Card machines & tap to pay, compared
Ways to take card payments in a shop, at events or on delivery: a phone that works as a card machine (tap to pay), or a card terminal. From each provider’s own website, checked 2026-10-14. Most terminal providers only quote after you apply — we show every fee they publish.
| Provider | Type | Est. fees / month | Published pricing | Device & setup | Settlement | Confidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Ziina | Tap to Pay (iPhone & Android) | AED 680 3.40% of sales | 2.6% + AED 1 per payment, +1.5% international cards; first AED 1,000 fee-free (promo) | Your phone + Ziina app; no setup fee | Instant to Ziina balance; 1–2 days to bank under AED 25k | High | source ↗ |
 Network International | Card terminals · Tap to Pay on iPhone | Quote on request | Rates and rental on request. Dubai (DET) offer until 31 Dec 2026: up to 20% off terminals, up to 35% for Emirati-owned | Terminal from Network | Usually T+1 or T+2 working days | Medium | source ↗ |
| Magnati | Card terminals · link payments | Quote on request | One-time AED 2,500 (POS / link-based); annual fee AED 2,500; transaction rate set at onboarding; optional insights AED 99/month | Terminal from Magnati | Not stated | Medium | source ↗ |
 Geidea | Card terminals · SoftPOS (phone) | Quote on request | Prices on request | Free installation of terminals; SoftPOS needs only the app | “Quick and regular” settlements; activation in a few days | Medium | source ↗ |
Not yet checked: Mashreq NEOPAY · Tap Payments · Your own bank’s merchant service — many banks offer terminals through these providers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a card machine, or can I use my phone?
Several providers offer Tap to Pay on your phone: Ziina, Network International, Geidea. A terminal makes more sense for a busy shop.
What do card machine providers ask for?
Your trade licence, business bank account and shop details. Most only quote after you apply.