SumUp vs Square: which card machine is cheaper?
A like-for-like comparison of SumUp and Square from their published UK prices, including card fees, monthly fees and the card machine. The answer depends on how much you take on cards.
Who's cheaper at your takings
| Monthly card takings | SumUp | Square | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| £1,000 | £19 | £19 | SumUp |
| £2,500 | £44 | £45 | SumUp |
| £5,000 | £71 | £89 | SumUp |
| £10,000 | £120 | £177 | SumUp |
| £20,000 | £219 | £352 | SumUp |
Monthly totals for each provider's cheapest plan at that level, with a typical mix of 70% UK debit, 25% UK credit and 5% premium cards, and the machine bought outright spread over 12 months.
A worked example: £5,000 a month
With 70% UK debit, 25% UK credit, 5% premium and an average sale of £20:
| Provider | Per month | Where the money goes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SumUp Payments Plus |
£70.58 1.412% of takings |
card fees £49.50 (0.99%), monthly fee £19.00, machine £2.08/mo Solo Lite: £25.00 upfront + VAT Contract: none, cancel any time |
SumUp prices |
| SumUp Pay as you go |
£86.58 1.732% of takings |
card fees £84.50 (1.69%), machine £2.08/mo Solo Lite: £25.00 upfront + VAT Contract: none |
SumUp prices |
| Square Free |
£89.08 1.782% of takings |
card fees £87.50 (1.75%), machine £1.58/mo Square Reader: £19.00 upfront + VAT Contract: none |
Square prices |
Prices compared
SumUp
- Pay as you go: 1.69% on all cards; no monthly fee; contract: none. Source, checked 2026-10-09.
- Payments Plus: 0.99% on all cards; £19 a month; contract: none, cancel any time. Source, checked 2026-10-09.
Square
- Free: 1.75% UK debit, 3.25% non-UK; no monthly fee; contract: none. Source, checked 2026-10-09.
Not sure? Compare all providers with your own takings and card mix.