SumUp vs. Square: Differences, pros and cons in 2024

Finding the right payment processor can help to make your business run smoother, whether you need to handle sales online or in person. When comparing SumUp versus Square, you may find that there are plenty of similarities. However, one may be a better fit for your business depending on your needs as a new or growing business. 

When deciding which one is better for you, you’ll want to consider what features are important to your business now and in the future. To help in your research, we’ve compared major aspects of both payment processors including payment structure, hardware and software features, add-ons and customer service. 

Featured credit card processing offers

Stax

Learn More

Via Stax’s website

Monthly fee

$99

Swiped transaction fee

7¢ to 10¢ + interchange rate

Merchant One

Learn More

Via Merchant One’s website

Monthly fee

$13.95

Swiped transaction fee

0.29% to 1.55% per transaction

Payment Depot

Learn More

Via Payment Depot’s webiste

Free Trial

No

Offers

$0 Setup & No Cancellation Fees

Pricing

Customized Interchange+ Pricing – Rates as low as 0.2% – 1.95%

Clover

Learn More

Via Clover’s website

Monthly fee

$14.95

Swiped transaction fee

2.6% + 10¢

SumUp vs. Square: Quick overview

	SUMUP	SQUARE
Per transaction fees	2.6% plus $0.10 to 3.5% plus $0.15	2.6% plus $0.10 to 3.5% plus $0.15
Software	Some customization available and POS software for certain industries. Reporting tools available	Standard POS software for most business types, plus ones specific to certain industries
Hardware options	Kiosk touchscreen/card reader; three card reader choices	Credit card readers; register terminals; printers; hardware kits
POS hardware pricing plans	$99 to $289 per month (one-time pricing for card readers)	$149 to $799 per month (custom pricing also available)
Add-ons	None	Staff tools, banking tools, gift cards and API developer tools
Customer service	Online help center, phone and email	Online help center, email, phone, live chat and online forums

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You can choose from different hardware and software options with both SumUp and Square. SumUp may be a better fit for businesses that are just starting out, as it offers a more budget-friendly pricing structure and basic tools to keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

Square, with its myriad of software customization options, might be a good choice for businesses with more complex needs or those that want the option to upgrade as the business grows.

Pricing and fees

Verdict: SumUp

	SUMUP	SQUARE
Online payment	3.5% plus $0.15	2.9% plus $0.30 or 3.3% plus $0.30
In-person payment	2.6% plus $0.10	2.6% plus $0.10
Manual entry payment	3.5% plus $0.15	3.5% plus $0.15
Invoice payments	2.9% plus $0.15	3.3% plus $0.30
Chargeback fees	None	None
Refunds	None	None
Hardware	$99 to $289 per month (one-time pricing for card readers)	$0 to $799

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SumUp takes the lead slightly by charging lower credit card transaction fees and hardware subscription options. However, neither Square nor SumUp charges for chargebacks or refunds. Square does offer your first mobile card reader for free, though the price you’ll pay for hardware will depend on your business needs.

SumUp pricing and fees

SumUp’s fees are clearly displayed on its website. You know exactly what you’ll pay for each type of credit card transaction, and each monthly fee includes their point-of-sale (POS) software and hardware. You can also add on card readers for a one-time fee starting at $54.

Square pricing and fees

Square offers more options when it comes to hardware and software options, though you may end up paying more for the privilege. The payment processing company charges a monthly fee for use of its POS software.

While customers have the ability to purchase various hardware options, the cost trends higher than SumUp’s. Square’s transaction fees aren’t that much higher, but the fees can add up after processing many credit card purchases. Luckily, like SumUp, you’re not on the hook for paying charges for refunds and chargebacks. 

POS system features

Verdict: Tie

Though Square stands out for offering more POS hardware options, SumUp offers several features that may be a better fit for smaller businesses. Each company offers smaller card readers and larger systems for businesses that want a more stationary hardware option. Each offers accessories like receipt printers and cash register drawers.

SumUp hardware features

SumUp offers POS hardware options like a touch screen terminal and card readers. Though you won’t get as many options compared to Square, SumUp’s card readers are a great fit for smaller businesses or ones that want a more simple solution.

These smaller and portable devices can work on both Wi-Fi and cellular networks. Plus, their longer battery life and ability to add on a battery pack means that businesses on the go can use these devices.

Square hardware features

Square offers more hardware options for its customers — business owners can also mix and match what’s needed. You can choose from the following:

• Card terminal.
• Square contactless and chip credit card reader.
• Magstripe credit card reader Stand mounts.
• Stands for tablets.
• Registers Accessories (like receipt printers).

Square also offers POS hardware kits to take the guesswork out of the equation of exactly what you need to set up a fully functional terminal. You can choose from a register kit or ones tailored for industries like restaurants and retail businesses.

Software features

Verdict: Square

When comparing SumUp and Square’s POS system features, Square stands out as the clear winner. Business owners have a wider range of customization options, including ones specific to certain industries. Plus, Square offers developer tools and the Square Partner Directory, where you can integrate other apps to streamline your operations.

SumUp software features

If all you’re looking for is simple features and some customization options available for certain industries, SumUp has got you covered. Business owners can create menus to order items and integrate with popular e-commerce platforms.

To help encourage returning customers, SumUp offers the ability to create a loyalty reward program and add customer information to your database, as well as other marketing tools. For those who are more tech-savvy, SumUp offers API developer tools — though these are limited to payment tasks only.

Square software features

Square offers POS software options ranging from basic functionality all the way to more complex customization options, making it a great choice for businesses that anticipate growing needs. Square offers a robust set of developer tools — you can customize payment options, bookings and shipping orders. There’s even an online developer community if you get stuck or want ideas of what you can customize.

Square also offers the usual suite of tools like marketing features, loyalty programs and even app integrations. Some of these integrations offer more than just helping you process transactions — you can also use them to connect to form builders, bookkeeping software and employment management tools.

Customer service

Verdict: Tie

Though both companies offer the usual contact methods by phone or email, SumUp has a slight edge thanks to its weekend availability. However, Square customers can contact support over live chat — something which SumUp doesn’t offer. Square and SumUp also offer online help centers for those who prefer to troubleshoot on their own.

SumUp customer service

SumUp mainly offers access to customer service representatives over the phone. Support is available Monday to Sunday, though available hours differ between the type of support you need:

• POS system support: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.
• Card reader support: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET.

If you have more general questions about SumUp products, you can email support.

Square customer service

You can call Square’s customer service representatives anytime between Monday and Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT. There is also a live chat option available at most hours — you should be able to see how long of a wait it could be until you get a response.

Otherwise, you can email Square, though you’ll need to wait at least 40 to 48 hours before you can expect a response.

Final verdict

Winner: Square

While Square may charge slightly higher credit card transaction fees, it offers a lot more customization options for those starting out and businesses interested in sticking with a provider as they grow.

While SumUp has tailored features for industries like restaurants, Square stands out for its myriad of developer tools and third-party integrations, no matter what industry your business may be part of. Though you won’t be able to call Square on the weekends, we don’t feel it’s a major deal breaker since you can use the live chat function.

Who is SumUp best for?

SumUp is best for budget-conscious businesses that want a simple POS solution. Or, businesses that want a portable card reader option to use frequently on the go.

Who is Square best for?

Square is a great fit for more advanced businesses or ones intending to grow and anticipating more robust needs.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)