SumUp Card Reader Fees UK: Rates, Hardware and Payout Times

LAST REVIEWED 2026-09-06

Fees

SumUp's standard pricing is a flat rate of 1.69% per transaction for all major debit and credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. This rate applies to in-person payments taken through SumUp card readers, as well as virtual terminals and payment links. There are no hidden charges, no setup fees, and no monthly subscription costs for the basic plan. The rate is competitive for small businesses and sole traders who process lower volumes.

For transactions involving corporate or commercial cards, the rate may be higher, but SumUp does not publish a separate rate for these; the standard 1.69% is the headline figure. International cards may incur an additional fee, but this is not published. SumUp does not charge a fee for refunds, but the original transaction fee is not returned. Chargebacks may incur a fee, but this is not published.

It is important to note that the 1.69% rate is subject to change, and SumUp reserves the right to alter pricing with notice. The rate was verified on 5 September 2026 from SumUp's official pricing page. For businesses processing high volumes, SumUp offers custom pricing, but these rates are not published and are negotiated individually.

There are no monthly fees for the standard plan, making SumUp a low-cost entry point for accepting card payments. However, businesses should compare this flat rate with other providers that may offer lower rates for higher volumes.

Hardware

SumUp offers a range of card readers, with the most popular being the SumUp Air, which costs £39. This compact device connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth and accepts contactless, chip and PIN, and mobile payments. The Air is battery-powered and charges via USB, making it portable for businesses on the move.

Other hardware options include the SumUp Solo, which is a standalone reader with a built-in receipt printer, and the SumUp 3G, which has its own SIM card for connectivity. Prices for these models are not published on the pricing page at the time of writing. SumUp also offers a point-of-sale (POS) system with a screen and integrated card reader, but pricing is not published.

All SumUp readers come with a standard warranty, but the length is not published. Businesses can purchase additional accessories such as charging docks and protective cases, but prices are not listed.

When considering hardware costs, it is important to factor in the initial outlay. The Air at £39 is a low-cost option, but other providers may offer free hardware with a monthly subscription. SumUp's model is pay-as-you-go, so there is no long-term commitment, but the hardware cost is upfront.

SumUp occasionally runs promotions offering discounted or free readers, but these are not guaranteed. The hardware is designed to be user-friendly, with a simple setup process and no need for a separate merchant account.

Payout

SumUp offers next-day payout as standard. This means that funds from card transactions are settled into your nominated bank account by the next business day. For example, transactions processed on a Monday will typically be paid out on Tuesday, provided the transaction is authorised and no issues arise.

Payouts are made automatically, and there is no minimum payout threshold. However, the exact timing can depend on your bank's processing times, and weekends or bank holidays may cause delays. SumUp does not charge a fee for standard next-day payouts.

For businesses that require faster access to funds, SumUp does not currently offer instant payout options in the UK. All payouts follow the same next-day schedule. If a transaction is flagged for review or there is a dispute, the payout may be delayed until the issue is resolved.

It is important to note that payouts are only made to bank accounts in the UK and in the name of the business or individual registered with SumUp. You must provide valid bank details during the sign-up process. SumUp does not publish any information on payout times for international accounts.

Overall, next-day payout is a standard feature and is competitive with other providers. Some competitors offer same-day payouts for an additional fee, but SumUp's free next-day service is suitable for most small businesses.

Contract terms

SumUp operates on a pay-as-you-go basis with no long-term contract. There is no minimum contract length, and you can stop using the service at any time without penalty. This is a key advantage for small businesses that want flexibility.

However, there are some terms to be aware of. When you purchase a card reader, you own the hardware outright, but you must use it with SumUp's service. If you decide to leave SumUp, the reader will not work with other providers.

SumUp's terms and conditions outline that they may suspend or terminate your account if they suspect fraudulent activity or a breach of their terms. They also reserve the right to change fees with notice, but they will inform you of any changes.

There is no monthly fee, but you must keep your account active by processing at least one transaction every 12 months. If no transaction is processed in that period, SumUp may close the account. This is not a penalty, but it is a condition of the service.

For businesses that lease or rent a terminal, the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) has set a maximum initial term of 18 months for POS terminal contracts, in force since July 2023. However, SumUp does not offer leasing; all hardware is purchased outright, so this regulation does not apply to SumUp's standard offering.

