About SumUp
SumUp is a British payments firm aimed at providing mobile POS solutions to small and growing businesses. Unlike many other vendors, SumUp does not offer its own proprietary terminal. Instead, it works solely through smartphone or tablet software and a Bluetooth connection to its card reader. However, it offers a card reader with its own integrated 3G connection, that has a screen and keypad. This negates the need for a smartphone or tablet, making it as low-cost as possible for new businesses.
Features
SumUp’s selling point is its simplicity. That’s why it is particularly suitable for those who aren’t technologically-minded or for new businesses that simply want to be able to accept card payments on the go.
- Air card reader uses Bluetooth to connect to Apple or Android tablets or smartphones.
- The 3G alternative card reader has its own network connection so no external WiFI connection is required to record transactions.
- Card readers accept chip and PIN, NFC (contactless) payment and a range of cards and app-based payment sources.
- Lithium-ion rechargeable battery in the Air card reader lasts for over 500 transactions.
Hardware
SumUp’s hardware options are limited. Their main focus lies on their two card readers: the SumUp Air and the SumUp 3G. They do, however, provide a charging cradle for the SumUp Air and have the option to connect to a range of wireless receipt printers and cash registers.
Special: SumUp offers the “ultimate payments duo”. It comes with a built-in 3G SIM card (free, unlimited data). So you can take payments everywhere. Pair it with the SumUp 3G Printer and get a charging station, a printer and a stylish cradle fit for any business.
Accepted cards
SumUp accepts Visa, V PAY, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express, Discover, Diners Club or China Union Pay, Android and Apple Pay.
Data security
SumUp’s card readers are PCI PTS certified and the company is PCI DSS approved, meaning that data is safe and encryption is compliant with UK laws.
Support
SumUp’s support offering pushes you towards using their online service, where you can type your query and bring up an article to solve your issue. However, they do have email support as well as phone-based customer service, the latter of which is open from 8am-7pm Monday to Friday, and 8am-5pm on Saturdays.
Costs and fees
The SumUp Air card reader costs £29 with no contract charges, and transaction fees at a flat 1.69%. If you want to add the charging cradle, it’s £37. Meanwhile the 3G reader costs £99 and has the same rate, although if you want to connect the reader to a third-party terminal, you’ll then pay 2.5%T + 25p per transaction.
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Conclusion
SumUp offers one of the lowest transaction rates and upfront costs for a card reader on the market. For this reason and the fact that there are not many accessories or a proprietary terminal option, it is popular mainly with small businesses with either intermittent or low-volume transactions.
Social media
You can follow SumUp on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.