Revolut Card Reader vs Tide Card Reader: Which UK Card Machine Wins in 2026?
Two banking-bundled UK card-acceptance products. Revolut Card Reader runs at 0.8% to 1.0% per transaction depending on Revolut Business subscription tier, with strong international and FX integration. Tide Card Reader runs at a flat 1.5% with no banking subscription required, integrated into Tide Business banking and bookkeeping. Both lock you into the host banking ecosystem; the right answer depends on which ecosystem fits your business better.
Quick verdict
Pick Revolut Card Reader if your business is multi-currency or international and you already use Revolut Business. Pick Tide Card Reader for UK-only domestic businesses already on Tide Business. The Revolut rate is only competitive once subscription cost is justified by other features. Tide's flat 1.5% has no subscription overhead.
On £15k monthly volume Revolut wins by around £960 a year, but only if its subscription tier is genuinely justified by FX or other Revolut features.
Side-by-side
Full reviews: Revolut Card Reader · Tide Card Reader
| Compared on | Revolut Card Reader | Tide Card Reader |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Revolut (acquirer partner) | Tide (acquirer partner) |
| Acquirer | Revolut Business / partner | Tide / partner |
| Form factor | Compact Bluetooth-paired reader | Compact Bluetooth-paired reader (similar to Zettle / SumUp) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth (paired with Revolut Business app) | Bluetooth (paired with Tide app on phone or tablet) |
| Upfront cost | £49 hardware | £49 hardware |
| Rate | 0.8% to 1.0% per transaction (depending on subscription tier) | 1.5% per transaction (UK) |
| Contract length | Subscription-tier dependent (Revolut Business plan) | No contract |
| Best for | Existing Revolut Business customers; International / multi-currency businesses; Tech-led businesses prioritising integration | Existing Tide Business banking customers; Sub-£15k monthly volume; Sole traders and small Ltd companies |
When Revolut Card Reader wins
Multi-currency or international flow where Revolut Business already saves money on FX. Higher Revolut Business subscription tiers where the lower per-transaction rate amortises the monthly fee. Tech-led businesses prioritising integration with the Revolut stack. Volume above £20k monthly where the 0.8% rate genuinely beats Tide's 1.5%.
When Tide Card Reader wins
UK-only sole traders and small Ltd companies with no international flow. Sub-£20k monthly volume where Revolut's subscription cost is not amortised. Bookkeeping reconciliation in Tide Bookkeeping is the workflow. Lower friction: no Revolut Business subscription tier to manage.
FAQ
Which has the lower headline rate?
Revolut. Headline rates start at 0.8% per transaction on the higher Revolut Business plans, the cheapest UK headline mainstream rate. Tide is 1.5% flat. The Revolut rate is conditional on holding a Revolut Business subscription tier (typically £25 to £100+ per month) which materially changes the total cost.
Do both require their own banking account?
Yes. Revolut Card Reader requires a Revolut Business account; Tide Card Reader requires a Tide Business account. Neither is standalone. If you bank elsewhere, look at SumUp Solo or Zettle Reader 2 instead.
Which is better for international or multi-currency businesses?
Revolut by a clear margin. Multi-currency, international FX and overseas payments are core Revolut Business strengths. Tide is UK-only domestic banking with no equivalent international stack.
Which is the cheapest in practice?
Depends on volume and Revolut subscription tier. At sub-£10k monthly volume on the lowest Revolut paid tier, Tide's flat 1.5% with no monthly fee can be the cheaper total. At higher volumes on a justified-by-other-features Revolut tier, Revolut's 0.8% wins.
Revolut Card Reader or Tide Card Reader: which is the better UK card machine in 2026?
Revolut Card Reader is the stronger pick for existing Revolut Business customers, while Tide Card Reader is the stronger pick for existing Tide Business banking customers. If neither describes your business, the rate and contract rows in the table above will usually settle it.
What does each contract look like, Revolut Card Reader vs Tide Card Reader?
Contract: Revolut Card Reader, subscription-tier dependent (Revolut Business plan); Tide Card Reader, no contract. Hardware: Revolut Card Reader, £49 hardware; Tide Card Reader, £49 hardware. Always verify the live commercials before signing because acquirer pricing moves and bespoke rates are common above £20k monthly volume.
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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.