Revolut Reader vs SumUp: Which Card Reader Is Best for UK Businesses in 2026?
Compare Revolut Reader and SumUp fees, features, payouts and value for UK businesses to find the best card machine for your needs.
Updated: April 2026
Table of Contents
Introduction: Revolut Reader vs SumUp
If you are comparing Revolut Reader vs SumUp, you are not alone. These two card payment providers are among the most searched options for UK small businesses looking for an affordable, reliable way to accept card payments in person.
Both offer portable card readers, contactless payments, no long-term contracts and simple onboarding. However, they are built for slightly different business types. SumUp has become a popular choice for sole traders and smaller merchants who want a straightforward card machine with transparent pricing. Revolut Reader appeals to businesses that want lower transaction fees, faster access to funds and extra financial tools linked to a business account.
The right choice depends on how much you process each month, the type of customers you serve, your average transaction value and whether you need more than just a card reader.
This in-depth guide compares pricing, hardware, payouts, business features, customer support and long-term value to help you decide which card machine is best for your business.
You can read our full review on SumUps terminals right here.
Quick Verdict
Choose SumUp if you want a beginner-friendly card reader with simple pricing, fast setup and no unnecessary complexity. It is a strong option for market traders, mobile businesses, start-ups and sole traders taking occasional or moderate card payments.
Choose Revolut Reader if you process larger monthly volumes, want to lower payment processing costs or need access to wider business finance tools such as multi-currency accounts, team spending controls and integrated business banking.
For many smaller businesses, SumUp feels easier. For growing businesses focused on efficiency and lower costs, Revolut Reader can be the smarter long-term move.
Pricing and Transaction Fees
For most businesses, fees are where the real comparison begins. A difference of less than 1% might sound small, but over hundreds or thousands of transactions it can significantly affect profit margins.
Revolut Reader Fees
The Revolut reader is often attractive because its in-person payment fees can be lower than many flat-rate competitors. Depending on your account type and the card used, pricing may start from a lower percentage plus a small fixed fee. This model can work particularly well for businesses with higher-value transactions.
For example, if your average customer spends £60 or £100 rather than £5 or £10, a lower percentage rate can quickly create savings over the course of a month. Businesses processing regular daily sales often find this especially appealing.
That said, Revolut’s pricing structure can be more nuanced than a simple flat rate. Charges may differ depending on whether the card is personal, commercial, UK-issued or international. Some features may also depend on your Revolut Business plan, so it is important to check current pricing before signing up.
Revolut tends to offer pricing at around 1.5% for all merchants, you also get a Revolut bank account as standard.
SumUp Fees
SumUp built much of its reputation on simplicity. Many UK businesses choose it because the pricing is easy to understand. You pay a flat transaction fee for in-person payments, with no need to decode multiple card categories or fee tiers for everyday use.
That simplicity can be valuable in itself. If you are just starting a business, running occasional events or only taking a modest number of card payments each month, predictable pricing can make administration easier and reduce surprises.
While the standard fee may be higher than Revolut in some scenarios, smaller businesses often accept that trade-off in exchange for ease of use and quick setup.
SumUp generally charges 1.69% per transaction across the board, although if you are processing a high volume then you can get this lower at around 1%.
Which is Cheaper Overall?
There is no universal winner. It depends on your business model.If you only take occasional payments, SumUp may work out better because there is usually no need to pay for advanced account features and the pricing remains straightforward.
If you process higher monthly volumes, Revolut Reader can become more cost-effective over time. Even a small reduction in fees can save hundreds or thousands of pounds per year.
This is why smart merchants compare estimated monthly costs rather than looking only at headline rates. If you are reviewing providers, it is also worth reading our guides to the cheapest card machines in the UK, merchant account fees and best card readers for small businesses.
Hardware and Ease of Use
A card machine needs to do more than look good. It must be reliable, easy to pair, quick to charge and simple enough for staff to use without training issues.
Revolut Reader Hardware
Revolut Reader has a modern design and is built to work closely with the Revolut Business ecosystem. It accepts contactless cards, Chip and PIN transactions, Apple Pay and Google Pay, giving customers the payment methods they expect.
The device is compact and suited to mobile selling, pop-up shops, tradespeople and businesses that need portability. It is especially useful for merchants who already manage finances through Revolut, as payments and account activity can sit within one ecosystem.
For newer business owners, the main learning curve is not the hardware itself but understanding the wider Revolut platform and available account features.
One downside is that the terminal cost is about £169 upfront which is steep for a lot of smaller business just to enable them to take card payments.
SumUp Reader Hardware
SumUp’s card readers are designed with simplicity in mind. Devices such as the SumUp Air are lightweight, portable and easy to connect to a smartphone or tablet. Setup is generally fast, making it popular with businesses that want to start taking payments quickly.
This ease of use matters in busy environments. If you are serving customers at a market stall, in a salon, on customer premises or at a food stand, you want staff focused on customers rather than technology. For many first-time merchants, SumUp’s user experience is one of its strongest selling points.
Additionally, you can pick up a SumUp card reader for about £29 if you’re a nano merchant and want to take payments very quickly
Payout Speed and Cash Flow
Getting paid quickly can be just as important as the transaction fee. Many small businesses rely on daily takings to buy stock, cover fuel costs, pay staff or manage supplier invoices.
