PAX A77 review

PAX Technology · Compact Android-based handheld smart terminal (no built-in printer; companion to the A920 Pro)
Manufacturer: PAX Technology Founded: 2000

PAX A77 is the smaller, printer-less Android smart terminal in the PAX line-up, sitting below the A920 Pro. Distributed in the UK via the same ISO and acquirer channels. Suits mobile traders and counter-side acceptance where a printer is not required and digital receipts are the default.

At a glance

Manufacturer
PAX Technology
Acquirer
Multiple (UK ISOs and acquirers including Take Payments, Paymentsense and others distribute PAX hardware)
Form factor
Compact Android-based handheld smart terminal (no built-in printer; companion to the A920 Pro)
Contract
Typically 12 to 36 months via the acquirer / ISO

How PAX A77 works

PAX A77 is a card terminal supplied through various UK acquirers and ISOs. Form factor: Compact Android-based handheld smart terminal (no built-in printer; companion to the A920 Pro). Connectivity: WiFi, 4G, Bluetooth.

Cards are read at the device, the transaction is authorised through the acquirer or ISO, and funds settle to your nominated UK bank account on that provider's schedule. The pricing table below shows the rate and contract.

The acquirer or ISO processes the card payments, but you are still the merchant. The contract sets your PCI DSS obligations and your liability for chargebacks, so read those terms before you sign.

Pricing breakdown

Cost component Amount
Setup / hardware cost Bundled with merchant account (rental typical)
Transaction rate Acquirer-dependent
Monthly fee Set by the acquirer; confirm in writing
Contract length Typically 12 to 36 months via the acquirer / ISO
Exit fee Early-termination fee may apply; confirm in writing

Verify pricing directly with the acquirer or ISO before signing. UK card-acceptance pricing varies by sector, ticket size and processing volume.

Hardware and software

  • Form factor: Compact Android-based handheld smart terminal (no built-in printer; companion to the A920 Pro).
  • Connectivity: WiFi, 4G, Bluetooth.
  • Card schemes accepted depend on your acquirer.
  • Contactless: cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay, up to the contactless limit.
  • Receipts: digital receipts by SMS or email, with no built-in printer.
  • POS integrations: ask the acquirer for its current list.

Contactless payments

Status: Accepts contactless cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay

This terminal has its own contactless reader. That is different from Tap to Pay on iPhone, which turns a phone into the reader: see our Tap to Pay on iPhone review for that product. Read the Tap to Pay on iPhone review

Settlement and funds

Settlement is set by the acquirer. Ask for the settlement time, and any same-day option, in writing.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • + Android platform supports acquirer customisation and third-party apps.
  • + Compact form factor; lighter and cheaper than the A920 Pro.
  • + Multi-network connectivity reduces downtime.
  • + Widely supported across UK ISO channel.

Cons

  • − Almost always rented (not bought), lock-in via acquirer contract.
  • − No built-in receipt printer.
  • − Performance and software experience depends entirely on the acquirer's app.

Best for and avoid if

Best for

  • · Mobile traders via ISO / broker
  • · Counter-side acceptance where digital receipts are fine
  • · Acquirer-bundled deployments wanting cheaper hardware than A920 Pro

Avoid if

  • · No-contract economics
  • · Hospitality needing built-in printer
  • · Standalone use without an acquirer

FAQs

Does PAX A77 require a contract?

Yes. Our record shows typically 12 to 36 months via the acquirer / ISO. Terms vary by acquirer, so confirm exit fees, auto-renewal and minimum monthly fees in writing before signing.

What does PAX A77 cost in year 1?

Upfront hardware: Bundled with merchant account (rental typical). Transaction rate: Acquirer-dependent. Contract: Typically 12 to 36 months via the acquirer / ISO. First-year cost depends on your card volume; MerchantHQ's quote tool will model the effective cost against alternatives.

Can I integrate PAX A77 with my till or POS software?

Integration depends on the acquirer and the till software. Ask the acquirer or ISO for its current list of supported integrations, and confirm your till software is on it before you buy hardware.

How fast does PAX A77 settle funds?

Settlement is set by the acquirer.

Can I cancel PAX A77 early?

Early termination is governed by the contract. Check it for an early-termination fee or a remaining-monthly-fees clause, and get the cancellation terms in writing before you sign.

Compare PAX A77

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Official site: PAX Technology

MerchantHQ is owned and operated by Best Business Loans Ltd, directed by Oliver Mackman. Last updated:

Payments review: Derren Powell, payments and fintech specialist, formerly Vice President, Business Development (Merchants) at Mastercard. Independent reviewer; the MerchantHQ editorial team retains control of the final content.

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