Provider Comparison
United Payments vs SumUp: Which Is Right for Your Business?
An honest, side-by-side comparison to help you choose the right card payment provider for your UK business.
Overview
SumUp and United Payments both serve UK businesses that need to accept card payments, but they take different approaches. SumUp is a fintech company known for its simple, low-cost card readers aimed at micro-businesses and sole traders. There are no monthly fees, no contracts, and a flat transaction rate that makes costs predictable.
United Payments is a full-service merchant services provider. Rather than selling card readers, we supply terminals free of charge with every merchant account. We also offer cloud EPOS systems, business finance, web design, and dedicated account management \u2014 services that go well beyond payment processing alone.
Both providers accept all major card brands, contactless, and mobile wallets. The differences lie in pricing structure, hardware costs, support channels, and the breadth of services available. The right choice depends on your business size, transaction volume, and how much support you need.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | United Payments | SumUp |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal cost | Free with merchant account | From £39 to £139 |
| Monthly fees | None | None |
| Transaction rates | Competitive (tailored) | 1.69% flat rate |
| Contract | No lock-in | No contract |
| Settlement | Next business day | 1–2 business days |
| Customer support | 24/7 UK phone support | Email and chat |
| EPOS system | Full cloud EPOS included | SumUp POS (limited features) |
| Accepted cards | All major cards and wallets | All major cards and wallets |
| Business finance | Available | Not available |
| Web design service | Available | Not available |
When SumUp is the better choice
SumUp is a solid option if you are a sole trader, market stall vendor, or occasional seller who processes a relatively small number of card transactions each month. The flat 1.69% rate means you always know exactly what you will pay, and there is no commitment beyond the one-off cost of the reader.
If you only need a simple tap-and-go reader for pop-up events, mobile services, or as a backup payment method, SumUp keeps things straightforward. The SumUp app handles basic sales tracking, and you can be up and running in minutes.
SumUp is also a reasonable starting point for brand-new businesses that want to test card acceptance with minimal financial risk before committing to a full merchant account.
When United Payments is the better choice
United Payments is designed for growing businesses that need more than a basic card reader. If you run a restaurant, retail shop, salon, or any business with regular card turnover, our tailored transaction rates will almost certainly save you money compared to SumUp's flat fee.
You also get a free terminal rather than purchasing one, next-day settlement as standard, and 24/7 UK phone support from a dedicated team. For hospitality businesses, our full cloud EPOS system includes table management, kitchen displays, stock control, and staff management \u2014 features that SumUp POS does not cover in depth.
If you need business finance, web design, or a dedicated account manager, these are services that come with a United Payments merchant account and are not available through SumUp.
The verdict
SumUp is a good entry point for very small or occasional sellers who want simplicity, predictable pricing, and no ongoing commitment. It does what it does well, and for the right business, that is enough.
United Payments is the stronger choice for businesses that are established, growing, or operating in sectors like hospitality and retail where a full merchant services provider makes a meaningful difference. Free terminals, faster settlement, phone support, EPOS, and business finance add up to a more complete package.
If your card turnover is climbing and you want a provider that grows with you, United Payments is worth a conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your monthly card turnover. SumUp charges a flat 1.69% per transaction with no monthly fee, which suits very low-volume sellers. United Payments offers tailored rates that typically work out cheaper once you process more than a few hundred pounds per month, and terminals are provided free rather than purchased upfront.
No. Every United Payments merchant account comes with a free terminal — no upfront cost, no rental fees, and no hidden charges. SumUp requires you to purchase a reader starting from £39.
Yes. Switching is straightforward. We handle the full setup including terminal delivery, account configuration, and staff training. There is no cancellation fee with SumUp, so you can transition at any time.
Yes. United Payments terminals accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, contactless, and chip and PIN — the same payment methods supported by SumUp.
United Payments is generally the stronger choice for hospitality. Our cloud EPOS includes table management, kitchen order display, split bills, and tip tracking. SumUp POS covers the basics but lacks the depth needed for busy restaurants.
Get Started
Ready to Transform Your Business?
Call us directly or fill out the form — we'll find the perfect solution for you.
0333 567 3568
Free consultation call
Next-day setup
Get up and running in 24 hours
No lock-in contracts
Flexible terms, cancel anytime
24/7 UK support
Real people, real help