Dojo card machine processing speed outperforms competitors by an impressive 58%, according to an independent study by Savanta (2023). When searching for a reliable payment solution, this remarkable efficiency combined with transaction fees as low as 1% makes Dojo a compelling option for businesses of all sizes.
We’ve examined what sets Dojo card machines apart from other payment processors, and found several standout features. Importantly, Dojo offers next-day fund transfers that operate seven days a week even on weekends and bank holidays at no additional cost. Additionally, their 24-hour turnaround beats competitors like Zettle, SumUp, and Clover, which might take up to three days for settlements. For businesses facing cash flow challenges, Dojo even provides a cash advance option powered by YouLend that’s repaid through a percentage of your card takings.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Dojo’s payment solutions from their diverse hardware options and pricing structures to integration capabilities and customer support. Whether you’re considering switching providers or setting up payments for the first time, this guide will help you determine if Dojo is the right fit for your business needs.
Dojo pricing and contract options
Dojo offers two distinct pricing structures tailored to different business needs. Understanding these options is crucial before committing to their payment solution.
Fixed plan vs Flex plan
Dojo’s Fix plan targets smaller merchants processing under £100,000 annually. For a business using a dojo card machine, this plan charges a straightforward £39.99 monthly fee that covers transactions up to £3,999 per month. For businesses exceeding this threshold, a flat 1% fee applies to additional transactions. Moreover, this plan includes AMEX card processing with a 12-month price lock guarantee.
In contrast, the Flex plan serves growing businesses with annual card turnover above £100,000, offering custom negotiable rates for debit, credit, and secure transactions. Businesses can choose between a 30-day rolling contract or a 12-month price-locked agreement, providing greater flexibility.
Monthly fees and transaction thresholds
Monthly costs vary significantly based on transaction volume. Smaller merchants on the Fix plan pay the fixed £39.99 monthly fee, while larger businesses on the Flex plan incur a £10 monthly platform fee per location. Furthermore, businesses processing over £1 million annually qualify for Pro pricing with fully bespoke rates.
Transaction fees depend on payment method and card type. Higher fees typically apply for premium cards, with AMEX historically charging between 1.6%-2% plus 5p per transaction.
Hardware rental vs upfront purchase
Dojo provides two payment options for card machines. Businesses can pay monthly from £15 plus VAT (limited to merchants processing over £100,000 yearly). Alternatively, any business can make a one-time payment from £179 plus VAT with no ongoing hardware costs. The entry-level Dojo Go represents their most affordable terminal option.
Hidden or additional charges to watch for
Several additional fees may apply to Dojo accounts. These include a 5p secure transaction fee per authorization and a 50p refund fee per transaction. Chargebacks incur a substantial £28 plus VAT fee, while non-compliant PCI standards result in a £15 plus VAT monthly charge. Furthermore, paper billing adds £3.50 plus VAT monthly to your costs.
For businesses processing international cards, supplementary fees apply: an additional 0.05% for EEA-issued cards and 0.95% for cards issued outside the EEA. Early contract termination likewise triggers fees equivalent to your remaining contract value.
Dojo card machines: models and features
Dojo’s hardware lineup includes three distinct card machines, each designed for specific business environments and payment scenarios.
Dojo Go: portable and feature-rich
The flagship Dojo Go card machine combines portability with advanced functionality. This Android-powered terminal features a 5″ HD touchscreen display and weighs just 458g, making it ideal for businesses needing payment mobility. Its standout feature is processing speed transactions complete 58% faster than market average, according to Savanta’s 2023 independent study. The device comes with point-to-point encryption for secure transactions and supports all major payment methods including Chip & PIN, contactless, and magnetic stripe.
Dojo Pocket: ultra-compact and mobile
For businesses prioritizing ultimate portability, the Dojo Pocket offers a lightweight alternative specifically designed for table service. This ultra-compact device fits comfortably in servers’ pockets, enabling seamless tableside payments in restaurants and cafes. Unlike its larger counterpart, Dojo Pocket lacks an integrated receipt printer. Notably, this device is only available after purchasing the Dojo Go.
Dojo Wired: countertop solution
The Dojo Wired represents the stationary option in the lineup a countertop terminal that connects directly to mains power without requiring battery charging. This white card machine with traditional push-buttons connects via WiFi or Ethernet for reliable fixed-location transactions. Primarily designed for kiosks or checkout counters, it includes a kiosk mode that displays exactly what customers need to see during self-service payments.
Connectivity and battery life
Dual connectivity stands as a core feature across Dojo’s devices. The Dojo Go automatically switches between WiFi and 4G networks, ensuring transaction capability even during network outages. This redundancy comes via a built-in SIM card with unlimited, free data. Battery performance is equally impressive the Dojo Go delivers up to 10 hours of continuous operation from a single charge.
