Square vs SumUp 2026 UK | Fees, Costs & Which Is Best? Quick answer
SumUp is best for sole traders and very small businesses looking for the cheapest, simplest option
Square is best for growing businesses that want better software, POS features, and scalability
👉 SumUp = cheapest & simplest
👉 Square = more powerful & scalable
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How do we work?
Transparent, impartial, and data‑driven reviews made by a team of expert humans, never AI generated – here’s exactly how Compare Your Business Costs helps you find the best deals from trusted UK providers: click here
Authored by: Ally Cox (Business Technology & B2B Services Specialist 10+ Years’ Experience)
Reviewed by: James Ward (Telecoms Specialist, 12+ Years Experience)
Last Updated: July 2026
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Pricing model Flat rate Custom / Merchant account
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Contents
Square vs Sumup Fees Comparison
Best Choice by Business Type
Square vs SumUp Feature Comparison
Key Takeaways
Both offer no contracts and no monthly fees
SumUp is slightly cheaper (~1.69% vs 1.75%)
Square has stronger POS & business tools
Both support Tap to Pay on iPhone (UK)
Square is better for growth and integrations
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Square vs Sumup Fees Comparison
Feature Square SumUp
Transaction fees
1.75%
1.69%
Monthly fee
£0
£0
Contract
No contract
No contract
Setup fee
£0
£0
Payout speed
1–2 days
1-2 days
Best Choice by Business Type
Business Type Best Option Why
Sole traders
SumUp
Lowest cost & simplest setup
Side hustles
SumUp
Cheap and easy
Startups
Square
More features as you grow
Retail shops
Square
Better POS system
Cafés & hospitality
Square
Inventory + staff tools
Growing businesses
Square
Scalable platform
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Square Card Machines 👍 Best for: Growth & Features
Pros
No monthly fees
Advanced POS system included
Inventory, staff management & reporting
Tap to Pay on iPhone (UK)
Strong integrations (Shopify, Xero, QuickBooks)
Cons
Slightly higher transaction fees (1.75%)
Can be overkill for very small businesses
Occasional account holds reported
👉 Best for businesses planning to grow
SumUp Card Machines 👍 Best for: Simplicity & Low Cost
Pros
Lower transaction fee (1.69%)
No monthly fees
Very simple setup
Free app with basic reporting
Affordable hardware
Cons
Limited POS and integrations
Fewer advanced features
Less suitable for scaling businesses
👉 Best for freelancers and small traders
Square vs SumUp Feature Comparison
Feature Square SumUp
Ease of use
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pricing simplicity
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
POS features
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐
Integrations
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐
Scalability
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐
Value for money
⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hardware Options
Device Square SumUp
Basic reader
£19
£39 (often £29 promo)
Smart terminal
£149
£79 (Solo)
POS system
£599 (Register)
Limited
Which Is Cheaper? SumUp
You take low-value or occasional payments
You want minimum upfront cost
Square
You need POS features and reporting
You’re planning to scale your business
👉 Our insight: SumUp = cheapest, Square = best value long-term
Which Should You Choose? Choose SumUp
You’re a sole trader or freelancer
You want the cheapest option
You need simple, no-fuss payments
Choose Square
You run a retail or hospitality business
You want POS, reporting, and integrations
You plan to grow or scale
Why Compare With Us?
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FAQs – Square vs SumUp Is Square better than SumUp?
Square is better for growing businesses and those needing POS features, while SumUp is better for simplicity and low cost.
Which is cheaper, Square or SumUp?
SumUp is slightly cheaper (1.69% vs 1.75%), making it better for low-volume businesses.
Do both have contracts?
No, both Square and SumUp offer no-contract, pay-as-you-go pricing.
Which is better for small businesses?
SumUp is ideal for very small businesses, while Square is better for those planning to grow.
Do both support Tap to Pay?
Yes, both support Tap to Pay on iPhone in the UK.
Which pays out faster?
Both typically pay out within 1–2 working days.
Which is better for cafés?
Square is usually better due to POS features and inventory management.
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Hi, I’m Ally Cox , a senior copywriter and blogger at CompareYourBusinessCosts.co.uk, the UK’s trusted platform for comparing business services.over a decade of experience in the B2B sector, I specialise in simplifying complex topics like leased lines, VoIP, business energy, HR and payroll solutions, accounting software, and EPOS systems .HR, copywriting, and business operations- from clocking-in systems to card machines and office technology .informed, confident decisions when choosing products and services that improve efficiency and save money.
