Dojo vs Zettle Comparison
UK card machines compared: professional merchant acquiring vs PayPal's simple reader, fees, settlement, contracts and support.
Quick Verdict
Dojo is the stronger fit for serious UK businesses that need lower transaction fees at volume, UK-based support you can reach when it matters, and reliable next-day settlement as part of a full merchant service, not just an app-led reader.
Zettle keeps things simple: no contract, no monthly fee, and a low upfront cost for the reader, which can suit very small or occasional sellers who prioritise flexibility over negotiated rates and dedicated service.
Professional choice for growing businesses: Dojo, better economics as card turnover scales, human UK support, and hardware included on contract so you are not buying kit upfront.
Rate & fees comparison
| Feature | Zettle (by PayPal) | Dojo |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction fee | 1.75% flat (not negotiable) | From 1.4% + 0p (negotiable) |
| Settlement | Instant or next-day (product / settings) | Next-day settlement |
| Setup fee | £0 | £0 |
| Monthly fee | £0 | Varies by package (quoted) |
| Contract | None, pay-as-you-go | 12 months or rolling options |
| Card reader / terminal | From £29 + VAT upfront | Free terminal on contract |
| Support | Primarily in-app / email | UK-based support |
| Trustpilot (indicative) | 3.8 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 |
Why businesses choose Dojo
Dojo is built for merchants who treat card payments as core infrastructure: negotiated pricing means your rate can reflect turnover and risk, not a single flat percentage aimed at casual users.
- Lower fees at scale:from 1.4% + 0p with room to negotiate, typically more competitive than Zettle's fixed 1.75% once volumes grow.
- Next-day settlement and a full merchant proposition, not only a reader and an app.
- UK-based support and a stronger Trustpilot score (4.7 vs 3.8) for confidence when something goes wrong at the till.
- No upfront hardware hit on contract, free terminal on agreement versus buying a Zettle reader from £29 + VAT.
If you outgrow "simple reader" pricing
- Zettle: 1.75% is fixed, no negotiation as your turnover grows.
- Reader purchased upfront (from £29 + VAT) rather than included on a Dojo contract.
- Support via app/email vs Dojo's UK-based team, fine for light use, less ideal for busy sites.
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