Best card machine for London Bolt driver UK 2026
For PCO-licensed London Bolt drivers. Bolt platform fares settle in-app, similar to Uber. Off-platform direct fares, hotel-concierge handoffs and repeat private customers need a card-reader. Bolt commission rate is typically lower than Uber so Bolt drivers retain more per platform fare; many cross-list with Uber and FreeNow to maximise utilisation across the working day.
The ranking
1. Tap to Pay on iPhone (no terminal)
4.2 / 5Best Bolt driver setup
iPhone XS or later running iOS 16.4+, no separate terminal · Same as the underlying acquirer · Same as the underlying acquirer
Tap to Pay on iPhone is the cheapest setup at zero hardware. Best for the standard Bolt driver whose platform-fare share dominates and who only needs card-reader for occasional off-platform direct bookings.
2. SumUp Solo
4.2 / 5Best dedicated Bolt driver reader
Portable terminal with built-in receipt printer (Solo Lite is no-printer) · 1.69% per transaction · No contract
SumUp Solo at £99 with 1.69%. Standalone 4G means no phone tether, no battery drain on the driving phone (which is running Bolt + Uber + FreeNow apps concurrently for utilisation).
3. Tide Card Reader
3.8 / 5Best for Bolt driver on Tide Business
Compact Bluetooth-paired reader (similar to Zettle / SumUp) · 1.5% per transaction (UK) · No contract
Tide Card Reader at £49 with 1.5% rate, same-day to Tide Business banking. Tide is popular with new PHV drivers for the free business account, integrated tax helper and Companies House filing service.
Quick comparison
Headline rate, hardware cost, contract and form factor at a glance.
| Rank | Terminal | Rate | Hardware | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Tap to Pay on iPhone (no terminal) | Same as the underlying acquirer | £0 hardware (you already have the iPhone) | Same as the underlying acquirer |
| #2 | SumUp Solo | 1.69% per transaction | £99 to £149 hardware | No contract |
| #3 | Tide Card Reader | 1.5% per transaction (UK) | £49 hardware | No contract |
FAQs
Do London Bolt drivers need a card machine?
No, not for Bolt platform fares which settle in-app to the customer's saved card. Card-reader is for off-platform direct bookings: corporate accounts, repeat private customers, hotel concierge fares. About 15% of London Bolt drivers maintain a card-reader for this slice.
Can Bolt drivers also drive for Uber and FreeNow?
Yes. PCO licence allows multi-platform working and most London PHV drivers maintain accounts on Bolt, Uber and FreeNow simultaneously to maximise utilisation across the working day. Card-machine choice should be platform-agnostic since it only handles off-platform fares anyway.
What is Bolt's commission rate for London drivers in 2026?
Bolt commission rate in London is 10% to 20% depending on driver tier, lower than Uber's typical 25% commission. This is the main reason Bolt retains driver supply against Uber. Driver-friendly economics also explains why Bolt drivers maintain smaller off-platform books than Uber drivers (less margin to recapture by going direct).
Methodology
Rankings are based on direct hands-on testing, published rates, settlement timing, contract terms, and acquirer reliability. We do not accept payment for ranking position. See our full methodology and editorial policy.
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Open quote form →Reviewed by Oliver Mackman, Director. Last reviewed: 2026-05-12.