SumUp vs Square: Which Card Machine Is Best for UK Businesses?
Compare SumUp and Square transaction fees, card machine costs and payment features to find the best card reader for your UK business.
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SumUp vs Square: Which Card Machine Is Best for UK Businesses?
SumUp vs Square. Two of the biggest names in card payments, both used by millions of businesses around the world to process transactions every day. Each provider offers simple, affordable ways for businesses to accept card payments, making them especially popular with small businesses, start-ups and independent traders. But when comparing SumUp vs Square, which one actually offers better value?
In this guide we take a closer look at both providers and compare their card machines, transaction fees and key features to help you understand the differences. While SumUp and Square appear very similar at first glance, there are several important factors that can influence which platform is the better choice depending on how your business accepts payments.
Both companies offer portable card readers, straightforward pricing and the ability to accept debit cards, credit cards and mobile wallet payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. However, their pricing structures, hardware options and additional tools can vary, which means one provider may suit your business better than the other.
In this detailed comparison we explore SumUp vs Square in terms of fees, card machine hardware, payment features and overall value for UK businesses. By the end of this guide you should have a clear understanding of how the two providers compare and which card payment solution may be the best fit for your business.
Overview of SumUp and Square
SumUp and Square are both payment service providers that allow businesses to accept card payments without needing a traditional merchant account from a bank. Instead of signing long contracts or paying monthly terminal rental fees, businesses can purchase a card reader and simply pay a small transaction fee each time they process a payment.
SumUp was founded with a focus on providing simple, low cost payment solutions for small businesses. The company has grown rapidly across Europe and is now widely used by market traders, cafés, small shops and service businesses. Its approach centres on simplicity, offering straightforward pricing and card readers that are quick to set up and easy to use.
Square began in the United States but has expanded internationally, including a strong presence in the UK. While Square also offers portable card readers, its platform goes beyond basic payment processing. The company provides a full point of sale ecosystem with business management tools, reporting features and integrations designed for retail and hospitality businesses.
The result is that SumUp and Square often appeal to slightly different types of businesses. SumUp tends to attract businesses looking for simplicity and low fees, while Square is popular with companies that want more advanced software features alongside their payment processing.
SumUp vs Square Fees
For most businesses the biggest ongoing cost of using a card machine is the transaction fee. This is the percentage taken from each payment processed through the card reader.
SumUp uses a flat pricing structure for card payments. In the UK, the standard rate is around 1.69% for in person transactions. This pricing model is designed to be easy to understand, particularly for smaller businesses that do not want complicated interchange pricing or long term contracts.
Square also uses a simple pricing system. In person card payments are typically charged at around 1.75% per transaction. The difference between the two providers is therefore small, but SumUp is slightly cheaper for standard card payments made through a reader.
Online payments are priced differently. Square tends to offer more competitive rates for online transactions, which can make it a stronger option for businesses that operate both online and in person. Square also supports a wider range of ecommerce integrations and remote payment tools.
For many small businesses that primarily take face to face payments, the difference between 1.69% and 1.75% may not seem significant. However, over time even small differences in transaction fees can add up, especially for businesses processing thousands of pounds in card payments each month.
Card Machine Hardware
Both providers offer portable card readers designed to work with smartphones or operate as standalone devices. These machines allow businesses to accept chip and PIN payments, contactless cards and mobile wallet payments.
SumUp offers several card readers including the SumUp Air and the SumUp Solo. These devices are known for their compact design and ease of use. The SumUp Air reader connects to a smartphone using Bluetooth, while the Solo device includes a touchscreen and can operate independently using WiFi or mobile data.
Square also offers a range of hardware options. The basic Square Reader is similar to the SumUp Air, allowing businesses to accept payments through a smartphone app. Square also provides more advanced devices such as the Square Terminal and Square Register, which include built in screens and additional POS functionality.
For businesses that simply need a portable card reader to take payments, both companies offer reliable hardware at similar price points. However, Square’s more advanced devices may be attractive for businesses that want an all in one payment and point of sale system.
Sum Up Air
The SumUp Air Card Reader is a compact and portable payment device designed for small businesses to accept card payments anywhere. It connects to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth using the free SumUp app, allowing users to take secure contactless, Chip & PIN, and mobile wallet payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Lightweight and easy to set up, it offers a simple way to process payments on the go with no monthly fees and fast transfers to your bank account
Square Card Reader
The Square Small Card Reader is a compact, portable device that allows businesses to accept card payments anywhere. It connects wirelessly to a smartphone or tablet via the Square app, enabling quick and secure transactions using contactless cards, mobile wallets, and chip-enabled cards. Ideal for small businesses and on-the-go sellers, it offers a simple, reliable way to process payments without a traditional till system.
