Best TFL-Approved Card Machines for London Black Cabs 2026 – Top Picks & Lowest Fees
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EPOS systems for London taxi drivers
Best card payment systems for London taxis
Calling on all London drivers, specifically taxi drivers, are you ready for the big changes in the near future? Well, in the next 2-3 years anyway, where every single London cabbie will need to take card payments or you're out the door, my friend.
- All London cabbies, if you need a point-of-sale system or you're searching for a point-of-sale system or an ePOS system, this page is specifically set up just for you to make sure you comply, to make sure you're regulated, and to make sure you understand exactly what the council wants you to do before the cut-offs switch in three years' time.
- And by the way, you can learn a bit from us as well here. You can learn about TFL-approved cab terminals. Oh yes, you can learn about that. And our guide covers everything from regulations and top recommendations on the best pro-cab for taxi drivers in London! So here we go, guys, here we go.
- So you probably want to know what this outline covers. What this guide covers. Listen. The guide covers all the regulations you need to follow. It covers all the features and benefits of getting a POS system for taxi drivers in London.
- And you can see that there are the best card payment systems for London taxis. And you can get a brilliant comparison right on UKLI Compare. This website, yes. And we'll provide loads of tips to get you up and running, get you started, get your system installed, get it set out in the post, get your software set up, get your app set up, and away you go.
Why London Taxi Drivers Need POS and EPOS Systems
Some taxi drivers in London, it's a bit obvious why you need a POS system, or maybe the bigger companies need an ePOS system for taking payments in the office when a customer phones up for long journeys, contract hires and things like that. You'll know the score.
- Look, guys, cash is going fast, especially in business-to-business. Taxis, shops, retail, hospitality, the full lot. The London government wants everybody to pay by card or debit card, so it's all tracked, so everybody pays their tax, and everybody's happy.
- Another reason why Londoners need a card machine is because of the demand around London and the taxi scene; the market demand requires it. People don't want to carry cash with them anymore, especially some posh people. Some people don't like handling money.
- Some foreigners from China, Taiwan, Japan, America, they don't, they get confused with their pounds and pennies. So, they would rather just get their card out or their American Express card for passengers visiting from abroad.
The very best bit for London taxi drivers? Do you want to know what it is? Passengers can pay upfront for their journey before they even get there. That is the great thing. Think about that, it works to your benefit even better.
TfL-Approved POS & Card Payment Systems Comparison for London Taxi Drivers (2026)
| Provider / System | Set up Cost (Hardware) | Transaction Fees (Typical UK/EEA Cards) | Monthly Fees | TFL-Approved | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CabCard Pocket 4G | £99 + VAT (one-off) | 1.5% – 2.5% + 10p | None | Yes | 4G SIM, built-in printer support, simple fixed install, no-contract, reliable in London | Budget-conscious solo black cab drivers |
| Viva Wallet Taxi Solution | Quote (~£100–£300 hardware) | 0.3% – 2.5% (avg ~1.16%; 0% possible w/ linked debit) | None | Yes | Offline mode for weak signal, instant settlements, Bluetooth printer, app integration | Rural/urban mix, drivers minimizing fees |
| PayaTaxi (Acceptacard) | £75 – £299 (kit w/ printer & mount) | 1.5% – 2.5% + fixed fee (plan-dependent) | Varies / Low | Yes | Full bundled kits (terminal + printer + mount), electric cab compatible, reliable hardware | Fleets or drivers wanting complete set up packages |
| Curb Mobility / CurbPay | Quote (often £0 upfront for app; hardware extra) | 1.5% (debit/credit); higher for AMEX/int'l | £0 rental / minimum | Yes | Meter integration, smart tipping, QR payments, tablet-based, fleet management tools | Tech-savvy drivers, seamless fare & payment flow |
| Cabvision CabPay Pro | £0 (24-mo contract) or £299.99 without | 1.99% + 10p (PAYG) or 2.95% + 16p (contract) | £0–£20 (low volume support fee) | Yes | Next-day payouts, prepaid debit perks, advertising add-ons, flexible contract options | Drivers preferring no/low upfront costs |
| Helix Pay | Quote (tablet + reader bundle) | ~1.5% – 2.0% + fixed fee (low market rates) | None | Yes | App + hardware combo, digital wallets (Apple/Google Pay), analytics dashboard | Modern drivers focused on lowest fees & convenience |
• All systems listed are TFL-approved for fixed passenger compartment installation, contactless/Chip and PIN, and printed receipts (per the latest TFL supplier list ~Jan 2026).
• Fees are typical for domestic UK/EEA cards; higher for international/AMEX/corporate. No surcharges allowed per TFL rules.
