SumUp vs Square UK (2026): Fees, Machines & Which Is Better?
Compare SumUp and Square transaction fees, card machine costs and payment features to find the best card reader for your UK business.
Updated: August 2026
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SumUp vs Square: Which Card Machine Is Best for UK Businesses?
SumUp vs Square are two of the UK’s most popular card payment providers, particularly for small businesses looking for straightforward pricing without a traditional card machine contract.
For businesses mainly taking simple face-to-face card payments, SumUp is generally the more straightforward option. Square offers a wider range of POS, inventory, ecommerce and business management features.
In this guide, we compare SumUp vs Square across transaction fees, card machine costs, payout times, hardware and features to help you decide which is better for your business in 2026.
SumUp vs Square: Quick Verdict
SumUp is likely to be the better choice for businesses that want a simple card machine with slightly lower in-person transaction fees and fewer additional features to manage. Square is likely to suit businesses that want a broader point of sale system, with more advanced tools for inventory, reporting, bookings and online sales.
For straightforward face to face payments, SumUp has the edge on simplicity and cost. For businesses looking for a more complete POS and business management platform, Square offers more functionality. Overall, which is better depends on how your business takes payments and the features you need.
SumUp vs Square Fees and Costs UK
| SumUp | Square | |
|---|---|---|
| Reader | From £19–£34 | From £19 |
| Terminal | From £59 | From £149 |
| In-person fee | 1.69% | 1.75% |
| Online | Around 2.5% | From 1.4% + 25p |
| Monthly fee | None | None |
| Payout | 2–3 working days | Usually next working day |
Key takeaway: SumUp has a slightly lower standard in-person transaction fee at 1.69% compared with Square at 1.75%. Square can be more competitive for some online payments and offers faster standard payouts.
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 UK
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.
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 Calculator
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%) | - |
SumUp or Square: Which is Best for Your Business?
| Business type | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Market traders & mobile trades | SumUp | Simple, portable payments |
| Occasional card payments | SumUp | Straightforward pay-as-you-go setup |
| Independent retailers | Either | Depends on your POS needs |
| Cafés & restaurants | Square | Stronger POS and management tools |
| Salons & service businesses | Square | Bookings and wider POS features |
Not sure which is right for your business? Payments World can compare SumUp, Square and other payment providers to help you find the right setup for your needs.
Additional Payment Features
Both SumUp and Square offer ways to take payments beyond face-to-face card transactions.
| Feature | SumUp | Square |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual terminal | Yes | Yes |
| Payment links | Yes | Yes |
| Online payments | Ecommerce integrations | Square Online + integrations |
| Invoicing | Invoicing + online payments | Invoicing + payment tracking |
| QR payments | Yes | Yes |
For businesses that mainly need straightforward ways to take payments in person and remotely, SumUp covers the essentials well. Square offers a broader ecosystem for businesses that want to combine payments with POS, ecommerce, invoicing and other business management tools.
How Payments World Can Help
With so many card payment providers available in the UK, comparing fees, hardware and features can be difficult.
Payments World helps businesses compare card machines, merchant accounts and payment solutions from a range of providers. Whether you’re looking for a simple card reader, a complete POS system or want to review what you’re currently paying, we can help you understand your options and find a solution that suits your business.
We aren’t limited to SumUp and Square, so if neither is the right fit, we can help you compare alternative providers and payment options.
You can also explore our SumUp vs Zettle comparison to see how two other popular options compare.
Want to review your current payment setup? Get in touch with Payments World for a free, no obligation comparison.
Final Thoughts
Both SumUp and Square are strong options for UK businesses, but they suit slightly different needs.
SumUp is likely to be the better choice for businesses that prioritise simplicity, lower standard in-person transaction fees and straightforward card payments. It is particularly well suited to smaller businesses, mobile traders and those that mainly need a reliable way to accept face to face payments.
Square is likely to be the better choice for businesses that want more from their payment system. Its wider range of POS, inventory, reporting, ecommerce and business management tools makes it particularly useful for retailers, cafés and businesses with more complex requirements.
There is no single winner for every business. The best choice between SumUp and Square depends on your transaction volumes, how you take payments and whether you need a simple card machine or a wider POS system.
For more reviews on card machines don’t forget to check out our blog page.
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.
SumUp may be the better choice if you primarily want a simple card machine with straightforward pricing and slightly lower in-person transaction fees. Square may be better if you need additional POS features such as inventory management, reporting, bookings and integrations. The best option ultimately depends on how your business takes payments.
Both SumUp and Square allow UK businesses to accept card payments without a traditional card machine rental contract. SumUp focuses heavily on simple, low-cost payment processing, while Square offers a broader ecosystem of point of sale and business management tools alongside its card machines.
SumUp and Square can both work well for smaller businesses, but their standard percentage-based pricing can become more expensive as turnover increases. Businesses processing higher monthly card volumes may find that a traditional merchant account with negotiated transaction rates works out cheaper. It is worth comparing your total monthly processing cost rather than choosing a provider based solely on convenience.
Yes, a business can use both SumUp and Square at the same time. This could be useful if you want a backup payment option or prefer particular features from each provider. However, using two systems can make reporting and reconciliation more complicated, so most businesses will find it simpler to choose the provider that best matches how they take payments.
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