SumUp offers a range of payment solutions tailored to small and medium-sized businesses, from card readers and POS systems to online payments and invoicing tools.
With over 4 million businesses globally relying on SumUp and its services, this provider has clearly carved out a significant space in the payment processing market, especially among merchants who value ease of setup and affordability.
My review covers SumUp’s key features, pricing, and a balanced look at its pros and cons, helping you assess whether its solutions align with your business needs.
So, let’s see what SumUp has to offer your business…
SumUp At a Glance
SumUp provides flexible, affordable, and accessible payment solutions for small to medium businesses. It’s well-suited for those needing straightforward card readers, digital invoicing, or an online store without long-term contracts or complex setups.
However, SumUp’s limited support and restrictions on specific business types may be unsuitable for large enterprises or those in high-risk sectors.
| Who Should Use | Small to medium businesses needing flexible payment options. Not suitable for businesses dealing in high-risk sectors or restricted transactions. |
| Products & Features | Card readers (Air, Solo, Solo & Printer), POS Lite & Pro, online payments, payment links, online store, invoicing, booking system, and SumUp Business Account. |
| Pricing | No monthly fees for card readers; transaction fees vary (1.69% for in-person payments, 2.5% for online transactions). POS Pro costs £49+VAT monthly, with additional fees for specific features. |
| Ease of Use | Simple hardware setup and intuitive mobile app with full guides; POS and card readers integrate easily with smartphones and tablets. |
| Account Access | Accessible via mobile app and web dashboard; business account setup allows next-day access to funds. |
| Safety/Security | PCI-DSS compliant, FCA regulated, 256-bit SSL encryption, AI transaction monitoring, 3D Secure 2 fraud protection. |
| Customer Support | Available via live chat, email, and phone; chat hours vary by day, with some users experiencing delays in support response time. |
| Customer Reviews | Available via live chat, email, and phone; chat hours vary by day, with some users experiencing delays in support response time. |
| Eligibility Criteria | Must be based in a supported country; verification includes ID and business activity documentation. Certain high-risk sectors are restricted. |
| Additional Info | Specialised tools for retail, food service, and hospitality; options for loyalty programmes and custom POS setups. |
SumUp Pros & Cons
- No monthly fees for most card readers
- Comprehensive product range: card readers, POS systems, online payments
- Easy setup and user-friendly mobile app
- Competitive transaction fees for in-person payments
- Next-day payouts with SumUp Business Account
- Limited for high-risk industries like travel, gambling, and firearms
- Customer support response can be slow during peak times
- High-value transactions may face delays for verification
- Advanced POS features require the paid Pro version
- Multi-owner businesses face a longer setup due to verification needs
Who Are SumUp?
SumUp is a London-based financial technology brand founded in 2012. It specialises in accessible payment solutions tailored to small and medium-sized businesses.
With a mission to empower smaller merchants often overlooked by traditional providers, SumUp has grown rapidly. It now serves over 4 million businesses across 36 countries, including the US, Europe, Latin America, and Australia.
Initially launching with a single card reader, SumUp has since expanded its offerings to include a comprehensive suite of products, from additional card readers and POS systems to online payment and invoicing tools.
This growth has been supported by major funding, such as the €1.5 billion secured in 2024 to expand its global reach. Additionally, SumUp has shown a commitment to environmental responsibility, pledging 1% of future net revenues to eco-friendly causes.
SumUp Products and Features
Card Readers: SumUp’s card readers are a core offering, available in different models:
- Air: Lightweight, connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone or tablet, and handles over 500 transactions per charge. Ideal for mobile businesses.
- Solo: Standalone device with Wi-Fi and built-in SIM, offering a touchscreen and smart tipping. Great for quick payments without needing an additional device.
- Solo & Printer: Adds a receipt printer and battery boost, perfect for on-the-go businesses needing printed receipts.
Point of Sale (POS) Solutions: SumUp provides three main POS options to cover a range of business needs:
- POS Lite: A free software POS with a 13-inch touchscreen, offering basic catalog management, tips, and refund functions.
- POS Pro: For more advanced needs, POS Pro includes loyalty programs, multi-store management, and integrates with major platforms like Xero and QuickBooks.
- POS Enterprise: Designed for large-scale venues, offering tailored features for real-time stock tracking, kitchen displays, and loyalty schemes.
Online Payments: Accept payments via e-commerce integrations with platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, secure APIs, or through SumUp’s own widgets. Ideal for businesses with an online presence or recurring payments.
Payment Links & QR Codes: Simple, shareable links and QR codes allow businesses to receive payments remotely through email, SMS, or social media. No app download is required for customers.
Online Store: SumUp’s free online store builder includes templates and inventory management tools, providing small businesses an easy way to establish an online presence with a 2.5% transaction fee.
Invoicing: Quick, customisable invoicing allows businesses to send professional invoices directly from the app, with push notifications for payment reminders.
Tap to Pay: For mobile businesses, SumUp enables smartphones to accept contactless payments without extra hardware on both iOS and Android devices.
SumUp Business Bank Account: With a free UK business bank account and Mastercard, funds are accessible by 7 am the next day, even on weekends.
