SumUp Review 2025: Pros and Cons, Pricing, Alternatives

SumUp gives users a simple, low-cost way to accept card payments. Its card reader options offer basic functionality for less than $100, and there are no monthly charges or contracts required to use them. Payment processing fees are:

Compared to options that have feature-rich point-of-sale systems, such as Clover or Square, SumUp’s offerings are slightly more limited. However, not every business needs that extra horsepower; for small businesses that have straightforward payment needs, this could be a good right-size option.

Pros

• Free POS plans for card readers.

• Automated marketing tools for sending customers targeted promotions.

• Available in more than 30 countries.

Cons

• Online transaction rate is more expensive than some competitors.

• POS system software requires 12-month contract.

SumUp lets businesses accept card payments in person, through an online invoice, with payment links or over the phone.

• The company’s three all-white readers with black-and-white displays are among the cheapest ways to start accepting in-person payments. The card readers alone don't require long-term contracts or a monthly fee.

• SumUp also sells more robust POS system setups that require long-term contracts and a monthly subscription fee. One of the system's highlights is its built-in marketing tools, which are included in the Connect Plus and Connect Pro plans.

• In addition to in-person payments, you can use SumUp to send online invoices to customers. You’ll also have access to payment links and a virtual terminal that lets you accept over-the-phone ("manually keyed") payments.

» MORE: Learn more about how virtual terminals work

SumUp monthly costs

SumUp payment processing costs

SumUp hardware cost

For a basic option: SumUp Plus

This device isn’t much bigger than the cards it accepts. Its low-fi screen displays only the payment type and the total. One notable advantage is its ability to accept swiped, dipped or tapped cards — similar competing card readers are often more expensive. To use the Plus, you’ll need to pair with the SumUp app on a phone or tablet. You can also buy the card reader and cradle as a bundle, so you can accept payments while the device stays charging in the cradle.

For more customer interaction: SumUp Solo

The Solo is the company’s only card reader with a touchscreen, but it still exudes SumUp’s no-frills aesthetic: The display is monochrome. You can prompt customers for tips or send digital receipts from the card reader — things you can’t do with the other two. The Solo accepts dipped and tapped cards, but not swiped. All SumUp devices can connect to Bluetooth printers or printers that connect to Google Cloud Print.

Free POS plans for card readers

SumUp’s low prices are its primary competitive advantage. If you're just using a card reader, there are no monthly subscription costs or long-term contracts. Plus, unlike some other competitors' hardware options, SumUp's card readers have screens that let customers know how much they owe. Another one of its card readers comes with a built-in receipt printer.

Automated marketing tools

SumUp's Connect Plus and Connect Pro POS plans come with automated marketing tools that can help you expand your business's reach and build a stronger customer base. The software sends targeted promotions to customers for you.

POS systems require long-term contracts

SumUp is a solid solution for mobile businesses and pop-up shops that only need a card reader. The company's POS system options are competitive in terms of features, but unlike Square's month-to-month subscriptions, they come with a 12-month contract.

Online payment processing can be expensive

SumUp isn't the best option for businesses that process more than a handful of online sales each month. It charges 3.5% plus 15 cents per online transaction, which is more expensive than some competitors' standard 2.9% plus 30 cents rate.

PayPal Zettle: Simple and low cost

Payment processing fees:

Why we like it: The Zettle card reader has a similar pocket calculator vibe and price point. PayPal Zettle also has a traditional desktop terminal and a POS system. This option, which is owned by online payments giant PayPal, might be a good match if you also sell online.

Square: Good for growing businesses

Payment processing fees:

Why we like it: You can start accepting payments with Square for less than $50 in hardware costs, have a $0 monthly payment, avoid a long-term commitment and pay low payment processing costs. However, compared to SumUp, Square’s POS system gives you more tools off the bat, like better reporting tools, as well as a system that can grow with your company. Some features cost extra, such as the customer loyalty program.