How to Take Card Payments as a Sole Trader (Without the Hassle)
Cash and bank transfer still work, but more customers expect to tap a card these days. Here's how to start taking card payments simply and cheaply.
"Sorry, I've only got card" — how many times have you heard that at the end of a job? Being cash-only used to be fine, but more and more customers just don't carry cash anymore. If the only way to pay you is a bank transfer they'll do "later," you're making it easy for them to drag their heels. Taking cards is simpler and cheaper than most trades think.
Why cash-only holds you back
Insisting on cash or transfer costs you in ways that aren't obvious:
- Customers who can't pay on the spot pay later — or not at all.
- It looks less professional than a firm that just takes cards.
- You end up chasing money you could've taken there and then.
- Some jobs you lose entirely because paying is a faff.
Getting paid the moment the work's done is always better than waiting.
Your options
You don't need a shop or a fancy till. A few easy ways to take cards:
- A small handheld card reader that pairs with your phone.
- Tap-to-pay built into your phone — no extra device, the customer taps their card or phone straight on it.
- A payment link you text to the customer to pay online.
- Good old bank transfer for those who prefer it, with your details on the invoice.
Most trades end up using a couple of these depending on the job.
Keep it simple
Pick one main method and get comfortable with it before adding more. The goal is that when the job's finished, paying you takes ten seconds and the customer doesn't even have to think about it. The less friction, the faster you get paid.
Watch the fees
Card readers and payment apps take a small cut of each payment — usually a percent or two. It's worth it for getting paid on time, but check the rates before you sign up, and factor it into your pricing on bigger jobs so it's not eating your margin.
Getting paid starts with getting the job
Of course, none of this matters if the enquiry never reached you in the first place. Getting paid easily is the last step of a job that started with a phone call you actually caught. That's why it pays to make sure no customer call ever slips through.
ReplyBack texts your missed callers back automatically so you win more of the jobs — then it's down to you to make paying nice and easy. Try it free for 14 days.
More on running your trade
How to Price a Job Properly (Without Undercharging or Scaring Customers Off)
Most tradespeople pick a day rate by guessing. Here's how to work out what your time is really worth and price every job with confidence.
Can a Sole Trader Take a Holiday? How to Get a Week Off Without Losing Work
Most sole traders haven't had a proper week off in years — usually because nobody's answering the phone. Here's how to take one without losing customers.
How to Handle Time-Wasters and Tyre-Kickers Without Wasting Your Day
Not every enquiry is a real job. Here's how to spot the time-wasters early, deal with them politely, and spend your time on the customers who'll actually book.
Stop losing work to missed calls.
ReplyBack texts your missed callers back automatically. Try it free for 14 days.
Start free