SumUp Review: Is It Right for Your Business?

So you're considering using SumUp for your business? It's a great choice, but is it the right one for you? SumUp is a popular payment processing service that offers a range of features and benefits.

One of the standout features of SumUp is its affordability. With plans starting at just $19 per month, it's an accessible option for small businesses and entrepreneurs on a budget. And with no setup fees or hidden charges, you can get started without breaking the bank.

SumUp's mobile card readers are also a major selling point. They're compact, lightweight, and easy to use, making it simple to take payments on the go. Plus, with a range of compatible devices available, you can choose the one that works best for your business.

Whether you're a food truck, a market stall, or a retail store, SumUp's mobile payments can help you stay ahead of the competition. With fast and secure transactions, you can focus on what matters most – growing your business and serving your customers.

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SumUp has a global presence with over 3,000 people from more than 90 nationalities working across 20 offices on 4 continents.

You'll get to enjoy location-specific perks that you can use both at work and in your free time, making it a great place to work.

SumUp prioritizes the growth and development of its employees, encouraging constructive feedback to help you improve professionally.

The company's commitment to small business owners is genuine, and you'll get to see firsthand how your role can impact their success.

SumUp's simplicity is both a benefit and a drawback, making it easy to accept card payments but lacking in features like accounting and CRM.

We're a global team with over 3,000 people from more than 90 nationalities. Our diverse office locations span across 4 continents.

You'll enjoy location-specific perks that can be used both at work and in your free time. These perks are designed to enhance your experience as a SumUpper.

Our team is committed to constructive feedback, allowing you to nurture your professional growth through exchanges with fellow SumUppers. This helps you develop and thrive in your role.

We're dedicated to supporting small business owners, offering more than just a service. We're partners in their journey, drawing inspiration from their resilience and determination.

We tested 18 payment services providers, assessing them across five main areas of investigation, and 23 subcategories. We looked at everything from ease of use to pricing.

We investigated five main areas: Hardware, Software, Pricing, Ease of use, and Help and support. These categories allowed us to get a comprehensive understanding of each provider's strengths and weaknesses.

We tallied up how many payment types and methods each provider accepts, looked at payout times, reporting and security features, EPOS functionality, and what systems it integrates with. This helped us understand the functionality of each provider's software.

Here's a breakdown of the subcategories we looked at:

We gave each provider an overall score based on how well they fared in these assessment categories. This allowed us to compare and contrast each provider in a fair and objective way.

SumUp has several advantages that make it a popular choice for businesses. No monthly fees are charged, which means you can save money on recurring expenses.

One of the biggest benefits of using SumUp is its zero-contract and easy setup process. This makes it simple to get started and start accepting payments right away.

Here are some of the key pros of using SumUp:

It's worth noting that SumUp's pricing is straightforward, with a simple flat fee structure and no commitments required. This can be a big relief for businesses that are worried about getting locked into a long-term contract.

SumUp has several benefits that make it a great option for taking payments. No monthly fees are charged, which can save you money in the long run.

The setup process is also very easy, with no contracts to sign. This makes it a great option for businesses that want to try out SumUp without committing to a long-term contract.

SumUp offers a free EPOS system and online store, which can be a huge cost savings for small businesses. This includes a free EPOS app and online store builder, which can help you manage sales and products.

Here are some of the key benefits of using SumUp:

The hardware quality is also above average for the price, with elegant designs and long battery life. However, some users may find the non-ergonomic design of the Air terminal to be a drawback.

SumUp's EPOS system has its limitations, and it's essential to consider these before making a decision.

Limited EPOS hardware range is a significant con, as SumUp only offers a few hardware options to support its system.

SumUp's terminals look elegant, but the hardware quality can be inconsistent, with some users experiencing issues with the smooth surface feeling slippery.

A limited range of hardware can be a problem for businesses that require specific tools, such as restaurants or cafes that do table service.

SumUp's terminals have a non-tactile PIN pad, which can be a challenge for visually impaired customers.

You can refer to the following table for a summary of SumUp's hardware limitations:

SumUp's customer support is not available 24/7, which can be a concern for businesses that require immediate assistance.

Transaction fees can add up for high-volume sellers, making it essential to consider the costs before choosing SumUp.

The lack of accounting system and limited software integrations can also be significant drawbacks for some businesses.

For example, Square offers better value for money, with free and paid EPOS software that includes features missing from SumUp's, such as discounts and multi-location management.

Overall, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons of SumUp's EPOS system and consider your specific business needs before making a decision.

