Card Payment Costs for Garages and MOT Centres
Compare workshop payment costs using repair invoice values, customer card mix, remote payments and the number of devices you actually need.
The short answer
For a garage, high invoice values make the percentage rate important, while low transaction counts can reduce the impact of small pence fees. Include remote payments, commercial cards and any workshop-software connection. Compare the final invoice-payment process as well as the tariff.
In this guide
Build a workshop payment profile
Separate private motorists, fleet or business customers and any other groups priced differently by your provider. Record the amounts paid at collection, remotely by link or through another channel. Use completed card payments rather than the number of repair jobs.
A parts deposit and final balance are two transactions but should not duplicate the invoice value. If an invoice is paid by bank transfer, keep it out of card turnover. Check business-account charges separately if comparing payment methods.
Include only the payment services you actually use. A garage with one reception point may have different equipment needs from a workshop with mobile collection or roadside services.
Percentage and fixed-fee trade-offs
Fictional garage. Monthly card sales are £40,000 across 200 payments. Offer A charges 1.5% with no fixed monthly fee. Offer B charges 1% plus 5p per payment and £30 monthly.
| Component | Offer A | Offer B |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage charges | £600 | £400 |
| Per-payment charges | £0 | £10 |
| Fixed monthly charges | £0 | £30 |
| Total | £600 | £440 |
Offer B is £160 lower monthly. If changing requires £600 upfront, the first-year saving is £1,320. Recovery occurs during month four if the difference continues. This is an illustration, not a provider quote or guaranteed garage saving.
Test collection and remote payment
- Match the payment to the correct job or invoice number.
- Take a deposit, collect a remaining balance and issue a partial refund.
- Confirm how remote links, typed card details and in-person payments are priced.
- Check receipts, reconciliation and the link to workshop or accounting software.
- Confirm device replacement arrangements for a terminal fault during opening hours.
A provider’s hardware options show the available types of device, but your demonstration should establish which one fits the workshop. Ask for any integration cost separately.
Questions that matter in a garage quotation
Request the rates for every card category you expect to accept, particularly business or commercial cards if relevant. Ask whether the quote uses a blended rate or adds separate components. Check any limits, account conditions or additional review requirements affecting larger transactions.
Record rental, software, minimum bills and contract terms. If retaining your existing workshop system, obtain written confirmation that the proposed payment service supports it. Avoid replacing a suitable system solely because a new terminal has been offered cheaply.
Check a quieter month too. A fixed fee that is economical at £40,000 turnover can have a different effect when work is reduced.
Turn the quotation into a decision
Use the comparison checklist to prepare a complete schedule. Then enter sales, transaction count, card-group rates and fixed costs in the calculator.
Include the confirmed cost of leaving the old provider and any installation or training. Keep a copy of the offer and compare the first live statement with it so unexpected differences can be investigated promptly.
Common questions
Does a low number of payments always make a contract cheaper?
No. The percentage rate, fixed charges, card mix and turnover all matter. Low transaction count only reduces the contribution of per-payment fees.
Should fleet invoice values be included in card sales?
Only the amounts actually paid by card belong in card turnover. Record other payment methods separately.
Put your own figures to work.
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Sources and how to use this guide
Primary references checked on 15 October 2026:
Worked examples are original fictional scenarios, not customer results, market averages or provider quotations. Unless stated otherwise, they use a consistent VAT basis and include only the costs listed. Provider prices, eligibility and terms can change. Check your written agreement before deciding.
Our guides explain costs and comparison methods. They do not rank the whole market or claim hands-on product testing. Source links are references, not a claim of partnership. Read the calculation method and limitations, or about the service.