Provider Comparison
United Payments vs Zettle: UK Business Comparison
Zettle by PayPal and United Payments compared on fees, hardware, EPOS features, and support for UK businesses.
Overview
Zettle by PayPal (formerly iZettle) is one of the most recognisable names in mobile card payments. Backed by PayPal, it offers affordable card readers, a free POS app, and native integration with PayPal accounts. It is popular with small businesses, market traders, and sole traders who want a quick, simple way to accept card payments.
United Payments is a UK-based merchant services provider that takes a more comprehensive approach. We supply terminals free of charge, offer cloud EPOS systems, business finance, and dedicated account management. Our model is built around supporting businesses as they grow, with tailored pricing and hands-on support.
Both providers serve the UK market and accept all major payment methods. The key differences are in hardware costs, the depth of POS features, support availability, and the additional services each provider offers beyond basic card processing.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | United Payments | Zettle by PayPal |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal cost | Free with merchant account | From £29 (Reader) to £189 (Terminal) |
| Transaction rates | Competitive (tailored) | 1.75% flat rate |
| Monthly fees | None | None (Zettle Go app is free) |
| Settlement | Next business day | 1–2 business days |
| Customer support | 24/7 UK phone support | Phone support (limited hours) |
| EPOS system | Full cloud EPOS included | Zettle Go (basic POS) |
| PayPal integration | N/A | Native PayPal and Venmo support |
| Business finance | Business loans available | PayPal Working Capital |
| Contract | No lock-in | No contract |
| Accepted cards | All major cards and wallets | All major cards and wallets |
When Zettle is the better choice
Zettle is a natural choice if you already use PayPal for your business. The native integration means you can manage online PayPal payments and in-person card sales from the same ecosystem, with funds flowing into your PayPal Business account.
If accepting PayPal QR code payments at the point of sale is important to your customers, Zettle is one of the few providers that supports this natively. This can be valuable in markets where PayPal is widely used as a payment method.
Zettle is also a straightforward option for very small businesses that want a low-cost reader, a free app, and a quick setup without signing up for a full merchant account. The Zettle Go app handles basic sales, receipts, and reporting effectively.
When United Payments is the better choice
United Payments is the stronger option for businesses that need a full EPOS system rather than a basic POS app. Our cloud EPOS includes inventory management, staff controls, table management for restaurants, kitchen displays, and detailed reporting \u2014 features that go well beyond what Zettle Go provides.
If free hardware matters, United Payments supplies terminals at no cost. Zettle's reader starts at \u00a329, but the Zettle Terminal with a receipt printer costs \u00a3189. For businesses running multiple locations, those hardware costs add up.
Our 24/7 UK phone support is available around the clock, while Zettle's phone support operates during limited business hours. For hospitality and retail businesses that trade late evenings and weekends, having access to a real person at any time makes a practical difference. We also offer a dedicated account manager and business finance options.
The verdict
Zettle is a well-executed product for small businesses that want a simple, affordable card reader with PayPal integration. If you already rely on PayPal and want to keep everything under one roof, Zettle makes that easy. The Zettle Go app is clean and functional for basic use.
United Payments is the better choice for businesses that need more depth: a full EPOS system, free hardware, next-day settlement, 24/7 phone support, and access to business finance. These are the kinds of services that make a real difference as your business grows and your needs become more complex.
The decision often comes down to whether you need a simple card reader backed by PayPal, or a comprehensive merchant services provider that supports your business across payments, technology, and finance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Zettle is owned by PayPal and was formerly known as iZettle before PayPal acquired it in 2018. It operates as a separate product focused on in-person card payments, but it integrates natively with PayPal accounts and PayPal Working Capital.
The Zettle Reader 2 starts at £29 for your first reader, with additional readers at £79. The Zettle Terminal with a built-in receipt printer costs £189. United Payments provides equivalent terminals free of charge with every merchant account.
United Payments terminals are focused on card payments: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and contactless. If accepting PayPal QR codes at the point of sale is important to your business, Zettle has a native advantage in that area.
For a cafe with regular daily turnover, United Payments offers a more complete solution. You get a free terminal, next-day settlement, 24/7 support, and a full EPOS with table management and kitchen display. Zettle Go is a capable basic POS, but it lacks the depth needed for busy hospitality environments.
United Payments offers next-business-day settlement as standard. Zettle typically settles within 1 to 2 working days, though PayPal Business account holders may receive funds faster in some cases.
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