SumUp and Square are the default picks for UK small businesses that want card payments without a contract. They look similar on the surface — here's how to choose.
The short version
Choose SumUp if you want the simplest, cheapest way to take a card. Choose Square if you want a genuinely good free POS app with inventory, online ordering and room to grow. Our full SumUp vs Square breakdown has the side-by-side table.
Fees
SumUp is 1.69% standard (from 0.99% on Payments Plus); Square is a flat 1.75% in person. Neither has a monthly fee on its standard plan. Which is cheaper depends on your volume — run it through the fee calculator.
Who each one suits
A rough rule of thumb:
- Market stall, tradesperson, mobile seller → SumUp (see best for market stalls)
- Café, small retail, service business → Square (see best for cafés)
- Selling online and in person → Square's free online store edges it
FAQs
Is SumUp or Square better for a café?
Square, usually — its free POS app handles menus, tipping and reporting better. SumUp is the better pick if you only need simple card payments with the lowest possible cost.