SumUp's app has matured into a comprehensive tool for face-to-face merchants, covering most payment and business management features.

The app lets you manage the SumUp Business Account, access the Virtual Terminal, invoicing, online store functions, and customer orders. You can also create a product library with items shown in a checkout menu for easy tapping to add to the bill.

You can add products with an image, category, tax rate, variants, and prices, and create different category labels like "Hot Drinks" and "Food" shown as separate tabs on the screen.

The app allows you to accept cards, cash, and tips, with recent additions of discounts (percentage or fixed amount) to reduce the price of items.

You can also send a payment link, text message, or generate a QR code for customers to scan and proceed on their phone, a great way to take payments face-to-face without a card reader.

SumUp Gift Cards can be accepted, and customers can purchase them online from a fixed link shared via social media, text, email, or messaging app.

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Taxes can be shown on the receipt, enabled in your settings, and after each transaction, you can send a receipt via email or text or print it.

You can create multiple staff logins with basic restrictions, including viewing all transactions, processing refunds, or using the virtual terminal if activated.

The free invoicing tool lets you send unlimited invoices, but you have to have signed up for a free SumUp Business Account to receive transfers.

For £7 per month on the SumUp Pro invoicing plan, you can send unlimited customised invoices in 14 different languages and accept transfers to any bank account.

The transaction fee for online invoices goes down to 1.25% from 2.5% with free invoicing, and the £19 per month SumUp One plan includes SumUp Pro invoicing software with invoicing transaction fees at 0.99%.

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SumUp offers a free EPOS system and online store builder, which is a game-changer for small businesses. This means you can start managing your sales and products without breaking the bank.

You'll save a lot of money with SumUp's free tools, especially compared to other providers that charge an average of £50 per month for EPOS software and £20 per month for online store costs. Square and Zettle also offer similar free tools, but SumUp's options are still a great value.

Here are the free tools you get with SumUp:

These tools provide a holistic set of options for accepting remote payments, and SumUp's offering is similar to Square's. Most traditional payment processing providers don't offer as many remote payment options, so SumUp's tools are a great advantage for businesses that need them.

SumUp offers a free EPOS system and online store builder, providing small businesses with an affordable way to manage sales and products. This is a game-changer for many entrepreneurs, as EPOS software can cost up to £50 per month, and online store builders can cost up to £20 per month.

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You can save a lot of money by choosing SumUp's free tools, which include a free EPOS app and online store builder. This is especially beneficial for small businesses that need to manage sales and products efficiently.

SumUp's free EPOS system includes features such as inventory management, reporting, and more. This allows businesses to stay on top of their sales and products without breaking the bank.

Here are some of the tools included in SumUp's free EPOS system:

These tools can be accessed through the SumUp app, making it easy to manage your business on-the-go.

Receipt printing is a breeze with SumUp. You can print physical receipts via the app and compatible printers.

SumUp's cloud printing feature allows you to print receipts using Google Cloud Print and Apple AirPrint. This means you can print receipts without needing a separate printer driver.

You can print receipts directly from the app, making it easy to stay organized and keep your customers happy.

SumUp offers a variety of payment methods, including contactless and chip and pin payments, as well as acceptance of multiple card types such as Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Union Pay.

You can also accept mobile payments like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay. SumUp's card readers accept chip (PIN or sign) and contactless NFC payments from any credit or debit card with the Visa, V Pay, Mastercard, Maestro, JCB, Union Pay, Discover, Diners Club, or American Express logo.

The company also offers a free tool for building a bookings page, which is different from its online store builder, and you can send payment links in an email, SMS, messaging app, or via your social media accounts.

Here are the different transaction fees SumUp charges:

Note that if you generate over $10,000 in revenue each month, you can negotiate a custom rate with the sales team.

SumUp's pricing is quite competitive, especially when it comes to monthly fees. There are no monthly account fees or card machine rental fees with SumUp, which can save small businesses a lot of money.

The fixed card rate with SumUp is lower than Square's and Zettle's, and the card readers are among the cheapest in the UK without monthly fees. This makes it a great option for businesses that want to save on costs.

Here are the different pricing elements for SumUp merchants with less than $10,000 in monthly revenue:

For high-volume sellers (processing over £2,000 in card payments per month), transaction fees can add up quickly with SumUp. It might be worth considering a provider that offers negotiable and competitive transaction fees, like takepayments or Worldpay.

Overall, SumUp's pricing is straightforward and easy to understand, making it a great option for businesses that want to save on costs and simplify their payment processing.

SumUp offers a wide range of payment methods to suit your business needs. You can accept payments in-store, online, or remotely using various tools and features.

