Tide Card Reader: UK 2026 Pricing & Fee Calculator
The Tide Card Reader bundles in-person card acceptance with a Tide business account. Pay-as-you-go is 1.5% + 5p with no monthly fee, settling straight into your Tide account.
What Tide Card Reader charges
| Fee | Rate |
|---|---|
| UK cards (pay as you go) | 1.5% + 5p |
| Sell In-Person plan | 0.89% + 3p plus monthly fee |
| Monthly fee | None on PAYG |
| Hardware | From 99 pounds + VAT |
How the fees work
Tide charges a flat 1.5% + 5p on the pay-as-you-go plan with no monthly fee. A Sell In-Person subscription (around 17.99 pounds + VAT a month) lowers the rate to 0.89% + 3p, which is worth it once you consistently take more than roughly 2,500 pounds a month on cards.
The catch is that the Tide Card Reader only works with a Tide business current account, and the standard reader does not accept American Express (only Tide Tap to Pay does). Settlement is 1 to 3 business days as standard, with an optional next-day boost for about 2.99 pounds + VAT a month.
Hardware list prices start from around 99 pounds + VAT for the standard reader, with a Reader Plus that adds a built-in receipt printer.
Check the official pricing
Fees change. Confirm the current rate at Tide card reader.