Payment Guide
How to Accept Card Payments Without a Card Machine (UK Guide)
Learn how to take secure card payments without buying a card reader. Perfect for UK freelancers, tradespeople and small businesses who want fast, simple payments without hardware.
If you need to take card payments but don't want to buy or carry a physical card machine, you're not alone. Thousands of UK freelancers and small businesses now prefer to accept payments without hardware — because card readers can be expensive, unreliable, and slow to set up.
The good news is: you can now take secure card payments using nothing more than your phone. No card machine needed. The easiest method is through payment links — which let clients pay instantly via card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
In this guide, you'll learn:
- How to accept card payments with no machine
- Why payment links outperform physical card readers
- How to get paid in seconds using only your phone
- How to automate reminders so you never chase payments
Why Many Businesses Avoid Card Machines
Card machines used to be the only way to take card payments — but they come with problems:
- Upfront costs (usually £20–£80 per reader)
- Battery charging and Bluetooth issues
- Delays when the app or reader disconnects
- Not ideal for mobile workers or outdoor jobs
- Hard to send follow-up links if the customer leaves
For many small businesses, a card reader is more hassle than it's worth.
The Best Alternative: Take Card Payments With Payment Links
A payment link is a secure URL you send to a client. They tap the link, pay with their card, and you get notified instantly — no hardware required.
- Works from your phone in seconds
- Clients pay with any card, Apple Pay or Google Pay
- No devices, batteries, or Bluetooth needed
- Perfect for mobile freelancers and trades
Payment links are now the simplest and most reliable way to take card payments without a machine.
How to Accept Card Payments Without a Machine (Step-by-Step)
Create a payment link
Enter the amount and description
Send the link to the customer
Customer taps and pays
You get an instant payment notification
Want to learn more about sending links through messaging apps? Read our guide on sending payment links via WhatsApp, text and Instagram.
Card Reader vs Payment Link — Which Is Better?
| Feature | Card Reader | Payment Link |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | £20–£80 | £0 |
| Hardware Needed | Yes | No hardware |
| Mobile Friendly | Sometimes | Perfect |
| Reminders | None | Automatic |
Want to compare all tools? See our full tool comparison guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take card payments without buying a machine?
Yes — payment links let customers pay securely using any card or mobile wallet.
Do customers need an app?
No, they simply tap the link and pay.
Is it secure?
Yes — Simply Link uses Stripe's secure payment system.
Do payment links work on WhatsApp?
Yes, they're ideal for messaging apps and mobile workers.
Can I request deposits using payment links?
Absolutely — Simply Link supports deposit + balance payments.
Related Guides
Continue learning with these related guides:
Create a Payment Link in Seconds
Learn how to create payment links manually and with Simply Link.
Read guideHow to Send a Payment Link on WhatsApp, Text & Instagram
Step-by-step instructions for sending payment links via messaging apps.
Read guideBest Payment Link Tools in the UK (2025 Comparison)
Compare PayPal, Stripe, Square, SumUp, Zettle, and Simply Link.
Read guideHow to Request a Deposit Professionally
Learn how to ask clients for a deposit professionally, with UK-specific examples.
Read guideHow to Accept Payments Online Without a Website
Learn the simplest ways to accept online card payments without needing a website.
Read guideStart Accepting Card Payments Without a Machine
Create your first payment link in seconds — no hardware needed.
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