Zettle Reader 2 review
Zettle Reader 2 is the simplest UK card reader for small businesses already using PayPal. Pay-as-you-go, no contract, and tightly integrated with PayPal's wider ecosystem. Pairs with a phone or tablet rather than running standalone.
At a glance
- Overall rating
- 4.0 / 5
- Manufacturer
- PayPal Zettle
- Acquirer
- PayPal Zettle
- Form factor
- Compact card reader (pairs with phone or tablet)
- Contract
- No contract
How Zettle Reader 2 works
Zettle Reader 2 is a compact card reader (pairs with phone or tablet) acquired through PayPal Zettle. Connectivity covers Bluetooth (paired with mobile device), which determines whether the device runs standalone or pairs with a phone, tablet or POS till.
Cards are read at the device, the transaction is authorised through the acquirer's payment gateway, and funds settle to the merchant's nominated UK bank account on the acquirer's settlement schedule. Pricing is 1.75% per transaction, with a contract length of no contract.
The merchant of record is PayPal Zettle. That means card-scheme compliance, PCI handling, dispute and chargeback flows all sit with the acquirer rather than with the merchant. The hardware is the user-facing surface; the underlying processing relationship is with the acquirer.
Pricing breakdown
| Cost component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Setup / hardware cost | £59 to £79 |
| Transaction rate | 1.75% per transaction |
| Monthly fee | No standing monthly fee |
| Contract length | No contract |
| Exit fee | None (no fixed contract) |
Verify pricing directly with PayPal Zettle before signing. UK card-acceptance pricing varies by sector, ticket size and processing volume.
Hardware and software
- Form factor: Compact card reader (pairs with phone or tablet).
- Connectivity: Bluetooth (paired with mobile device).
- Card schemes: Visa, Mastercard, American Express (acquirer-dependent), Maestro.
- Contactless: contactless cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay accepted up to UK contactless limits.
- Software: managed by PayPal Zettle; firmware and security updates are pushed by the acquirer.
- Receipt handling: digital receipts by SMS or email; no built-in printer.
- POS app integrations: see acquirer's published list (varies by acquirer and country).
Tap to Pay support
Status: Yes (contactless / NFC)
Hardware accepts contactless cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex), Apple Pay and Google Pay up to UK contactless limits.
Settlement and funds
Funds typically arrive in 1 to 2 business days from PayPal Zettle to your nominated bank account.
Pros and cons
Pros
- + Cheapest entry point for hardware (£59).
- + PayPal ecosystem integration.
- + No contract, no monthly fee.
Cons
- − 1.75% rate uncompetitive above £8k monthly.
- − Not standalone, needs a paired device.
- − Settlement times slower than Dojo or SumUp.
Best for and avoid if
Best for
- · Existing PayPal merchants
- · Pop-up retailers, market traders
- · Sub-£8k monthly volume
Avoid if
- · Standalone use
- · High volume
FAQs
Does Zettle Reader 2 require a contract?
No. Zettle Reader 2 is offered with no fixed contract. You pay per transaction at 1.75% per transaction and can stop using the service at any time.
What does Zettle Reader 2 cost in year 1?
Upfront hardware: £59 to £79. Transaction rate: 1.75% per transaction. Contract: No contract. First-year cost depends on your card volume; AcceptCard's quote tool will model the effective cost against alternatives.
Can I integrate Zettle Reader 2 with common UK POS systems?
Integration depends on the underlying acquirer and the POS. PayPal Zettle publishes a list of supported integrations. Common UK POS systems with public integrations include Lightspeed, Epos Now, Square POS (own ecosystem) and Goodtill. Confirm directly before purchasing hardware.
How fast does Zettle Reader 2 settle funds?
Funds typically arrive in 1 to 2 business days from PayPal Zettle to your nominated bank account.
Can I cancel Zettle Reader 2 early?
Yes. As Zettle Reader 2 runs without a fixed contract, you can stop processing at any time. The hardware is yours; check the acquirer's account-closure policy.
Reviewed by Oliver Mackman, Director. Last reviewed: 2026-04-26.