Ease Of Use & Setup
One of the main reasons businesses choose modern payment providers instead of traditional merchant accounts is the simplicity of setup. Both SumUp and Square are designed to make accepting card payments as straightforward as possible.
With SumUp, getting started typically involves creating an account online, downloading the SumUp mobile app and pairing the card reader with your phone. Once the reader is connected, businesses can begin accepting payments almost immediately.
Square follows a similar setup process but includes more optional configuration options. Businesses using Square may choose to configure product catalogues, inventory tracking and reporting tools within the Square POS system. While this adds functionality, it also means the setup process can be slightly more involved.
For businesses that want the simplest possible solution for accepting card payments, SumUp’s minimal setup can be appealing. Businesses that want a more comprehensive system may prefer Square’s wider range of tools.
Features and Payment Options
Both SumUp and Square support the most common payment methods used in the UK. Customers can pay using debit cards, credit cards and contactless payments. Mobile wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are also supported by both platforms.
Beyond basic card acceptance, each provider offers additional tools to help businesses manage payments and sales.
SumUp includes features such as invoicing, payment links and simple online store tools. These allow businesses to accept payments remotely or create basic ecommerce functionality without needing a separate payment processor.
Square’s platform includes a much broader set of business tools. Its POS software supports inventory management, staff accounts and detailed sales reporting. Square also offers booking systems for service businesses and integrations with many ecommerce platforms.
Because of these features, Square is often chosen by businesses that want a payment system that also helps manage day to day operations.
Payment Speed and Payouts
Another factor businesses often consider is how quickly card payments are transferred to their bank account.
SumUp typically transfers funds within one to three working days after a transaction is processed. This is fairly standard for payment providers in the UK.
Square generally offers next day payouts for many transactions, which can be helpful for businesses that rely on quick access to their revenue.
Although the difference may not matter for every business, faster payouts can improve cash flow, particularly for businesses with high daily transaction volumes.
Which Provider Is Better for Small Businesses?
Choosing between SumUp and Square ultimately depends on how your business operates and what features you need from your payment provider.
Businesses that prioritise simplicity and low transaction fees often find SumUp to be the most attractive option. Its straightforward pricing and easy setup make it particularly well suited to smaller businesses, market traders and mobile services that mainly take payments in person.
Square, on the other hand, tends to appeal to businesses that want a more complete point of sale system. Its software features can help manage inventory, track sales and streamline operations in retail and hospitality environments.
Neither provider is objectively better in every situation. Instead, the right choice depends on your business model and the features that matter most to you.
SumUp vs Square Cost Comparison Table
| Cost / Feature | SumUp | Square |
|---|---|---|
| Basic card reader | SumUp Air: from around £19–£34 | Square Reader: from around £19 |
| Standalone terminal | SumUp Solo: around £59 Solo + Printer: around £75 | Square Terminal: around £149 |
| In-person transaction fee | 1.69% per transaction | 1.75% per transaction |
| Online payments | Around 2.5% per transaction | 1.4% + 25p (UK cards) 2.5% + 25p (non-UK cards) |
| Payment links / invoices | Around 2.5% | Around 2.5% |
| Virtual terminal | Around 2.95% + 25p | Around 2.5% |
| Monthly fees | None required | None required |
| Payout speed | Usually 2-3 working days | Usually next working day |
| Instant payouts | Not widely available | Instant payout available (around 1.5% fee) |
| Chargebacks | Around £10 fee | Usually no chargeback fee |
| Refunds | Free but transaction fee usually retained | Free but transaction fee usually retained |
Key takeaway: SumUp is slightly cheaper for in-person payments at 1.69% vs Square’s 1.75%, while Square can be cheaper for online transactions
Example Monthly Card Processing Costs
This table shows approximate fees if your business processes card payments in person only.
| Monthly Card Sales | SumUp Fees (1.69%) | Square Fees (1.75%) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| £2,000 | £33.80 | £35.00 | Square costs £1.20 more |
| £5,000 | £84.50 | £87.50 | Square costs £3.00 more |
| £10,000 | £169.00 | £175.00 | Square costs £6.00 more |
| £20,000 | £338.00 | £350.00 | Square costs £12.00 more |
This example shows that while the difference between the two providers is relatively small per transaction, SumUp can be slightly cheaper over time if your business processes a high volume of in-person payments.