Regulatory status

SumUp is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as an electronic money institution. This authorisation allows SumUp to issue e-money and provide payment services. The FCA register lists SumUp Limited with reference number 900585. This means SumUp is subject to FCA oversight and must comply with regulations designed to protect consumers.

As an e-money institution, SumUp is required to safeguard customer funds. This means that money held by SumUp for customers is kept in separate accounts and cannot be used for the company's own purposes. In the event of insolvency, customer funds are protected.

SumUp is also required to comply with the Payment Services Regulations 2017, which set out rules on transparency, information requirements, and dispute resolution. Customers have the right to complain to SumUp and, if unresolved, to refer the matter to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). The FOS can award compensation up to a limit that is subject to change; the current limit is not published in this article.

Additionally, SumUp must adhere to the Interchange Fee Regulation (IFR), which caps consumer debit card interchange at 0.2% and credit cards at 0.3%. These caps apply to the fees that banks charge each other, and they influence the rates that providers like SumUp can offer. SumUp's 1.69% rate is well above these caps, reflecting the additional costs of processing.

Overall, SumUp's regulatory status provides a level of assurance to businesses that their funds are protected and that they have recourse in case of issues.

Who it suits

SumUp is best suited to small businesses, sole traders, and freelancers who need a simple, low-cost way to accept card payments without committing to a long-term contract. The flat 1.69% rate is transparent and easy to understand, making it ideal for those who process relatively low volumes and want predictable costs.

Businesses that operate on the go, such as market traders, food trucks, and mobile hairdressers, will benefit from the portable Air reader at £39. The lack of a monthly fee means that occasional users only pay when they make a sale, which is a significant advantage over subscription-based models.

However, for businesses with high transaction volumes, the flat rate may become less competitive compared to providers that offer tiered or interchange-plus pricing. SumUp does not publish volume discounts, so high-volume merchants may find better value elsewhere.

SumUp is also suitable for businesses that want to accept a wide range of payment methods, including contactless, Apple Pay, and American Express, without additional setup. The next-day payout is a standard feature that helps with cash flow.

It is not suitable for businesses that require instant settlement or those that need a full point-of-sale system with inventory management, as SumUp's hardware range is limited. Additionally, businesses that prefer to lease hardware rather than purchase it outright will not find that option with SumUp.

Overall, SumUp is a straightforward choice for micro-businesses and startups looking for a no-frills card payment solution.

Frequently asked questions

What is the SumUp fee per transaction?

SumUp charges a flat rate of 1.69% per transaction for all major debit and credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. This rate applies to in-person payments taken through SumUp card readers, as well as virtual terminals and payment links. There are no hidden charges or setup fees. The rate is subject to change, but it was verified on 5 September 2026 from SumUp's official pricing page.

Is there a monthly fee?

No, SumUp does not charge a monthly fee for its standard card reader plan. You only pay the transaction fee of 1.69% per sale. There are no subscription costs, no minimum usage requirements, and no hidden charges. This makes SumUp a cost-effective option for businesses that process low volumes or have seasonal fluctuations. You can use the service as often or as little as you like without incurring any fixed costs.

How fast is payout?

SumUp offers next-day payout as standard. Funds from card transactions are settled into your nominated bank account by the next business day. For example, transactions processed on a Monday are typically paid out on Tuesday. There is no minimum payout threshold, and there is no fee for this service. However, weekends and bank holidays may cause delays, and the exact timing can depend on your bank's processing times.

Is SumUp FCA regulated?

Yes, SumUp is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as an electronic money institution. Its FCA register number is 900585. This authorisation means SumUp must comply with regulations designed to protect consumers, including safeguarding customer funds. In the event of insolvency, customer funds are protected. Customers also have access to the Financial Ombudsman Service for dispute resolution.

Does SumUp take Amex?

Yes, SumUp accepts American Express cards at the same flat rate of 1.69% per transaction. There is no additional fee for Amex transactions, unlike some other providers. This is a significant advantage for businesses that want to accept a wide range of payment methods without extra costs. The rate applies to all major card schemes, including Visa, Mastercard, and Amex.