Receipt printing and touchscreen usability
Except for the Pocket model, Dojo terminals include integrated thermal receipt printers for immediate transaction documentation. The Dojo Go’s intuitive 5″ HD touchscreen interface simplifies navigation for both staff and customers. Throughout the payment process, clear on-screen prompts guide users through amount entry, optional tipping, and payment method selection.
Software and integrations
Beyond the hardware, Dojo’s software ecosystem powers a versatile payment experience for businesses across various sectors.
Supported payment methods
Dojo card machines accept all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro. Businesses can also opt to integrate American Express if desired. The system processes contactless payments up to £100 and supports digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. For businesses needing remote payment solutions, Dojo provides payment links through their mobile app.
EPOS system compatibility
Perhaps the most impressive aspect is Dojo’s ability to integrate with over 450 EPOS systems through API connectivity. This exceptional compatibility allows businesses to maintain their preferred point-of-sale setup while benefiting from automated sales reporting and streamlined operations. Consequently, the integration eliminates manual data entry errors by automatically pushing transaction amounts between devices.
Reporting and analytics tools
Throughout the dashboard, businesses can access real-time transaction data with powerful filtering capabilities. Users can sort reports by date, time, and transaction type, plus download transaction lists as CSV files for accounting purposes. Although comprehensive, more detailed reporting on customer behavior requires EPOS integration.
Mobile app functionality
The Dojo for Business app, available for both iOS and Android devices, enables merchants to:
- Create and send payment links
- Manage refunds and voids
- Track transfers with push notifications
- Access real-time sales performance data
Additionally, the app now supports Tap-to-Pay on iPhone, allowing businesses to accept contactless payments directly through their iPhone without additional hardware.
Security and PCI compliance
Essential to Dojo’s offering is point-to-point encryption (P2PE), protecting customer card data at every stage of transactions. Therefore, PCI compliance becomes remarkably straightforward businesses need only read two documents and answer two questions, compared to competitors requiring up to 300-question assessments. This streamlined compliance process is among the easiest and most cost-effective in the industry.
Customer experience and support
The reliability of funds transfer stands out as a major advantage for merchants using Dojo card machines. Businesses receive their processed transactions by 10am the next day, regardless of weekends or holidays a feature that sets Dojo apart from many competitors.
Payout speed and reliability
Dojo transfers payments to business accounts with exceptional consistency. Transactions processed Monday through Thursday are available the next working day from 10am, while Friday through Sunday transactions appear in accounts on Monday from 10am. This predictable cash flow helps merchants maintain financial stability without waiting for settlements.
Customer service availability
Support options exceed industry standards with:
- Account support: Available 7 days weekly from 8am-6pm
- Technical assistance: Extended hours from 8am-11pm daily
- Multiple contact channels including phone, email, and website support
Remote troubleshooting and replacements
For urgent technical issues, Dojo technicians can remotely access card machines to diagnose and fix problems instantly. Furthermore, Dojo offers 24-hour card machine replacement service if a device proves unrepairable.
User reviews and satisfaction
Dojo maintains an impressive 4.7/5 TrustScore on Trustpilot, with 92% of users awarding 5-star ratings. Particularly, customers praise the company for next-day transfers, responsive support, and seamless EPOS integration. Nevertheless, some negative reviews mention occasional issues with rate changes and persistent cold calling.
Conclusion
Dojo card machines clearly stand out in the crowded payment processing market. Their 58% faster processing speed compared to competitors makes them an excellent choice for businesses prioritizing efficiency. Additionally, the next-day fund transfers that operate seven days a week provide a significant cash flow advantage for merchants.
The flexible pricing structures cater to different business sizes and transaction volumes. Small businesses benefit from the Fix plan’s straightforward monthly fee, while larger operations can negotiate custom rates with the Flex plan. Therefore, companies can select the option that best aligns with their financial needs.
Hardware options further demonstrate Dojo’s commitment to versatility. The feature-rich Dojo Go offers portability with its long battery life, while the ultra-compact Pocket model provides the ultimate mobility for table service. Alternatively, the Wired terminal delivers reliability for fixed checkout locations.
Beyond hardware, Dojo excels with extensive software capabilities. Their impressive integration with over 450 EPOS systems ensures compatibility with virtually any point-of-sale setup. Coupled with comprehensive reporting tools and a feature-rich mobile app, businesses gain valuable insights into their payment operations.
Security remains paramount, with point-to-point encryption protecting sensitive data throughout transactions. The simplified PCI compliance process saves businesses time and resources compared to competitors’ lengthy assessments.
After reviewing all aspects of Dojo’s payment solutions, we consider them a worthy contender for businesses seeking reliable, efficient payment processing. Their high TrustScore of 4.7/5 certainly validates the positive user experience. Though slightly higher fees might apply for certain cards or international transactions, the overall benefits – especially next-day transfers and exceptional processing speed – make Dojo a compelling choice for modern businesses looking to optimize their payment operations.
