Best card machine for London Uber driver UK 2026
For PCO-licensed London Uber drivers. Uber fares settle in-app on the customer's saved card so the driver does not handle the card on platform trips. This guide is for the off-platform side: corporate accounts, hotel concierge handoffs, repeat private customers booking direct, and family-and-friends fares where the driver wants a quick card-reader to avoid cash.
The ranking
1. Tap to Pay on iPhone (no terminal)
4.2 / 5Best London Uber 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 via SumUp, Square, Stripe or Zettle. Zero hardware, no monthly fees. Ideal for the 90%+ Uber driver whose platform-fare share handles almost all earnings and who only takes card occasionally on direct fares.
2. SumUp Solo
4.2 / 5Best for Uber Black / Lux off-platform
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. Worth the hardware spend for Uber Black and Uber Lux drivers carrying executive clients who also book direct off-platform for repeat journeys.
3. Revolut Card Reader
3.7 / 5Best for Uber driver banking with Revolut
Compact Bluetooth-paired reader · 0.8% to 1.0% per transaction (depending on subscription tier) · Subscription-tier dependent (Revolut Business plan)
Revolut Card Reader at £49 with 0.8% UK / 1.3% non-UK rate, settles same-day to Revolut Business account. Cheapest UK rate if you already bank with Revolut for the Uber-driver Ltd or sole-trader.
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 | Revolut Card Reader | 0.8% to 1.0% per transaction (depending on subscription tier) | £49 hardware | Subscription-tier dependent (Revolut Business plan) |
FAQs
Do London Uber drivers need a card machine?
Not for Uber platform fares (those settle in-app). Card-reader is only needed if the driver also accepts off-platform direct bookings, corporate accounts or repeat private customers paying in person. Roughly 20% of London Uber drivers maintain a card-reader for off-platform earnings.
Can a London Uber driver take a private fare off-platform?
Yes, but only while PCO-licensed and only on pre-booked basis (PHV cannot ply for hire). Most Uber drivers maintain a small off-platform book of repeat customers (school runs, airport runs for family, regular corporate clients) to escape Uber's commission on those journeys.
What is the cheapest card machine for an occasional Uber driver?
Tap to Pay on iPhone is the cheapest setup at £0 hardware. The acquirer (SumUp, Square, Stripe, Zettle) charges 1.69% to 1.75% per transaction. If you bank with Revolut, the £49 Revolut Card Reader at 0.8% UK rate undercuts everyone.
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.