Card Payments in Small Businesses: When Does a Terminal Really Pay Off?

When does a card terminal become cost-effective for small businesses? The key factors are the average purchase amount per customer, the card usage rate, and the number of potential abandoned transactions without cashless payment.

The 2026 EHI study estimates that card payments account for 65.1 percent of retail sales, while cash accounts for 32.3 percent. For individual payment transactions, the ratio is more balanced: According to the Bundesbank, 50.5 percent are made in cash and 48.1 percent by card. For a kiosk or bakery with many small transactions, the calculation therefore differs from that for a skilled trade business with higher invoice amounts.

A terminal is particularly worthwhile if customers pay higher amounts on average, if impulse purchases are common, or if customers make mobile payments at markets, trade shows, through delivery services, or on-site. A younger demographic also expects to pay by card or smartphone as the standard. A high proportion of cash payments and predominantly small amounts, on the other hand, make detailed itemized receipts more practical.

For small businesses, rental models with transaction fees are often a good option: Instead of a large upfront investment, these involve manageable monthly costs that are easy to budget for. Even a single sale that would otherwise have been lost can offset the monthly cost of a terminal. Depending on the provider and model, additional costs such as a SIM card, updates, minimum sales requirements, or service fees may apply. It's therefore always worth taking a close look at the terms and conditions.

In addition to the direct costs, there are practical advantages. Card payments can prevent abandoned purchases, speed up the payment process, and reduce the effort involved in handling change, counting cash, and closing out the day's transactions. Businesses without a terminal therefore risk losing customers to competitors.

Above all, combining both payment methods is recommended: Giving customers the freedom to choose whether to pay in cash or by card ensures a positive shopping experience, and satisfied customers are more likely to return. If, on the other hand, customers cannot choose freely--because only cash or only card payments are accepted--they may shop elsewhere next time.

For a single market stall, a simple mobile terminal is often sufficient. Those who process payments daily or on the go should prioritize reliability, support, and a replacement device over saving every last cent in fees.

There is currently no general legal requirement for card payments in Germany. The decision is therefore a business one. By considering the average purchase amount, the percentage of card payments, the customer base, and the location, you can select the right model for your needs.

You can find more information and suitable terminal models here: Mobile EC Terminals from REA Card

REA Card GmbH
Teichwiesenstrasse 1
64367 Muehltal
Germany

https://www.rea-card.de/

Frau Larissa Feldmann
+49(0) 6154 / 638 - 200

presse@rea-card.de

REA Card is one of the leading providers of innovative payment and point-of-sale systems. Since 1988, the company has been developing and distributing reliable EC terminals, modern point-of-sale solutions, and high-performance software for various industries--always with a commitment to the highest quality, security, and personalized service. As a family-run business, REA Card places particular emphasis on long-term partnerships and personalized support for its customers.

This release was published on openPR.