SumUp Review: Complete Payment Solutions for Small Businesses

SumUp has established itself as a leading payment processor for small and medium-sized businesses, offering simple yet powerful tools to accept card payments and manage operations. Founded in London in 2012, SumUp now serves over 4 million businesses across 36 countries, including the US, Europe, Latin America, and Australia. This review examines SumUp’s products, pricing, features, and how it can benefit different types of businesses.

SumUp Products and Features

SumUp offers a comprehensive range of payment solutions designed to meet diverse business needs:

Card Readers

SumUp’s card readers are the cornerstone of their product lineup:

• SumUp Air (£39 + VAT): A lightweight, portable card reader that connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone or tablet. It handles over 500 transactions per charge and is ideal for mobile businesses. The Air comes with a micro-USB charging cable and offers approximately 12 hours of battery life.
• SumUp Solo (£79 + VAT): A standalone device with Wi-Fi connectivity and a built-in SIM card providing free unlimited mobile data. It features a touchscreen interface with smart tipping functionality and doesn’t require connection to an external device. The Solo includes a fast-charging battery offering up to 8 hours of usage and comes with a dedicated charging station.
• SumUp 3G (£139 + VAT): Essentially the Solo model with an integrated receipt printer. It offers the same connectivity options with Wi-Fi and free unlimited mobile data, plus the ability to print receipts on the go.

Point of Sale (POS) Solutions

SumUp provides three main POS options to accommodate varying business requirements:

• POS Lite: Free software with a £349 one-off hardware cost (excluding VAT). This entry-level POS system includes a 13-inch touchscreen and offers basic catalog management, tipping options, and refund capabilities.
• POS Pro: £49.99 monthly subscription with customized hardware options. This more advanced solution features loyalty programs, multi-store management capabilities, and integrations with major accounting platforms like Xero and QuickBooks.
• POS Enterprise: Designed for large-scale venues, offering tailored features including real-time stock tracking, kitchen display integration, and comprehensive loyalty schemes.
• Self-service Kiosk: £49 monthly subscription with a £499 one-off hardware cost (excluding VAT). Ideal for managing crowds with smart ordering systems in multi-chain restaurants and larger venues.

Additional Payment Options

SumUp extends beyond physical card readers with:

• Online Payments: Integrate with e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce, use SumUp’s APIs, or implement their widgets to accept online payments.
• Payment Links & QR Codes: Create shareable links and QR codes to receive remote payments through email, SMS, or social media without requiring customers to download an app.
• Online Store: A free store builder with templates and inventory management tools, enabling small businesses to establish an online presence with a 2.5% transaction fee.
• Invoicing: Send professional, customizable invoices directly from the SumUp app, with push notification reminders for payments.
• Tap to Pay: Enable smartphones to accept contactless payments without additional hardware on both iOS and Android devices.

Business Banking Solution

SumUp provides an integrated business banking solution that complements their payment processing tools, creating a comprehensive financial ecosystem for small businesses.

Ideal Business Types for SumUp Solutions

SumUp has designed its payment ecosystem to serve the specific needs of various small and medium-sized businesses. The flexibility and scalability of SumUp’s products make it an excellent fit for:

Food and Drink Establishments

The hospitality sector benefits greatly from SumUp’s tailored solutions:

• Bars and Nightclubs: Fast transaction processing during busy periods with minimal training needed for staff
• Restaurants and Coffee Shops: Table management, menu customization, and integrated tipping options
• Food Trucks: Compact, portable payment systems with battery life sufficient for a full day of trading
• Grocery Shops: Inventory tracking and detailed sales reporting
• Market Stalls: Quick setup and reliable offline processing capabilities

Retail Operations

Retail businesses can streamline their payment processes with:

• Clothing Shops: Product catalog management and sales analytics
• Beauty Salons and Hair Stylists: Appointment scheduling and customer retention tools
• Charities and Community Groups: Low-cost entry point with transparent transaction fees

Mobile Service Providers

Professionals who work on-site can maintain payment professionalism:

• Tradespeople: Plumbers, carpenters, and builders can accept payments immediately upon job completion
• Event Organizers: Process multiple payments quickly at venues with variable connectivity
• Healthcare Providers: Secure, compliant payment processing for GP surgeries and pharmacies
• Transportation Services: Convenient payment acceptance for taxi and limo drivers

SumUp offers specialized configurations to match specific business models:

• On-the-go Businesses: Compact card readers with fast processing and long battery life
• Counter Service Establishments: Comprehensive POS Lite systems with catalog management and sales tracking
• Full-Service Restaurants: Advanced reservation systems, stock management, and table service tools with POS Pro
• Multi-Location Chains: Centralized management and reporting with self-service options for customers

SumUp’s Pricing Structure

SumUp has developed a transparent pricing model that eliminates the long-term contracts and complex fee structures typically associated with traditional payment processors. This approach gives businesses financial flexibility and predictability.

