Introduction
Before the UK adopted Chip & PIN in 2006, businesses used PDQ machines thIntroduction
Before the UK adopted Chip & PIN in 2006, businesses used PDQ machines that relied on signature verification and manual processing—leaving room for fraud. Chip & PIN significantly improved security, preventing over £81.9 million in fraud losses between 2004 and 2014.
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What is a PDQ Machine?
PDQ stands for Processing Data Quickly. It refers to devices retailers use to accept card payments. Also known as:
• Card machines
• Chip and PIN machines
• POS (Point of Sale) terminals
These machines read card data and verify it with the bank in 1–2 seconds, completing transactions securely and efficiently.
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Till Roll Corp (tillrollcorp.co.uk) supplies thermal till rolls used in PDQ machines and card machine terminals. We offer a wide range of sizes such as 57x40, 57x38, 57x30, 57x25, 57x50, 57x55, 57x46, and 57x48 to suit various terminals.
We also stock SumUp, Worldpay, Barclaycard, and credit card terminal till rolls.
To make it easy to find the right fit, our website features a search tool where you can look up your card terminal or EPOS printer by brand and model to see exactly which till rolls are compatible for a seamless online purchase with us.
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PDQ vs. Card Machines
There’s no real difference—“PDQ machine” is just another name for a secure card payment device. Differences lie only in the form factor and pricing.
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How PDQ Machines Work
A PDQ terminal collects:
• Transaction amount (from merchant)
• Card data (from card)
• PIN (from customer)
The data is sent to the acquirer, then to the card scheme (e.g., Visa), and then to the issuer (customer’s bank). The issuer approves or declines the transaction, and a result is sent back through the chain to the retailer—almost instantly.
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Benefits of Using a PDQ Machine
• Meet consumer expectations for fast card payments
• Enable contactless and mobile payments
• Improve hygiene and reduce cash handling
• Offer high security with built-in fraud protection
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Types of PDQ Machines
1. Countertop
For fixed locations like retail shops and salons.
Examples: Verifone VX520, Ingenico iCT220.
2. Portable
Wireless, for in-venue mobility (bars, restaurants).
Examples: Ingenico iWL252, Spire M4240.
3. Mobile PDQ
Operates over mobile networks—ideal for on-the-go businesses.
Examples: Verifone VX675, Ingenico iWL251.
4. Mobile Card Readers (mPOS)
Compact devices that link to smartphones/tablets via Bluetooth.
Examples: SumUp, Zettle, Square
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Payment Methods Supported
Modern PDQ terminals accept:
• Chip and PIN
• Contactless
• Mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
• Magnetic stripe (less common today)
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Cost Breakdown
Upfront Costs
• Setup fees: £50–£150 (negotiable)
• Purchase: £200–£800
Monthly Costs
• Terminal rental: £14–£91 depending on type
• Transaction fees:
• 0.25–0.35% (debit)
• 0.7–9% (credit)
• 1.6–2.8% (business cards)
• Authorization fee: 1–3p per transaction
• Monthly minimum service charge (MMSC): £10–£20
Extra Fees
• Chargeback fees: £10–£20 per case
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Choosing the Right PDQ Machine
Match your terminal type to your business setup:
Business type - PDQ type:
Fixed location - Countertop
Large venue - Portable
Mobile operations - Mobile or mobile card reader
Micro business - mPOS (e.g. SumUp, Zettle)
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Use a comparison service to review features and prices.
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Renting vs Buying:
Feature - Renting - Buying
Upfront Cost - Low - High
Ownership - No - Yes
Commitment - Contract-based -
Flexible
Maintenance - Included - Business responsibility
Long-term Cost - Often higher - Potential savings
Upgrades - Limited - Requires full replacement
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Final Word
PDQ machines are critical to today’s businesses, ensuring fast, secure, and convenient payment processing. Whether you choose a countertop, portable, mobile, or mPOS option, pairing it with the right till rolls — like those offered by Till Roll Corp — ensures your setup is fully operational and professional.
For top-quality PDQ machine till rolls, visit tillrollcorp.co.uk, the till roll company that is the till roll giant, with till rolls online, delivering till rolls direct, via our trade till rolls, massive till roll warehouse, like Amazon FBA and ebay, soon to be selling till rolls global. Explore our extensive range of consumer staples like a till roll superstore, designed for SumUp, Barclaycard, Worldpay, and other major terminals & EPOS printers.
