Comparison Card Reader:

Which is the best for you?

We’ve taken a deep dive into SumUp’s solutions and compared them to Square and Zettle

Buy a card reader

SumUp vs. Square: Which card reader is the best for you?

We’ve taken a deep dive into SumUp’s solutions and compared them to Square and Zettle

Buy a card reader

Why is SumUp the right choice for your business?

With reliable card readers, efficient and easy-to-use software, and a great range of customisation options, we’ll always support you as you develop your business.

Enjoy transaction fees from as low as

0.99%

No nasty surprises

We'll never charge you admin costs or annual renewal fees. And, there's no minimum amount you need to process each month.

Speedy payouts

Access the money you process with our products directly in your account as early as 7am.

SumUp vs. Square vs. Zettle

Take a look at how our payment solutions compare to Square in the table below

SumUp

Square

Payouts

Standard payout time

4pm, the next work day

1-2 business days

Payout time with Business Account

7am the next day, even on weekends and holidays

Payout time with SumUp One subscription

7am the next day with Business Account; 7am next work day for 3rd party bank

Payout cost

Free standard payouts, and Free next-day payouts to the SumUp Business Account

Free standard payouts, 1% charge for instant transfers

Features

Tipping

Digital receipts

Staff profiles

Product library (item catalog)

Sales reports

Hardware

Entry level card reader

£39 (Air)

£19 (Square Reader)

Advanced card reader (standalone, without the need for an app)

£79 (SumUp Solo), £139 (SumUp Solo + printer)

£149 (Square Terminal)

With screen and PIN pad

Square Terminal only

Free unlimited mobile data

SumUp Solo with in-built SIM card

Touchscreen

All

Square Terminal only

Mobile payments functionality

✓ (all payment types)

Limited to Offline Mode, no contactless card payments acceptance on the go

Compatibility
Fees and terms
Accepted payments

SumUp

Payouts
Standard payout time

4pm, the next work day

Payout time with Business Account

7am the next day, even on weekends and holidays

Payout time with SumUp One subscription

7am the next day with Business Account; 7am next work day for 3rd party bank

Payout cost

Free standard payouts, and Free next-day payouts to the SumUp Business Account

Features
Tipping
Digital receipts
Staff profiles
Product library (item catalog)
Sales reports

Square

Payouts
Standard payout time

1-2 business days

Payout time with Business Account
Payout time with SumUp One subscription
Payout cost

Free standard payouts, 1% charge for instant transfers

Features
Tipping
Digital receipts
Staff profiles
Product library (item catalog)
Sales reports

The competitive data analysis on this page was collected in January 2024 and it is based on information found on both SumUp and Square’s websites. This information is subject to change or update without notice and is not intended to be comprehensive. We appreciate your understanding and hope this page serves as a valuable resource for your operational considerations.

Card readers, tills & beyond

Air

A low-cost card reader that pairs with your smartphone to take payments on-the-go. This easy-to-use device has up to 12 hours of battery life.

Get it for £39

Learn more

Solo

A card reader with an intuitive touch-screen. View your sales history, offer refunds and attach an optional printer. No smartphone required.

Get it for £79

Learn more

POS Lite

Simplify your checkout with the out-of-the-box POS by SumUp. Take payments, organise items, track sales, and more.

Get it for £349

Learn more

POS Pro

From table management and full reporting to integration add-ons – run your business with a complete, customised point of sale solution.

Contact Sales

Learn more

Features that work together

SumUp card readers are designed to work seamlessly as you go about your daily business. Enjoy payment processing, inventory control, and cash flow management as part of an efficient, frictionless ecosystem.

Accept card payments

Take contactless or Chip and PIN payments from all major cards quickly and easily with your mobile card reader.

Organise your items

Make stock management seamless with a detailed item catalogue, including all your products, variations, and prices.

Track your cash earnings

Consolidate cash and card payments in a single system and enjoy frictionless, simplified accounting.

Stay mobile

Use your charging station to keep your card reader powered up and ready for whenever you need it.

Customise to your needs

We offer different plans, such as SumUp One, to save you money on products and transaction fees with a fixed monthly price.

Free, unlimited data

Always stay connected with the free, built-in SIM card with unlimited data or WiFi connectivity.

Free access to our digital products

Download the free SumUp app from the Apple or Google Play stores for instant access to our digital solutions. Get to know Tap to Pay, payment links generator, the SumUp Business Account, our online store builder and more.

FAQs

Answering your questions about SumUp vs. Square vs. Zettle