SumUp
SumUp is a Berlin-founded payment platform for small businesses, offering portable card readers, POS terminals, payment links, and invoicing. It stands out for its no-monthly-fee model, flat per-trans…
💬 Verdict
SumUp is an excellent choice for mobile businesses, pop-ups, and freelancers who need a simple, low-cost way to accept card payments without ongoing commitments. However, if you require advanced features like inventory tracking or CRM, or if you process high volumes and need lower fees, consider Square or a traditional merchant account. Bottom line: SumUp is a reliable, budget-friendly entry point into card payments, but it's not a long-term solution for growing businesses.
SumUp
Free plan available — no credit card required
📊 Pros & Cons
Pros
- 👍 No monthly fees or long-term contracts — you only pay per transaction.
- 👍 Simple, portable card readers that are inexpensive to buy and quick to set up.
- 👍 Accepts contactless, chip, and mobile wallet payments via a companion app on iOS and Android.
- 👍 Payment links and invoice creation are included in the free plan.
- 👍 Available in over 35 countries with local payment methods, making it useful for cross-border sellers.
Cons
- 👎 Per-transaction fees are higher than some interchange-plus or premium merchant accounts, especially for low-margin businesses.
- 👎 No built-in inventory management, customer relationship management, or advanced reporting compared to competitors like Square.
- 👎 Payout times can be longer than some rivals unless you qualify for instant or next-day transfers.
- 👎 Hardware is not free — you must buy a card reader, though they are reasonably priced.
- 👎 Chargeback and refund fees can add up, and support is mostly online without 24/7 phone access in many regions.
🎯 Use Cases
SumUp's small card readers and mobile POS app are ideal for pop-up stalls where you need quick setup, low upfront cost, and no monthly fees.
Battery-operated readers with built-in receipt printers (or Bluetooth printers) handle on-the-go payments in any location, including areas with poor internet via offline mode.
SumUp's free invoicing tool is easy to use, and clients can pay directly through a link, covering basic billing needs for freelancers without a full accounting suite.
Plumbers, electricians, and cleaners can send payment links on the spot or use the card reader at the customer's door, reducing the friction of collecting payments.
SumUp handles moderate transaction volumes well, but if you process very high volumes, the flat per-transaction fee may become less competitive, and advanced inventory/reporting is limited.
🔌 Integrations
🔍 Deep Dive
You'll pay for hardware (around $19-$49 for a reader), per-transaction fees that vary by country and payment type, refund fees of ~$0.15 or similar, and chargeback fees (often $15+). Some markets also charge for faster payouts or replacement hardware.
Minimal — the app is straightforward, and most first-time merchants can start taking payments within 15 minutes of unboxing a reader.
High-volume retailers or growing businesses that need advanced inventory management, substantial recurring billing, or competitive interchange-based pricing may outgrow SumUp’s simple fee structure and limited features.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does SumUp charge a monthly fee?
No, SumUp has no monthly subscription or contract fees. You only pay per transaction and for hardware if you purchase a card reader.
What are SumUp's transaction fees?
Transaction fees vary by country and payment type. In the US, typical card-present fees are around 2.65% per transaction, while manually keyed-in or online payments may be slightly higher.
How long does it take to receive payouts?
Standard payouts typically hit your bank account within 1-2 business days. Some markets offer free instant or next-day payouts, but eligibility depends on your account and country.
Can I use SumUp for online payments and invoicing?
Yes, SumUp offers payment links and invoicing as part of your free account. You can create and send digital invoices that customers can pay via card or other available methods.
Does SumUp integrate with accounting software?
SumUp integrates with popular tools like QuickBooks, Xero, and Sage in several markets. Check the current integration list for your country, as not all integrations are available everywhere.
Is SumUp good for international businesses?
SumUp operates in 35+ countries and lets you accept payments in multiple currencies. However, you need a business bank account in a supported country, and cross-border settlement terms vary.
Are there any hidden fees like chargebacks or refunds?
Yes, refunded transactions are not free. SumUp may retain the original transaction fee or charge a small refund fee. Chargebacks also incur a fee, typically around $15 or similar, depending on your region.