SumUp accepts a variety of card types, including contactless and chip and pin payments, as well as Visa, Mastercard, Amex, VPay, Discover, Diners Club, and Union Pay. This is more than what competitor Square offers.

You can also accept payments through mobile wallets like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay. This makes it easy for customers to pay using their preferred method.

In addition to card payments, SumUp also offers payment links and QR codes, which can be sent to customers through messaging channels or displayed on your website. This feature is particularly useful for businesses that don't have a physical store or need to accept payments remotely.

Here are some of the payment methods SumUp accepts:

SumUp's card readers are highly portable and can pair with your smartphone or connect to the internet by themselves, making it easy to accept payments anywhere.

SumUp's terminals look elegant and the hardware quality is above average for the price.

The Solo has improved its battery life in its latest iteration, making it a reliable choice for frequent use.

The Air's long battery life is a notable feature, allowing users to take it on the go without worrying about running out of power.

The smooth surface of the Air can feel a bit slippery and non-ergonomic for some users, making it difficult to hold onto.

It's very easy to clean, which is a plus for those who value hygiene.

There have been complaints about terminals that suddenly stop working, requiring a replacement.

SumUp's business account offers several advantages, including next working day payouts, which means you can access your revenue quickly. This is a big plus for businesses that need cash flow to operate.

You can also separate your business and personal finances for easier accounting, which is a must for any business owner. And the best part? The account is free, with no transfer fees to any account in the same currency.

The SumUp Business Account and Card offer an alternative way to get paid the next day, even on weekends. This is perfect for businesses that need fast access to funds. You can also use the card to withdraw cash up to three times a month for free.

Some of the features of the SumUp Business Account include:

Note that the account and card features are quite basic, so you can't use it for cross-border transfers or more than one account holder.

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Zero-contract and easy setup are a big plus for SumUp. This means you can get started quickly without having to negotiate a contract.

Setting up an account with SumUp is a breeze, and you'll be up and running in no time. It took us under an hour to charge our SumUp Air card machine, and we didn't have much trouble downloading the SumUp app and connecting the reader to it.

The SumUp Solo card machines come with a built-in free unlimited SIM card, which means they can operate in areas without Wi-Fi. This is a convenient feature that allows you to take payments on the go.

One thing to keep in mind is that the SumUp Solo card machines are a bit clunkier than the SumUp Air, and the battery doesn't last as long - approximately 8 hours.

Having a business account with SumUp can be a game-changer for your business. You'll get next working day payouts, allowing you to access your revenue quickly and easily.

The SumUp Business Account is free and doesn't charge transfer fees to any account in the same currency. This makes it a great option for businesses that need to make frequent transactions.

You'll also get a Mastercard that you can use for debit transactions, giving you instant access to your funds at any ATM within the AllPoint Network. This can be really useful for businesses that need to make purchases or withdraw cash.

Some of the features of the SumUp Business Account include:

You can also use the SumUp Card, also known as the SumUp Business Mastercard, which is a prepaid debit card linked to your business transactions. It can be used in physical shops, online, or for withdrawing cash up to three times a month for free and without monthly fees.

SumUp's customer service team is only available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, which can be a problem for businesses that need help during busy hours or on weekends.

Unfortunately, this limited availability means that you might not get the help you need when you need it most.

You can contact SumUp's support team by phone on weekdays between 8am and 7pm and weekends between 7am and 5pm, or by email, but be prepared for response times that can take days or even weeks.

However, it's worth noting that SumUp's online support section can answer many of your questions, so it's still worth checking out before reaching out to the support team.

SumUp offers a range of card readers to facilitate in-person transactions, which can be purchased at a one-off price.

These card readers are designed to be highly portable and can pair with your smartphone or connect to the internet by themselves with the app features built-in. This makes it easy to accept payments anywhere, whether you're at a market, event, or pop-up location.

SumUp card readers are compatible with a wide variety of card types, including contactless and chip and pin payments, as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

You can choose from a range of SumUp card readers, each with its own unique features and benefits. To help you decide, here are some of the key features of each device:

SumUp card readers are a worthwhile investment, as they provide a secure and convenient way to accept payments from customers.

To get started with SumUp, you'll need to meet their requirements and eligibility criteria.

SumUp accepts registered sole traders and businesses with a bank account owned by the organisation, business or self-employed person. Not-for-profit organisations and private individuals may be accepted too, provided they meet certain criteria.

Certain high-risk business types are not supported by SumUp, such as multi-level marketing, adult entertainment, door-to-door sales, and unlicensed counselling.

