The iZettle Black Cab Bundle: The Best Way to Accept Cards in the UK

Are you a black cab driver struggling to keep up with the competition from rideshare apps? Traditional payment methods are becoming outdated, and passengers now expect quick and seamless transactions. If your cab can’t provide modern payment solutions, you’re likely missing out on fares and tips, leaving you frustrated at the end of each shift.

Imagine this: a passenger hails your cab, and after a pleasant journey, they pull out a credit card to pay – but you only accept cash. The passenger gets annoyed, scrambles to find an ATM, or worse, opts for a different cab next time. Each missed opportunity chips away at your earnings and professional image. This not only affects your income but also adds unnecessary stress as you watch tech-savvy drivers take your share of the market.

А man pays with a card at a pos terminal in а taxi

Introducing The iZettle Black Cab Bundle – the ultimate payment solution that puts you back in the driver’s seat. This bundle includes a fast, secure card reader that accepts tap, chip, and contactless payments from all major credit and debit cards, plus mobile pay options like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

It’s designed for quick setup and ease of use, ensuring you never miss a fare due to payment issues again. Boost your earnings and passenger satisfaction effortlessly, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. With iZettle, you’re not just keeping up; you’re setting the pace.

What was the iZettle Black Cab Bundle?

The iZettle Black Cab Bundle was a comprehensive card payment solution designed for licensed taxi drivers. It provides all the necessary tools and features to accept card payments conveniently and securely. This bundle included a mobile card reader, a payment terminal, and a Bluetooth receipt printer. It allowed taxi drivers to accept various forms of payment, including contactless, chip & pin, and American Express cards. The bundle also offered competitive transaction fees, ensuring drivers could maximise their earnings. With the iZettle Black Cab Bundle, taxi drivers could easily transition from cash-only payments to accepting cards, providing passengers with a more convenient and modern payment experience.

Benefits of Using the iZettle Black Cab Bundle

The iZettle Black Cab Bundle offers a range of benefits for taxi drivers, particularly in meeting the Transport for London (TfL) mandate for accepting card and contactless payments. This bundled solution ensures compliance with the mandate and provides several advantages for taxi drivers.

One key benefit was the cost-effectiveness of the bundle. Purchasing the items separately can be expensive, especially for taxi drivers operating on tight budgets. The iZettle Black Cab Bundle includes all the necessary components at a more affordable price, making it a convenient and economical choice.

Why was discontinued

The iZettle Black Cab Bundle was discontinued following the acquisition of iZettle by Paypal. In May 2018, Paypal announced its acquisition of iZettle, a leading provider of mobile card readers and payment solutions. This acquisition allowed Paypal to expand its presence in the small business market and provided iZettle with the resources and global reach of Paypal.

As a result of this acquisition, the iZettle Black Cab Bundle was no longer available for purchase. However, Paypal continued offering other payment solutions for small businesses, including its mobile card reader and payment processing services.

While the iZettle Black Cab Bundle may have been discontinued, taxi drivers and other small businesses still have access to various payment options for card and contactless payments. From Paypal’s mobile card reader to other competitors in the market, solutions are available to meet the needs of taxi drivers and other businesses in the hospitality industry.

It’s important for taxi drivers to research and compare different payment solutions to find one that offers the right features and functionality for their specific needs.

Accepting card payments as a taxi driver in London

In London, taxi drivers are required to accept card payments, including contactless payments, as per the regulations set out by Transport for London (TfL). This means that taxi drivers in the city must have the necessary equipment and capabilities to process card transactions in their vehicles.

black cab taxi UK

TfL’s contactless payment regulations aim to provide passengers convenience and ease of use, allowing them to pay for their taxi fares using their credit or debit cards. This ensures customers can choose payment methods and easily complete transactions without cash.

Taxi drivers can comply with these regulations by equipping their vehicles with card payment terminals, such as mobile card readers or card machines. These devices enable drivers to securely process card transactions, including contactless payments, within the taxi. Taxi drivers can offer passengers a more convenient and inclusive payment option by accepting card payments.

Taxi drivers must stay informed and updated on TfL’s regulations regarding card payments, as non-compliance may result in penalties or other consequences. By adhering to these regulations and providing card payment options, taxi drivers can enhance customer service and cater to the growing preference for cashless transactions.

What are the TfL-approved alternatives to the iZettle Black Cab Bundle?

Regarding TfL-approved alternatives to the iZettle Black Cab Bundle, there are several card payment devices that taxi drivers can choose from to comply with the regulations. These devices have been authorised by TfL and are deemed suitable for use in London taxis.

One popular option is the Miura M010 with an SML200 Star printer. This device seamlessly integrates with card payment terminals, allowing taxi drivers to provide customers with physical transaction receipts. Miura M010 is lightweight and supports Bluetooth connectivity, making it a practical choice for drivers on the go.

