PDQ machine: the complete guide for UK businesses

Our PDQ machines are designed for small businesses.

What is a PDQ machine?

A PDQ machine is a card payment terminal that allows businesses to process payments made using debit cards, credit cards and contactless methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. The term “PDQ” traditionally stands for “Process Data Quickly”, although nowadays the acronym has become synonymous with the device rather than the speed of processing. In the UK, PDQ machines are also commonly referred to as:

• Card payment machines
• Chip and PIN machines
• Card readers

Why do businesses use PDQ machines?

In today’s fast-paced world, customers expect convenience and flexibility when it comes to making payments. Cash is no longer the only option—in fact, many consumers prefer using contactless or chip and PIN for speed and security. By investing in a PDQ machine, you can:

• Enhance customer satisfaction by offering multiple payment options.
• Improve cash flow as transactions are processed promptly.
• Increase sales by catering to customers who prefer using cards over cash.

PDQ machines are an integral part of modern commerce, whether you run a high street shop, a restaurant, a mobile service or even a market stall. Their versatility helps businesses of all sizes handle transactions efficiently and securely.

How do PDQ machines work?

From the outside, a PDQ machine might look like a simple card reader, but there is much more happening beneath the surface. When a customer taps or inserts their card, the device reads the card data and communicates with your payment provider or bank to confirm:

1. Card validity: Whether the card has been reported lost or stolen, or is otherwise invalid.
2. Available funds: Whether the customer’s account has enough funds for a debit card payment or available credit for a credit card payment.
3. Security checks: Whether the PIN is correct (if chip and PIN is used) and whether contactless limits and security protocols are respected.

Once authorisation is confirmed, the transaction is approved or declined. This process typically takes just a few seconds, which is where the term “Process Data Quickly” originally came from.

Behind-the-scenes processing

Payment gateways and merchant accounts handle the secure transfer of funds from the customer’s bank to your business’s bank (often referred to as your merchant account). This multi-step process involves encryption and data protection at every stage to help keep sensitive card data safe.

The different types of PDQ machines

When choosing a PDQ machine for your UK business, it’s helpful to know the different types available so you can pick the right one for your operational requirements.

Countertop PDQ machines

• Best for: Retail shops, cafés and restaurants with a fixed checkout counter.
• How they work: These machines are placed in a fixed location and often connect via a phone line or broadband connection.
• Advantages: Reliable connectivity, simpler setup and suitability for places with a dedicated payment counter.
• Disadvantages: They lack mobility and cannot be easily moved around the premises.

Portable PDQ machines

• Best for: Table-service restaurants, bars, hotels or businesses where staff need to take payments in different parts of the venue.
• How they work: They typically use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to connect to a base station or router within a certain range.
• Advantages: Staff can bring the terminal to customers’ tables, enhancing convenience.
• Disadvantages: Range may be restricted if the device uses Bluetooth, although Wi-Fi has a broader range.

Mobile PDQ machines

• Best for: Mobile traders, taxi drivers, delivery services or pop-up shops.
• How they work: They use 3G, 4G or 5G networks to process payments anywhere with a mobile signal.
• Advantages: They allow you to take payments on the go and are suitable for festival stalls or outdoor markets.
• Disadvantages: They rely on strong mobile network coverage.

Virtual PDQ machines (payment gateways)

Though not strictly a physical machine, virtual PDQ machines or online payment gateways fulfil the same purpose for e-commerce transactions. They allow businesses to take card payments through a website or an app, making them suitable for businesses that operate entirely online.

Payment methods accepted on PDQ machines

A major advantage of PDQ machines is that they allow you to accept a variety of payment methods. This diversity meets customer preferences and can increase your potential sales.

Chip and PIN

This method requires customers to insert their card into the reader and enter their PIN. The chip encrypts data, making it difficult to clone cards or commit fraud.

Contactless (NFC) payments

Contactless has become increasingly popular in the UK. Customers tap their NFC-enabled card, phone or watch on the PDQ machine to make payments, typically under the contactless limit (though the limit has increased considerably in recent years). This method is fast and convenient, and uses near-field communication (NFC) technology and the same encryption standards as chip and PIN.

Magstripe (swiped payments)

Although chip and PIN is the standard in the UK, some international customers (particularly from the US) might still rely on swiping their cards. Most PDQ machines accommodate this with a magnetic stripe reader. However, due to security concerns, this method is less common in Europe.

Digital wallets

More and more consumers use digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. These payment methods rely on contactless technology and add an extra layer of security, typically requiring fingerprint, facial recognition or passcode authorisation on the customer’s device.

QR code-based payments

Some newer PDQ machines can scan QR codes to facilitate payments via apps like PayPal or other digital payment services. Though not as widely used in the UK, this is a growing trend in some regions.

