Choosing a payment provider isn’t just about convenience; it directly affects your margins, your cash flow, and how quickly you get paid. For many small UK businesses, SumUp is the first name that comes up because of its flat fees and quick onboarding.
But does that automatically make it the most cost-effective choice? Not always.
This article breaks down the full scope of SumUp’s UK pricing in 2026, from per-transaction costs to hardware fees and payout schedules. The aim is to help merchants understand where SumUp excels and where its costs may outweigh the benefits compared to other options.
SumUp Pricing at a Glance
SumUp’s pricing model is designed to be as simple as possible. Unlike traditional payment processors, there are no setup fees, no contracts, and no ongoing monthly charges on the standard plan. Merchants only pay when they process a transaction or purchase hardware.
Here’s a summary of the key costs for UK businesses in 2026:
| Pricing Aspect | Cost |
|---|---|
| In-person card payments | 1.69% per transaction |
| Online payments | 2.50% per transaction (links, invoices, checkout, QR) |
| Phone orders (MOTO) | 2.95% + 25p per transaction |
| Refunds | Free |
| Chargebacks | £10 per case |
| Hardware | £19–£139 depending on the reader/terminal |
| Monthly fees | None (Standard plan) |
| Settlement | Next-day payout by 7am, including weekends and bank holidays |
Standard vs Payments Plus Plans
SumUp keeps things simple with two pricing options: the Standard plan (pay-as-you-go) and the Payments Plus subscription. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Standard Plan | Payments Plus (£19/month) |
|---|---|---|
| In-person payments | 1.69% per transaction | 0.99% per transaction (domestic) |
| Online payments | 2.50% per transaction | 0.99% per transaction (domestic) |
| International & business cards | 2.50% (flat) | 1.99% per transaction |
| Phone orders (MOTO) | 2.95% + 25p | 2.95% + 25p |
| Refunds | Free | Free |
| Chargebacks | £10 per case | £10 per case |
| Hardware discounts | Regular price | 50% discount on readers & terminals |
| Settlement speed | Next-day by 7am (incl. weekends) | Guaranteed next-day by 7am |
| Customer support | Standard | Priority support |
When to Choose Each Plan
- Standard Plan → Best for small traders, pop-up shops, and seasonal businesses. No monthly fee means you only pay when you actually process payments.
- Payments Plus → Better for merchants processing £3,000+ per month, where the lower transaction fees outweigh the £19 subscription cost.
📚 Guide to Instant Payment for Retail Success
SumUp Hardware Costs (UK, 2026)
SumUp offers a range of card readers and terminals designed for different types of businesses. Hardware is purchased outright with no rental fees, which makes it attractive for small merchants who want low upfront costs.
| Device | Price (Approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| SumUp Air Reader | £19 + VAT | Entry-level option; connects to a smartphone/tablet via Bluetooth. Ideal for pop-up stalls and mobile traders. |
| SumUp Solo | £79 + VAT | Standalone device with touchscreen. Suits cafés, salons, and shops that need a simple but self-contained reader. |
| SumUp Solo + Printer | £129 + VAT | Adds receipt printing. Best for retailers who need physical receipts for customers. |
| SumUp Terminal | £99–£139 + VAT | All-in-one terminal with unlimited mobile data. Suitable for merchants with higher footfall who want a professional checkout setup. |
An Alternative to Card-Based Fees: Finexer
While SumUp’s flat rates and simple hardware make it a strong option for small UK merchants, it’s still built on card payment rails. That means transaction fees, chargeback risks, and settlement processes are unavoidable. For many businesses, these costs cut into margins more than expected.
This is where Finexer, an open banking payment provider, offers a different approach:
| Aspect | SumUp | Finexer |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Rails | Card networks (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) | Open banking (direct bank-to-bank) |
| Typical Transaction Fees | 1.69%–2.95% + 25p | Usage-based, from 0.1% |
| Settlement Speed | Next-day by 7am | Instant or near-instant |
| Chargebacks | £10 per dispute | None (bank payments are final) |
| Hardware | Card readers and terminals (£19–£139) | No hardware required (payments via links, QR, or integrated API) |
| Coverage | UK + Europe (card networks) | UK coverage across 99%+ banks |
Why Merchants Consider Finexer
- Lower costs: Usage-based pricing starts as low as 0.1%, compared to flat card fees.
- Instant settlement: Payments clear directly between banks, improving cash flow.
- No chargebacks: Bank payments are final, reducing disputes and admin.
- No setup costs + onboarding support: Finexer includes 3–5 weeks of integration assistance to help businesses go live smoothly.
Conclusion
SumUp has carved out a strong position in the UK with its flat fees, affordable hardware, and simple onboarding. For sole traders and microbusinesses, the Standard plan offers predictable costs with no monthly commitments, while Payments Plus helps higher-volume merchants lower their effective rates.
That said, SumUp’s reliance on card payment rails means fees, chargebacks, and next-day settlements are unavoidable. As the real-life example shows, those costs quickly add up once volumes grow.
This is where open banking providers like Finexer present a different path. By removing card networks from the equation, merchants can cut fees to a fraction of card rates, receive funds instantly, and avoid chargeback risks. With no setup costs and 3–5 weeks of integration support, Finexer is emerging as a cost-effective alternative for UK merchants looking to improve margins and cash flow.
What is SumUp’s transaction fee in the UK?
On the Standard plan, in-person card payments are charged at 1.69% per transaction, while online payments cost 2.5%. Phone orders (MOTO) cost 2.95% + 25p.
How much does SumUp hardware cost in 2026?
Hardware ranges from £19 for the entry-level Air Reader to £139 for the all-in-one Terminal. Payments Plus subscribers receive a 50% discount on hardware.
Are there cheaper alternatives to SumUp?
Yes. Open banking providers like Finexer offer usage-based pricing starting from 0.1%, with instant settlement and no chargebacks. For merchants with steady or high volumes, this can be significantly more cost-effective than SumUp’s card-based model.
If card fees and chargebacks are eating into your margins, it might be time to explore a different approach. Try Finexer!