SumUp Pricing Explained: Complete Fee Breakdown for UK Businesses

SumUp offers a straightforward pricing structure that appeals to small businesses seeking transparent payment processing costs. The standard transaction fee is 1.69% for in-person payments, with no monthly fees or hidden charges for basic usage. This simple approach makes it easy for business owners to calculate their payment processing expenses without worrying about surprise costs.

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Understanding SumUp's pricing requires looking beyond just transaction fees to consider hardware costs, premium features, and potential volume discounts. The company offers different pricing tiers and membership options that can significantly impact overall costs depending on your business needs. For high-volume merchants processing over £60,000 annually, custom pricing options are available through their sales team.

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This guide breaks down every aspect of SumUp's pricing model, from basic transaction fees to premium memberships, helping you determine the true cost of using their payment processing services. We'll explore how different features affect pricing and compare SumUp's costs to other payment processors in the market.

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Key Takeaways

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• SumUp charges 1.69% per transaction for standard card payments with no monthly fees
• Hardware costs are one-time purchases ranging from £29 to £99 depending on the card reader
• Premium memberships and high-volume processing can significantly reduce transaction fees

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How SumUp Pricing Works

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SumUp operates on a straightforward pay-as-you-go system with no monthly fees or hidden charges. The company focuses on transparent pricing to help small businesses manage their payment processing costs effectively.

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Pay-As-You-Go Model

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SumUp charges businesses only when they process transactions. There are no monthly subscription fees or ongoing costs.

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The standard transaction fee is 1.69% for all card payments processed through SumUp readers. This applies to both contactless and chip-and-PIN transactions.

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Business owners can also access SumUp One memberships which offer reduced rates. These memberships provide a flat transaction fee of 0.99% for all domestic payments.

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The pay-as-you-go structure works well for businesses with varying transaction volumes. Small businesses benefit because they only pay when they make sales.

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Key transaction costs:

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• Standard rate: 1.69% per transaction
• SumUp One: 0.99% per transaction
• Declined transactions: No charge
• Cash transactions: No charge

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No Hidden Costs

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SumUp's pricing structure eliminates surprise fees that often affect small businesses. The company charges no setup costs or installation fees.

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Businesses don't pay for declined or refunded transactions. This means failed payments won't add to processing costs.

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The card readers require a one-time purchase. The Air Card Reader costs £29 whilst the 3G Card Reader costs £99.

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Monthly fees don't exist in SumUp's pricing model. Businesses avoid the recurring charges common with traditional payment processors.

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What SumUp doesn't charge:

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• Setup fees
• Monthly subscription costs
• Declined transaction fees
• Cancellation charges
• PCI compliance fees

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Transparency for Small Businesses

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Small businesses can easily calculate their payment processing costs with SumUp's simple fee structure. The single percentage rate applies to all card transactions.

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SumUp displays all fees clearly on their website and in business accounts. This helps small business owners budget accurately for payment processing expenses.

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The SumUp dashboard shows transaction fees in real-time. Business owners can track their processing costs as sales happen.

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Unlike complex pricing tiers, SumUp uses the same rate regardless of transaction volume. This consistency helps small businesses predict monthly expenses without studying complicated fee schedules.

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The transparent approach removes the need for lengthy contracts or negotiations. Small businesses know exactly what they'll pay before processing their first transaction.

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SumUp Transaction Fees

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SumUp charges a standard rate of 1.69% for in-person card payments and 2.50% for online transactions. Businesses can reduce these fees by 50% with the SumUp One subscription plan.

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In-Person Card Payment Rates

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SumUp charges a flat rate of 1.69% per transaction for all in-person card payments. This applies to contactless payments, chip and PIN, and magnetic stripe transactions.

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The transaction fee covers all major card types including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. No additional charges apply for different card brands or payment methods.

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Businesses processing more than £100,000 annually can access customised rates with reduced fees. Companies handling over £60,000 per year should contact SumUp's sales team for special pricing.

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The fee is deducted automatically from each payment before funds reach your bank account. No monthly fees or setup charges apply to the standard pricing structure.

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Online Transaction Fees

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Online payments through SumUp cost 2.50% per transaction. This applies to payment links, QR codes, and online store transactions.

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The higher fee reflects the increased risk and debit and credit card processing costs associated with card-not-present transactions. All major card types are accepted at the same rate.

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Businesses can send payment links through the SumUp app or generate QR codes for customers to scan. The transaction fee remains consistent regardless of the payment method used.

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Online payments settle to your account within 1-3 working days, following the same schedule as in-person transactions.

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SumUp One Discounted Fees

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SumUp One costs £19 per month and reduces transaction fees significantly. In-person payments drop to 0.99% whilst online transactions fall to 1.99%.

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The subscription also includes 50% off all card reader hardware. This makes it attractive for businesses needing multiple devices or replacing existing equipment.

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Businesses processing over £2,000 monthly typically save money with SumUp One. The break-even point depends on the mix of in-person and online transactions.

