Head-to-Head Comparison
How Square and SumUp compare across everything from fees to features.
| Feature | Square | SumUp |
|---|---|---|
| Card Reader Price | £19 + VAT | From £39 (inc. VAT) |
| Transaction Fee | 1.75% | 1.69% |
| Monthly Fees | £0 | £0 |
| Contract | None — pay as you go | None — pay as you go |
| Settlement Time | Next working day (free) | 1–3 working days (free) or instant (1%) |
| Online Payments | Yes — Square Online (2.5%) | Yes — SumUp Online (2.5%) |
| Invoicing | Yes — free with Square | Yes — free with SumUp |
| EPOS / POS System | Square POS (free app) + Square Terminal/Register | SumUp POS (free app) + SumUp Solo/POS |
| Accepts Apple Pay / Google Pay | Yes | Yes |
| App Rating (iOS) | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Business Account | Square Banking (US only currently) | SumUp Business Account (free, UK IBAN) |
| Best For | Businesses wanting a full ecosystem (POS, online, invoicing) | Sole traders & small businesses wanting low per-transaction fees |
Information based on publicly available data. Last updated April 2026.
Our Verdict
Choose Square if…
- You want a full business ecosystem (POS, online store, invoicing, payroll)
- You run a restaurant or food business and need hospitality-specific tools
- You want the cheapest card reader upfront (£19)
- You want free next-working-day settlement
Choose SumUp if…
- You want the lowest per-transaction fee (1.69%)
- You're a sole trader or mobile business wanting simple, no-frills payments
- You want a free UK business account with IBAN
- You want a standalone terminal (SumUp Solo) at a competitive price
The Bottom Line
Both are excellent, contract-free options. Square offers a more feature-rich ecosystem, while SumUp wins on per-transaction cost. For most sole traders processing under £5,000/month, the difference is marginal — choose based on which features matter most to your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Square or SumUp cheaper?
SumUp has a slightly lower transaction fee (1.69% vs 1.75%), so it's cheaper per transaction. However, Square's card reader costs less upfront (£19 vs £39). If you process over £3,000/month, SumUp's lower rate saves more than the reader price difference. For low-volume sellers, Square's cheaper reader may be the better deal.
Which card reader is better — Square or SumUp?
Both are excellent. SumUp's Air reader is compact and reliable with Bluetooth connectivity. Square Reader is similarly portable and pairs with the Square POS app. For a standalone terminal (no phone needed), SumUp Solo and Square Terminal are both strong options — the Solo is generally cheaper.
Can I use Square or SumUp without a smartphone?
The basic card readers from both providers require a smartphone or tablet with the companion app. However, both offer standalone terminals: SumUp Solo and Square Terminal work independently with built-in screens and Wi-Fi/mobile data connectivity.
Do Square and SumUp work for online payments?
Yes. Both offer online payment solutions. Square Online lets you build a free online store and accept payments at 2.5% per transaction. SumUp offers payment links, an online store, and invoicing at 2.5%. Both also support virtual terminal (phone order) payments.
Which is better for restaurants — Square or SumUp?
Square generally has a stronger hospitality offering with Square for Restaurants, which includes table management, menu customisation, and kitchen display system features. SumUp's POS is simpler but may be sufficient for smaller cafés and takeaways.
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