• Set up costs include terminals, printers, mounts; professional installation may add £50–£150.
• Prices and features can change—always get current quotes from providers and check the official TFL-approved list PDF for the latest compliance.
• Source: TFL.gov.uk, provider sites (CabCard, Viva, Helix, etc.), and industry reviews.
The Rise of Contactless and Mobile Wallets in London Taxis
The government pushed mobile wallets and contactless payments in London for all their taxi drivers for safety and HMRC reasons making sure everyone in the UK pays the right amount of tax owed, so no more jobs on the side, or so they say.
The first one, and the most important one, is public safety, and to reduce crime in the city. Not the actual taxi driver. The second big reason for going all card payments for London cabbies is to make sure that the public knows who's driving that car, so if anything happens, it can go back to the police.
Driving down Piccadilly Circus or Canary Wharf these days, you need an armored suit like Iron Man and call yourself Tony Stark so people stay clear of you. Another one is to make sure that the tax people, the taxi drivers pay their tax, HMRC compliance, make sure you comply with regulations, everything like that.
They're clamping down on everything.
TfL Regulations for Card Payments in Taxis
Regular regulation is a pain for London taxi drivers, and even taxi drivers all over the UK, including Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, no matter where you go, regulations are there to make the council more money and to make—it looks like to make your life a lot worse, but it's not, like I said on this London taxi post above you, it's about keeping the public safe.
That's what it's all about, guys.
Here are a few things you'll need to know about TFL regulations for card payments on your London taxi.
- I don't know if you know this, but since late 2016, the council made it mandatory for all taxis to be licensed with a POS system, a card machine, the same old drill, taking card payments for fares, and all London taxis need to have a POS system.
- This applies really for new taxi drivers, because most taxi drivers have been in the game for a few years already have card machines.
The Basic Requirements for London Cabbies
- The basic requirements are Chip and Pin, get your card out, contactless, or you can swipe it with a magnetic strip, that's an old card, you'll see that. Full stop. After that, you'll need a little printer so you can print out a receipt for the fare, give it to your customer, and that's it, done.
- Regarding charges, you'll be charged every time somebody pays by card; you won't be charged more than 3%. And remember, you need to have the card machine professionally fitted and mounted, especially when you're in London. Get somebody to drill it into the back so it's all fixed, just in case somebody's drunk and gives it a bang because of a declined payment, or something, London is Mad Hatter territory.
- Or you could secure it around a plastic piece of glass or a plastic, but solid mount, something like that. Get it done right.
- Every single licensed taxi in London needs to have a TFL-approved device in the back of their taxi, or the front of their taxi, to provide Chip and Pin, contactless and offer printed receipts after the journey.
- Hand-held devices aren't allowed, please remember that, it's important, and you've got to display the right sign. You'll get the sign from the government's taxi licensing department in London, or from the taxi
company you are licensed under, or you'll get an online badge from your card processor, or somewhere, like eBay or something, someone would have copied it. As long as you have it there.
Key Features to Look for in Taxi Card Payment Systems in London
- This will handle offline card processing. It will also allow customers to give you a tip, and it will come with low transaction fees from 1.5% up to 2.5%, and you need at least 4G connectivity, but London has 5G connectivity, so you'll be fine. Start your POS quote from this page for any London taxi POS or ePOS.
- If you have more than one taxi, you can have add-ons like fleet management, data analytics, and multi-payment support, like for Apple Pay, Google Pay, other cards you've not heard of, like Amex, American Express, Diners Club Card, and all that carry on nonsense.
London Taxi Drivers Have It Laid On A Plate
For most POS systems for London taxi drivers, the installation is very easy. You could probably do it yourself, just running a few cables, getting a few screws out, and doing the job yourself. And when it comes to support, when things go wrong, most card payment processor providers like Sumup are just around the corner from you at 16-20 Short's Gardens, London WC2H 9US. Some of them offer 24-hour support, so you could even pop in if anything happens and the thing breaks down, and that's very seldom.
Top TFL-Approved POS and EPOS Systems for London Taxis
More About Cabcard
One of the best approved POS systems for London cabbies. It's called Cabcard, it's a Pocket 4G terminal. It's a very good one. The pricing starts at £99 for a London POS card machine. Then you have card transaction rates. That means every time a customer pays, you get charged 1.5% to 2.5%. Plus 10p on top of that. So, let's say for a £30 journey, you'll be charged a £1.20 + 10p or something very close to that number, I promise.
VivaWallet
The next approved TFL supplier is VivaWallet. That's another one you can use. This supplies offline modes. You can do custom pricing with it. Type in whatever price you want and charge your customer. And it's strong for your rural drives. Great.