SumUp’s Pricing
| Product/Service | Fees |
|---|---|
| Air Card Reader | £39 + VAT (or £49 + VAT with charging station); 1.69% transaction fee per in-person payment |
| Solo Card Reader | £79 + VAT; 1.69% transaction fee per in-person payment |
| Solo & Printer Card Reader | £139 + VAT; 1.69% transaction fee per in-person payment |
| POS Lite System | Free software, hardware costs £349 + VAT; 1.69% transaction fee |
| POS Pro System | £49 + VAT monthly for software; hardware from £754.80; reduced 0.99% transaction fee |
| Payment Links & QR Codes | 2.5% transaction fee; no setup or monthly fees |
| Online Store | 2.5% transaction fee; no setup or monthly fees |
| Tap to Pay on iPhone & Android | No setup fee; 1.69% transaction fee per in-person payment |
| Invoicing (Free Plan) | 2.5% transaction fee for invoices paid online |
| Invoicing (Pro Plan) | £7 + VAT monthly; 1.25% transaction fee for online invoices |
| Invoicing (SumUp One Plan) | £19 + VAT monthly; 0.99% transaction fee for all payments (in-person and online) |
| SumUp Business Bank Account | Free account with no monthly fees (international fees may apply for foreign transactions or withdrawals) |
| POS Enterprise Solution | Custom pricing based on business needs |
| SumUp One FlexiPlan | £14.92 monthly (yearly payment) or £19 monthly; 0.99% transaction fee for in-person payments |
| Loyalty Programme | £19 monthly; one-time hardware fee of £99 |
| Gift Cards | No setup cost; 2.5% transaction fee on gift card sales |
Is SumUp Easy to Use?
SumUp is designed for ease of use, making setup and daily operations straightforward. Its card readers connect quickly via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, with clear guides to help users get started. Transactions are fast, with next-day payouts that improve cash flow for small businesses.
The SumUp app, available on iOS and Android, acts as a central hub for payments, allowing businesses to access Tap to Pay, generate payment links, and manage invoicing. The app’s clean, intuitive design makes it easy to view sales reports, manage products, and track transactions, helping streamline business tasks.
With its simple setup, portable hardware, and accessible app, SumUp offers a highly user-friendly experience that requires little training, making it ideal for businesses seeking an efficient, reliable payment solution.
SumUp Safety and Security
SumUp prioritises safety and security to protect both itself and its customers. It is PCI-DSS compliant, meaning it adheres to industry standards for secure card payments and is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ensuring reliable financial practices.
All transactions through SumUp are protected by 256-bit SSL encryption and TLS, safeguarding data from interception. SumUp uses advanced AI monitoring to detect unusual activity and prevent fraud, with 3D Secure 2 authentication adding another layer of protection for online transactions.
To further enhance security, SumUp’s systems are tested regularly through a Bug Bounty Program, allowing security professionals to identify potential vulnerabilities. These measures make SumUp a safe, compliant choice for businesses seeking a secure payment processing solution.
SumUp Customer Reviews
SumUp has received an overall score of 4.2/5 out of 23,0
Positive Reviews
Many of the positive reviews highlight SumUp’s good quality products, especially their card machines and bank account especially.
Other positive reviews praise SumUp’s customer support’s ability to resolve issues, though it can take some time for your query to be answered and resolved.
Negative Reviews
Many of the negative reviews state that SumUp’s customer service either takes far too long to address issues or simply refuses to resolve them.
Some negative reviews even claim that they have not received products that they had paid for, not being sent a receipt or an invoice and their item not showing up on SumUp’s system.
How to Get Started With SumUp
- Choose Your Product/s: Visit SumUp’s website to select the product that best fits your business needs, such as a card reader or POS system, and add it to your basket.
- Create an Account: At checkout, enter your email, create a password, and follow any prompts to verify your email address.
- Enter Your Business Details: Provide basic information about your business, including your name, business address, and phone number.
- Select a Payment Method: Enter your payment details for the product purchase and confirm your order. Once payment is processed, SumUp will ship your device.
- Set Up Your Device: Once you receive your device, follow the setup instructions to connect it and make it ready for transactions.
- Link Your Bank Account: Access your SumUp profile, choose how you’d like to receive funds, and link a compatible bank account or set up a free SumUp Business Account for faster payouts.
- Verify Your Account: Complete the verification process by submitting the required documentation, such as photo ID and proof of business activity, to ensure account compliance.
- Start Accepting Payments: Once verified, you’re ready to begin accepting payments, whether in person, online, or through payment links.
Alternatives to SumUp
| Feature | Square | Zettle by PayPal | Shopify POS | Lightspeed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardware | Square Reader (from £19) | Zettle Reader (£29) | Shopify Card Reader (from £49) | Custom hardware (contact sales for pricing) |
| Payment Processing Rates | 1.75% in-person, 1.4% + 25p online | 1.75% in-person, 2.5% online | 1.5%–2.2% depending on plan | 1.29% + 5p in-person (other rates vary) |
| POS Features | Inventory tracking, invoicing, payroll integrations | Mobile POS, inventory management, sales analytics | Multi-channel sales, inventory sync, loyalty options | Advanced inventory, analytics, employee management |
| Pricing | Card reader from £19; POS app free with fees | Card reader £29; POS app free with transaction fees | Card reader from £49; POS from £19/month | Card reader: Contact sales; POS from £39/month |
| Best For | Small businesses needing flexibility | Mobile-focused small retailers | E-commerce and retail | Retail and hospitality |
| Site Link | Visit Site | Visit Site | Visit Site | Visit Site |
SumUp FAQs
SumUp is available in 36 countries. However, check that your business is in a supported region before signing up, and note that international transaction fees may apply for some services
Most transactions are paid out within one business day if linked to the SumUp Business Account; otherwise, it can take 1-3 business days for bank payouts.
SumUp integrates with major accounting platforms, including Xero, QuickBooks, and FreeAgent, which helps streamline bookkeeping.
Yes, SumUp readers can accept payments offline, storing transactions for processing once reconnected to the internet, which is helpful in low-connectivity areas.
