Smart vs Standard PDQ Terminals – What’s the Difference?

A PDQ terminal (short for "Process Data Quickly") is the physical device you use to accept card payments in person — either by Chip & PIN, contactless, or mobile wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Today, you’ll find two main types available:

• Standard PDQ Terminals

• Smart PDQ Terminals

Standard terminals are the more traditional type, offering core payment functionality with minimal extras.

✅ Features typically include:

• Chip & PIN and contactless payments

• Mobile wallet support (Apple Pay, Google Pay)

• Basic receipt printing

• Wired (Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) connectivity

• PCI DSS compliance

⚙️ Common uses:

• Shops, salons, cafés, or any business needing a reliable, no-fuss solution

💷 Typical costs:

• Monthly rental: £10–£25

• Transaction fees: 0.3%–2.5% depending on volume and card type

• Contract length: Often 12–36 months

• Limited integration with POS or apps

Smart terminals combine traditional payment processing with modern features and interactive apps. They run on Android-based systems and can be used like mini tablets or smartphones — giving businesses more flexibility and control.

✅ Features often include:

• Touchscreen interface (similar to a smartphone)

• Sales reporting and dashboards

• Stock and inventory management

• Customer loyalty apps or CRM tools

• Invoicing and receipt customisation

• Open banking or QR code payment integration

• App store for downloading or customising tools

• Connection to cloud-based EPOS systems

⚙️ Common uses:

• Restaurants, bars, mobile traders, or retail stores needing a multi-functional device

• Businesses wanting to combine payments, reporting, and POS in one terminal

💷 Typical costs:

• Upfront purchase: £150–£400

• Monthly rental (if leased): £20–£45

• Transaction fees: Often similar to standard terminals, but may include software charges

• Optional app subscriptions (e.g. £5–£20/month for premium tools)

Choose a smart terminal if:

• You want a single device that handles payments, inventory, and reporting

• You work across multiple locations or offer on-the-go services

• You need detailed sales reports or customer insights

• You’re already using cloud-based tools or EPOS platforms

Stick with a standard terminal if:

• You just need to take simple card payments

• Your business doesn’t need additional functionality

• You prefer a lower monthly cost

• Your team isn’t comfortable using touchscreen technology

Both smart and standard terminals can be PCI DSS compliant, provided they come from a reputable provider. However:

• Smart terminals may require regular software updates

• Some advanced apps involve data sharing, so it’s important to check your provider’s compliance standards

Always make sure your provider supports end-to-end encryption and has UK-based technical support.