SumUp Card Reader Fees UK 2026: 1.69% Rate, Hardware and Payout

LAST REVIEWED 2026-09-06

What is the SumUp fee per transaction?

SumUp charges a flat rate of 1.69% for every in-person card transaction. This rate applies to all major debit and credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and Amex. There are no hidden costs or tiered pricing structures.

The 1.69% rate is published on SumUp's pricing page as of 2026-09-06. This rate is competitive when compared to other providers in the table above. For example, Zettle and Square both charge 1.75%, which is slightly higher. SumUp's rate is lower than those, making it an attractive option for small businesses with lower transaction volumes.

However, other factors like hardware costs and payout times may influence the overall value.

Always check the latest pricing on SumUp's website, as rates can change. The rate applies to all in-person payments, whether chip and PIN, contactless, or mobile wallets.

Does SumUp charge a monthly fee?

No, SumUp does not charge a monthly fee for its standard card reader service. The pricing page clearly states a monthly fee of £0. This makes SumUp a cost-effective option for businesses that process low volumes or have seasonal sales.

In the table above, SumUp is listed with a monthly fee of £0, similar to Zettle and Square. In contrast, Tide charges £2.99 plus VAT per month, and Barclaycard charges £18 plus VAT after an initial 12-month free period. Worldpay charges £20.00 per terminal monthly.

For a business processing 50 transactions a month, the lack of a monthly fee means the total cost is solely based on the 1.69% transaction rate. This can be more predictable than providers with fixed monthly costs.

However, some providers may offer additional features or lower transaction rates with a monthly plan. SumUp's simple pricing is transparent, but it is essential to compare total costs based on your specific transaction volume.

How much does SumUp card reader hardware cost?

SumUp does not publish hardware prices on its pricing page. The table above shows 'not published' for SumUp's hardware cost. This means you need to visit SumUp's website or contact them for current device prices.

In contrast, Zettle lists hardware from £29 excluding VAT, and Tide from £11 plus VAT. Barclaycard charges £29 plus VAT as a one-off cost. SumUp's lack of published pricing makes direct comparison difficult.

Historically, SumUp has offered readers at various price points, but as of 2026-09-06, the pricing page does not list specific amounts. It is advisable to check SumUp's official store for the latest hardware costs.

When budgeting, consider that hardware is a one-time or occasional cost, while transaction fees are ongoing. Even if SumUp's hardware is slightly more expensive, the lower transaction rate of 1.69% could offset that over time.

How fast is SumUp's payout?

SumUp pays out funds the next day after a transaction. This is stated on the pricing page as 'next day'. This means if you make a sale on Monday, the funds should appear in your bank account by Tuesday, assuming no bank holidays.

In the table above, SumUp's settlement is 'next day', similar to Tide and Barclaycard. Zettle offers faster settlement, with funds arriving within minutes to a PayPal Business account. Square's settlement time is not published.

Next-day payout is beneficial for cash flow, allowing you to access your money quickly. However, some providers may offer instant settlement for a fee. SumUp does not advertise such a service on its pricing page.

It is important to note that payout times can be affected by your bank's processing times. Always ensure your bank details are correct to avoid delays.

Does SumUp require a long-term contract?

No, SumUp does not require a long-term contract. The pricing page states 'no contract', meaning you can use the service on a pay-as-you-go basis without being tied in for a fixed period.

In the table above, SumUp is listed with 'no contract', as are Zettle and Square. In contrast, takepayments requires a 12-month contract, and Barclaycard requires an 18-month contract. Worldpay's contract terms are not published.

The absence of a contract gives you flexibility to switch providers if your needs change. However, some providers may offer better hardware deals or lower rates in exchange for a contract. With SumUp, you pay 1.69% per transaction with no commitment.

Always read the terms and conditions to understand any notice periods or cancellation fees, even if there is no minimum contract length.

Is SumUp regulated by the FCA?

Yes, SumUp is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as an electronic money institution. This means it is regulated for issuing e-money and providing payment services, offering a level of consumer protection.

SumUp's FCA authorisation is important because it ensures the company adheres to strict financial standards, including safeguarding customer funds. This is a key consideration for businesses trusting SumUp with their card transactions.

When comparing providers, check their regulatory status. Most reputable providers are FCA authorised, but the level of authorisation can vary. For example, some may be authorised as payment institutions, while others are e-money institutions.

You can verify SumUp's FCA status by searching the Financial Services Register. This provides transparency and peace of mind.

Does SumUp accept American Express?

Yes, SumUp accepts American Express (Amex) cards at the same rate of 1.69% per transaction. This is a significant advantage, as some providers charge higher fees for Amex or do not accept it at all.

In the table above, SumUp's rate is 1.69% for all cards, including Amex. Zettle and Square also accept Amex but at their standard rate of 1.75%. Some providers may have separate, higher rates for Amex, but SumUp does not differentiate.

Accepting Amex can attract customers who prefer to use their Amex cards for rewards. With SumUp, you do not need to worry about additional charges for Amex transactions.

