SumUp vs Square 2026 UK | Fees, Costs & Best Card Machine Quick answer
SumUp is the better option for very small businesses and sole traders, offering lower-cost hardware and simple pricing.
Square is the better all-round solution, with stronger POS features, better reporting, and more scalability.
👉 SumUp = cheapest and simplest
👉 Square = best overall system
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
Contents
Sumup vs Square Fees Comparison
Sumup vs Square Features Comparison
Best Choice by Business Type
Payout Speed
Pricing Model Explained
Pros & Cons
Our Verdict
Card Machine Fees Calculator UK Estimate your monthly and annual card processing costs in seconds. Adjust the fields below to see how much your current setup could be costing you.
Pricing model Flat rate Custom / Merchant account
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Estimated monthly fees
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Key Takeaways
Both offer no monthly fees and no contracts
SumUp has cheaper hardware and simpler tools
Square has a more advanced POS system
Both charge around 1.75% per transaction
Square is better for growing businesses
SumUp is great for low-volume users
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Sumup vs Square Fees Comparison
Feature SumUp Square
In-person payments
1.69%
1.75%
Online payments
~2.5%
1.4% + 25p
Monthly fees
£0
£0
Setup fee
£0
£0
Contracts
No
No
👉our winner: SumUp (as it is slightly cheaper for in-person payments)
Sumup vs Square Features Comparison
Feature SumUp Square
POS system
Basic
Advanced
Reporting
Basic
Detailed
Inventory management
Limited
Strong
Integrations
Limited
Extensive
Ecommerce
Basic
Strong
App ecosystem
Minimal
Large
👉 our winner: Square (they have far more powerful features)
What Is SumUp? SumUp is a simple, low-cost payment solution designed for:
Sole traders
Small businesses
Mobile sellers
It focuses on ease of use and affordability rather than advanced features.
What Is Square? Square is a full payment ecosystem, offering:
POS software
Card machines
Online payments
Business tools and reporting
👉 Built to scale with your business
Best Choice by Business Type
Business Type Best Option
Sole trader
SumUp
Market stalls / pop-ups
SumUp
Small business
Either
Retail shop
Square
Café / hospitality
Square
Growing business
Square
👉 SumUp for simplicity, Square for growth
Ease of Use
SumUp → extremely simple
Square → slightly more complex but still user-friendly
👉 Our winner: SumUp
Payout Speed & Cash Flow
Feature SumUp Square
Standard payouts
1-3 days
Next working day
Instant payouts
Limited
Available (fee)
Bank deposits
Direct
Direct
👉 Winner: Square (faster payouts)
Scalability
SumUp → best for low-volume businesses
Square → grows with your business
👉 Businesses often start with SumUp and move to Square
Pros & Cons SumUp Pros
Lower transaction fees
Very easy to use
Cheap hardware
No contracts
SumUp Cons
Limited features
Basic reporting
Not great for scaling
Square Pros
Advanced POS system
Better reporting
Strong integrations
Scalable
Square Cons
Slightly higher fees
More complex setup
When Should You Choose SumUp? Choose SumUp if you:
Are a sole trader or side business
Want the cheapest possible setup
Take occasional payments
Need something very simple
When Should You Choose Square?
Choose Square if you:
Run a retail or hospitality business
Want better reporting and tools
Plan to grow
Need online + in-person payments
Our Verdict We think SumUp is the best choice for simplicity and low-cost payments, making it ideal for small and occasional sellers and Square is the better long-term solution, offering stronger features and scalability.
👉 SumUp = best for starting out
👉 Square = best for growing businesses
FAQs Is SumUp cheaper than Square?
Yes! SumUp is slightly cheaper for in-person payments.
Which is better for small businesses?
SumUp is simpler, but Square offers more features as you grow.
Can I switch from SumUp to Square?
Yes! many businesses upgrade as they scale.
Which has better features?
Square has significantly more advanced features.
Which is better for market traders?
SumUp is often preferred due to simplicity and low cost.
Do both have contracts?
No, both are contract-free.
Which pays out faster?
Square typically pays out faster.
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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.