"Ingenico" ICT220/ICT350
The next one is "Ingenico" ICT220/ICT350, which is the code for the hardware that Ingenico makes and supplies, and it's very, very reliable hardware, and of course TFL approved. And you can mount it; it comes with all the mounting brackets and everything else to fit it yourself and save some cash, or pay with a credit card, since we’re on the subject here.
PayaTaxi
Next, we have PayaTaxi: It's an electric cab compatibility bundle with mounts, printers, and all the set up and startup stuff you need. And with more than 9,348 zero emission capable taxis in London right now, that's for you, electric taxi guys, want it? So, remember that one as well. Otherwise, to fit it yourself and save some cash, or pay with a credit card, since we’re on the subject here.
Curb
There's another one called Curb. This is a globally provided smart card processor, and it's making waves. All TFL gear is approved, of course, for London taxi drivers, so no licensing headaches. Curb offers in-app benefits and provides smart tipping and meter integration as well, which makes life easier on you when getting set up and installed.
So that means the software plugs into your meter, so everything can be counted up at the end of the night. So you can count your tax, fuel, and count what you made - the good old profit, because that’s what you're out all night and day working for at the end of the day.
POS like Square could be an option, if adapted for London POS for taxis, but note the limitations for full TFL compliance.
How to Choose and Install the Right POS System for Your London Taxi Cab
We hope we've provided all the information you need to get set up and install any of these point-of-sale providers on that table and on this page because we've tried the very, very best to put as much information as we can on here.
When it comes to installation and getting all your mounted brackets in place, you're better off picking a system, waiting till it comes, and to be honest with you, if you've been driving taxis for five years, or you've been driving taxis for 10 or 20 years, you'll know your way around it. We don't need to give you a guide on that. We've given you everything else, all the ammunition, all the firepower you need to get started.
Just click the back to top button, fill out our London taxi POS form, and you're done.
London Taxi FAQ
TFL-Approved Card Machine FAQ for London Black Cabs
Common questions from London cabbies about getting a compliant card payment system sorted
These quick FAQs explain the must-knows for TfL-approved POS/card machines in black cabs, why you need one, and how to stay legit in London.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all London black cabs need a card machine?
Yes, all black cabs in all London areas need a cab machine. It's been mandatory in London since late 2016. I wouldn't even think about driving without a card machine these days in London, absolutely no exemptions, and non-compliance gets you an unfit notice.
What counts as a TfL-approved device?
TfL only for any London cabbie, and that’s a must-have. That machine must be securely mounted, and it can't be a handheld unit, so don’t waste your money on one . It must accept Chip-and-Pin like they all do and wireless contactless, and the part on the card (magstripe) and all that jazz, and it has to print receipts for customers at the end of the journey.
Can I charge extra for card payments?
You're kidding me! No surcharges, my friend, it's been banned since 2018. So, don't charge customers surcharges.
How do I install it properly?
If you're handy with your hands, you can install it yourself as long as it's done right. It has to be securely mounted. If you can't securely mount it yourself or you have difficulty on the DIY side, get somebody to fit it. Ask a driver at the local taxi office, who will be able to help you, because other taxi drivers have probably done it in the past. So go that route.
What are the best TfL-approved options right now?
The best options for TfL-approved card machines for London cabbies are the ones in this table. If you can't see the table right now, come and visit the website, and you'll see it on the page.
How much do transaction fees cost?
The cab fees you'll hardly notice, honestly, up to 2.5%, that's nothing on a £30-£40 quid journey payment. And you get charged 10 pence on that as well. So, if a fare comes to £30 quid, 45p to 75p gets taken from the 2.5%, then you have 10p added to every transaction. So, all the calculations are different—it's very low, you're not, you're not even seeing.
Does it work offline or in no-signal spots?
Yes, yes, get the approved and don’t be a fool as Mr says, get a card machine provider for London taxis like Viva Wallet and Cab Card, card transactions work offline, no signal. Great for tunnels near Chancery Lane in Central London or the edges.
What happens if I use a non-approved reader like Square?
The normal options you come across from SumUp and Square aren't allowed. You really do need to get a TFL that is fixed to the back of your taxi or in the glovebox. No other ones will do. Taxis are checked all the time in London; there is no way around it. Get it done.
Our POS systems, guides, and everything on our homepage are filled to the brim with ePOS and POS.
Best Searches for London taxi drivers: card machine for London taxi - EPOS systems for London taxi drivers - TFL-approved POS for black cabs - POS for London taxi drivers.
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 and other business to business services.