SumUp vs Square Fee Calcultor
Use the calculator below to estimate how much you could pay in card processing fees with SumUp and Square based on your expected monthly card sales. Simply enter your estimated sales to see a quick comparison of the transaction costs for each provider. This can help you understand which card machine may offer better value for your business.
SumUp vs Square Fee Calculator
Estimated Monthly Fees
| Provider | Fees |
|---|---|
| SumUp (1.69%) | - |
| Square (1.75%) | - |
Additional Payment Features
While both SumUp and Square are best known for their card readers, they also provide a range of additional payment tools that allow businesses to accept payments in different ways. These features can be useful for businesses that take remote payments, deposits or phone orders, or that want more flexibility in how customers pay.
Virtual Terminal
A virtual terminal allows businesses to process payments by manually entering a customer’s card details into an online dashboard. This is commonly used for telephone orders, mail order payments or remote transactions where the customer cannot physically tap their card on a reader. Both SumUp and Square offer virtual terminal functionality through their online business dashboards, allowing merchants to securely process payments without needing a card machine present.
Payment Links
Payment links allow businesses to send a secure payment request to a customer through email, SMS or messaging apps. The customer simply clicks the link and completes the payment online using their card. This feature is useful for invoices, deposits, remote services or social media sales, and it allows businesses to accept payments without needing a full ecommerce website.
Online Payments
Both providers also support online payments through checkout pages or integrations with ecommerce platforms. This means businesses can accept card payments through their website in addition to in-person transactions. Square tends to offer slightly more advanced ecommerce tools and integrations, while SumUp provides simpler online store features for small businesses.
Invoicing Tools
Another useful feature offered by both platforms is built in invoicing. Businesses can create professional invoices and send them directly to customers by email. Customers can then pay the invoice online using a debit or credit card, which can simplify payment collection for service businesses or freelancers.
QR Code Payments
Some payment solutions also allow businesses to generate QR codes that customers can scan with their phone to complete a payment. This can be useful for contactless environments, pop up shops or situations where businesses want to offer a quick digital payment option without handing over a card machine.
Together these additional tools mean that both SumUp and Square function as complete payment platforms rather than just simple card readers, giving businesses multiple ways to accept payments depending on how they operate.
How Payments World Can Help
With so many card machine providers available in the UK, choosing the right solution for your business can be difficult. Pricing structures, hardware options and payment features can vary widely between providers, and it is not always clear which option offers the best value.
At PaymentsWorld we help businesses compare payment solutions and find the most suitable card machine for their needs. Our guides and comparison tools are designed to simplify the process of choosing a payment provider by clearly explaining the costs, features and benefits of different options.
Whether you are looking for the cheapest card machine, a free card reader offer or a complete point of sale system, our comparison guides can help you understand the options available and choose a provider that fits your business.
By comparing payment providers in one place, businesses can make more informed decisions and avoid paying unnecessary fees.
Final Thoughts
Both SumUp and Square are strong choices for UK businesses that want a simple and flexible way to accept card payments. Each provider offers portable card machines, transparent pricing and the ability to accept contactless and mobile wallet payments without long term contracts or complicated setup.
SumUp is often the preferred option for businesses that want the lowest possible transaction fees and a straightforward payment solution. Its simple pricing model and easy to use card readers make it particularly popular with small retailers, market traders and service businesses that mainly take payments in person.
Square, on the other hand, offers a more feature rich platform that includes powerful point of sale tools, detailed reporting and integrations that can help businesses manage sales and operations more effectively. This makes Square a strong choice for retail shops, cafés and businesses that want a more complete payment and business management system.
Ultimately the best option will depend on how your business operates and what features matter most to you. By comparing transaction fees, hardware costs and payment features carefully, businesses can choose the card machine provider that offers the best balance of affordability, functionality and ease of use.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
In most cases, SumUp is slightly cheaper for in-person card payments because it charges around 1.69 percent per transaction compared with Square’s typical rate of around 1.75 percent. The difference is small, but businesses that process higher volumes of card payments may notice a slightly lower overall cost with SumUp.
Yes. Both SumUp and Square offer pay as you go pricing with no required monthly subscription. Businesses simply pay a transaction fee each time they accept a card payment. Optional subscription plans may be available with additional features or lower transaction rates.
Most card readers from both providers require either a smartphone connection, WiFi or mobile data to process payments. Some standalone terminals include built in connectivity so they can accept payments without needing to be paired with a phone.
Payout times can vary depending on the payment provider and account settings. Square typically offers next working day transfers to a linked bank account, while SumUp usually deposits funds within two to three working days after the payment has been processed.
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