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Access to the UK's leading POS and EPOS brands in one place.
Transform Your Business – Compare ePOS Systems & Start Accepting Cards
Howdy, partner. Compare EPOS systems — including POS system software and hardware—that meet your needs, so you can start accepting card payments the same day.
Find a suitable payment solution for your small business.
- We'll put you face-to-face with the right POS provider for any size of business, who can provide you with a card machine, with setup fees that can be nothing up front.
- A good card payment system for any business sector —from very large companies to small ones like cafés, coffee shops, restaurants, food trucks, hotels, hair salons, taxi drivers, retail outlets and mobile services.
Top POS & EPOS Trends for 2026
| Trend | Description | Benefit for Your Business |
|---|---|---|
| AI & Automation | AI-driven features like predictive inventory, personalized recommendations, and automated insights. | Reduces errors, boosts sales through upselling, and saves time on manual tasks. |
| Cloud & Mobile POS | Shift to cloud-based systems with full mobile functionality for payments anywhere. | Flexible operations, real-time data access, and lower upfront hardware costs. |
| Omnichannel Integration | Seamless connections between online, in-store, and mobile sales channels. | Unified inventory, better customer experience, and increased loyalty. |
| Advanced Security | Enhanced fraud detection, tokenization, and PCI-compliant features. | Protects against breaches, builds customer trust, and avoids costly fines. |
| Contactless & Fast Payments | Wider adoption of tap-to-pay, QR codes, and instant checkouts. | Faster transactions, reduced queues, and modern customer appeal. |
What is a POS & EPOS System?
- There are two systems (Point of Sale) that eliminate the old, dated, clunky till with a touchscreen interface, just like an iPad or tablet. Enabling your large or small retail store, convenience store or supermarket to process cards securely and prevent fraud.
- This enables Visa and Mastercard card payments, as well as the management of all daily transactions. You get the drift?
- These systems handle card payments and online payments. For those engaging in online commerce, (Electronic Point of Sale) systems add features such as product management, stock tracking, and staff management, all in one system. And analytics for an extra pair of eyes to identify areas where money is being lost - shoplifting.
- Up-to-date EPOS and POS systems offer all the mod-cons with real-time insights; by the way, they also automate VAT calculations for HMRC, which is a time saver. And it all ties together with your chosen accounting software. This streamlines your day-to-day sales accounting and stock management, allowing you to run your business with the right systems in place.
Choose UKLI Compare for your POS/EPOS needs! Access suitable providers in one place, with no-obligation quotes.
Perfect for restaurants, cafes, hotels, retail stores, convenience shops, as well as hair salons, barbershops, food trucks, market stalls, gyms, and every other business sector.
Our Cashless and Contactless Society
The world we live in now is a cashless and contactless society. Whether we like it or not, the banks are on top of things.
Particularly in the area of money laundering.
Not having a system in your day-to-day business means losing out on sales – UKLI Compare. Studies show that 83% of UK consumers prefer to pay by card, even for a carry bag at 20p.
By offering card payments at every turn, you can double or even up to 10 times your average transaction value (yes, it's possible).
It's About POS Checkout Speed!
Speed Up Your Business with Modern Systems
We live in a world where waiting for a card payment to go through can lose customers and leave a negative impression on potential customers, deterring them from returning when you have a slow checkout process.
You need a good system like this.
- No waiting for card processing -
Accept every card payment in seconds. - Choose your device for flexibility -
Take payments with iPad, iPhone, or Android devices. - Reduced queue times with fast transactions -
Serve more customers during peak hours. - Real-time stock updates -
Real-time stock tracking speeds up reordering. - Easy to use -
It needs to be easy to use, which means faster setup and faster problem-solving. - Rapid receipt options -
Email or SMS receipts - eliminate the need for printing.
Popular Types of POS Systems
Retail POS
Ideal for shops and boutiques with inventory tracking, sales reporting, and customer management.
Restaurant POS
Table management, kitchen ordering, and menu customisation for cafés, bars, and full-service restaurants.
Salon & Spa POS
Appointment booking, staff scheduling, and client history tracking tailored for beauty businesses.
Mobile POS
Portable systems for markets, events, or on-the-go sales with wireless card readers.
Gym & Fitness POS
Membership management, class bookings, and access control for gyms and studios.
Takeaway POS
Quick ordering, delivery integration, and online payments for fast-food and takeaways.
Cloud-Based POS
Remote access, automatic updates, and multi-location support without heavy hardware.
Hospitality POS
Advanced features for hotels, bars, and events including room billing and guest tracking.
How Systems Work: The Technology Behind The Card Processor
The chain of events
When your customer buys an iPhone phone case or a can of Pepsi on your POS terminal, a chain of events begins to unfold, all within milliseconds, with the card processor in the background.
The system banking software captures the sale amount, such as £0.90 for a can of Pepsi, and information like the customer's location and previous transactions for that day, in case the card is stolen.
The Verification Process
The POS software verifies that the customer has sufficient funds in their account for the £0.90 can of Pepsi. That tells the cashier that everything is okay with a green light.
This is done by swiping the magnetic stripe, or by reading the EMV chip if the customer inserts their card, or using NFC technology on their mobile phone for contactless payments.
The Security Behind POS
Most systems are provided and created by the banks, which utilise sophisticated multiple security layers, including end-to-end data encryption and advanced tokenisation technology, to protect sensitive data.
This replaces the customer's sensitive card details with unique identification that's encrypted right in front of you and the customer at the POS.
Yes or No!
Is it a green 'yes' or a red 'no' light? That's how it rolls at the POS. With all that going on in the background, bank security, card checks, and everything we’ve talked about. All you get is a yes or no, or call the cops if the card is stolen.
