Are card machine fees higher for builders merchants?

Not necessarily, but higher transaction values and multiple terminals can increase overall costs. Builders merchants should review their effective rate rather than just the headline percentage.

What are hidden card processing fees?

Hidden fees can include PCI compliance charges, authorisation fees, minimum monthly charges and terminal costs. These are often not included in headline rates but can significantly increase total cost.

How can builders merchants reduce card machine fees?

The best way is to review a recent merchant statement, understand all fees and compare providers properly. A more suitable pricing structure can often reduce overall costs.

Is the cheapest card machine rate always the best option?

No. A lower advertised rate can still result in higher overall costs once additional fees, terminal charges and contract terms are included.

Builders Merchants Card Payments

Card Machine Fees Explained for Builders Merchants UK

Q: What card machine fees do builders merchants pay?

Builders merchants typically pay transaction fees, terminal rental costs, PCI or compliance fees, authorisation charges and monthly service fees. The exact structure depends on the provider and contract.

card machine fees builders merchants UK payment costs breakdown

Card machine fees for builders merchants in the UK can vary significantly depending on your provider, pricing structure and contract terms.

This guide explains how card machine fees work, what builders merchants should look out for and how to understand the true cost of card processing.

What card machine fees do builders merchants pay?

Builders merchants typically pay a combination of transaction fees and fixed charges. The exact structure depends on the provider, contract and payment setup.

Transaction fees (percentage per sale)
Terminal rental or device costs
PCI or compliance fees
Authorisation fees
Monthly minimum charges
Settlement or account fees

To understand how these combine, see our full breakdown of card machine costs for builders merchants.

Why the headline rate can be misleading

Many builders merchants are quoted a single percentage rate, but this does not always reflect the total cost. Additional fees can significantly increase the effective rate once everything is included.

This is one of the main reasons businesses end up overpaying without realising it. You can read more about this in our guide to whether builders merchants overpay for card processing.

Common hidden or overlooked fees

PCI compliance charges

These fees are often added automatically and can be overlooked over time.

Authorisation fees

Small per-transaction charges that can add up across high volumes.

Terminal costs

Multiple terminals across a branch can increase monthly costs significantly.

Contract and exit fees

Longer agreements may include exit costs that affect switching decisions.

How builders merchants can reduce fees

Reducing card machine fees is usually about understanding your current setup and comparing providers properly rather than simply choosing the lowest advertised rate.

Reviewing your merchant statement is the most effective way to identify where costs may be higher than expected.

If you are comparing options, our guide to card payment solutions for builders merchants explains how different setups can affect pricing and performance.

Comparing providers properly

When reviewing providers, builders merchants should consider more than just rates. Settlement speed, support, terminal reliability and contract terms all affect overall value.

See our guide to comparing card machine providers for a full breakdown.

Get a clearer view of your card machine fees

If you already take card payments, the quickest way to understand your real costs is to review your merchant statement.

You can upload your merchant statement here to receive a tailored comparison.

Want to reduce your card machine fees?

Upload your statement and we will show you where costs may be adding up and how your current setup compares.

Upload your statement here