To sign up, you'll need to submit basic information about yourself and your business on SumUp's website.

Tap to Pay is a game-changer for small businesses, allowing them to accept card payments without any investment in a card reader. This feature is exclusive to iPhone users and charges a flat fee of 1.69% per transaction.

To use Tap to Pay, you'll need to enter an amount to collect, then tap "Charge" and choose "Tap to Pay on iPhone." This will enable your iPhone to act as a payment terminal, allowing customers to pay by tapping their bank card to your phone.

Tap to Pay is a convenient option for businesses that need to accept payments on-the-go, such as food trucks or pubs. It's also a great alternative to traditional card readers, eliminating the need for additional hardware or setup costs.

Here's a breakdown of the Tap to Pay fee:

With Tap to Pay, you can accept card payments quickly and easily, without any hassle or additional costs. This feature is perfect for small businesses that want to streamline their payment process and focus on what matters most – serving their customers.

The system checks the payment when your client puts their card near your iPhone, if they don’t need a PIN.

If your client needs a PIN, typically for amounts over £50, they will enter their PIN directly on your iPhone. This is a quick and secure way to complete the payment.

To make the payment process smoother, bring the bank card close to the top of the iPhone. The top of the screen houses the NFC antenna, which enables the payment to be processed efficiently.

Here's a step-by-step guide to Tap to Pay on iPhone:

SumUp's Tap to Pay offer is a game-changer for small businesses that want to accept card payments without any investment. With Tap to Pay, you can accept card payments using your iPhone, with no need for a separate card reader or subscription fees.

The fee for Tap to Pay is a flat 1.69% per transaction, which is a great option for businesses that want to keep costs low. This fee is charged on every transaction, so if you collect £100, you'll receive £98.31 in your account within 48 hours.

One of the best things about Tap to Pay is that it's easy to use - SumUp's app is intuitive and guides you through the process of creating and accepting transactions. This makes it perfect for businesses that want to get started with card payments quickly.

However, it's worth noting that Tap to Pay is not suitable for businesses that already sell at high volumes, as it doesn't offer negotiable transaction fees. Additionally, the online store is basic, and the app doesn't have accounting, CRM, or integrations to be your main business solution.

Here are some key features of SumUp's Tap to Pay:

SumUp has a straightforward pricing structure for merchants with less than $10,000 in monthly revenue. They charge 2.75% per in-person card payment.

Their online, virtual terminal, mobile payments, and gift cards come with a slightly higher rate of 3.25% + $0.15. Invoice payments are charged at 2.90% + $0.15.

If you generate over $10,000 in revenue each month, you can negotiate a custom rate with the sales team.

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SumUp's pricing is straightforward and transparent. They have three flat pricing elements for merchants with less than $10,000 in monthly revenue.

The in-person card payment rate is 2.75%. This is a fixed rate with no monthly fees.

For online, virtual terminal, mobile payments, and gift cards, the rate is 3.25% + $0.15 per transaction.

Invoice payments come with a rate of 2.90% + $0.15 per transaction.

All card readers come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is a great way to test the product risk-free.

The SumUp credit card reader app is free to use.

If you generate over $10,000 in revenue each month, you can negotiate a custom rate with the sales team.

Here are the pricing details in a table for easy reference:

SumUp offers a great value for small businesses that want to quickly accept card payments. It's extremely affordable, with almost no setup costs and no monthly fees or contracts.

The simplicity of SumUp's payment processing is a major advantage, making it easy to get started with a very low learning curve for its app and card readers.

However, this simplicity also means that SumUp's online store is quite basic, and its app lacks features like accounting, CRM, and integrations that you might need for your main business solution.

You can start using SumUp without worrying about a contract lock-in, so you can take a break from selling whenever you need to. Most monthly subscriptions can be cancelled at any time.

SumUp accepts registered sole traders and businesses with a bank account owned by the organisation, business or self-employed person. They also consider not-for-profit organisations and private individuals, but you'll need to meet certain criteria.

You can sign up on SumUp's website, submitting basic information about yourself and your business. The sign-up process is relatively quick, taking just a few minutes.

SumUp performs a check against the business details you provide, so make sure everything is accurate. As long as you're not a "restricted business" and your bank account name matches your business name, you should be accepted without any issues.

You can order a card terminal on the website, which will arrive within three working days. Alternatively, you can buy a SumUp card reader from stores like Ryman, Toolstation, or Amazon, but be prepared for shipping charges.

To activate the virtual terminal, you'll need to contact customer support and answer some questions about your business and payment usage.