support is often criticised for delays and lack of resolution

• Reports of unresolved account issues and poor communication after onboarding

• Fund holds and account suspensions are common, with no clear timelines for resolution

• May not suit businesses that rely on consistent support and uninterrupted access to funds.

#7 Ingenico SoftPOS (Best for Enterprise-Grade Reliability)

Ingenico SoftPOS is not a standalone app.

It is a white-label platform designed for banks, payment providers, and enterprise deployments. 

The focus is on scale, compliance, and integration rather than direct use by small merchants.

Evaluation Across Key Factors:

• Device Compatibility
  Supports iOS and Android on devices that meet Tap to Pay requirements

• Setup Time
  Requires integration through partner apps or SDK
  Typically deployed by banks or payment service providers, not instant

• Transaction Fees
  Set by the partner offering the service
  Ingenico provides the platform as a white-label solution

• Offline Payments
  Not supported
  A real-time internet connection is required for transactions

• Security
  Fully compliant with PCI DSS, CPoC, and Tap to Phone standards
  Backed by Ingenico’s long-standing reputation in payment security

• Extra Tools
  Supports POS integrations, QR payments, digital wallets, and multi-currency capabilities

• AI Features
  No AI functionality to improve the POS
  Focus remains on compliance, scale, and reliability

• Support
  Handled by channel partners
  Generally strong onboarding and performance, but experience may vary by provider

• Reputation
  Well-established global brand
  Trusted by major acquirers and banks across Europe

• Payout Speed
  Managed by the partner PSP or acquirer
  The payout varies depending on the specific provider and setup

Pros

• Strong enterprise-level solution for larger businesses with complex needs

• Well-suited for teams with multiple users, international reach, or legacy systems

Cons

• Not available as a standalone app for solo traders or small businesses

• Requires setup through a partner, with the experience varying by provider

• Less suited for merchants looking for a quick, self-serve setup

Does device compatibility matter for SoftPOS?

Device compatibility is key to making any SoftPOS setup work smoothly.

Because SoftPOS turns a smartphone or tablet into a payment terminal, the device needs to meet certain hardware and software requirements.

At minimum, that means:

• NFC capability for contactless payments

• A recent Android OS, usually version 8.0 or above

• Tap to Pay support on iOS, which is growing but still limited to approved partners

If the device doesn’t meet these standards, it can lead to failed transactions, security issues, or apps that simply won’t work.

For merchants with older or unsupported phones, upgrading adds extra cost and friction to onboarding.

At scale, making sure your entire fleet is compatible helps avoid support issues and keeps the user experience consistent.

Other key factors you shouldn’t ignore

SoftPOS sounds simple on the surface, but not every provider gets the fundamentals right. 

Before choosing one, it’s worth looking beyond the basics to see who’s actually built for reliability, scale, and day-to-day use.

Is the security up to standard

Security isn’t optional. Your provider must be PCI-certified, full stop.

Always look for CPoC or MPoC compliance and hardware-backed key storage.

If they can’t show how your customers’ data stays safe, it’s not worth the risk.

Is the pricing straightforward

A low upfront cost doesn’t always mean low overall cost.

Some providers add hidden fees, charge by app instance, or break pricing up by region.

You must look for simple, flat, and transparent rates. 

Can you reach real support when it matters

Fast setup is great, but it’s the ongoing support that matters.

When something breaks, you need a real person who can help, not a chatbot. 

Make sure support is responsive, and that onboarding is measured in days, not weeks.

Softpos vs Traditional alternatives 

Here’s a simple comparison table showing SoftPOS vs Traditional POS:

Conclusion: Your next steps to going contactless

More UK businesses are moving away from traditional terminals and choosing SoftPOS.

From barbers to bakers, teams are opting for faster, more flexible ways to take payments without paying monthly for hardware they do not need.

SoftPOS offers a simpler setup, lower cost, and the freedom to work from anywhere. No cables, no delays, no rental fees.

To find the right fit:

• Check if your phone supports Tap to Pay

• Compare leading SoftPOS providers

• Review transaction fee structures

• Decide if features like offline payments, receipts, or AI tools matter to you

• Read user reviews, especially around support

• Try a free option if available

Tapp brings everything together in one tool.

It accepts payments, helps manage your business, and keeps setup effortless.

✅ Instant onboarding

✅ Works on Android and iPhone

✅ No setup costs

✅ No hardware needed

✅ Offline-ready with our free dongle

✅ Free plan available

👇

Sign Up Now!

Frequently asked questions

1) What is SoftPOS and how is it different from traditional POS?
SoftPOS lets you take contactless payments directly on a smartphone. Traditional POS relies on dedicated, often expensive, fixed terminals. With SoftPOS, your phone becomes the terminal—no separate reader required.

2) Which UK banks support SoftPOS in 2025?
Support is growing. Examples include NatWest (via Tyl Tap to Pay) and JCC using Ingenico’s white‑label platform. Others, like Burbank, are exploring secure implementations, with more banks expected to follow.

3) Do I need extra hardware like a card reader?
Usually no. Platforms such as Tapp, Paynt, and SumUp let you accept payments with just your phone. If offline capability matters, Tapp Pro includes a dongle at no extra cost.

4) Can I accept Apple Pay and Google Pay?
Yes. Most SoftPOS providers support major contactless wallets, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. Your device must have NFC and run a supported version of iOS or Android.

5) How secure are SoftPOS payments?
SoftPOS meets the same security standards as countertop terminals. Providers like Tapp, Ingenico, and Burbank use encryption, tokenisation, and comply with PCI CPoC and PCI DSS requirements.

6) Will SoftPOS work if mobile data is unreliable?
It depends on the provider. Tapp Pro offers offline acceptance via a dongle. Dojo provides fallback through its terminals, while others—such as SumUp—require an active internet connection. Choose based on your typical connectivity.