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

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.

As low as

0.99%

transaction fee per card payment.

£0/month

SumUp Bookings is free to start

and free to run.

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 day

1–2 business days

Transaction fee with Payments Plus

0.99%, lock in lower fees for £19/month

Not included

Transaction fee with Business Account

Not included
Not included

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

Included
Included

Digital receipts

Included
Included

Staff profiles

Included
Included

Product library (item catalog)

Included
Included

Sales reports

Included
Included
Hardware

Entry level card reader

£25 (Solo Lite)

£19 (Square Reader)

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

£79 (SumUp Solo), £139 (Terminal)

£149 (Square Terminal)

With screen and PIN pad

Included

Square Terminal only

Free unlimited mobile data

SumUp Solo with in-built SIM card

Not included

Touchscreen

All

Square Terminal only

Mobile payments functionality

✓ (all payment types)

Included
Compatibility
Fees and terms
Accepted payments

SumUp

Payouts
Standard payout time

4pm, the next day

Transaction fee with Payments Plus

0.99%, lock in lower fees for £19/month

Transaction fee with Business Account
Not included
Payout cost

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

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

Square

Payouts
Standard payout time

1–2 business days

Transaction fee with Payments Plus
Not included
Transaction fee with Business Account
Not included
Payout cost

Free standard payouts, 1% charge for instant transfers

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

Accuracy and currency: The information presented in this comparison was collected from publicly available sources including official websites, published pricing, and documented features as of August 8, 2025. This information may change without notice, should be independently verified before making business decisions, represents our understanding at the time of publication, and may not reflect the most current offerings.

Methodology: Our comparison methodology includes direct feature analysis from official sources, publicly available pricing information, and standard terms and conditions review.

Limitations: This comparison is not exhaustive of all features or services, may not reflect promotional pricing or special offers, does not constitute professional advice, and should be supplemented with direct vendor consultation.

Independence: While we strive for objectivity, this comparison is prepared by SumUp and may reflect our perspective on relevant features and benefits.

Verification: We recommend independently verifying all information with respective service providers before making any business decisions.

Legal compliance: This comparison complies with local advertising standards.

Card readers, tills & beyond

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 £59 £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 £290

Learn more

Terminal

Our powerful handheld card reader with built-in receipt printer. Take payments with all common payment options wherever you are.
Get it for £99 £135

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