Best card machine for hotels and b&bs UK 2026
The best UK card machine for hotels and b&bs in 2026 is Dojo Go (with PoS integration if available), on Dojo or Worldpay (for booking-engine integration). Hotels need card-on-file capability and settlement against authorisation holds; specialist-acquirer integration with booking engines often beats no-contract acquirers. Alternatives that fit lower-volume hotels and b&bs: Square Terminal (small B&Bs); Stripe (online + in-person hybrid).
Our pick
Dojo Go (with PoS integration if available)
Acquirer: Dojo or Worldpay (for booking-engine integration)
Hotels need card-on-file capability and settlement against authorisation holds; specialist-acquirer integration with booking engines often beats no-contract acquirers.
Read full Dojo Go reviewWhat hotels and b&bs card payments look like
- Cashflow shape
- Booking-engine pre-authorisation with settlement at stay end. Variable across season.
- Average transaction
- £80 to £300
- Contactless share
- ~50%
- Recommended acquirer
- Dojo or Worldpay (for booking-engine integration)
Alternatives for hotels and b&bs
- Square Terminal (small B&Bs)
- Stripe (online + in-person hybrid)
Watch outs specific to hotels and b&bs
- Card-on-file PCI requirements stricter.
- Booking-engine integration with the acquirer often dictates choice.
- Pre-authorisation hold management adds friction at check-in.
FAQs
What is the best card machine for hotels and b&bs in the UK?
The best UK card machine for hotels and b&bs in 2026 is Dojo Go (with PoS integration if available) on Dojo or Worldpay (for booking-engine integration). Hotels need card-on-file capability and settlement against authorisation holds; specialist-acquirer integration with booking engines often beats no-contract acquirers.
How much does a card machine cost for hotels and b&bs?
Card-machine cost for hotels and b&bs comprises hardware (free to £229 upfront), monthly fee (£0 to £25), per-transaction rate (0.8% to 1.95% typical for hotels and b&bs), plus chargeback and scheme fees. Headline rate is one input; total 12-month cost depends on monthly card volume, average transaction size, and contract length. Use our /fees-calculator/ to model the blended cost.
Average transaction size in hotels and b&bs?
£80 to £300. Booking-engine pre-authorisation with settlement at stay end. Variable across season..
What contactless share do hotels and b&bs businesses see?
~50%. Hotels and b&bs card-payment kit should prioritise contactless reliability over chip-and-PIN throughput; tap-to-pay reliability after 10pm is the differentiator on late-night trade.
What should hotels and b&bs owners watch out for when choosing a card machine?
Card-on-file PCI requirements stricter. Booking-engine integration with the acquirer often dictates choice. Pre-authorisation hold management adds friction at check-in.
Need a full till, not just a card machine?
If you also need stock, menus or kitchen tickets, see hospitality EPOS systems compared on published UK pricing.
Reviewed by Oliver Mackman, Director, Best Business Loans Ltd. Last reviewed: 2026-04-26.