SumUp Review

Pros

• No monthly fee for basic card reader use
• Affordable mobile card readers
• No monthly minimums
• Predictable flat-rate pricing
• No long-term contracts for card reader accounts

Cons

• Account holds or closures are possible
• Limited features compared to larger POS platforms
• Advanced POS plans require paid hardware and monthly software fees

What Is SumUp?

SumUp is a payment service provider that offers mobile card readers, payment processing, invoicing, payment links, and full POS systems.

Its basic card reader setup is best for mobile sellers and small businesses that want simple, pay-as-you-go processing without a monthly fee. Businesses that need more advanced POS, customer management, loyalty, or marketing tools can choose one of SumUp’s paid POS packages.

SumUp Products & Services

SumUp’s core product is mobile payment processing, but it also offers remote payment tools, invoicing, standalone terminals, full POS systems, and business banking.

Products and features include:

• Mobile POS App: The free SumUp app lets you create an item catalog, add product variants and tax rates, record cash payments, accept tips, issue refunds, send digital receipts, and view basic sales reports.
• Payment Links: Send customers a secure payment link by text, email, or messaging app. You’ll pay SumUp’s card-not-present processing rate when the customer pays.
• Virtual Terminal: Enter a customer’s card information through the SumUp app or online dashboard to accept payments over the phone or without a card reader.
• Invoicing: Create and send invoices from the SumUp app, track payment status, and let customers pay online through an attached payment link.
• SumUp Plus: This Bluetooth reader connects to a phone or tablet and accepts magnetic-stripe, chip, contactless, and mobile wallet payments.
• SumUp Solo: The Solo is a compact standalone card reader with a touchscreen, Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity, tipping, digital receipts, and basic product and sales tools.
• SumUp Terminal: This handheld POS includes a touchscreen and built-in receipt printer, along with item management, inventory tracking, staff profiles, reporting, and order management.
• POS Lite: This $0/month countertop POS includes a 13-inch touchscreen register, a SumUp Solo card reader, item and modifier management, inventory tracking, tipping, refunds, and sales reporting. You’ll have to purchase the hardware bundle, and standard in-person processing fees apply.
• SumUp POS: SumUp’s paid countertop POS adds more advanced tools, including employee management, online ordering, customer profiles, loyalty, marketing, and dedicated setup support.
• Business Bank Account: Eligible merchants can open a SumUp Business Bank Account with no monthly fee and manage payments and spending through the SumUp app.

SumUp Fees & Rates

SumUp uses flat-rate pricing, making processing costs relatively easy to predict. There are no monthly minimums for basic card reader accounts, and you’ll only pay a monthly software fee if you choose one of SumUp’s paid POS plans.

Note that customized processing fees are available to US merchants processing over $10,000/month.

Monthly Plans

SumUp’s card reader accounts and POS Lite have no monthly software fee. Full SumUp POS plans include more advanced management, customer engagement, and support features.

Some paid POS plans require a 12-month subscription, so review the plan terms before signing up.

Extra Costs

SumUp doesn’t charge account setup fees, annual renewal fees, or monthly minimums for its basic payment processing accounts. However, hardware, paid POS software, online ordering, add-ons, chargebacks, and other optional services may increase your total cost.

Sales & Advertising Transparency

SumUp clearly publishes its standard processing rates, basic account terms, and hardware pricing online. However, some POS packages, add-ons, and contract details may require contacting the company for a quote or demo.

SumUp also publishes restrictions on the types of businesses it can support. Merchants should review the restricted-business policy before opening an account or purchasing hardware, as SumUp may suspend or close accounts that don’t meet its eligibility requirements.

Contract Length & Early Termination Fee

SumUp’s basic card reader accounts use a pay-as-you-go model with no long-term contract or monthly minimum. POS Lite also has no monthly software fee, although you’ll need to purchase the hardware.

Paid SumUp POS plans may require a 12-month subscription. SumUp’s terms also allow the company to hold payouts, establish a reserve, or restrict access to funds when it needs to investigate account activity or manage risk.

Before signing up, review the terms for your specific hardware, software plan, and optional services.

Customer Service & Technical Support

SumUp offers support by phone and email, along with a searchable online Support Center.

You can also contact support through the SumUp app or website. Support hours vary by channel.

SumUp User Reviews

SumUp receives mixed-to-positive feedback overall. The app currently holds a 3.8 out of 5 rating on the Apple App Store. Its main U.S. BBB profile is accredited and has an A+ rating.

Negative Reviews & Complaints

Common complaints include:

• Account holds and closures
• Not available to high-risk businesses
• Occasional app and hardware glitches
• Delay in response to support requests

Positive Reviews & Testimonials

Merchants who praise SumUp’s service generally cite the following points:

• Easy to use
• Straightforward pricing
• Affordable hardware
• Convenient, easy payment tools

Final Verdict On SumUp

SumUp is a good fit for mobile sellers and small businesses that want affordable hardware, straightforward flat-rate processing, and no monthly fee for basic card acceptance. Its payment links, invoicing, standalone terminals, POS Lite system, and paid POS plans also give businesses room to add more tools as their needs grow.

However, SumUp’s basic software is less advanced than some competing platforms, and businesses may encounter account reviews, payout holds, or closures. It also isn’t suitable for restricted or higher-risk industries.

Choose SumUp if you want simple, low-commitment payment processing and don’t need an extensive business management platform. Businesses with higher processing volumes or more complex needs should compare SumUp’s total costs and features with a traditional merchant account or a more advanced POS provider.

For a closer comparison, read our SumUp vs. Square guide. You can also explore our top credit card processors for small businesses to find more payment processing options.