Hardware and Software Costs

Card Readers (One-time purchase):

• SumUp Air: £39 + VAT – Bluetooth-connected reader with 12-hour battery life
• SumUp Solo: £79 + VAT – Standalone device with Wi-Fi, SIM card, and 8-hour battery
• SumUp 3G: £139 + VAT – Solo model with integrated receipt printer

Point of Sale Systems:

POS Lite	£0	£349	Basic catalog management, tips, refunds
POS Pro	£49.99	Custom	Advanced inventory, loyalty programs, accounting integrations
Self-service Kiosk	£49	£499	Smart ordering for multi-chain locations

Transaction Fee Models

SumUp offers two primary payment models:

Pay-as-you-go

• No monthly charges or contractual obligations
• In-person payments (card readers, Tap to Pay): 1.69% transaction fee
• Digital payments (invoices, payment links, gift cards, online store): 2.5% transaction fee

SumUp One Subscription

• £19 monthly cost (VAT-exempt)
• In-person payments: 0.99% transaction fee
• Digital payments: 0.99% transaction fee
• Recommended for businesses processing £2,800+ monthly
• Cancel anytime flexibility

SumUp POS Software

SumUp’s POS software operates through a dedicated app, providing a user-friendly platform for managing transactions and payments. The setup process is straightforward:

1. Download the SumUp app onto your chosen device
2. Input your business details
3. Input your personal details
4. Input your bank details

The POS software offers varying capabilities depending on the selected tier:

POS Lite

• Free software with one-time hardware cost
• Basic catalog management
• Tips and refund functions
• Essential sales reporting

POS Pro

• Advanced inventory management
• Detailed sales reporting
• Employee management tools
• Loyalty programs
• Multi-store management
• Integration with accounting platforms

POS Enterprise

• Tailored for large-scale operations
• Real-time stock tracking
• Kitchen display integration
• Comprehensive loyalty schemes

SumUp Business Account

The SumUp Business Account offers a complete financial management solution that complements their payment processing tools, creating an all-in-one ecosystem for small businesses.

This free UK business banking solution includes:

• Zero monthly fees and no account opening costs
• A business Mastercard (available in physical or virtual format)
• Next-day fund availability by 7 AM, even on weekends
• Seamless integration with SumUp payment processing systems
• Free ATM withdrawals (monthly limit applies, 2% fee thereafter)
• 2% withdrawal fee for transactions abroad

The account delivers comprehensive financial management capabilities:

• Streamlined Setup: Open your business account in minutes through the app and immediately begin managing your finances
• Expense Tracking: Monitor spending in one centralized location to maintain control over business expenses
• Instant Transfers: Move money in seconds with UK Faster Payments at no additional cost
• Direct Debits: Manage recurring bills and subscriptions without transaction fees
• Scheduled Payments: Automate supplier payments to save time and ensure timely processing
• Account Statements: Simplify bookkeeping with downloadable statements in PDF and CSV formats
• Secure Operations: Enjoy peace of mind with full FCA regulation and protected funds in ring-fenced accounts

The included Mastercard provides flexible payment options:

• Contactless in-store payments
• Secure online purchases
• Cash withdrawals at ATMs
• Instant access to your business account balance

How to Get Started With SumUp

Setting up a SumUp account is a straightforward process:

1. Choose Your Product/s: Visit SumUp’s website to select the appropriate product for your business needs, such as a card reader or POS system.
2. Create an Account: At checkout, enter your email address and create a password, then verify your email.
3. Enter Your Business Details: Provide basic information including your name, business address, and phone number.
4. Select a Payment Method: Enter payment details for your product purchase and confirm your order.
5. Set Up Your Device: Once your device arrives, follow the included setup instructions to connect and prepare it for transactions.
6. Link Your Bank Account: Access your SumUp profile to choose how you’d like to receive funds. Either link a compatible bank account or set up a free SumUp Business Account for faster payouts.
7. Verify Your Account: Complete the verification process by submitting required documentation (photo ID and proof of business activity) to ensure compliance.
8. Start Accepting Payments: Once verified, begin accepting payments in person, online, or through payment links.

SumUp Safety and Security

SumUp implements robust security measures to protect businesses and their customers:

• PCI-DSS compliance: Adheres to industry standards for secure card payments
• FCA regulation: Ensures reliable financial practices
• 256-bit SSL encryption and TLS: Protects data from interception
• Advanced AI monitoring: Detects unusual activity and prevents fraud
• 3D Secure 2 authentication: Adds additional protection for online transactions
• Bug Bounty Program: Regular system testing by security professionals to identify potential vulnerabilities

SumUp Integrations and Additional Features

SumUp integrates with popular accounting platforms including Xero, QuickBooks, and FreeAgent, streamlining bookkeeping processes for small businesses.

The system also supports offline payments, allowing card readers to accept transactions when disconnected from the internet and process them once connectivity is restored—a valuable feature for businesses in areas with poor connection reliability.

Conclusion

SumUp offers a comprehensive, user-friendly payment solution tailored to businesses of all sizes across various industries. With its transparent pricing, range of hardware options, and versatile features, it provides an accessible entry point for businesses looking to accept card payments without the complexity of traditional merchant services.

What makes SumUp particularly valuable is its remarkable versatility. The platform serves everyone from independent street performers and food truck operators to established retail chains and medium-sized enterprises. This scalability ensures that whether you’re a solo artist selling prints at a weekend market or managing multiple restaurant locations, SumUp can accommodate your growth without requiring a change in payment systems.

The company’s commitment to simplicity, combined with its expanding product ecosystem and environmental responsibility initiatives, makes it a compelling choice for businesses seeking efficient payment processing solutions. SumUp’s adaptable offerings can fit your specific needs while keeping costs predictable, regardless of where your business falls on the size spectrum.

Ready to start accepting card payments? Visit SumUp’s website today to explore their products and find the right solution for your business.