Always confirm with SumUp's latest terms, as card acceptance can change. But as of 2026-09-06, Amex is accepted at the standard rate.

How does SumUp compare to other providers in the table?

SumUp's published in-person rate of 1.69% is the lowest among providers with published rates in the table above. Zettle and Square charge 1.75%, while others like Tide, takepayments, and Barclaycard do not publish their rates.

SumUp also has no monthly fee and no contract, matching Zettle and Square. However, Zettle offers faster settlement (within minutes to PayPal) and publishes hardware prices from £29. SumUp's hardware cost is not published, making it harder to compare upfront costs.

But if Zettle's hardware is cheaper, the overall cost might be similar.

Consider your transaction volume, hardware needs, and payout preferences when choosing. The table above provides a snapshot, but always check the latest details on each provider's website.

What are the hidden costs of using SumUp?

SumUp's pricing is transparent: 1.69% per transaction with no monthly fee. However, there may be other costs not listed on the pricing page, such as hardware purchase, chargebacks, or refund fees.

SumUp does not publish hardware prices, so you need to check their store. Additionally, while SumUp does not charge a monthly fee, there may be fees for certain services like instant payouts, if available. As of 2026-09-06, no such fees are published.

Chargebacks can incur fees, but SumUp does not publish these on the pricing page. It is essential to read SumUp's full terms and conditions to understand all potential charges.

Always review your monthly statements to ensure no unexpected fees are applied. If you have questions, contact SumUp's customer support for clarification.

Who is SumUp best suited for?

SumUp is well-suited for small businesses, sole traders, and freelancers who need a simple, low-cost card payment solution without long-term commitments. The 1.69% rate and no monthly fee make it ideal for low to moderate transaction volumes.

Businesses that process fewer than 50 transactions a month may benefit most from SumUp's pay-as-you-go model. For higher volumes, a provider with a lower rate but a monthly fee might be more cost-effective, but SumUp's rate is already competitive.

SumUp is also suitable for businesses that value flexibility, as there is no contract. Mobile businesses, market traders, and pop-up shops can use SumUp's portable readers.

However, if you need instant settlement or prefer to see hardware prices upfront, you might consider Zettle. Always compare based on your specific needs.

Glossary: card payment terms explained

Pay-as-you-go: A pricing model where you pay a per-transaction fee with no monthly subscription or contract. SumUp uses this model with a 1.69% rate.

Settlement: The process of transferring funds from a card transaction to your bank account. SumUp settles next day.

FCA: The Financial Conduct Authority, the UK regulator for financial services. SumUp is authorised as an e-money institution.

E-money institution: A company authorised to issue electronic money and provide payment services. SumUp holds this status.

Chargeback: A dispute where a customer's card issuer reverses a transaction. Fees may apply, but SumUp does not publish them.

Hardware: The physical card reader device. SumUp does not publish hardware prices on its pricing page.

Checklist: what to check on a fee statement or contract

• Check the latest SumUp rate on their pricing page to confirm it is still 1.69%.
• Verify that no monthly fee is charged by reviewing your contract or statement.
• Confirm that you are not tied into a minimum contract period.
• Ask SumUp for a hardware price quote before purchasing.
• Test payout times with a small transaction to ensure next-day settlement.
• Review your monthly statements for any unexpected fees.

Each item above maps to a line that must appear in the PSR summary box or the contract schedule, so a missing entry is itself a question for the provider.

Frequently asked questions

What is the SumUp fee per transaction?

SumUp charges a flat rate of 1.69% for all in-person card transactions. This rate applies to Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and other cards. There is no monthly fee or contract. The rate is published on SumUp's pricing page as of 2026-09-06. Compared to Zettle and Square, which charge 1.75%, SumUp is slightly cheaper. Always check the latest pricing as rates can change.

Is there a monthly fee?

No, SumUp does not charge a monthly fee. The pricing page states a monthly fee of £0. This is beneficial for businesses with low transaction volumes or seasonal sales. In contrast, some providers like Tide charge £2.99 plus VAT per month, and Barclaycard charges £18 plus VAT after a free period. With SumUp, you only pay the 1.69% transaction fee, making costs predictable and low.

How fast is payout?

SumUp pays out funds the next day after a transaction. For example, a sale on Monday is typically in your bank by Tuesday. This is faster than some providers but slower than Zettle, which offers instant settlement to a PayPal Business account. Next-day payout is standard for many providers, including Tide and Barclaycard. Ensure your bank details are correct to avoid delays.

Is SumUp FCA regulated?

Yes, SumUp is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as an electronic money institution. This means it is regulated for issuing e-money and providing payment services. This regulation ensures that SumUp follows strict financial standards, including safeguarding customer funds. You can verify SumUp's FCA status on the Financial Services Register.

Does SumUp take Amex?

Yes, SumUp accepts American Express (Amex) cards at the same rate of 1.69% per transaction. This is a significant advantage because some providers charge higher fees for Amex or do not accept it. By accepting Amex, you can cater to customers who prefer using their Amex cards. SumUp does not differentiate rates by card type, so you pay the same low rate for all transactions.