The benefits of using PDQ machines

Investing in a PDQ machine can have several positive impacts on your business. Here are some key benefits:

Improved cash flow

Card transactions are settled quickly, meaning you’ll receive the funds from each sale in your merchant account sooner than if you had to handle cheques or invoices.

Increased sales and customer satisfaction

Offering card payments can encourage higher spending by customers. Many people prefer paying by card for convenience, and they may spend more when not limited by the cash in their pocket.

Secure transactions

Modern PDQ machines offer enhanced security through chip and PIN, contactless and encryption, reducing the risk of fraud. For your business, this can mean fewer chargebacks and better protection against counterfeit notes.

Versatility

Whether you operate from a fixed location or need a truly mobile setup, there’s a PDQ machine to suit your needs. This versatility helps you cater to customer preferences.

Enhanced professional image

A business that accepts card payments can appear more professional and up to date. It gives the impression of an established operation that values customer convenience.

Record keeping and reconciliation

PDQ machines provide digital records of each transaction, simplifying your bookkeeping and making it easier to reconcile accounts at the end of the day, week or month.

The PDQ machine we offer: the PAX A920

Among the wide variety of PDQ machines available in the UK, we’re proud to offer the PAX A920—a modern and versatile mobile card payment device.

Introducing the PAX A920

The PAX A920 is an Android-based card machine that combines the functionality of a smartphone with a secure payment terminal. Its user-friendly design and touchscreen interface make it an option for businesses seeking a contemporary way to take payments.

• Form factor: Portable, slim and stylish.
• Operating system: Powered by Android, allowing for intuitive navigation and the potential for additional apps or features.
• Connectivity options: Built-in 4G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to help the PDQ machine process payments where there is adequate signal.
• Battery life: Designed for extended use, allowing you to take hundreds of transactions on a single charge.

This PDQ machine is particularly suitable for mobile businesses such as food trucks, market stalls or tradespeople who need to accept payments on-site. It can also be used in retail outlets, cafés and restaurants.

Benefits and features of the PAX A920 card machine

If you’re considering a new PDQ machine for your business, the PAX A920 has a variety of features.

Modern and user-friendly interface

The PAX A920 features an Android-based touchscreen interface that feels like a modern smartphone or tablet. This familiarity means staff can learn to use it in minutes, reducing onboarding and training time. The user interface can also speed up the checkout process and improve customer satisfaction.

Versatile connectivity

The PAX A920 has several connectivity options:

• Wi-Fi: Suitable for shops, cafés and restaurants where a Wi-Fi network is available.
• 4G connectivity: For use away from a stable network connection, so you can accept payments on the go.
• Bluetooth: Use accessories such as printers or barcode scanners via Bluetooth if needed.

This flexibility means you can use the A920 in different business environments and locations.

Comprehensive payment options

Like other PDQ machines, the PAX A920 supports:

• Chip and PIN
• Contactless, including Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay
• Magstripe payments, for compatibility with international customers

This allows your business to accept a range of payment methods.

Security features

The PAX A920 comes with PCI PTS 5.x certification. Additional security features include:

• Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE) for data transmission.
• Software updates to help keep your device compliant with security standards.
• An Android operating system designed for payment terminals to help prevent unauthorised access.

These measures are intended to protect your business and your customers’ sensitive information, reduce fraud and build trust.

Battery life and portable design

The PAX A920 has a lithium-ion battery that can handle a full day’s worth of transactions on a single charge. This can be useful for businesses that sell at markets or pop-up events where charging points might be scarce. Its lightweight yet durable build makes it easy to carry around.

Transaction processing

The PAX A920 uses processing power and software designed to facilitate transactions. Whether you’re running a busy café during the lunch rush or handling multiple customer queues at a festival, the A920 is designed to minimise waiting times. Faster transaction speeds can also mean you process more sales in less time.

Customisable apps and business tools

As the PAX A920 is built on an Android operating system, there’s potential for custom apps or additional tools to be integrated. Depending on the software solutions offered by your merchant services provider, you might have access to apps for:

• Inventory management
• Sales reporting and analytics
• Staff management
• Loyalty programmes

These features can help you streamline operations and gain insights into your sales performance, all on one device.

Future-proof technology

Contactless payments, QR code payments and digital wallets are among the payment methods that evolve over time. The PAX A920 is described as future-proof, with firmware updates intended to help you keep up with payment technology. A modern PDQ machine like the A920 may reduce the need to upgrade devices when new payment methods emerge.

Why the PAX A920 could be right for your business

• Businesses on the go: If you operate a mobile business or frequently attend events, the A920’s 4G connectivity and battery life can help you take payments on the go.
• Brick-and-mortar stores: For retailers, cafés and restaurants, the touchscreen interface, Wi-Fi connectivity and integrated receipt printer (an optional feature on some variants) can streamline the checkout process.
• Scalability: Whether you run a single-location store or a multi-store chain, the A920 can adapt to your needs. Multiple devices can be deployed across locations, with centralised reporting and account management.