What is SumUp?
This SumUp review covers a popular payment tool. It lets small businesses accept card payments easily. You don’t need to deal with banks or complicated contracts.
SumUp sells small card readers that connect to your phone. This allows customers to pay with their cards or phones anywhere. You can use it in your shop, at a market stall, or even in a customer’s home.
We will break down exactly what you pay. We’ll also look at their card readers and how their app works. Finally, we’ll determine if it offers good value for your business.
You might run a hair salon or sell at farmers markets. Perhaps you fix plumbing or own a small café. You need to understand SumUp’s true cost and how it compares to other options.
We tested their card readers and checked their fees. We also read real customer reviews. Finally, we compared them to competitors like Square.
You will learn what SumUp charges per payment. You’ll also discover which card reader fits your business. We’ll show you how fast you get your money and if any hidden costs exist.
By the end, you’ll know if SumUp is right for you. If it’s not, you’ll know to look elsewhere.
Small shops and boutiques, Hairdressers, plumbers, cleaners , New businesses avoiding expensive bank contracts,
Key Features
Different Card Readers to Choose From
SumUp sells three types of card readers depending on your needs. The SumUp Air costs about $59 and connects to your phone using Bluetooth - customers can tap their card, put in their PIN, or swipe. The SumUp 3G works without needing your phone at all because it connects to the internet itself - great if you sell outdoors or don't want to use your phone.
Only Pay When You Get Paid
Most payment companies charge you every month even if you make no sales, but SumUp doesn't. You only pay when a customer actually pays you. If someone pays with their card in person, you pay 2.99% of the sale.
Get Your Money The Next Day
When customers pay you, the money shows up in your bank account the next working day automatically. You don't wait weeks or deal with complicated schedules. If you open their free business bank account, you can get the money immediately instead of waiting until tomorrow - useful when you need to pay for things right away or manage your cash better.
Phone App That Runs Everything
Download the free SumUp app on your iPhone or Android phone and it becomes your entire till system. Take payments anywhere, email or text receipts to customers, see all your sales immediately, save your products with prices and photos, check reports showing your best days and products, give refunds if needed, and look back at all your old sales.
Send Invoices and Get Paid Remotely
Create professional invoices in the app or on the computer and email or text them to customers. They click a link, put in their card details, and pay you without you needing your card reader nearby.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No monthly payments - only pay when customers actually pay you
- Really simple to set up, working in just minutes
- Clear pricing with no hidden surprise charges
- Card readers cost less than traditional till systems
- Money arrives next day normally, instantly with their business account
Cons
- Fees add up if you do lots of sales compared to flat monthly plans
- Doesn't have all the fancy features expensive till systems have
- Support is by email only, no phone number in some countries
- Card readers sometimes have trouble connecting to phones
- Not the best choice if you're doing huge sales volumes
Pricing Plans
SumUp
- Complete till system
- Printer built in
- Screen for customers
- Track your stock
- Manage staff
- Organize tables for restaurants
- Lower fees per sale (2.3% + 10¢)
- Better support
- Lower fees per sale (2.3% + 10¢)
- Better support
- Access from anywhere
SumUp Business Account
- Free business bank account
- UK and Europe banking
- No monthly charges
- Get money instantly
- Cashback on purchases
- Works with card readers
- Get a business card
- Use different currencies
How It Compares
Square Reader
SumUp charges less per sale (1.69% vs 2.6%) and doesn't add extra cents each time. Card readers cost less money. Works better for European businesses. Their business account gives you money instantly compared to Square's next day.
Zettle by PayPal
SumUp's pricing is simpler without adding cents per sale, which helps if customers usually pay you small amounts. Card readers cost less. Works better offline and easier to set up. No free business bank account with Zettle.