Revolut Reader Payouts
One of Revolut’s advantages is fast access to funds, particularly when payments settle directly into a Revolut Business account which is usually next working day (T+1) This can help improve cash flow and reduce the waiting time between making a sale and using the money.
For businesses operating with tight margins or frequent stock purchases, faster settlement can be a genuine operational benefit rather than just a convenience.
SumUp Payouts
SumUp typically offers reliable payouts within one to two working days, depending on account setup and payment timing. For many businesses this is perfectly acceptable and fits normal cash flow cycles. SumUp tends to payout next working day straight into their debit account that they give you.
If you do not need instant or next-day access, payout speed may not be a deciding factor. However, businesses with frequent expenses may prefer faster settlement options.
Business Features Beyond Card Payments
Many businesses now want more than a basic card machine. Reporting tools, invoicing, payment links and integrations can save time and improve operations.
Where Revolut Stands Out
Revolut is stronger when you need a broader financial toolkit. Depending on the account selected, features can include business banking, multi-currency accounts, expense controls, team cards, analytics and international transfers.
This makes Revolut particularly attractive for agencies, growing retailers, service businesses with staff expenses and companies dealing with overseas customers or suppliers.
Instead of using separate apps for payments, spending and banking, some businesses prefer having more functions under one provider.
Where SumUp Stands Out
SumUp focuses on practical merchant tools. Features may include invoicing, payment links, basic point of sale tools, product catalogues and simple sales reporting.
That is ideal for many independent businesses. If you run a café, beauty business, retail kiosk or mobile service company, you may not need advanced treasury tools or foreign exchange features. You may simply want to take payments smoothly and track sales.
In those cases, SumUp often delivers exactly what is needed without overcomplicating the experience.
Customer Support and Reputation
No payment provider is perfect, so support matters when something goes wrong. Both brands have large user bases in the UK and strong market recognition. Experiences can vary depending on issue type, account level and support channel used. Some merchants value fast live assistance, while others rarely need support at all.
Before choosing any provider, it is sensible to read recent reviews, check support hours and understand how disputes, refunds and technical issues are handled. A slightly cheaper fee is less valuable if support is difficult when you need urgent help.
Advantages of Revolut Reader
Revolut Reader can be excellent value for businesses processing regular monthly card sales. Lower transaction pricing can make a noticeable difference over time, particularly where average basket values are higher. It is also more than a payment terminal. For businesses that already use Revolut, having payments, balances, transfers and spending controls in one place can improve efficiency and reduce admin.
The multi-currency and international business features are another major advantage. If you work with overseas suppliers, invoice international clients or travel for business, Revolut can offer benefits beyond taking payments in person. Fast access to funds is another strong point. Better cash flow can help businesses move faster and stay flexible.
Disadvantages of Revolut Reader
Revolut is not always the easiest option for absolute beginners. While the card reader itself is simple enough, the broader platform can feel more involved than a pure plug and play payments provider.
Pricing can also require more attention. Depending on card type and account plan, costs may not be as instantly clear as a single flat fee model. Some very small businesses may not need the extra finance tools at all. If you only want to accept occasional payments at weekends or events, Revolut’s wider ecosystem may feel unnecessary.
Advantages of SumUp
SumUp’s biggest strength is accessibility. It is one of the easiest ways for a UK business to start accepting card payments. Registration is usually straightforward, hardware is beginner-friendly and pricing is easy to understand. That makes it especially appealing to sole traders, side hustles, new businesses and seasonal sellers. You can focus on selling rather than learning a complex platform.
The product range is also practical for smaller merchants. From portable readers to point of sale options, SumUp gives businesses room to grow without overwhelming them at the start. Its flat-rate pricing of 1.69% is another advantage. Even if it is not always the cheapest route, many merchants value the certainty and simplicity.
Disadvantages of SumUp
The standard transaction fee can become expensive as turnover grows. A business processing significant monthly sales may eventually find that flat-rate pricing costs more than alternatives with lower percentages.
While SumUp offers useful merchant tools, it does not always match the wider finance ecosystem available through Revolut. Businesses needing advanced spend controls, international transfers or multi-currency functions may outgrow it.
Payout speed is fine for many users, but some businesses may prefer faster access to funds.
Final Verdict: Revolut Reader or SumUp?
To be completely honest, there is no single winner for every UK business.
Choose SumUp if you want a simple, dependable card reader with easy pricing and a fast route to accepting payments. It remains one of the best options for smaller merchants, occasional sellers and first-time business owners.
Choose Revolut Reader if you want to lower payment costs, improve cash flow and access wider business finance tools as your company grows.
The best decision comes from matching the provider to your turnover, business model and future plans rather than choosing based on brand name alone. If you are still comparing options then see our latest deals here and check our our guides where we cover card machines, payment gateways, POS systems and merchant services for UK businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
It can be, especially for higher-volume businesses or larger average transaction values. For low-volume sellers, the difference may be smaller.
Yes. SumUp is widely used by UK small businesses because it is easy to set up, portable and simple to understand.
Many modern providers including SumUp and Revolut offer no long-term contract options, though optional paid plans may exist.
Depending on current eligibility and account options, many smaller businesses and sole traders can use Revolut products. Always check the latest terms.
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