Other approved card payment devices for London taxis include the Verifone VX 680 and the Ingenico iWL range. These devices offer a range of functionalities, including support for major credit cards and contactless payments. They are designed to meet the specific needs of taxi drivers and ensure efficient and secure card transactions.

With these TfL-approved alternatives to the iZettle black cab bundle, taxi drivers have various options, each offering the necessary features and functionality to accept card payments in their vehicles.

paying with card in taxi

Recommendation

A highly recommended alternative to the iZettle Black Cab Bundle is the CabVision card reader. The CabVision card reader is a more affordable option that still provides all the necessary features taxi drivers need.

One of the cheapest options available among the approved card payment devices is the Verifone VX 680. This device not only supports major credit cards and contactless payments but also offers additional functionalities specifically tailored to meet the needs of taxi drivers. With its competitive price point and versatile capabilities, the Verifone VX 680 is a practical choice for taxi drivers looking for a cost-effective payment solution.

In conclusion, while the iZettle Black Cab Bundle was popular, the CabVision card reader provides a more cost-effective alternative for accepting card payments. Additionally, the Verifone VX 680 is the cheapest option among the approved devices, offering both affordability and functionality for taxi drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the iZettle Black Cab Bundle?

The iZettle Black Cab Bundle was a comprehensive card payment solution designed for licensed taxi drivers, offering a mobile card reader, a payment terminal, and a Bluetooth receipt printer. It supported various payment types including contactless, chip & pin, and American Express cards, along with competitive transaction fees. This bundle made it easy for taxi drivers to transition to accepting card payments, enhancing passengers’ payment experience.

Why was the iZettle Black Cab Bundle discontinued?

The discontinuation of the iZettle Black Cab Bundle followed Paypal’s acquisition of iZettle in May 2018. This acquisition aimed to expand Paypal’s presence in the small business market and provided iZettle with access to Paypal’s resources and global reach. Consequently, the iZettle Black Cab Bundle was phased out, though Paypal continued to offer other payment solutions for small businesses.

What are the benefits of using the iZettle Black Cab Bundle?

The iZettle Black Cab Bundle was beneficial for taxi drivers due to its cost-effectiveness and compliance with the Transport for London (TfL) mandate for accepting card and contactless payments. It offered an affordable, all-in-one solution that included all necessary components, making it an economical choice for drivers on tight budgets.

How can taxi drivers in London accept card payments now?

Taxi drivers in London are required by TfL to accept card payments, including contactless payments. To comply with this regulation, drivers must equip their vehicles with card payment terminals, such as mobile card readers or card machines, enabling them to process transactions securely and offer passengers a more convenient payment method.

What are the TfL-approved alternatives to the iZettle Black Cab Bundle?

Several TfL-approved card payment devices are suitable for London taxis, including the Miura M010 with an SML200 Star printer, the Verifone VX 680, and the Ingenico iWL range. These devices offer functionalities such as major credit card and contactless payment support, designed to meet taxi drivers’ needs and ensure efficient and secure card transactions.

What are the recommended alternatives for taxi drivers looking for a card payment solution?

The CabVision card reader and the Verifone VX 680 are highly recommended alternatives. The CabVision card reader is an affordable option with all necessary features for taxi drivers, while the Verifone VX 680, one of the cheapest options among approved devices, supports major credit cards and contactless payments, offering additional functionalities tailored for taxi drivers at a competitive price point.

Final Words

In conclusion, the iZettle Black Cab Bundle once stood as a beacon of convenience and efficiency for London’s licensed taxi drivers, offering a seamless transition to accepting card payments in an era increasingly leaning towards cashless transactions. Despite its discontinuation following Paypal’s acquisition of iZettle, the legacy of the bundle continues to influence the selection of card payment solutions available to taxi drivers today. The drive towards modernising payment methods in taxis not only aligns with Transport for London’s regulations but also caters to the evolving preferences of passengers, marking a significant shift in how taxi services operate in the capital.

The array of TfL-approved alternatives, including the CabVision card reader and the Verifone VX 680, presents new opportunities for taxi drivers to enhance their service offerings. These solutions embody the balance between cost-effectiveness and the sophistication of payment technology, ensuring that drivers can meet regulatory requirements without compromising on service quality. As the landscape of taxi payment systems continues to evolve, exploring these alternatives becomes crucial for drivers aiming to stay ahead in the competitive taxi industry.

We invite you to share your experiences and thoughts on the transition to card and contactless payment systems in taxis. Have you, as a driver or passenger, found these systems to improve the overall taxi experience? Do you believe there’s a better solution out there that hasn’t been discussed? Your insights and discussions enrich the conversation, so please feel free to comment below with your views and experiences.

Written by

George Robinson

George Robinson is the visionary creator and founder behind SMBPilot.com. With a passion for small and medium-sized businesses, George embarked on a mission to revolutionise the way they navigate the digital landscape. Armed with innovation and a commitment to simplifying online success, he launched SMBPilot.com, a platform that empowers SMBs to soar to new heights in the digital realm.

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