When starting a creative business, it’s easy not to consider how people will pay you. Being focused on making things, packing orders late at night and juggling work around the kids can take up all your time, but one day at a maker’s market, a customer may ask, “Do you take card?” – and when you say no, they may politely walk away.
So, if you run a small business, whether you’re a crafter, a freelancer or a mumpreneur fitting work around school pick-ups, accepting card payments isn’t just a “nice to have” – it’s essential.
The real reason card payments matter
If you don’t currently accept card payments, it’s time to change that. Cards are still one of the most popular ways to pay, especially in person or when customers are making higher‑value purchases. Without them, you could easily miss out on sales from people who simply don’t carry cash anymore.
To take card payments, you’ll need to work with a credit card processor. They’re the people quietly working behind the scenes, handling everything from the moment your customer taps their card to when the money appears in your account. It sounds simple enough – but choosing the right one can make a huge difference to your indie business life.
Here are three things I wish someone had told me to look out for earlier.
1. Low processing fees (so you keep more of what you earn)
The tricky thing about credit card processing is that fees are unavoidable. Every transaction will cost you something, unless you only ever accept cash – which isn’t realistic for most small businesses today.
That said, not all providers charge the same. The average fee sits at around 3.4% per transaction, so anything lower than that is a great starting point. If your fees are higher, it’s worth shopping around – especially when every pound counts and you’re already watching your costs carefully.
Over time, those slightly lower fees really add up – and that’s money you can reinvest in your independent business, your stock or even treat yourself to a well‑earned coffee.
2. Fast funding (because cash flow matters)
One thing many small business owners don’t realise at first is that card payments aren’t paid into your account instantly. While the payment itself is approved straight away, the money can take days to land in your merchant account.
Some providers release funds within one working day, while others take three or four. Choosing a faster option can seriously help your cash flow – especially if you rely on regular income to cover stock, supplies or household bills.
It also makes money management far less stressful. Knowing when your money will arrive means fewer surprises and less late‑night spreadsheets with a cuppa and a calculator.
3. A reliable network (so you never have to say “the card machine’s down”)
We’ve all been there – standing at a till while someone apologetically explains they can’t take card payments because the network is down. And while it happens, it’s not something you want to deal with often. An unreliable system can mean you miss out on lots of sales, particularly when customers don’t have another way to pay.
Where we live is pretty rural and there’s not a bank around for miles, so asking a buyer to nip to the cash machine isn’t an option. Look for a payment provider with a strong reputation for stability and security, so you can take payments confidently, wherever you’re working.
No matter what size your business is, accepting card payments is no longer optional – it’s a must. By choosing a reliable provider with fair fees, fast payouts and a strong network, you’ll make life easier for both you and your customers.
Have you struggled with card payments in your business, or do you have a provider you love? I’d love to hear your experience – please share your thoughts and tips in the comments below we small businesses can all learn from each other.
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