Dojo vs Zettle: Comparing Card Machine Fees and Features in 2026

Introduction

Choosing the right card machine is one of the most practical decisions a small business owner in the UK can make. With contactless and card payments now accounting for the vast majority of consumer transactions, the fees and terms attached to your payment provider can have a real impact on your bottom line.

Two of the most widely considered options in 2026 are Dojo and Zettle by PayPal. Both offer straightforward card acceptance for UK businesses, but they take quite different approaches to pricing, hardware and contracts. This guide breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed choice.

Pricing Comparison

Understanding the true cost of card processing means looking beyond the headline rate. Here is how Dojo and Zettle compare on fees.

Dojo

Dojo offers two main pricing plans:

• Fix plan: £39.99 per month. This covers up to £3,999 in card turnover each month. Any card turnover above that threshold is charged at a 1% flat rate.
• Flex plan: Custom rates negotiated based on your business volume and type. This is typically suited to higher-turnover businesses.

The Fix plan works well for businesses with moderate, predictable card takings. If your monthly card turnover regularly exceeds £3,999, the 1% rate kicks in and the effective cost rises accordingly.

Zettle by PayPal

Zettle keeps things simple with a single flat rate:

• 1.75% per transaction - no monthly fees, no minimum turnover requirements.

There are no tiered plans or volume thresholds to navigate. You pay the same rate whether you process £100 or £10,000 in a month. This transparency is one of Zettle’s most appealing features for smaller or seasonal businesses.

Hardware

Dojo

Dojo’s card readers and terminals are available in two ways:

• Upfront purchase: Hardware starts from £109.
• Monthly rental: Available from £15 per month, which can help spread the cost for businesses that prefer not to pay upfront.

Dojo’s hardware is designed for a range of environments, including countertop, portable and mobile setups.

Zettle by PayPal

Zettle’s hardware is notably affordable:

• Zettle Card Reader: £29 per reader. New eligible businesses may receive their first reader free or at a discounted price.
• Additional readers: £69 each.

The Zettle Reader is compact and connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone or tablet running the Zettle app. It is a practical choice for mobile traders, market stalls and pop-up businesses.

Contracts

Dojo

Dojo offers two contract options:

• 30-day rolling contract: Flexibility to leave with relatively short notice.
• 12-month contract: A longer commitment, which may come with more favourable terms depending on your plan.

It is worth reading the terms carefully before signing, particularly around early termination fees if you opt for the 12-month agreement.

Zettle by PayPal

Zettle operates with no contract at all. You are free to start and stop using the service whenever you choose, with no lock-in period and no cancellation fees. This makes it particularly attractive for businesses that are just starting out or that have variable trading patterns.

Pros and Cons

Dojo - Pros

• Predictable monthly cost on the Fix plan for businesses with steady card turnover
• Flexible hardware options including rental
• Dedicated UK-based support
• Suitable for a wide range of business types and environments

Dojo - Cons

• Monthly fee applies even in quieter months
• The 1% rate above £3,999 can add up for higher-volume businesses on the Fix plan
• Contract commitment required (30-day or 12-month)

Zettle by PayPal - Pros

• No monthly fees - you only pay when you take a payment
• No contract or lock-in
• Very affordable entry-level hardware
• Backed by PayPal’s infrastructure and brand recognition

Zettle by PayPal - Cons

• The 1.75% per-transaction rate becomes expensive at higher volumes
• Fewer hardware options compared to Dojo
• Less suited to businesses needing advanced integrations or dedicated account management

Who Each Suits

Dojo is best for:

• Established businesses with consistent monthly card turnover, particularly those processing close to or above £3,999 per month on the Fix plan
• Businesses that want dedicated support and a more managed service
• Retailers, hospitality venues and service businesses looking for robust, purpose-built hardware
• Businesses comfortable with a short-term or annual contract in exchange for predictable costs

Zettle is best for:

• Sole traders, micro-businesses and start-ups that want to keep overheads low
• Seasonal businesses or those with variable trading patterns
• Mobile traders, market vendors and pop-up operators who need lightweight, portable hardware
• Businesses that want to get started quickly with minimal upfront commitment

Verdict

Both Dojo and Zettle are credible, well-regarded card payment providers for UK businesses - but they serve different needs.

If your business processes a reliable volume of card payments each month and you value dedicated support and flexible hardware, Dojo’s Fix plan offers a structured, cost-effective solution. The monthly fee provides predictability, and the 30-day rolling option means you are not locked in indefinitely.

If you are just starting out, trade seasonally, or simply want the lowest possible barrier to entry, Zettle’s no-contract, flat-rate model is hard to beat. The low hardware cost and absence of monthly fees mean you can start accepting cards with minimal risk.

For businesses sitting in the middle, it is worth running the numbers based on your actual monthly card turnover to see which model works out cheaper.

Ready to Find the Best Deal?

Already with Zettle? Upload your statement to see if you could be paying less.

Interested in exploring what Dojo could offer your business? View Dojo’s plans and pricing to find out more.

Sources: zettle.com/gb/pricing | dojo.tech/pricing