Dojo review – A good choice for payment processing? Features, fees, pros and cons explained

Updated on 25 April 2024

Dojo is a payment processing platform operated by Paymentsense, one of the UK’s leading merchant services providers. With an aim to streamline card payments for businesses both large and small, Dojo presents a compelling proposition to merchants in a digital age. This review explores the features, fees, pros and cons of Dojo, providing a comprehensive look at what the service has to offer.

 
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Overview of Dojo – what’s on offer?

Dojo is designed to simplify the entire process of accepting card payments for businesses. Whether you’re running an eCommerce platform, a high street shop, or even a mobile operation, Dojo provides a range of solutions designed to meet your needs. These include countertop card machines, portable card machines, mobile card machines, and online payment gateways, all promising high-speed, secure transactions.

More than just a payment processor, Dojo offers additional services to help businesses manage their finances. This includes a handy app that provides real-time insights into your sales data, a customer support team that’s available 24/7, and detailed transaction reports. These services aim to make Dojo not only a tool for accepting payments but also a platform that helps businesses manage their finances effectively.

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One standout feature of Dojo is its commitment to security. The platform is PCI DSS Level 1 certified, the highest level of card payment security. It also boasts a pioneering technology called Dojo Shield, designed to keep customer payment data secure and reduce the risk of fraud.

Pros and cons of Dojo

Pros

  • Versatility: Dojo provides a range of card machines suitable for different types of businesses. Whether you need a countertop, portable or mobile machine, or an online payment gateway, Dojo has it covered.
  • Security: With PCI DSS Level 1 certification and the Dojo Shield, businesses can be assured of high-level security for their customers’ card data.
  • Support: Dojo offers 24/7 UK-based customer support, ensuring that help is always available when you need it.
  • Real-time insights: The Dojo app gives you real-time access to your transaction data, helping you to monitor your sales and manage your business effectively.
  • Transparent pricing: Dojo aims to offer simple, clear pricing with no hidden fees.

Cons

  • Limited international capabilities: Dojo is primarily designed for UK-based businesses and may not be suitable for those with a significant volume of international transactions.
  • Contractual obligations: Dojo requires a minimum term commitment, which may not be ideal for short-term projects or start-ups unsure of their longevity.
  • Potential for extra costs: While Dojo’s pricing is transparent, some additional services may come with extra costs, which could potentially add up.

Dojo products and services guide

Dojo offers a range of products and services, each designed to meet the specific needs of different businesses.

Countertop card machines

Designed for bricks-and-mortar businesses, these machines are compact, fast, and easy to use, accepting all major credit and debit cards as well as contactless payments.

Portable card machines

For businesses that need to take payments at the table or across the premises, Dojo offers portable card machines with a range of up to 100 metres.

Mobile card machines

For businesses on the move, Dojo’s mobile card readers offer the ability to accept payments anywhere in the UK. They come with a SIM card and don’t require WiFi.

Online payment gateways

Dojo’s online payment gateway allows businesses to take payments over the internet, via phone, or mail order. It integrates with most eCommerce platforms and offers a secure, seamless experience for customers.

Dojo pricing, fees and charges explained

Dojo offers a simple, transparent pricing structure with no hidden fees. There are two plans to choose from:

Dojo Go

This is a pay-as-you-go plan that requires no contract. You’ll pay a flat rate per transaction, with rates starting from 1.1% + 20p for credit and debit cards.

Dojo Plus

This is a contract plan, requiring a minimum term of 18 months. Rates are bespoke and depend on your business’s card turnover. This plan could be cost-effective for businesses with high card turnover.

It’s important to note that while Dojo’s pricing is clear, there may be additional costs for certain services, such as premium support or the use of specific features.

Alternatives to Dojo

While Dojo offers a comprehensive payment processing service, there are alternatives available that may be better suited to some businesses.

Square: Known for its simplicity and lack of monthly fees, Square offers a payment processing solution that may be more suited to smaller businesses or start-ups.

Zettle: Now owned by PayPal, Zettle offers similar features to Dojo but with the added advantage of integration with PayPal, which could be a significant benefit for businesses already using this platform.

Worldpay: As one of the largest payment processing companies in the world, Worldpay offers a comprehensive range of services that could be more suitable for larger businesses with more complex needs.

Conclusion – Is Dojo a good choice?

In conclusion, Dojo offers a robust, versatile payment processing solution with a strong emphasis on security and customer support. It’s well suited to a wide range of businesses, from bricks-and-mortar stores to online operations. However, it might not be the best choice for businesses with significant international transactions or those looking for short-term solutions without contractual obligations.

While the pricing is transparent and competitive, businesses should also be aware of potential additional costs for certain services. As always, it’s important to consider your specific needs and compare multiple providers before making a decision.

FAQ – Dojo review

Is Dojo PCI compliant?

Yes, Dojo is PCI DSS Level 1 certified, the highest level of card payment security.

Does Dojo support contactless payments?

Yes, all of Dojo’s card machines support contactless payments.

Can I use Dojo for online payments?

Yes, Dojo offers an online payment gateway that integrates with most eCommerce platforms.

Does Dojo require a contract?

The Dojo Plus plan requires a minimum term of 18 months. However, the Dojo Go plan is pay-as-you-go with no contract required.

What are the transaction fees for Dojo?

In the Dojo Go plan, transaction fees start from 1.1% + 20p. For the Dojo Plus plan, rates are bespoke and depend on your business’s card turnover.

Can I use Dojo outside of the UK?

Dojo’s mobile card machines allow you to take payments anywhere in the UK. For international transactions, it’s best to contact Dojo’s support team.

What support does Dojo offer?

Dojo offers 24/7 UK-based customer support.

Does Dojo offer a mobile app?

Yes, Dojo offers a mobile app that provides real-time access to your sales data.

Is Dojo suitable for small businesses?

Yes, Dojo offers solutions that are suitable for businesses of all sizes.

How does Dojo compare to Square?

Both offer similar services, but Square is known for its simplicity and lack of monthly fees, which may be more suitable for smaller businesses or start-ups.

How does Dojo compare to Zettle?

Both offer similar features, but Zettle integrates with PayPal, which could be beneficial for businesses already using this platform.

How does Dojo compare to Worldpay?

Worldpay is one of the largest payment processing companies and offers a wider range of services that could be more suitable for larger businesses with more complex needs.

Can I use Dojo for telephone or mail order payments?

Yes, Dojo’s online payment gateway allows for payments over the phone or by mail order.

What cards does Dojo accept?

Dojo accepts all major credit and debit cards.

What is Dojo Shield?

Dojo Shield is a security technology designed to protect customer card data and reduce the risk of fraud.

Does Dojo offer a portable card machine?

Yes, Dojo offers a portable card machine with a range of up to 100 metres.

What is the range of Dojo’s portable card machine?

Dojo’s portable card machine has a range of up to 100 metres.

How quickly are funds transferred with Dojo?

Funds are typically transferred within 1-3 business days.

Does Dojo offer any integrations with accounting software?

Yes, Dojo integrates with several popular accounting software platforms.

Are there any setup fees for Dojo?

No, there are no setup fees for Dojo.

Reviewed by , Managing Director

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