Square vs SumUp: Which Card Reader is Better for Your Business?
The UK's two most popular no-contract card readers compared. Both excellent - find which suits you better.
Get Quote - Square & SumUp| Feature | Square | SumUp |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware Cost | £19 + VAT | £29-£39 + VAT |
| Transaction Fee | 1.75% | 1.69% |
| Monthly Fee | £0 | £0 |
| Contract | None | None |
| Settlement | Next working day | Next working day |
| App Features | Excellent (inventory, invoices) | Good (basic reporting) |
| International Use | UK only | 30+ countries |
Our Recommendation
Choose Square If:
- You want advanced inventory management
- You need team management features
- You only trade in the UK
- You want the lowest hardware cost (£19)
Choose SumUp If:
- You trade internationally (30+ countries)
- You want lowest transaction fees (1.69%)
- You prefer simplicity over advanced features
- You attend European events/markets
Which is cheaper: Square or SumUp?▼
SumUp is slightly cheaper: 1.69% vs Square's 1.75% transaction fee. Hardware: Square £19, SumUp £29-£39. Over 3 years with £10k/month sales: SumUp saves £216. But difference is minimal - choose based on features you need.
Which has better features?▼
Square has better software: more advanced app, better inventory management, integrated invoicing, team management. SumUp is simpler but works in 30+ countries. Square UK-only. For feature-rich solution: Square. For international use: SumUp.
Can I use both Square and SumUp?▼
Yes - some businesses use both. Square for main point-of-sale (better features) and SumUp as backup or for international events. No conflict having multiple providers.
Which settles funds faster?▼
Both offer next working day settlement as standard. Money in your account next business day after transaction. Weekends/bank holidays delay by 1-2 days for both.
Which is better for restaurants?▼
Square is better for full-service restaurants - table management, course firing, modifier options. SumUp better for quick-service/takeaways - simpler interface, faster transactions.
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