Want to give your clients a smoother, faster, and more professional checkout experience?
Then it’s time to upgrade to a contactless card machine.
Today’s salon customers expect quick and secure ways to pay—no more digging for cash or waiting for chip-and-pin. Whether you’re a solo stylist or run a busy multi-chair salon, the right contactless payment solution can streamline your operations, boost tips, and even grow your client base.
In this guide, you’ll discover the top card machines for salons and hairdressers, with clear breakdowns of features, pricing, and who they’re best for.
Let’s get started.
Why Contactless Card Machines Are a Must for Salons
Here’s what happens when you switch to a modern payment solution:
- No queues: Contactless payments process in less than a second.
- More tips: On-screen tipping prompts boost gratuities.
- Cleaner operations: No handling of cash = more hygienic.
- Better client experience: Fast, seamless checkout leaves a lasting impression.
- Track everything: Sync with your POS or appointment software to manage bookings and payments in one place.
In short: upgrading your payment terminal is one of the easiest ways to run a smarter salon.
1. Dojo Go
Fast, portable, and designed for flexible salon setups
Dojo Go offers the perfect balance of portability and performance for hairdressers and salons. It sets up in minutes, connects via Wi-Fi or 4G, and lets you accept contactless, chip and PIN, and mobile wallet payments. With smart tipping prompts, staff tracking, and next-day payouts—even on weekends—it’s built for busy stylists who want to focus on clients, not admin.
Key Features:
- Accepts contactless, chip & PIN, Apple Pay & Google Pay
- Built-in tip prompts
- Next-day payouts (even on weekends)
- 4G & Wi-Fi connection
- Free PCI compliance
- Works standalone or with POS systems
Why It’s Perfect for Salons:
You can carry Dojo Go from station to station—ideal for mobile stylists or busy salons. The tipping prompt feature helps staff earn more, and you get UK-based support 7 days a week.
Pricing: From £15/month (with card fees as low as 1.4%)
Best for: Medium to large salons, freelancers, barbershops
2. Paymentsave Card Machines
Custom solutions, UK support, and fast funding for expanding teams
Paymentsave offers salon-friendly countertop and portable terminals with full UK support. The machines process contactless payments quickly and sync with POS systems for inventory tracking. With low fees and next-day funding, it’s ideal for growing salons that need reliable performance and support without being tied into long contracts.
Key Features:
- Countertop, portable, or mobile card terminals
- Contactless, mobile wallets, chip & PIN
- Fast setup and onboarding
- Integration with POS or booking tools
- 24/7 UK support
Why It’s Great for Hairdressers:
You can choose a portable or countertop terminal based on how you work. Paymentsave’s flexible contracts and quick setup are perfect if you’re just getting started or want to switch providers without hassle.
Pricing: Custom rates based on your business
Best for: New salons, independent stylists, small chains
3. Square Terminal
Affordable, easy to use, and no monthly fees
Square Terminal is a compact, all-in-one device that combines hardware, POS software, and payment processing in one simple package. It accepts tap, chip and PIN, and mobile payments, prints receipts, and comes with no monthly fees. Great for solo hairdressers or small salons just starting out and looking to keep overheads low while still looking professional.
Key Features:
- No monthly fees
- Built-in receipt printer
- Free POS software
- On-screen tipping
- Inventory and appointment management
Why It Works Well in Salons:
If you’re a solo stylist or running a home-based salon, Square Terminal gives you the power of a full POS in your hand. The flat 1.75% fee makes budgeting simple.
Pricing: £149 + VAT (hardware) | 1.75% per transaction
Best for: Freelancers, home salons, part-time stylists
4. SumUp Solo
Minimalist design with maximum mobility and smart features
SumUp Solo is lightweight, sleek, and designed for beauty professionals on the move. It accepts all major cards, has a touchscreen, works with Wi-Fi or mobile data, and stores offline payments until you’re reconnected. It also integrates with SumUp’s free POS app—ideal for stylists who travel or rent chairs in salons.
Key Features:
- Accepts contactless and mobile payments
- Lightweight and portable
- Offline mode available
- Long battery life
- Clear touch display
Why Stylists Like It:
It’s reliable, travel-ready, and you can view payments right on the screen. No app needed. SumUp is also known for clear pricing and low commitment.
Pricing: £79 (one-time) | 1.69% per transaction
Best for: Mobile stylists, freelancers, seasonal hair businesses
5. Zettle by PayPal
POS integration, appointment syncing, and strong reporting tools
Zettle works seamlessly with salon booking platforms and POS software, making it easier to manage clients, payments, and stock in one place. It offers sleek, portable devices with long battery life and flat transaction fees. Plus, it integrates with PayPal, so clients can pay however they like.
Key Features:
- Accepts all major cards and wallets
- Comes with a free myPOS business account
- Free online payment tools (payment links, gift cards, etc.)
- Durable design for mobile use
- Optional receipt printer dock
Why It’s Useful for Hair Pros:
If you work weddings, events, or home visits, this is a strong contender. You can also accept payments via links or QR codes—handy for Instagram and WhatsApp bookings.
Pricing: £29 one-off + 1.69% per transaction
Best for: Mobile hairdressers, wedding stylists, beauty freelancers
How to Choose the Right Card Machine for Your Salon
When deciding, think about:
- Where you work – Mobile? In-salon? Both?
- How many staff – Need individual logins or multi-tip tracking?
- Payout speed – Want next-day or instant payouts?
- Software integrations – Do you need to connect with booking or POS apps?
- Cost vs. features – Flat fees or custom pricing? Receipt printer or app-based?
Pro tip: Always test the machine’s speed and tipping experience from the client’s perspective. If checkout feels clunky, they notice.
Conclusion
The best contactless payment solution isn’t just about taking cards it’s about making your salon run smoother.
Whether you go with Dojo Go for mobility and tipping, Paymentsave for quick support and flexible contracts, or Square Terminal for simplicity, there’s a perfect option for your salon.
Investing in a reliable card machine can elevate your client experience, increase revenue, and help you focus more on your craft less on admin.