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The plan includes additional features like advanced reports and access to a priority support team alongside the reduced transaction fees.

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One-Off and Recurring Costs

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SumUp operates on a straightforward pricing model with upfront hardware costs and no monthly fees. The main expenses include purchasing card readers and optional upgrades for advanced features.

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Card Reader Purchase Price

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SumUp offers several card reader options with different price points. The Air Card Reader costs £59 plus VAT, making it the most affordable option for small businesses.

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For businesses needing standalone connectivity, the 3G Card Reader is priced at £99 plus VAT. This device includes built-in 3G connectivity and doesn't require a smartphone or tablet connection.

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Both readers charge the same transaction fee of 1.69% per payment. This consistent rate applies regardless of which card reader you choose.

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The hardware represents a one-time investment with no ongoing equipment rental fees. This makes SumUp attractive for businesses wanting to avoid monthly charges for payment processing equipment.

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POS Pro and Additional Features

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SumUp offers enhanced features through their POS Pro system for businesses requiring more advanced functionality. The Air Register provides a complete cash register solution with tablet, receipt printer, and cash drawer.

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Additional features may include inventory management, staff management, sales performance monitoring, and detailed reporting capabilities. These upgrades typically involve either one-time purchases or subscription-based pricing models.

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Virtual terminal payments are available for remote processing at 2.95% plus 25p per transaction. This service allows businesses to process payments without mandatory monthly charges.

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The lack of recurring monthly fees for basic payment processing makes SumUp particularly cost-effective for small businesses with lower transaction volumes.

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SumUp App and Account Features

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The SumUp mobile app serves as the central hub for payment processing and business management. Users can access payment tools, track sales performance, and manage their business account through a single platform.

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SumUp App Integration with Payments

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The SumUp app provides access to multiple payment tools including Tap to Pay on iPhone functionality. This eliminates the need for separate card readers in many situations.

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The app connects directly to SumUp's card readers for processing transactions. Users can view real-time sales data and payment confirmations through the interface.

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Key payment features include:

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• Digital receipt generation
• Transaction history tracking
• Payment method selection
• Customer payment notifications

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The app also includes an online store builder for businesses wanting to expand beyond face-to-face payments. This integration allows merchants to manage both in-person and online sales from one platform.

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Sales performance reporting provides detailed analytics on transaction volumes, peak trading times, and payment method preferences. These insights help businesses make informed decisions about their operations.

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Account Management and Payouts

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The SumUp profile within the app manages all account settings and payout preferences. Users can update their business information, banking details, and notification settings through this interface.

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Payout management allows businesses to track when funds will arrive in their bank account. The system processes payments automatically, with funds typically arriving within 1-2 working days.

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Account management features:

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• Banking detail updates
• Payout scheduling options
• Transaction fee breakdowns
• Account verification status

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The app displays detailed fee information for each transaction, showing exactly how much SumUp charges per payment. This transparency helps businesses understand their processing costs.

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Users can also access their SumUp Business Account through the app. This feature provides additional financial management tools beyond basic payment processing.

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Comparing SumUp's Pricing to Alternatives

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SumUp's transparent pricing model differs significantly from traditional payment processors and competes closely with other mobile POS systems. Alternatives to SumUp include Zettle, Square, and Worldpay, each offering different fee structures and service levels for small businesses.

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Traditional Payment Processors

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Traditional payment processors like Worldpay typically charge higher fees than SumUp's fixed rates. These companies often use complex pricing structures with monthly fees, setup costs, and variable transaction rates.

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Worldpay offers a wider range of services but often at a higher cost compared to SumUp's streamlined approach. Traditional processors may charge monthly account fees of £15-30 plus transaction fees ranging from 1.5% to 3.5%.

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Small businesses often face lengthy contracts with early termination fees. Traditional processors also require credit checks and may impose volume commitments.

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SumUp eliminates these complications with no monthly fees, contracts, or setup costs. The 1.69% flat rate for in-person payments provides cost certainty that traditional processors rarely match.

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Competitor Mobile POS Systems

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Zettle and Square offer mobile point of sale solutions with similar pricing structures to SumUp. These competitors target the same small business market with comparable transaction fees.

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Square charges 1.75% for contactless and chip payments, slightly higher than SumUp's 1.69% rate. Zettle, now owned by PayPal, offers rates starting at 1.75% for card payments.

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Both competitors provide free basic software and similar hardware options. Square's card readers cost £39-169, whilst Zettle's devices range from £25-59.

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SumUp is a low-cost option for accepting payments in person, but online processing fees of 2.50% exceed some competitors. Square charges 2.5% for online transactions, matching SumUp's rates.

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Payment processing speed varies between providers. SumUp offers next-day payouts, whilst Square typically processes payments within 1-2 business days.

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Factors Affecting Your SumUp Costs

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Your SumUp costs depend on how much you process and which products you choose. Small businesses typically pay different amounts based on their monthly card payment volume and whether they use basic or advanced features.

