Best card machine for London FreeNow driver UK 2026
For London FreeNow drivers. FreeNow (formerly MyTaxi, before that Hailo) is the platform built specifically for licensed Hackney carriage drivers in London, distinct from Uber and Bolt which are PHV-only. FreeNow fares can settle in-app or be charged on the cab's own TfL-compliant card-machine for street-hail or rank passengers. Driver retains direct relationship with the customer in-cab.
The ranking
1. SumUp Solo
4.2 / 5Best FreeNow / black cab 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% rate is the most-deployed reader on FreeNow-active black cabs. Standalone 4G clears central-London signal blackspots. TfL-compliant card-machine for street-hail passengers who did not pre-book via FreeNow.
2. Tap to Pay on iPhone (no terminal)
4.2 / 5Best zero-hardware FreeNow 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 TfL-compliant and the cheapest setup. Best for FreeNow-heavy drivers where most fares settle in-app and the in-cab card-machine is only for the street-hail slice.
3. Verifone V200c / V400m
3.5 / 5Best meter-integrated for FreeNow black cab
V200c countertop with built-in printer; V400m portable handheld with printer · Acquirer-dependent; blended or interchange-plus negotiated per merchant · Typically 12 to 48 months via the acquirer
Verifone V200c (Cabvision) integrates with the LEVC TX, TX5 and TX4 black cab meter. Auto-prints receipt with metered fare. Long-tenured Knowledge drivers running Cabvision often add FreeNow as overlay app for the platform-fare share.
Quick comparison
Headline rate, hardware cost, contract and form factor at a glance.
| Rank | Terminal | Rate | Hardware | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | SumUp Solo | 1.69% per transaction | £99 to £149 hardware | No contract |
| #2 | Tap to Pay on iPhone (no terminal) | Same as the underlying acquirer | £0 hardware (you already have the iPhone) | Same as the underlying acquirer |
| #3 | Verifone V200c / V400m | Acquirer-dependent; blended or interchange-plus negotiated per merchant | Almost always rented via the acquirer; £15 to £25 per terminal per month is typical | Typically 12 to 48 months via the acquirer |
FAQs
Do FreeNow drivers in London need a separate card machine?
Yes, every London black cab needs a TfL-compliant card-machine for street-hail and rank passengers regardless of FreeNow membership. FreeNow handles only the platform-booked fares; the in-cab card-machine handles everything else.
What is the difference between FreeNow and Uber for London drivers?
FreeNow is exclusively for licensed Hackney carriage (black cab) drivers and integrates with the TfL meter. Uber is exclusively for PCO-licensed private hire drivers and uses its own in-app pricing. Drivers cannot work both platforms simultaneously: Hackney carriage and PHV are separate TfL licence types.
Can a London black cab driver work FreeNow and street-hail in the same shift?
Yes, and this is the standard pattern. FreeNow handles pre-booked platform fares (typically 30% to 50% of shift earnings). Street-hail and rank passengers (the remaining 50% to 70%) settle on the in-cab card-machine. Same TfL Conditions of Fitness apply throughout.
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.