From ATM to iPhone: Why Entrepreneurs Are Switching
Rent a payment terminal for €50 per month. Two-year contracts. Additional transaction fees. For many small businesses, that's simply too expensive. Your iPhone is already in your pocket – why not use it? With the right accessories, your phone becomes a fully-functional payment terminal.
But here's the surprising thing: entrepreneurs who switch to mobile payments rarely go back to their old card terminal. Not because it's cheaper (which it is), but because they discover that customers pay faster when you're literally right there with your phone. No cables, no fixed location, no queue at the checkout. You simply walk along to where the customer is. Just as your AirPods freed your desk from cords, your iPhone frees your business from the traditional payment counter.
Useful links
From traditional cash register to mobile freedom
The days of being tied to a cumbersome payment terminal with meters-long cables are definitely over. More and more Dutch entrepreneurs are discovering that their phones have everything they need to accept payments professionally. The difference? You're no longer tied to a single, fixed location in your business.
Take, for example, the food truck owner who used to have to call customers to his stall to pay. Now he simply walks among the waiting customers with his device. Or the hairdresser who no longer has to ask customers to come to the counter – payment is simply taken at the barber's chair. This flexibility not only changes how you work, but also how customers experience your service.
What exactly do you need?
To use your phone as a payment terminal, you need three basic elements:
- A suitable payment app : Consider SumUp, Zettle (formerly iZettle), Mollie, or Square. These apps form the heart of your mobile payment system.
- A card reader : A compact device that communicates with your device via Bluetooth. Most providers include this when you register.
- Internet Connection : Via 4G/5G or WiFi – both work fine as long as the connection is stable.
Setup usually takes no longer than 15 minutes. Download the app, create a business account, pair the card reader, and you're ready to go. No technician needed, no installation costs, no hassle with running cables.
Cost picture: what do you actually pay?
While traditional card machines saddle you with monthly fees ranging from €30 to €80, plus transaction fees, mobile payment systems work differently. Most providers only charge a percentage per transaction—usually between 1.5% and 2.5%. For an average small business, this means:
- No monthly fixed costs if you have no turnover for a while
- Transparent costs that scale with your income
- No surprises due to additional service costs or updates
Just calculate: with a monthly turnover of €3,000, you'll pay around €60 in transaction fees. Compare that to the fixed €50 per month plus transaction fees for a traditional terminal, and the choice is easy.
Practical benefits in daily use
The real added value often lies in the details you only discover once you've worked with them. For example, you can send a digital receipt via email or text message immediately after each transaction. No more paper rolls running out during busy periods. Your complete transaction history is clearly displayed in the app, perfect for your bookkeeping.
Also handy: many apps offer additional features such as customer management, inventory management, or even a complete webshop integration. This way, your phone becomes not just a payment terminal, but a complete POS system that fits in your pocket.
Security: Can customers trust it?
Mobile payment systems meet the same strict security requirements as traditional payment terminals. All transactions are end-to-end encrypted, and the payment apps are PCI-DSS certified – the international standard for secure payments. Furthermore:
- Is card data never stored on your phone?
- Is every transaction secured with tokenization?
- Do customers receive the same fraud protection as with regular PIN payments?
For added security, you can set up two-factor authentication on your payment app. This prevents unauthorized access to your account if your device gets lost.
Specific scenarios where mobile payments excel
Markets and events : No more hassle with change or searching for a power outlet. Your device runs all day on battery power and accepts all common payment methods.
Home Services : Whether you're a plumber, a hairdresser, or a personal trainer, you pay directly at your customer's home, without receipt books or cash.
Pop-up stores : Perfect for temporary sales outlets where installing a permanent payment terminal isn't cost-effective. You're up and running in minutes.
Catering with terrace service : Waitresses can pay directly at the table, which improves the flow and reduces waiting times at the bar.
Tips for a smooth transition
Start with a trial period where you use both systems side by side. This way, your staff can get used to the new system without immediately becoming dependent on a single solution. Train your team well – although the apps are intuitive, a quick tutorial will help everyone get up to speed quickly.
Communicate the change to your customers as well. Many people appreciate the more modern approach, especially if it means they get served faster. Consider placing a sign at the checkout that you now also accept mobile checkout—some customers even enjoy seeing how it works.
Finally, have a backup plan. Keep a power bank handy for busy days and consider bringing a second device as a backup. Many providers offer the option to link multiple devices to a single account, ideal for teams.
The future of payments
Mobile payments via your smartphone aren't a passing trend, but the new standard. With the arrival of Tap to Pay—which allows customers to pay directly on your phone screen without an additional card reader—the barrier to entry is even lower. Apple Pay and Google Pay are gaining ground, and more and more banks are supporting direct integrations with payment apps.
For businesses, this means more freedom of choice, lower costs, and better customer service. The question isn't if you'll switch, but when. With today's solutions, that transition is easier than ever.
The future of payments is in your pocket
Using your iPhone as a payment terminal isn't a gimmick, but a smart move for modern entrepreneurs. Lower costs, greater flexibility, and satisfied customers who receive faster service – the benefits speak for themselves. With the right accessories and a little courage, you can transition to a more flexible way of doing business.
Whether you run a food truck or work from home, your phone is already in your pocket. So why cling to that bulky payment terminal with all those cables?
