A new multi-function payment terminal for independents is ready for nationwide roll out after trials with 250 small retailers.

Retail Gateway said its Verifone terminals could handle mobile top-up, global calling card and merchant services.

It also claimed Link was soon due to complete an assessment which could make it the first independent provider approved for chip and pin compliance.

Financial director Farhaan Dawood said the terminals could be adapted in the future for functions including utility payments and charity donations.

Margins are quarter to half a percent on mobile top-ups and 2-3% on calling cards, he said.