These systems also include extra protection for PCI-DSS compliance, which reduces your liability for almost all fraudulent transactions.
- The best systems for business in the UK accept virtually every payment method your customers prefer, including contactless payments of up to £100, up from £45, as it was increased in 2021 due to COVID-19-related reasons.
- With traditional chip & PIN for larger transactions, over £100, and mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay, you can ensure you never miss a sale ever again.
- Business life is hard, and you don't want to make it more complicated with a slow, insecure POS system, regardless of how your valued customers choose to pay.
Find The Right System for Your Business with UKLI Compare
Right, let's wrap this up properly.
- Choosing a system doesn't have to be a daunting task, involving extensive research and potentially leaving you numb. It's a dead-simple system, really.
Obtain your POS quotation - you can do so now if you wish. Ask those awkward questions if you're stuck on something like setting up a card system.- And remember, you work hard, and your business deserves a kit that works every time, even in poor signal conditions. Not some half-baked solution flogging yesterday's tech. Those POS red flags? They're screaming "leg it!" for good reason.
- Smart operators like you test drive before committing. Some offer a fourteen-day minimum trial. Thirty's even better. See how staff cope when it's heaving on Saturdays.
Contract small print matters loads. Automatic renewals? Sneaky price hikes? Data hostage situations? Absolute deal-breakers, those.
Here's where UKLI Compare proves brilliant. Our fast & furious POS comparison service connects you to POS companies that provide POS software - giving you the ability to accept card payments securely.
No messing about, just quick service with one quote.
The action plan's straightforward enough. From here, visit Bark.com for POS. Please provide the form with your address and workplace details, so we can set up your new system and arrange your software and hardware.
Compare POS software, get the hardware you need and get up and running today - start here.
Systems FAQ
Q: What exactly is a POS, and does my business really need one?
Q: What exactly is a POS, and does my business really need one?
A: A POS (Point of Sale) system is like a smart till with no physical cash that tracks sales, all your stock, and customer information, like addresses, phone numbers and emails. If you're still using an old-fashioned till, a system can save you hours weekly and help you make smarter business decisions.
Find a point of sale system suitable for your business - take a quote.
Q: How much should I budget for a POS system?
Q: How much should I budget for a POS system?
A: Entry-level and cloud card systems start around £30-50/month. Hardware costs £39 to £2,500 upfront, which can be a bit harsh for some start-up businesses. POS transaction fees typically range from 2.5% to 3.5% per sale, plus a 20p per transaction charge.
Charges are based on your sales volume - higher volume often means a better transaction charge.
Prices vary from company to company and service - take action here.
Q: Can I use my existing equipment with a new POS?
Q: Can I use my existing equipment with a new POS?
A: Both systems work with iPad and Android tablets, Samsung phones and other smartphones, and existing printers like the one sitting in your small office or at home. Check if your current card reader is compatible, as Bluetooth devices can be tricky.
Most cloud-based payment systems require a broadband connection with a speed of at least 5 Mbps, as well as a device with a browser or a compatible app.
Q: What's the difference between cloud and traditional POS?
Q: What's the difference between cloud and traditional POS?
A: Well, a cloud POS stores data in the cloud online, the cloud works from anywhere, and updates are automatic. Traditional systems store data locally. Cloud POS services are typically more cost-effective upfront and easier to scale, but they require a reliable 4G and, ideally, 5G data connection.
Traditional cloud systems offer more control but higher maintenance.
Q: How long does it take to set up a POS system?
Q: How long does it take to set up a POS system?
A: Not long at all. A basic setup can take 2-4 hours for simple businesses if you get your application done in the morning. Add 1-2 days for setup, uploads, and staff training if needed. If you're not familiar with a POS system, don't worry, it's easy to figure out.
Complex, multi-location setups may require 1-2 weeks. Most vendors offer setup assistance to expedite the process.
Q: Will a POS system work with my accounting software?
Q: Will a POS system work with my accounting software?
A: Yes, it does. Most do, and integrate with QuickBooks, Xero, and other popular accounting tools you see in the business world. This auto-syncs all your sales data, saving hours on bookkeeping.
Always confirm with your chosen POS provider before purchasing.
We'll find you a provider who can help you out and start taking card payments.
Q: What happens to my data if I switch POS providers?
Q: What happens to my data if I switch POS providers?
A: You can take it with you most of the time. It's all saved in a special filename. Reputable UK POS providers let you export your customers' data (sales history, customer info, your stock and your tax stuff).
Some offer migration services if you ask them for help!
Before switching POS providers, download all sales and other reports to ensure the new POS system can import your data in the correct format. Only then will you know.
Head to our quote page and we'll get you the help you need - today.
Q: How secure are card payment systems for customer payment data?
Q: How secure are card payment systems for customer payment data?
A: Absolutely 1000% solid. And if hackers do get in, they won't last long - seconds. People watch for this to appear somewhere in a build, specifically for this type of hacking. Even the Russian ones. Quality POS systems use encryption and tokenisation to protect payment data.
Look for PCI-compliant systems that never store actual card numbers. Regular software updates and strong passwords add an extra layer of protection.
If you would like to find the right point of sale system suitable for your business, take a quote.
System Providers
About the Author
Robert Mcleary
B2B Comparison Expert | Helping UK Businesses Since 2011
Robert Mcleary has been supporting UK businesses since 2011 by connecting them with the best B2B services. Through UKLI Compare, he delivers unbiased comparisons and expert guidance on EPOS and POS systems, business insurance, payroll solutions, commercial cleaning services, and much more.
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