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Business Volume and Usage

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The amount you process each month directly impacts your SumUp fees. SumUp charges 1.69% per transaction for standard card payments when using their pay-as-you-go option.

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Higher volume businesses get better rates. Companies that process more than £60,000 per year can contact SumUp's sales team for custom pricing with reduced fees.

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Small businesses processing £100,000 or more in card turnover annually qualify for customised rates. This means frequent users pay less per transaction than occasional users.

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Your payment method also affects costs. Online payments cost 2.50% per transaction, whilst in-person card payments are cheaper at 1.69%.

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Product Choice and Setup

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SumUp offers different pricing tiers that change your costs significantly. The basic pay-as-you-go option has no monthly fees but higher transaction rates.

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The £19 monthly plan reduces transaction fees considerably. In-person payments drop to 0.99% and online payments to 1.99%. This plan also includes 50% off card reader prices.

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Hardware costs vary by product choice. Basic card readers cost full price with the standard plan, whilst monthly subscribers get discounted equipment.

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Additional features like receipt printers and advanced POS systems add extra costs. These are optional but may be necessary for certain business types requiring paper receipts or inventory management.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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SumUp charges a standard 1.69% transaction fee for in-person payments and 2.50% for online payments. The company offers transparent pricing with no hidden costs or monthly fees for basic services.

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What are the transaction fees associated with using SumUp?

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SumUp charges 1.69% per transaction for in-person payments when using their pay-as-you-go option. This rate applies to all major debit and credit card payments, including American Express.

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For online payments, the fee increases to 2.50% per transaction. Businesses taking contactless payments through SumUp's card readers pay the standard 1.69% rate.

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SumUp offers a monthly subscription plan at £19 per month. This reduces in-person payment fees to 0.99% and online payment fees to 1.99%.

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Businesses processing more than £60,000 annually can contact SumUp's sales team for custom rates. These tailored packages often include reduced fees for high-volume merchants.

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How can one calculate transaction costs when using SumUp?

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Calculating SumUp transaction costs requires multiplying the payment amount by the applicable fee rate. For a £100 in-person payment, the fee would be £1.69 (£100 × 1.69%).

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Monthly subscription holders pay different rates. A £100 in-person payment would cost £0.99 in fees with the £19 monthly plan.

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Online payments cost more to process. A £100 online payment generates £2.50 in fees for pay-as-you-go users or £1.99 for monthly subscribers.

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Businesses should factor in their payment mix when calculating costs. High volumes of online payments will increase overall processing expenses compared to primarily in-person transactions.

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Is there a difference in pricing for charities using SumUp?

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SumUp does not publicly advertise specific charity pricing or discounts. The company applies its standard fee structure to all businesses, including charitable organisations.

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Charities pay the same 1.69% transaction fee as commercial businesses for in-person payments. Online donations are subject to the 2.50% fee rate.

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Some payment processors offer reduced rates for registered charities. Charitable organisations should contact SumUp directly to enquire about potential discounts or special rates.

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The lack of charity-specific pricing means nonprofit organisations may want to compare SumUp's costs with other providers that offer charity rates.

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How does SumUp's pricing structure compare to Square's?

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SumUp and Square use different pricing models for UK businesses. SumUp charges a flat 1.69% for in-person transactions, whilst Square's rates vary by payment method.

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Square typically charges around 1.75% for chip and PIN transactions. Contactless payments through Square often carry similar rates to SumUp's standard fee.

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Both companies offer monthly subscription plans with reduced transaction fees. Square's pricing structure includes additional features like advanced reporting and inventory management in higher-tier plans.

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SumUp's pricing tends to be more straightforward with fewer plan options. Square provides more complex pricing tiers but may offer better value for businesses needing extensive point-of-sale features.

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What charges apply for processing QR code payments with SumUp in the UK?

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SumUp treats QR code payments as online transactions for pricing purposes. This means QR code payments are subject to the 2.50% transaction fee for pay-as-you-go users.

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Monthly subscription holders pay 1.99% for QR code transactions. The higher rate reflects the online nature of these payments rather than face-to-face card processing.

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QR code payments allow customers to pay using their smartphones by scanning a code. Despite the convenience, these transactions carry the same fees as other online payment methods.

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Businesses using QR codes frequently should consider the monthly subscription plan. The reduced rate of 1.99% versus 2.50% can provide significant savings for regular QR code users.

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Are there any additional fees or subscriptions required for SumUp account holders?

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SumUp operates on a pay-as-you-go model with no mandatory monthly fees. Basic account holders only pay the 1.69% transaction fee when processing payments.

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The company offers an optional £19 monthly subscription called Payments Plus. This plan reduces transaction fees but is not required for basic payment processing.

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Card readers require a one-time purchase fee. SumUp offers various card reader models at different price points, with no ongoing rental costs.

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There are no setup fees, cancellation charges, or hidden costs. SumUp guarantees that fees remain fixed for the duration of a merchant's relationship with the company.

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