SumUp Card Readers Review 2026
Budget-friendly option for very small businesses. Low upfront cost (£19), simple flat rate of 1.69%, no monthly fees. Perfect for occasional card payments.
Quick Summary
SumUp Pricing
SumUp Air (Card Reader)
Reality Check: SumUp Gets Expensive Quickly
| Monthly Turnover | SumUp (1.69%) | Dojo Fix (£39.99/month + 1% over £4,000) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| £2,000 | £33.80 | £39.99 | SumUp wins by £6.19 |
| £3,000 | £50.70 | £39.99 | SumUp loses by £10.71 |
| £5,000 | £84.50 | £49.99 | SumUp loses by £34.51 |
| £8,000 | £135.20 | £79.99 | SumUp loses by £55.21 |
SumUp only wins on cost below roughly £2,400/month of card takings (above £8,300/month, Dojo quotes custom instead of Fix)
SumUp Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very Low Upfront CostJust £19 to start taking cards
- No Monthly FeesPerfect if you take few payments
- No ContractsStop using it anytime
- Simple SetupWorks in minutes
Cons
- Expensive Over £4k/Month1.69% becomes costly quickly
- Slow Settlement2-3 days vs Dojo's next-day
- Basic FeaturesNo advanced reporting or integrations
- Limited SupportEmail-only, no phone support
- Depends on Your PhoneBattery dies = can't take payments
Our Verdict on SumUp
SumUp is a good starter option if you're just beginning to take card payments and process less than £3,000/month. The £19 upfront cost and zero monthly fees make it very accessible.
However, if your business grows beyond £4,000/month, you'll overpay significantly. At that point, Dojo becomes much cheaper and offers better features, faster settlement, and proper UK support.
Smart Strategy:
- Start with SumUp if you're brand new to card payments
- Switch to Dojo once you hit £4,000-5,000/month turnover
- You'll save £300-1,000/year by making the switch
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