SumUp vs Zettle UK 2025: Complete Comparison
Head-to-head comparison of the two most popular budget card readers. Real costs, features, and which wins for different business types.
Quick Verdict
- SumUp wins on cost: 1.39% vs 1.75%, £19 vs £29 reader
- Zettle wins on features: PayPal integration, better app, loyalty cards
- Overall winner: SumUp for pure cost, Zettle for PayPal users
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | SumUp | Zettle |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction Fee | 1.39% | 1.75% |
| Monthly Fee | £0 | £0 |
| Card Reader Cost | £19 | £29 |
| Settlement Speed | 2-3 days | 1-2 days |
| PayPal Integration | ❌ | ✅ |
| Loyalty Cards | ❌ | ✅ |
Cost Comparison: Real Examples
£5,000 Monthly Sales
- SumUp: £5,000 × 1.39% = £69.50/month ✅
- Zettle: £5,000 × 1.75% = £87.50/month
- Difference: £18/month = £216 annually
£15,000 Monthly Sales
- SumUp: £15,000 × 1.39% = £208.50/month ✅
- Zettle: £15,000 × 1.75% = £262.50/month
- Difference: £54/month = £648 annually
Winner on cost: SumUp (saves £216-£648 annually depending on volume)
When Zettle is Worth the Extra Cost
Despite higher fees, Zettle wins for:
- PayPal users: Instant access to PayPal balance worth the 0.36% premium
- International sales: Multi-currency support better than SumUp
- Faster settlement: 1-2 days vs 2-3 days matters for cash flow
- Loyalty programs: Built-in customer loyalty cards
Final Recommendation
SumUp wins overall for most small businesses due to lower fees (1.39% vs 1.75%) and cheaper reader (£19 vs £29). You save £200-£650 annually on transaction fees alone.
Choose Zettle if: You're a heavy PayPal user, need multi-currency support, or want built-in loyalty programs.
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